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Things to do in Ambleside
The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library
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The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library

See all things to do
See all things to do
The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library
4.5
#15 of 41 things to do in Ambleside
Speciality Museums
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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About
Founded by Mary Louisa Armitt in 1912. The Armitt's collections are full of quirky and unusual items that tell the history and heritage of Ambleside, its people, and the wider Lakeland world. From its founding as a subscription library, the museum has evolved and collected a variety of artefacts over the years, including Beatrix Potter’s fungi watercolours, Roman remains from the Ambleside fort, and Kurt Schwitters paintings, to name just a few. Come and explore all that we have to offer!
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116 within 3 miles
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See what travellers are saying
  • Carolyn O’B
    1 contribution
    For lovers of Lake District culture
    Loved my visit to the Armitt Museum and library. Fascinating exhibitions on Beatrix Potter and educationalist Charlotte Mason. A gem of a place for anyone interested in Lake District history and culture. Don’t miss it!
    The Armitt
    We are so pleased you enjoyed our new exhibitions for 2023. Thank you for visiting and leaving this lovely review. Hope to see you again on your next trip to the Lakes.
    Written 20 February 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 16 February 2023
  • Lisa H
    Manchester, United Kingdom687 contributions
    Really interesting museum
    We visited here on a rainy afternoon in Ambleside. It was really interesting and we really enjoyed our visit. The guy on the desk was very knowledgeable and helpful too. So much to learn about, Mary Louise Armitt, Charlotte Mason, and a great Beatrix Potter exhibition. Would definitely recommend it.
    The Armitt
    Thank you for visiting The Armitt and recommending us to others. We look forward to welcoming you again next time.
    Written 1 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Written 26 February 2023
  • peter v
    2 contributions
    Will return when i am next is Ambleside
    We went as a small adult group to the Armitt and had an excellent presentation by the Curator. Lots of local flavour and interesting info' about Ambleside and the country around. We spent a good hour looking at the books and local artefacts & videos. If you are interested in local history, development of Ambleside, fungi, Mrs Potter/Heelix, Peter Rabbit etc this is for you.
    The Armitt
    It is always a pleasure to welcome groups to the museum and we are very pleased that you enjoyed the presentations, close up review of objects in the collection, and time to explore the exhibitions. We look forward to seeing you and members of the group visiting again soon.
    Written 16 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 15 March 2023
  • DroopingDaisy107
    Penrith, United Kingdom14 contributions
    Small but perfectly formed!
    I’ve lived in the area for well over 20 years and never visited this museum until today! It was really interesting with information amongst other things, on the Armitt sisters who I’d never heard of before! A fascinating library upstairs and a friendly and enthusiastic gentleman on the reception desk. £6 for adults and you can return anytime for the next 12 months! Money well spent!
    The Armitt
    We're pleased to hear about your visit to the museum, especially as you've been in the area a long time, and that you decided to write this lovely review to let other people know about us. We hope to see you again in the next 12 months!
    Written 20 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 April 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
101 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
35
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Road598148
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Beautiful small museum
Aug 2023 • Friends
This museum was an unexpected delight. The special exhibition was interesting, the displays well presented and the library is such a beautiful space. The staff were friendly and informative which made the visit even better. Strongly recommended if you are In Ambleside.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Armitt
Thank you for leaving this review about The Armitt and recommending us to others. We are always delighted to welcome visitors from near and far, and we're very pleased you enjoyed your experience in the museum. We hope to see you again.
Written 30 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DroopingDaisy107
Penrith, UK14 contributions
Small but perfectly formed!
Apr 2023 • Family
I’ve lived in the area for well over 20 years and never visited this museum until today! It was really interesting with information amongst other things, on the Armitt sisters who I’d never heard of before! A fascinating library upstairs and a friendly and enthusiastic gentleman on the reception desk. £6 for adults and you can return anytime for the next 12 months! Money well spent!
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Armitt
We're pleased to hear about your visit to the museum, especially as you've been in the area a long time, and that you decided to write this lovely review to let other people know about us. We hope to see you again in the next 12 months!
Written 20 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
peter v
2 contributions
Will return when i am next is Ambleside
Mar 2023
We went as a small adult group to the Armitt and had an excellent presentation by the Curator. Lots of local flavour and interesting info' about Ambleside and the country around.
