Skelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Exterior photoSkelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Exterior photoSkelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Exterior photo
Book directly with us
— up to 10% cheaper
than on Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From156US$ /night
Check-in
03May2026Select date
Check-out
04May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9NJ
-
Near Skelwith Force Waterfall
Great
8.4
/10
4.6
4.4
/5

Accommodations

Skelwith Bridge Hotel offers 28 en-suite bedrooms, each retaining the charm of its 17th-century origins. Room options include Single Rooms, Twin Rooms, and Superior Rooms with varying configurations to meet guest needs. The Grasmere Suite provides enhanced accessibility features, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.

Location

Located just a short drive from Ambleside, the hotel serves as a gateway to the scenic Lake District. Guests can access a fell walker's paradise right from the hotel's doorstep. Nearby attractions include Lake Windermere, Grizedale Forest Park, and the Beatrix Potter Gallery.

Dining

Skelwith Bridge Hotel features the Bridge Restaurant and Talbot Bar, offering a selection of locally-sourced dishes. The dining options include hearty breakfasts, traditional Sunday roasts, and a menu crafted by Head Chef Gabor. An extensive wine and beer list complements every dish, enhancing the dining experience.

Outdoor Activities

The hotel is surrounded by opportunities for hiking and cycling, making it an attractive choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests can explore scenic trails and discover the natural beauty of the Lake District. The hotel's proximity to various trails ensures a range of adventure options right at their door.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Dog-friendly rooms are available at Skelwith Bridge Hotel, allowing guests to bring their pets along for their stay. The hotel provides amenities to ensure a comfortable environment for four-legged friends. This welcoming policy adds an extra layer of convenience for pet owners.

Highlights

Location: Just a short drive from Ambleside

Rooms: 28 en-suite bedrooms with charming designs

Dining: Bridge Restaurant & Talbot Bar

Outdoor Activities: Access to hiking and cycling

Must-do experiences

  • Hike the Langdale Pikes for breathtaking Lake District views.
  • Taste the famous Grasmere Gingerbread at the quaint local shop.
  • Visit the Armitt Museum for a glimpse into local history and art.
  • Explore the charming Ambleside Waterhead area by the lakeside.
  • Check out the weekly farmers' market for fresh, local produce.
View all

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
Single Room
2 persons
3 m² 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
5 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room
2 persons
5 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Superior Double Room
2 persons
9 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Billiard tables

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Board games
  • Children's menu
  • Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

Dining at Skelwith Bridge Hotel is a charming journey through local flavors, showcasing the best of regional cuisine. With welcoming spaces and a focus on authentic ingredients, guests can savor a delightful culinary experience that reflects the essence of the Lake District.
Skelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Local
Ambiance
A cozy and inviting space perfect for relaxed gatherings, featuring warm decor that complements the serene surroundings.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include the Classic Bolognaise, featuring Lakeland minced beef in a rich sauce served over tagliatelle pasta. The bar offers a selection of bottled lagers, wines like Bon Courage Inkara Shiraz, and refreshing ciders.
Reservation
Recommended
Lunch served from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily.

Skelwith Bridge Hotel Location

Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9NJ
Map view
Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9NJ
Nearby
Skelwith Force
410 m
Restaurants
The Talbot Bar
100 m
Skelwith Bridge Hotel
Explore Ambleside
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Skelwith Force
5 minutes walking
A stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful nature experience.
Loughrigg Tarn
Loughrigg Tarn
10 minutes walking
A picturesque tarn with stunning views, ideal for photography and leisurely strolls.
Elter Water
Elter Water
15 minutes walking
A serene lake known for its tranquil setting, great for picnics and scenic walks.
Hiking at Loughrigg Fell
7 minutes driving
Challenging hikes with breathtaking views; rentals and guides available nearby.
Relax at Dora's Field
10 minutes driving
A peaceful garden ideal for relaxation and contemplation, perfect for solo visitors.
The Talbot Bar
The Talbot Bar
2 minutes walking
A cozy pub offering traditional British dishes. Great for families, with vegetarian options.
The Wateredge Inn
10 minutes driving
Casual lakeside dining with local cuisine and stunning views. Reservations recommended.
Ambleside Cinema
10 minutes driving
Unique cinema experience with independent films; family-friendly atmosphere and special screenings.
The White Lion
10 minutes driving
Lively pub with live music. A great option for evening entertainment in a friendly setting.
Getting around the city
City Centre
Ambleside5 min  ·  3.3 km
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX)119 min  ·  78.9 km
Blackpool International (BLK)165 min  ·  109.4 km
Bus
Bus stop5 min  ·  3.3 km
Want to unlock exclusive early deals?
Access members-only prices today
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:30-22:30
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Skelwith Bridge provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
Spanish, Hungarian
Number of rooms:
30

