AMBLESIDE CENTRAL | Ambleside — Lakeside Comfort

Name: Ambleside Central
Address: 10 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0AD
Price range: US$73+
Rating: 8.9

Key details

About the Hotel

10 Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0AD

Next to the Waterfall

Very good

7.6

6.4

/10

4.0

3.8

Loved by Ambleside Central guests

Immaculate rooms

Nice shower

Clean and comfy

Excellent location

"The building is located on Lake Road, which is often busy with traffic for most of the day, so if your room is front facing, you will probably hear traffic."

Mark from United Kingdom

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"It was convenient to Ambleside and the South Lakes."

Erica from United Kingdom

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"The location was great - right in the heart of Ambleside."

dillyhiggins from United Kingdom

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Room-only Victorian guesthouse with smart self check-in steps from Lake Windermere

Self Check-In & Access

The hotel operates a coded-entry system with smart locks on the main door and each guestroom. Entry codes arrive by text or WhatsApp on the day of arrival, eliminating the need to carry keys. A staff member remains on call by phone for immediate assistance.

Rooms & Housekeeping

Ten room configurations include family rooms with separate private bathrooms across the corridor. All rooms have tea and coffee facilities, en-suite or private bathrooms, and high-quality bedding. Daily housekeeping services replenish towels and refresh the tea tray.

Location & Parking

The hotel sits on Lake Road, a 2-minute walk from Ambleside Bus Station and a 20-minute walk from Lake Windermere. Free off-site parking is available at the local football club, a 7-minute walk away. Windermere town centre and railway station are 15 minutes away, and Grasmere is 10 minutes away.

Dining & Nearby Amenities

The hotel is next to The Lily Bar, which serves bar food and has an extensive wine list. A fish and chip shop, several restaurants, cafés, and pubs are within a short walk. There is no breakfast service, allowing guests to choose their own dining spots.

Family & Practical Notes

The building has three floors with no lift, and all rooms are accessible via stairs. The property is located above a lively bar with weekend live music, and street noise continues late. Guests recommend earplugs for light sleepers.

Highlights

Access: Code-entry smart locks, no keys needed

Location: 2 min from bus station, 20 min from Lake Windermere

Parking: Free off-site parking 7 min walk

Nearby: The Lily Bar next door, restaurants and shops within walking distance

Rooms: Family rooms with private bathrooms, daily housekeeping

Must-do experiences

Hike the scenic Loughrigg Fell for stunning views of the lakes.
Savor homemade pastries at Mrs. C's famosa for their scones.
Visit the Armitt Museum for a taste of local art and history.
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Windermere for picturesque sights.
Explore the charming shops at Ambleside's ancient bridge area.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates

Economy Double Room
2 persons
9 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
16 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
18 m²
1 Double bed and 1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details

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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay

Facilities: Very good

7.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Parking
No pets allowed

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Ironing facilities

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Ambleside Central Location

10 Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0AD

Map view

City landmarks

Garden

Rydal Mount

2.44 km

Landmark

Ambleside Roman Fort

1.14 km

Landmark

Stock Ghyll Force

1.2 km

Landmark

Hayes Garden World Ambleside

1.23 km

Castle

Wray Castle

3.29 km

Landmark

Borrans Park

980 m

Church

St Mary's Church

610 m

Landmark

Jenkin Crag

2.39 km

Landmark

Wansfell Pike

1.75 km

Landmark

Rydal Water

2.89 km

Landmark

Brockhole on Windermere

3.41 km

Landmark

Lily Tarn

1.59 km

Landmark

High Close Estate

1.29 km

Garden

Rydal Hall Gardens

2.29 km

Landmark

Dora's Field

2.29 km

Landmark

Rydal Hall Sculpture Path

2.47 km

Garden

Stagshaw Garden

4.02 km

Landmark

Loughrigg Fell

3.09 km

Landmark

High Sweden Bridge

2.48 km

Cave

Rydal Cave

2.64 km

Museum

The Armitt Museum And Gallery

4.28 km

Camping

Skelwith Fold

2.84 km

Landmark

Wansfell

2.77 km

Landmark

Moss Eccles Tarn

4.02 km

Landmark

Copt Howe

4.02 km

Nearby

Bridge

Bridge House

220 m

Gallery

Old Courthouse Gallery

290 m

Cylinders Langdale

Merz Barn

0 m

The Hollens

The National Trust

330 m

1 Vicarage Rd

Rothay Park

530 m

Restaurants

Churchill's Grill

20 m

Lake Road The Churchill Inn

The Royal Oak Resturant & Bar

220 m

Church Street

The Picnic Box

230 m

1 Lake Road

Greggs

170 m

3 The Old Stamp House Church Street

The Lucky Dragon

310 m

1 Unicorn Building Compston Road

Peggys Takeaway

270 m

Compston Road

Daisys Cafe

540 m

Rydal Rd Central Buildings

Walnut Fish Bar

460 m

Millans Park

Rattle Ghyll Cafe Ambleside

3.62 km

2 Bridge Street

The Giggling Goose Cafe

3.58 km

The Old Mill North Road

Explore Ambleside

Ambleside Roman Fort

14 minutes' walk

Roman ruins showcasing Ambleside's history. Features informative signage and scenic views. A unique glimpse into the past.