We spent a good hour looking at the books and local artefacts & videos.
If you are interested in local history, development of Ambleside, fungi, Mrs Potter/Heelix, Peter Rabbit etc this is for you.
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Armitt
It is always a pleasure to welcome groups to the museum and we are very pleased that you enjoyed the presentations, close up review of objects in the collection, and time to explore the exhibitions. We look forward to seeing you and members of the group visiting again soon.
Written 16 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa H
Manchester, UK687 contributions
Really interesting museum
Feb 2023
We visited here on a rainy afternoon in Ambleside. It was really interesting and we really enjoyed our visit. The guy on the desk was very knowledgeable and helpful too. So much to learn about, Mary Louise Armitt, Charlotte Mason, and a great Beatrix Potter exhibition. Would definitely recommend it.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Armitt
Thank you for visiting The Armitt and recommending us to others. We look forward to welcoming you again next time.
Written 1 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carolyn O’B
1 contribution
For lovers of Lake District culture
Feb 2023 • Solo
Loved my visit to the Armitt Museum and library. Fascinating exhibitions on Beatrix Potter and educationalist Charlotte Mason. A gem of a place for anyone interested in Lake District history and culture. Don’t miss it!
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Armitt
We are so pleased you enjoyed our new exhibitions for 2023. Thank you for visiting and leaving this lovely review. Hope to see you again on your next trip to the Lakes.
Written 20 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy B
Ilkley, UK48 contributions
Great visit
Dec 2022 • Couples
Really enjoyed our visit. We saw an exhibition of Beatrice Potter fungi paintings which were amazing. Upstairs there is a library of old books which you can actually read. Highly recommended.
Written 10 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Armitt
Thanks for visiting the museum and leaving this lovely review. We are very pleased you enjoyed seeing the Beatrix Potter watercolours and being able to handle our old books. Hope to see you again for another visit.
Written 16 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hugemack75
Oxford, UK210 contributions
Superb Museum
Apr 2022
This museum is simply superb. I went upstairs to the library and made a study of the books on mushrooms. There was an excellent exhibition on Beatrix Potter too. Excellent all round.
Written 28 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Armitt
Thank you for your review and for recommending The Armitt to others. We love to see people using the library for research, study, and general enjoyment. Do come back and see us again soon - there's lots more to discover!
Written 4 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
suebell262
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK246 contributions
Loved our visit x
Sep 2021 • Couples
Loved our visit today - very welcoming and interesting venue. We particularly enjoyed Beatrix Potters watercolours and the film about Herdwicke Rawnsley defender of the lakes. Well worth the £6 entrance fee - thank you x
Written 19 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Armitt
Thank you for your great review. We are so pleased to hear you had an enjoyable visit and very much look forward to welcoming you again.
Written 22 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
haileyaujambon
Edinburgh, UK40 contributions
Interesting history and beautiful art.
Jul 2021
Good place to kill an hour or so. There's some interesting history of the area, particuarly about the development of the Lake District as a protected park. It's a fairly small museum, but well curated.
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Armitt
Thank you for your review and for visiting The Armitt. We are glad you found it interesting and went away learning something new! We hope to see you again.
Written 22 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
English Lakes Tours
45 contributions
Fantastic place stuffed full of really interesting things - a must-visit place in Ambleside
Aug 2021
We attended a book launch and were lucky enough to be able to see some of the fascinating treasures held at the Armitt Library & Museum. This place is a real treasure trove tucked away next to the University of Cumbria in Ambleside. Don't miss it, it has some amazing things relating to really famous people such as Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin, Harriet Martineau and the pioneer of home schooling, Charlotte Mason. They also have a really good second-hand bookshop.
We regularly visit on our Tale of Beatrix Potter Tour and our guests are delighted by her first editions and mycology watercolours.
Written 16 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Armitt
Thank you for your review of The Armitt. We are thrilled to have such wonderful feedback and are glad you could join us for the book launch. Thank you also for bringing your tour visitors to us. We love welcoming people and hope to see you and your groups again soon.
Written 26 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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THE ARMITT: MUSEUM, GALLERY, LIBRARY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library