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Skelwith Bridge Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests often praise the spacious rooms at Skelwith Bridge Hotel, some featuring extra-large beds and dual aspects, as well as modern conveniences like powerful electric showers. Its location provides easy access to areas such as Little Langdale and Elterwater, with the added bonus of being dog-friendly, including a dedicated dining area. Many appreciate the varied breakfast options and scenic views from the dining room, though a few guests have occasionally mentioned noise from water pipes.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 459 verified reviews
8.5/10
Great
90%
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Staff
9.3/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Beautiful location
Helpful staff
Good breakfasts
Lovely building
Dog-friendly policy
Cons
Small chair
Old television
Dirty communal areas
Uncomfortable beds
Guest reviews
based on 459 reviews
8.5/10
based on 824 reviews
8.4/10
Sophie from France
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 05, 2026
8.6/10

dog-friendly gem with minor hiccups

dog-friendly atmosphereample parkingkibble bowl
I liked the hotel's dog-friendly atmosphere and the ample on-site parking. A real bonus. breakfast offered a fabulous choice and the food was perfectly cooked too. they even offered an option for my dog, thoughtful.
the new bar menu lacked the dog chicken and sausage, they replaced it with a dry kibble bowl. service was slower than usual and the staff sounded stressed, which impacted the overall experience.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel provided ample parking space on site . the hotel also has walking access into little langdale, elterwater and chapel styal which are all very popular villages. there is also a short drive to the centre.
Dining
9/10
the breakfast offered a fabulous choice of options, and they cooked everything perfectly. they offered options for dogs as well, which i thought was very considerate. it felt very satisfying to eat a nice cooked breakfast.
Service
8/10
the staff were friendly and helpful, they assisted with everything. they looked like they loved their jobs and were very professional when carrying out their duties. their friendly demeanour created a relaxing ambience.
Location
9/10
the location allowed easy walks into little langdale, elterwater, and chapel styal. it was also only a short drive from the centre, a positive. i enjoyed how easy it was to travel around.
Rooms
8/10
the hotel offers a standard double room, clean and presentable. the bed was comfortable and the room was a great size. the room had ample space for me to comfortably.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
ava from finland
standard double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 02, 2026
9.3/10

wonderful stay

helpful stafflovely viewquality traywide choice
The staff were helpful and friendly. the room had everything i needed plus a lovely view. I received a good quality hospitality tray. dinner was delicious, and they accommodated my dietary needs. breakfast was excellent with a wide choice of juices, fruit and yogurt.
The music was controlled by alexa, and the volume was lowered at one point. I didn't feel as comfortable after that.
Dining
9/10
the restaurant features a beautifully laid out dining room! it offers amazing food in the talbot bar and attentive staff, i really appreciate it. breakfast includes a good choice of items.
Location
10/10
The location is convenient, it has lovely views from the room, i thought. it is a perfect base for a walking holiday. I also appreciate the nearby easy scenic walks. the hotel is close to a waterfall.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel is very dog friendly, so that's great. there is ample on site parking to use. a drying room is available, and it is perfect for dealing with wet clothes.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Leo from Germany
Couple
Standard Double Room
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 28, 2026
7/10

Reasonable Stay Overall

friendly stafflovely foodmold smelldated room
The location is excellent. It is quiet, but also close to lovely walks. The staff are friendly and helpful. The food was also good, including breakfast.
The room felt dated. The bathroom had a noticeable mold smell. The window did not open to let in any fresh air.
0 Helpful
Jordan from Canada
Couple
Superior Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 10, 2026
8.7/10

Cozy Stay with Excellent Walks

lovely roomgreat upgradeexcellent food
The room was lovely. I got an upgrade and had a great sleep. I really enjoyed breakfast and wished I could have stayed longer to enjoy the restaurant. It was lively and had excellent food.
The bar area was quiet. The silence made the atmosphere a bit awkward.
Location
9/10
The setting provides river walks nearby. The hotel is situated in a beautiful location. It is perfectly situated for great scenic walks in the Elterwater and Little Langdale area, such as the Skelwith and Colwith Force waterfalls walk.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast was of excellent quality. It was plentiful and perfectly cooked. The restaurant provided excellent food. The menu included a great selection, and the food was beautifully presented.
Facilities
8/10
The building has a log fire at the entrance. The hotel includes a nice bar area. The room had a bath. It was lovely to have a bath and not just a shower.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Tony from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double Room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 09, 2026
6/10
constant leakingcommunal area
The room was spacious. but I could hear water leaking all night from another room. It sounded like a bath constantly running from 5 AM until breakfast. Staff explained a leak occurred. Buckets were all around the communal area.
0 Helpful
ian from united kingdom
standard double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 26, 2025
6/10

adequate stay with some issues

good valuemoody barmanlowered volume
the evening meal was good value. i was happy to have that option.
the barman was moody. he seemed standoffish when the staff changed shifts. the music volume was lowered, also the music choice was only his (i think) (i did not like this, not at all).
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Skelwith Bridge Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:30 and check-out is at 11:00.
What type of breakfast is served at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
A wholesome breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 GBP, served in the restaurant or in guest rooms.
What room amenities can guests expect at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
Each room includes a work desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom with toiletries, and options for either a bathtub or shower.
Which attractions are close to Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Rydal Water (3 km), Hayes Garden World (3 km), and Tarn Hows (16 km).
Do rooms at Skelwith Bridge Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Guests can access free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
What leisure activities are available at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
Guests can enjoy billiards in the games room, with additional activities like sailing, cycling, and fishing available nearby.
How far is Skelwith Bridge Hotel from the city center of Ambleside?
The hotel is located approximately 2 km from the city center of Ambleside.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
03May2026Select date
Check-out
04May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room