The best hotels in Ambleside

What are the best hotels in Ambleside?

Ambleside is a charming little Lake District town at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, surrounded by rolling green hills, dramatic mountain scenery and the grey-stone cottages that give this part of Cumbria so much character. It's a lovely spot for a walking holiday, a lakeside escape or simply a few days enjoying the pubs, shops and scenery. There are some gorgeous country house hotels in the area, but The Samling Hotel is our favourite spot, with its beautiful interiors, outstanding restaurant, lovely gardens and wonderful views across Windermere.

There's loads to keep you busy in and around Ambleside, even if you're not particularly keen on tackling the fells. The town has a good selection of independent shops, traditional pubs and cosy cafes, while Stock Ghyll Force, an impressive 70-foot waterfall, is just a short walk away. Head down to Waterhead Pier for a boat trip across Windermere to Bowness or Wray Castle, or venture further afield to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's former home in Far Sawrey. Walkers will be spoilt for choice, with trails around Kirkstone Pass and the surrounding mountains, while Grizedale Forest is great for cycling and outdoor adventures. 

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Ambleside or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in Cumbria.

The Best Places to Stay in Ambleside

For Total Luxury

• The Samling Hotel offers the whole luxury Lake District package, including views of headliner Lake Windermere, acres of gardens and fancy afternoon teas. There are just 11 light, airy rooms and suites in this converted Georgian Gothic Revival manor house; they’re decorated with variations on the theme of contemporary luxury in pastels, the largest are in private cottages. The restaurant is memorable for all the right reasons — including the view — and the activities and facilities on site are excellent.

For the Views

• One of the Lake District’s original country house hotels, Holbeck Ghyll Hotel is a beautifully converted Arts and Crafts hunting lodge with stunning views over Lake Windermere. In addition to the essentials, Holbeck Ghyll has croquet lawns, tennis courts, proper afternoon teas and multi-course evening meals. The decor complements the original William Morris details, except in the converted cottages and more recently built lodges, where you can expect something more contemporary — and private hot tubs.

For a Countryside Escape

• Rothay Manor is an elegant country house hotel, surrounded by mature gardens on the outskirts of Ambleside. With 19 rooms and suites, this is a good-sized hotel for peace and rural tranquility, in a fantastic spot for walkers. Spacious, well-lit rooms are decorated with riffs on the country house luxury theme; think neutral and pastel colours, velvet throws and a pleasing amount of silver and gold. We recommend you opt for a balcony room. The restaurant serving modern British cuisine is well regarded, and the breakfast is far from ordinary.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Manchester Airport is the most convenient airport for most of the Lake District, about an hour and a half away by car or taxi, or about three hours away from Ambleside by train. Liverpool Airport may also be worth considering, it’s about about an hour and forty minutes by road, or about four hours by public transport. Ambleside is about six hours away from London by train, and about three hours by rail from Edinburgh.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Ambleside is warmest and driest in the spring and summer, from about March through until September, but it’s very easy to argue that it's beautiful in all seasons, and Wordsworth definitely did... There’s enough indoor activity to hold off boredom on wetter days — take a cruise on the lake, visit the local National Trust properties, or one of the lake’s museums, have afternoon tea overlooking the lake, or just walk in the rain.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to our recommendations for the best hotels in the Lake District,
• Consider some of Windermere’s neighbouring towns: the best places to stay in Grasmere or Windermere,
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.