Ambleside recommendations please

[FloppyHoldsNoTruckWithFrontedA]

We're off to spend a shocking percentage of our annual income on accomodation in the Lake District (Ambleside) in half term week.
We're me, DH and two teenagers, one of whom is shattered by the A levels/not A levels experience of the past few months and has a "tight back" so may or may not want to climb mountains.

We dont enjoy super-expensive restaurants but will be in a hotel (there was no alternative everything is booked). And I get stressed if we eat somewhere too expensive - £150 for 4 would be my limit I think (with fish and chips the other nights)

The boys like swimming too.

The weather looks a bit more hopeful in half term week.

I'd be really glad of your recommendations. It's been a stressful 12 months (as for most people). I really want us to have a good holiday whether or not DS1 is up for mountain climbing. Plus this may be the last year he holidays with us.....

Also a bit of a drive but the best family walk in the lakes In my opinion is around Buttermere. If you park at Gatesharth farm after the honister pass and it is completelyflat but the most magical mountain scenery. If you park at the farm you meet Buttermere village with pubs and cafes for lunch. It 4 miles total--2 miles to the village. There also a farm there that make their own ice cream

We go most years in October.

Last time we were there we had a lovely lunch on the outside veranda at the Langdale Chase Hotel.

It's absolutely lovely overlooking the lake and not too expensive, in my opinion, for a very nice lunch.

There also a farm there that make their own ice cream

Really, really, really GOOD ice cream.