Stock Ghyll Force

15 minutes' walk

A stunning 70-foot waterfall offering beautiful nature walks. Ideal for photography, especially after rainfall.

Bridge House

3 minutes' walk

An iconic structure built over a stream. This quaint building is a local landmark, perfect for photo opportunities.

Rydal Mount

25 minutes' walk

The former home of poet William Wordsworth, featuring lovely gardens and stunning lake views. Guided tours available.

Hiking at Wansfell Pike

20 minutes' walk

A popular hiking trail for thrill-seekers, offering panoramic views. Trailheads are easily accessible from the hotel.

Relaxation at Rothay Park

7 minutes' walk

A serene park with green spaces and walking trails. Perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics amidst nature.

Cycling at Brockhole on Windermere

35 minutes' walk

Adventure activities including bike rentals. Families can participate in fun outdoor games and activities.

Wellness Yoga Sessions

5 minutes' drive

Local studios offering various yoga classes. Great for relaxation and stress relief, with options for all skill levels.

Churchill's Grill

1 minute' walk

A cozy spot known for locally sourced meats and fish. Enjoy a fine dining experience with a relaxed atmosphere.

The Royal Oak Restaurant & Bar

3 minutes' walk

Traditional British pub serving hearty meals. Known for local ales and a warm, welcoming vibe. Reservations recommended.

The Picnic Box

3 minutes' walk

Casual café offering an array of sandwiches and snacks. Perfect for a quick bite before heading out for an adventure.

The Lucky Dragon

4 minutes' walk

Chinese restaurant providing a variety of authentic dishes. Known for its lively atmosphere and takeout options.

Old Courthouse Gallery

4 minutes' walk

Art gallery featuring local artists' works. A cultural hub featuring exhibitions and community events.

Live Music at the Ambleside Tavern

10 minutes' walk

A lively venue with weekly live music events. Offers a friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages.

Theater at the Bowness Pavilion

10 minutes' drive

A local theater hosting a variety of performances. Family-friendly shows make it great for all ages.

Rothay Park Events

7 minutes' walk

Seasonal outdoor events including fairs and festivals. A fun place for families to gather and enjoy entertainment.

Getting around the city

City Centre
Ambleside 4 min · 300 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 114 min · 75.7 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 159 min · 106 km
Bus
Bus stop 2 min · 100 m

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

until 10 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Spanish, Polish

Number of rooms:

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Ambleside Central from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Ambleside Central is appreciated for its great location near the town centre, shops and restaurants. Many guests found the rooms spacious, especially the bathrooms, and well-equipped for the price, even though some have noted that certain rooms can feel a bit tight. The convenient arrangement for free parking is a plus, even if it requires a short walk. The self-check-in with coded door handles is also commonly mentioned as an added bonus.

Review score

Based on 6 verified reviews

8.9 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Location

9.0/10

Comfort

8.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.2/10

Staff

7.7/10

Pros

Convenient location

Good room size

Easy check-in

Comfortable room

Clean rooms

Cons

Unsafe locking system

Foul smell

Poor shower

Inconvenient parking

michael from united kingdom

Family with children

standard double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 14, 2026

9.0/10

charming central stay!

clean room easy check-in great location

the room was very clean. the bed seemed alright too. the location really is a strong point, with shops and restaurants all close by. checking in felt pretty easy, and i liked the door handle with a code.

I noticed a strange smell in the hallway. the room also felt a bit small. the shower door was broken, so water got all over the bathroom. It was annoying

Rooms

8/10

the standard double room features adequate furniture, including a cosy bed, and it also had clean towels, though i did have some issues with the shower door .

Location

9/10

The hotel has a central position in a beautiful town, close to stores. It is beneficial who want to explore the area. i found it very convenient to access various amenities.

Dining

10/10

Restaurants are near the accommodation, with several dining options located on the same road as the hotel. it is very convenient for trying local cuisine. We appreciated that!

0 Helpful

Alex from United Kingdom

Couple

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 29, 2026

8.5/10

Central and Convenient Getaway

central location necessary amenities football club clean room

The location was SUPERB. It's right in the heart of everything! The room had all necessary amenities, and the staff addressed all questions promptly. The parking arrangement with the local football club was a major plus. The room itself was clean and very comfortable.

The fan in the room did not work, so this was a VERY slight inconvenience.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel provides a convenient door code system, and check-in was very straightforward. A nearby parking facility is available . It is free of charge, and this adds considerable value to the stay because it is a rare find.

Dining

8/10

There is a bar attached where I ate. It is the Lily Bar, and the food was good. A cafe across the road, near the climbing wall, provides a pretty decent breakfast. I liked the location and its proximity to numerous restaurants and shops.

0 Helpful

justin from canada

Single

standard double room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 20, 2026

9.2/10

excellent location, very clean!

up-to-date phone number excellent location clean room included parking

i made sure my phone number was up-to-date. i got the entry codes via text, this was very convenient. the location is excellent, and the room was clean. parking was included, too.

the car park is about an eight-minute walk away, so it needed a little planning.

