The diverse geography of the Lake District means it can be both majestic and pretty. Ambleside certainly falls into the latter category, nestled as it is amongst lush green countryside and fells, with a market cross and stone bridge. Whatever time of year you visit, you’re sure to fall head over heels for its charms. Ambleside has been inhabited by ancient Britons, Romans, Vikings and Victorians and has long been a top destination for walkers and nature lovers. Read more
Centrally located in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, this well presented farm cottage offers peace, tranquility and superb walks (plus a pub!) on the doorstep and all the amenities of Ambleside just 2.5 miles away. The area is a walker's paradise and a great base for exploring the many attractions of this beautiful part of Cumbria. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Carr Crag Cottage in Ambleside is a stunning Lake District holiday home with modern interiors and incredible views of the Langdale Fells. Perfect for groups or families, the luxurious house accommodates up to eight guests in four bedrooms and bathrooms. Ambleside offers scenic walking and cycling routes, plus three Michelin-starred restaurants within eight miles. The village has independent shops, cafes, and galleries, while nearby Lake Windermere is ideal for boat rides, paddle boarding and kayaking. Families can enjoy the Lakes Aquarium, Beatrix Potter Gallery, and historic sites like Castlerigg stone circle. With breathtaking views and loads of space, the cottage provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments.
1 Brathay Fell is an opulent, ground floor apartment that offers magnificent accommodation and bids the perfect abode for your time in The Lake District. Nestled at the foot of Loughrigg Fell and with views from the apartment towards the northern end of our best-known lake, Windermere, 1 Brathay Fell is ideal.
Rose Barn is an immaculately appointed barn conversion sleeping 6, providing modern day accommodation less than 1 mile from Hawkshead village, and even closer to the quaint hamlet of Outgate.
Helvellyn Safari Tent is a spacious luxury glamping retreat in the Lake District sleeping up to six guests and set within woodland at Skelwith Fold near Ambleside. This unique holiday rental in Cumbria blends the atmosphere of camping with the comfort of self-catering accommodation, including a double bedroom, a bunk room with four adult-size beds, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining area. Outside, a private deck with outdoor seating offers a peaceful place to relax among the trees and watch local wildlife. Located close to Windermere and Coniston, this holiday cottage in the Lake District provides an excellent base for exploring mountain walks, lakeside villages and the spectacular scenery of the National Park.
Ullswater Safari Suite is a romantic luxury glamping retreat for two in the Lake District, offering stylish self-catering accommodation near Ambleside. This unique holiday rental in Cumbria combines the atmosphere of outdoor living with the comfort of a beautifully designed suite, complete with queen-size bedroom, open-plan living area, modern kitchen and private bathroom. A spacious balcony with its own hot tub overlooks woodland and distant fells, creating a peaceful setting for couples seeking a special escape. Located close to Windermere and Ullswater, this holiday cottage in the Lake District provides an excellent base for exploring lakeside walks, scenic villages and mountain landscapes.
Enjoy a natural woodland setting without sacrificing comfort at Osprey. This family-friendly glamping pod is one of a collection of beautifully designed holiday homes in Skelwith Fold near Ambleside. It sleeps up to six people with a comfortable bedroom and two sofa-beds, is dog-friendly, and has everything you need for a self-catering holiday in the Lake District, including bed linen, bath towels, a proper bathroom, and a kitchen. Guests can explore 130 acres of private woodland that features a BBQ area, a children's play area, and a charming shop selling basic essentials plus a few local goodies.
Wagtail is a stylish family glamping hideaway at Skelwith Fold near Ambleside, offering relaxed self-catering accommodation in the heart of the Lake District. Sleeping up to six, this dog-friendly holiday rental combines clever design with everyday comforts, including a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable living space and covered decking for outdoor living. Set within 130 acres of woodland, Wagtail gives families space to explore, walk and unwind, while remaining close to Ambleside and Lake Windermere. A welcoming Lake District holiday base for families wanting nature, freedom and a slower pace.
The Greenhouse is a great wheelchair friendly cottage. We recommend wheelchair users to stay in Badger as there is ample space to move around with an accessible wet room with shower (seat and hand rails). This room also has an emergency exit with ramp to the exterior, making it easy for wheelchair users to enter and exit. Overall, the Greenhouse is a luxurious wheelchair friendly cottage with many modern facilities such as a hot tub and BBQ area for groups to enjoy and wifi throughout..
Cottage 3 is the ideal base for a family holiday in the Lake District. It’s situated in a quiet hamlet on the outskirts of Skelwith Fold Holiday Park in Ambleside with beautiful views over the surrounding fells. It’s well equipped and will provide a home from home experience whilst holidaying in The Lakes. The holiday home is comfortable and spacious with a large kitchen and dining space downstairs and open living room on the first floor. The living room is bright and airy with ample seating, creating a cosy and inviting space to relax at the end of the day.For your comfort, the cottage has been heated with a modern and energy efficient boiler to keep you warm and cosy throughout the year. We have also installed the latest mod cons to help you enjoy your stay. There is a Google Nest device in the kitchen to help around the house. Use in alongside our Skelwith Advantage app to help find out more about the many local attractions in the area.High Spec Interior - Throughout Num
Cottage 1 is a perfect location for your dream getaway in the Lake District. It is situated in an unbeatable location on the outskirts of Ambleside and boasts magnificent views of the surrounding fells. The house is cosy and comfortable with ample space to spend quality family time together. The cottage sleeps up to six people across two double bedrooms and a twin room. The master bedroom benefits from a fabulous en-suite, whilst the rest of the home is served by a modern family bathroom. 3 Bedroom Self Catering holiday Cottage in Ambleside.
