Book directly with us
— up to 10% cheaper
than on Booking.com
Rothay House Hotel Ambleside Exterior photoRothay House Hotel Ambleside Exterior photoRothay House Hotel Ambleside Exterior photo

ROTHAY HOUSE, Ambleside

•
9.3|Perfect
Check rooms and rates
From$110 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
31Oct
Check-out
01Nov
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

Rothay Road, Ambleside, LA22 0EE
-
Close to The Armitt Museum And Gallery
Perfect
9.3
/10
4.8
4.9
/5

Homemade breakfast guest house in Ambleside, 5 minutes from Lake Windermere

Amenities

Rothay House offers free on-site parking and an electric vehicle charging station. The non-smoking property includes a garden with outdoor furniture and a sun terrace for guest relaxation. Cozy common areas provide additional space for reading or planning walks with maps available from the hosts.

Rooms

Each room is individually decorated with an upside-down house layout that places bedrooms on the ground floor and common areas above. Rooms include TVs, Pure Lakes toiletries, and homemade biscuits replenished daily. Superior Double or Twin Rooms offer garden views and additional space for longer stays.

Dining

Breakfast is served in the first-floor dining room overlooking the garden, featuring local produce and homemade jams and marmalades. Guests can customize their breakfast from a menu that includes full English, scrambled eggs with salmon, and fresh fruit. Special dietary menus are available upon request, and packed lunches can be ordered for day trips.

Location

Rothay House is a 5-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and 1 mile from Lake Windermere. Nearby attractions include Wordsworth's Dove Cottage and Hayes Garden World, both within a short drive. Scenic walking trails start directly from the property, and free bus routes to Keswick and Kendal stop a 2-minute walk away.

Guest Services

The hosts provide local tips on walks, dining, and hidden Lake District spots. Pets are allowed on the premises with prior arrangement, and pet bowls can be provided. Check-in is flexible, and guests can leave the car in the parking lot until 2 PM on departure day.

Highlights

Location: 5 min walk to Ambleside, 1 mile from Lake Windermere

Rooms: Upside-down design, Pure Lakes toiletries, garden views

Dining: Homemade breakfast with local produce, customizable menus

Amenities: Free parking, EV charging, pet-friendly, non-smoking

Service: Knowledgeable hosts with local tips, flexible check-in

Must-do experiences

  • Hike up Loughrigg Fell for breathtaking views over the Lakes.
  • Savor homemade cakes at the famous Chesters by the River.
  • Visit the quaint Ambleside Roman Fort for a taste of history.
  • Explore the Waterhead for stunning lakeside walks and picnics.
  • Discover unique crafts at the weekly Ambleside Market on Thursday.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    11 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room Garden View
    2 persons
    11 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Superior Double or Twin Room
    2 persons
    23 m²
    1 Double bed and 1 Single bed / 1 Sofa bed
    Bathtub
    Heating

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: Perfect
9.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Services

  • Housekeeping

Dining

  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Rothay House Location

Rothay Road, Ambleside, LA22 0EE
Map view
Nearby
Bridge
Bridge House
350 m
Gallery
Old Courthouse Gallery
510 m
Church
St Mary's Church
280 m
Cylinders Langdale
Merz Barn
320 m
1 Vicarage Rd
Rothay Park
520 m
Loughrigg
High Close Estate
480 m
Restaurants
Luigi's Restaurant
270 m
Luigi's Restaurant Kelsick Road
Lucy's On A Plate
320 m
Church Street
China Cottage
310 m
7 Lake Road
Stiles of Ambleside
300 m
Compston Road
The Lily
300 m
12-14 Lake Road
Mr H's
320 m
Lake Road
La'al Burger Bar
300 m
10 Lake Road
Copper Pot Cafe
290 m
Church Street
Explore Ambleside
Explore Ambleside
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Ambleside Roman Fort
10 minutes' walk
Historic Roman ruins showcasing Ambleside's history. Offers informative displays and scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
10 minutes' walk
A local museum highlighting the area's cultural heritage and art. Special exhibits and a lovely garden add to its charm.
Stock Ghyll Force
16 minutes' walk
Spectacular waterfall in lush surroundings, perfect for nature lovers. Accessible via a scenic trail offering beautiful views.
Rydal Mount
30 minutes' walk
Famous former home of poet William Wordsworth, featuring gardens and stunning views of Rydal Water and the surrounding hills.
Hiking Wansfell Pike
25 minutes' walk
Challenging hike offering stunning panoramic views over Windermere. Well-marked trails and varied terrain cater to different skill levels.
Lakeland Pony Trek
4.5 km, 10 minutes' drive
Guided pony trekking across scenic landscapes for all levels. Great for families and equestrian enthusiasts looking for a fun experience.
Yoga Classes at Rothay Park
7 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions amidst beautiful nature. Suitable for all skill levels-check for class schedules and sign-up at the park.
Lucy's On A Plate
4 minutes' walk
Cozy eatery featuring local and seasonal dishes. Known for its hearty breakfasts and delicious homemade cakes.
Stiles of Ambleside
4 minutes' walk
Charming bistro serving a mix of British classics and international fare. Reservations recommended for dinner.
China Cottage
4 minutes' walk
Authentic Chinese cuisine in a relaxed setting. Menu includes classic dishes and delightful seafood options-takeout available.
The Ambleside Theatre
10 minutes' walk
Intimate venue hosting a variety of performances, from plays to live music. A great place for families and couples looking to enjoy a night out.
The Golden Rule Pub
8 minutes' walk
Lively local pub known for its traditional ales and friendly atmosphere. Hosts quiz nights and live music events, making it a fun spot.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Ambleside 4 min  ·  300 m
  • Airports
    Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 113 min  ·  75.2 km
    Blackpool International (BLK) 160 min  ·  106.3 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 3 min  ·  200 m
Want to unlock exclusive early deals?
Access members-only prices today
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:30-21:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Rothay House from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Rothay House is frequently praised for its excellent location, just a short walk from the town centre. Guests consistently enjoy the breakfast, highlighting the wide variety and tasty food, particularly the full English option. The bedrooms are often described as comfortable, with some noting the spaciousness of the rooms for four; however, a few guests have found some rooms to be on the smaller side. Private parking adds to the convenience of this well-regarded accommodation.
Show more
Review score
Based on 4 verified reviews
8.6 /10
Great
100%
Recommend
Location
9.8/10
Staff
9.8/10
Facilities
9.2/10
Comfort
9.4/10
Pros
Comfy mattress
Delicious breakfast
Large room
Warm welcome
Cons
Tight squeeze
Small bedroom
Guest reviews
based on 4 reviews
8.6/10
based on 373 reviews
9.3/10
Thomas from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 14, 2026
9.4/10

