Ambleside - accommodation recommendations?

[LexLoofah]

Hello

We are thinking of staying a few days in Ambleside this summer and looking for accommodation within walking distance of the centre but with the all important parking space too.

Ideally 3 bed but could manage with 2

Got seriously burned on a trip advisor/flip key vacation rental in Atlanta last year so looking for recommendations from someone who has actually stayed in the property this time if possible.

If you have stayed in one that sounds like it would suits us and you can dig out the details please post them here, thank you

It's fifty years since I stayed in Ambleside, so not much help to you!

But if you get a Cumbria official accommodation site, or some other recognised body, I should think you ought to be reasonably safe.

These days most places will have a web site, and even if they don't you can LOOK at the location and outside of the establishment on Google Street View, which has been greatly speeded up and improved I noticed recently.

Why does it have to be within walking distance. I used to stay at Old Dungeon Ghyll at the head of Langdale, and there are other hotels in Langdale.

www.odg.co.uk/

Look at Go lakes website. They have various cottages on it.
Ambleside is very busy and tourists are a plenty but it is central to the Lakes.
I live in the lakes so if you need any help or advice hope I can help.

We've been to Ambleside at least once a year for two decades. Stayed in various places and haven't yet found a favourite but Heart of the Lakes rentals are always excellent quality and immaculately clean and the website is very honest about facilities and location.

Top tip for eating out in Ambleside - the pubs/restaurants are very expensive but food at the waterfront restaurant at the Youth Hostel is excellent, the view stunning and the prices around 50% of comparable places.

Great advice all tahnks. We will be going to Nether Wasdale for a wedding so thought a few days in Ambleside before would be nice. I went to the Lakes every year growing up but DH and DCs never been. We have been overseas for 10 years and so looking forward to moving back to the UK this summer and get some of the countryside we have been craving.

Thought Ambleside was best bet with lots to do for the DCs who are 4 and 7 and not too high up considering the rest of our trip, I know it is touristy but perhaps good intro to the Lakes, DCs not used to walking anywhere, need to kit them out and break them in gently, thinking Tarn Hows will be suitable ?

Thinking about it a bit more maybe cottage is not what we need for such a short trip, maybe B&B would be better, don't want to spend my time shopping and cooking, I would if it was for a week. Will check out some of the sites thx

From Ambleside, nearby Loughrigg and Wansfell are two little walks that even 4 yr old should be able to manage if you take it slowly, and exciting views from the tops. Our 4 yr old did Holme Fell, near Coniston years ago.

Yes, Ambleside is a good introduction.

You won't need this 'link' on this occasion, but you can look at it and plan for future years:

www.wainwrightroutes.co.uk/

try lakelovers for cottages

zefferellis is a lovely restaurant

and visiting grasmere for the gingerbread shop is a must

You could always have a family room at the YHA.

I have stayed here secure.heartofthelakes.co.uk/cottage-details/ghyll-view-1074 (was about 5 years ago) and it was lovely - wouldn't hesitate to book there again

Would have thought that during the school holidays you may not be able to book a cottage for a shorter time than a week.
If it's only a small number of nights, the Youth hostel is a good bet. It's a former hotel and has very good facilities.

all thanks, yes definitely veering away from a cottage for this trip although hope to be back for longer another time

currently looking at B&Bs as some have family rooms which would do

thanks for the walking & dining suggestions, really looking forward to it!

We have stayed there quite a few times. We have just rebooked Heather Cottage which is with Lakes Cottage Holidays I think. The second bedroom is bunks, it has parking and is off the main road but set back so quiet.

I can highly recommend the cafe in the climbing centre. My dc's love watching people climbing up the walls

running thanks, cafe sounds great

Ferguson, we just did loughrigg and wansfell with our 5 year old and 8 year old dds in the easter holidays. I think I moaned more than they did! 5 year old especially seemed to actually enjoy the walking, especially when there were sticks to collect! We had the usual wild variety of weather too.

We stayed at white cross bay last week. On lake Windermere with a pool, playground on site if you need it and lots of little fish to catch in the bay which ours loved too. Our immaculate lodge had an en suite, dishwasher, everything you would need in the kitchen , DVD player. List goes on. So much to do in the area and a great base to do it from.