Perched high above Lake Windermere, this luxury lodge sleeps 21 guests across eight ensuite bedrooms with space for everyone to spread out. The chef-standard kitchen and farmhouse dining table bring groups together, while the cinema room, games areas, and multiple lounges offer entertainment options. Two hot tubs capture sunrise and sunset mountain views, complemented by a twelve-person barrel sauna and outdoor dining area with pizza oven. Troutbeck village lies within walking distance, fell paths start from the doorstep, and Windermere's attractions are minutes away. Ideal for family celebrations, corporate retreats, or friends seeking luxury in spectacular surroundings.
This mountain-top retreat above Lake Windermere sleeps 22 across nine ensuite bedrooms, but it's the entertainment that makes it special. A full casino with gaming tables sits alongside retro arcade machines, while two hot tubs and a barrel sauna provide relaxation with incredible views. The authentic 1980s American diner creates a unique dining experience, and fell walks start right from the door. With the Kirkstone Pass Inn pub literally next door and Windermere town minutes away, groups get complete privacy with easy access to Lake District attractions. Perfect for celebrations, corporate events, or friends wanting a fun, upscale experience.
Craftsman's Loft is a charming one-bedroom holiday cottage in Hawkshead, ideal for couples planning a peaceful self-catering holiday in the Lake District. You'll find the Queen's Head pub, delightful tearooms, and unique shops a short walk away. The cottage offers modern amenities, including fast WiFi and a cosy wood burner. Explore the enchanting village, steeped in Beatrix Potter's history, with her home, Hill Top nearby. Enjoy scenic walks to Tarn Hows and local attractions, or take day trips to Keswick and Windermere for sailing and hiking. Craftsman's Loft promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Sitting quietly tucked away in a very impressive setting in the centre of Grasmere village near the River Rothay, Rowan at Grasmere is a luxury self-catering holiday home sleeping 6 guests in 3 ensuite bedrooms providing quality accommodation and landscaped gardens with stunning views. Grasmere is arguably the loveliest village in the beautiful Lake District Nation Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a short level walk to village shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and other amenities and access to fantastic footpaths from our front door. William Wordsworth immortalised his love for Grasmere in his writing, calling it "...the loveliest spot that man hath ever found." Our guests say Rowan at Grasmere is exceptional. Once you stay we think you'll agree.
This romantic barn oozes character and charm and provides a luxurious 5 Star retreat right in the heart of the Lake District in the stunning Troutbeck Valley. Sleeping two guests in one king-sized bedroom, and located just a short stroll from Lake Windermere and an excellent pub, Townfoot Barn is the perfect retreat for couples looking for a slice of Cumbrian paradise. Dogs are welcome too. Sorry but short breaks are not available, just weekly or longer bookings taken throughout the year. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Ellers Cottage sits close to Loughrigg Tarn and enjoys spectacular Lake District views. Recently built in a traditional Lakeland style, the cottage can sleep five people in three bedrooms and is ideal for families or friends staying in the Lake District National Park. Ambleside is ten minutes away, and Grasmere and Windermere are also within easy reach. There is ample opportunity for walking, cycling, fishing, golf and sightseeing all within a few miles so you can plan the perfect Lake District holiday.
Sitting in an idyllic Lakeland position perfectly sandwiched between Hawkshead and Ambleside, Pepper Cottage has country charm oozing in from every window and a modern stylish interior that ensures a high level of comfort throughout your holiday. Dogs are welcome to come along and enjoy the incredible walking on the doorstep. Just a mile from the excellent Drunken Duck Inn and with a plethora of attractions close by, this welcoming holiday cottage provides an ideal self-catering base for exploring the Lake District.
Sitting in the stunning little hamlet of Elterwater surrounded by mountains, Townfoot Cottage offers all the right ingredients for those who appreciate a stylish interior mixed with country cottage charm (log burner included!). Dog-friendly with superb walking from the front door. This stylish holiday cottage is an ideal base for exploring the Lake District National Park. Weekly (or longer) bookings offered all year round, sorry but short breaks are not available. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A luxurious holiday lodge ideally positioned in Loughrigg within the Langdale Valley under three miles from Ambleside in the Lake District National Park. With Coniston, Grasmere and Lake Windermere nearby, and the many amenities of Ambleside close to hand, this is a good base for exploring the areas many attractions, walking or simply relaxing in stunning scenery.
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AmblesideBowness-on-WindermereCartmelCockermouthConistonGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadKendalKeswickKirkby StephenPenrithRavenglassSilverdaleUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWindermereSome local suggestions:
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The sense of history permeates the streets, feeling solid and reassuringly permanent. There is nothing trendy about Ambleside. Its appeal has drawn people for thousands of years, and is likely to do so for thousands more.
There is so much to see and do in the Lake District and Ambleside is slap-bang in the centre of it all. If you’re feeling energetic you can walk the 11 mile loop to the top of England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, or simply take a stroll into neighbouring Grasmere via Rydal Water, treating yourself to a delicious afternoon tea and a look around Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum. Ambleside is also near Troutbeck, Loughrigg, and Scandale Beck. Give your hiking boots a rest and rent a bicycle, or enjoy nothing more strenuous than browsing Ambleside’s boutiques – how you spend your day is entirely up to you, but you certainly won’t be short of options!
You would struggle to believe that you are less than two hours from Manchester and Liverpool, three hours from Edinburgh, and just an hour from the Scottish Border, as you drink in Ambleside’s unpolluted air and calm atmosphere. If you decide to leave the car at home, the nearest train station is a mere four miles away in Windermere and well serviced by taxis.
You can’t beat Ambleside as a base for your self-catering holiday in the Lake District. It is all here waiting for you to discover.