Fantastic Stay, Excellent Amenities

flexible check-in local produce central location storage space
Check-in was simple and flexible. The breakfast buffet offered a LARGE variety of options. The cooked breakfast featured local products. On-site parking proved very convenient given the central location. The room was super clean with ample storage space. i appreciated the warm and comfy atmosphere.
The bedroom WAS rather small, so it was difficult to move around freely in it.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast included many choices, ensuring everyone found something suitable. The cooked breakfast used high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Coffee of supreme quality complemented the meal. a wide selection of cereals and fruit WAS also available.
Rooms
9/10
The room was large and spotlessly clean. The beds were comfy. Daily cleaning service maintained the room in good order. The room included necessities like tea, coffee, and drinking water.
Facilities
9/10
Parking at the hotel was convenient for exploring the area. There was ample furniture in the room. The hotel offers easy access to bus and boat trips. IT IS situated near several restaurants.
Location
10/10
The hotel has a VERY central location, just a short walk into town. It offers easy access to bus and boat trips. Many good places to eat can be found nearby. Restaurants can even be found right across the street.
Service
10/10
The hosts were attentive. The owners were cute and gave recommendations about the local area. They work hard to maintain a high standard. I received a bottle of wine as a gift.
0 Helpful
|
Andrew from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 27, 2025
9.3/10

Central Stay with Parking

central location parking space ample choices helpful host
The location is excellent for walking to the town. I caught a bus without difficulty. Plenty of car parking spaces are available at the accommodation. Breakfast choices were ample, and the hosts seemed helpful.
The room was very small. Moving around freely posed a minor challenge.
Facilities
9/10
The location includes free parking, a great bonus in this area. They also have Wi-Fi available in every room. Several restaurants are nearby. This is a lovely feature for travelers not wanting to walk too far.
Location
9/10
This spot is central to town. It is very quiet at the same time. You can walk to shops in minutes. It is also great for exploring the area.
Service
10/10
The owners were so friendly. They also. The breakfast service was great. The staff offer advice and tips about the local area.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
dominic from united kingdom
Single
double room
4 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: September 22, 2025
6/10

central location faces some drawbacks

cramped room small bathroom
the location was central. breakfast offered many choices.
the room felt cramped it was hard to move around freely. the bathroom also seemed very small. this affected my overall stay negatively
0 Helpful
Jade from Australia
Single
double room garden view
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: August 14, 2025
9.5/10

tender moments in a lovely space

easy access guaranteed parking lovely hosts
The room felt amazing. It featured everything a person could desire! the location allowed easy access to many places with guaranteed parking included. the breakfast i had was good. the lovely hosts seemed very amicable, they provided lots of choices!
the bedroom was small and difficult to navigate. the bathroom was also tiny. i know it likely relates to the building's size though.
Facilities
9/10
the building included parking two minutes from the centre. breakfast had many choices, with great presentation. the rooms included enough supplies.
Service
10/10
The owners are really friendly and helpful. hosts cook fresh breakfast every morning. They are available for conversation and provide tips.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About Rothay House
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Rothay House?
Check-in is at 15:30 and check-out is by 10:30.
How far is Rothay House from Lake Windermere?
Rothay House is 1 km from Lake Windermere.
What amenities can guests expect in the rooms at Rothay House?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, DVD player, tea and coffee making facilities, and Pure Lakes toiletries.
What dining options are available near Rothay House?
Nearby restaurants include Luigi's Restaurant (0.5 km), Fellinis Restaurant (0.5 km), and Stiles of Ambleside (0.5 km).
Is there parking available at Rothay House?
Free private parking is available on-site without a reservation.
What breakfast options are provided at Rothay House?
Breakfast consists of local produce and homemade jams and marmalades served in the dining room overlooking the garden.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Rothay House?
The staff speaks English.
How far is Rothay House from the town center of Ambleside?
Rothay House is a 5-minute walk from the town center of Ambleside.
What are the highlights of Rothay House?
Highlights include free Wi-Fi, free parking, cozy individually decorated rooms, and a non-smoking environment.
What is the approximate distance from Rothay House to the nearest bus stop?
The nearest bus stop is a short distance from Rothay House, approximately 0.5 km away.
What scenic attractions are close to Rothay House?
Nearby attractions include Wordsworth's Dove Cottage and Hayes Garden World, both within 5 minutes' drive.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.