Dining

9/10

a nice bar is attached, it's called lily bar, i ate there one night and the food was AMAZING!!! it's very convenient if you don't want to go far.

Rooms

9/10

the room was a good size, and the bed was comfortable. the room was also very clean. the en suite shower and toilet were great.

Service

10/10

the staff were great and helpful. i received clear information about check in and car parking. they delivered toilet roll very quickly after i asked at the bar.

Location

10/10

the hotel is very near to the town centre and its amenities. the hotel location is very central for many needs. the location is excellent!!!

Facilities

8/10

The hotel provided tea, coffee, and uht milk. it also had good quality fixtures and fittings. the car park is free. An arrangement is made with the local football club.

0 Helpful

Dominic L from United Kingdom

Family with children

Standard Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 09, 2026

8.5/10

Central Location with Good Amenities

central location quality fixtures easy check in clean room

The location was central for my needs. The room provided good quality fixtures, though the parking was a bit of a walk. Check in was easy and quick. The room was clean. It was an enjoyable stay.

Dining

8/10

Nearby restaurants provided convenient options. Several cafes and pubs are within a short walk. I found many places to grab a quick meal and enjoy the local cuisine. It was all very accessible.

Service

9/10

The check-in process used a code system. This made arrival and departure quite streamlined. Any questions were handled promptly. This provided a smooth experience overall.

Rooms

9/10

The room had comfortable furnishings. The bathroom was a good size. It included necessary amenities. The space was functional and suitable for a short stay.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel offers free parking. This is a considerable advantage. The parking area requires a short walk from the hotel entrance. It is still a convenient option.

0 Helpful

nathaniel from united kingdom

Family with children

superior double room

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: September 21, 2025

9.0/10

convenient location included parking seamless check-in

The location provided easy access to local shops and attractions. It was a great base. the room included parking, a definite advantage. the check-in process using the door code system was seamless.

the hallway had a noticeable unpleasant smell.

Location

9/10

The hotel offers convenient access to various shops and is close to bars, it is close to buses. This location makes travel and exploration straightforward. the immediate area supports both leisure and practical needs.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel features a door code system for easy check-in! the free parking arrangement with the local football club offers a convenient option. This requires a short walk. the code system added convenience.

Rooms

9/10

The room was spacious and equipped with a comfortable bed! the bathroom included a bath, offering a relaxing option. I found the room to be well kept. this contributed positively to my stay.

Service

10/10

The owner promptly reprogrammed the door entry system using his app to address a minor issue! this quick response ensured uninterrupted access. the staff addressed my concerns quickly. I appreciated this.

0 Helpful

evelyn from united kingdom

Single

double or twin room

4 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: July 23, 2025

9.0/10

central stay

swift resolution free parking breakfast cafe door entry

The door entry system initially presented some issues, yet the owner swiftly reprogrammed it using their app. I appreciated this quick resolution. there is a cafe across from the climbing wall that serves breakfast, except on wednesdays. the hotel provides free parking through an arrangement with the local football club. This is a nice perk.

It was suggested that bins would be emptied daily. This service was not consistently provided, and i needed to request more toilet roll from the bar, even if it was delivered quickly.

Rooms

8/10

The room size was good and it was warm. beds were comfortable and a great shower was available. basic hot drinks and a kettle were supplied. I found these to be sufficient for my needs.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel features a door code system that seemed to work effectively. the owner has an arrangement with the local football club. It allows guests to park for free, this is quite useful. lily bar is attached. I had a meal there one night.

Location

10/10

The location is excellent right in the heart of the town. it is very close to shops and restaurants, this made exploring very convenient. local buses are easily accessible. I found them to be an excellent way to travel.

Dining

9/10

Lily bar is attached. I ate there one night. the cafe across the road at the climbing wall does a decent breakfast. It is reasonably priced, except on wednesdays. there are many other dining options within easy walking distance, near the shops.

Service

9/10

Check-in was easy. The door code system worked without issues, and i received clear information about parking. the staff was helpful. I could message them with questions. the owner reprogrammed the door entry system quickly. I appreciated this.

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About Ambleside Central

What is the check-in and check-out policy at Ambleside Central?

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.

Is parking available at Ambleside Central?

Free off-site parking is available within a 7-minute walk from the hotel.

Which popular attractions are close to Ambleside Central?

Nearby attractions include Lake Windermere (2 km), Armitt Museum and Gallery (0.5 km), and Ambleside Roman Fort (1 km).

What restaurants are within walking distance of Ambleside Central?

Restaurants within 0.5 km include The Old Stamp House Restaurant, Luigi's Restaurant, Hikers Bar, Lake Road Kitchen, Fellini's, Churchill's Grill, Mr H's, and Ishaas Indian Eatery.

What amenities do the rooms at Ambleside Central offer?

Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, and private bathrooms with either a bath or shower.

What style of hotel is Ambleside Central?

Ambleside Central is a Victorian guesthouse focused on family-friendly and outdoor activities.

Is there Wi-Fi available at Ambleside Central?

Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.