Beautiful setting and dramatic building. The castle was closed today for renovation but still nice grounds to walk through and activities for the kids to do. Had food and drinks in Joeys cafe. Good food with a nice indoor seating area. The outdoor seating area feels a little like a corridor and a bit squashed. Good sand friendly service in the cafe.

A stunning castle in a breathtaking lakeside setting. The grounds are beautiful for walking, with lovely views over Lake Windermere and plenty of space to explore. The castle itself is very impressive from the outside, and the interior has an interesting history connected to the National Trust and Beatrix Potter. Great spot for families, picnics, and photos. The café is a nice bonus, and the staff are always welcoming. A wonderful place to visit for both history lovers and those who simply want a scenic day out.

The castle was under renovation so we couldn’t go but there is a nice lake side sitting area at a short walk. There are walking trails as well. There is a cafe and toilet facilities. There is parking which is free if you’re a National trust member. Nice views from the castle entry area.

Great view over Windermere- easy navigation around the paths. With a nice spot for a cuppa……! Just a shame it’s Closed so couldn’t see inside!

Great place to visit with walks around the castle. Some parking. Cafe and toilets. You can get there by ferry from Ambleside. It doesn't cost anything to visit. There is a charge for car parking. Nice place for walks .

Off to Wray Castle from Ambleside on the launch amazing views as you cross Windermere. Wray Castle grounds are an absolute delight with so many walks along the lakeside, with some amazing views over to The Langdale Pikes, if you are ever in the Lake District it is a must to visit. April 2025

Well I am sure the castle is fine. Bit it was closed fir renovations. And will be for a long time. But the beach was fine. Lovely swim in the lake.

I can't recommend this enough! Just such an amazing experience. The Range of the cruises on offer is incredible. The staff are so informative and helpful, the facilities are plentiful, every boat has a bar or coffee shop. Who wouldn't say no to a mini booze cruise? The journey on the boat is once in a lifetime experience. I would highly recommend this experience for anyone visiting the lake district.

It’s a must-do activity. It offers a very pleasant cruise through the lake with stunning views. We took the Red Route return and it was great. The boats are on time, dog friendly, and the commentary tells the history of the place, although it would have been better if we could hear more stories.

My friends & I had such a pleasant day trip to the Lakes! Ambleside pier was our last stop and it was stunning! We went on a Monday so we managed to escape from the bustling crowds, very peaceful. Bought the 1 day hop on hop off bus ticket (£10 each but £25 for a group of 4), which was definitely worth it considering we managed to cover many villages and towns all within a day.

Lovely tour around the lake on the Green Cruise. The staff gave us an introduction of the lake and the tourist attractions. It was raining heavily in the morning so we had to stay indoors of the cruise. We visited the Wray Castle but couldn't go in there asit is being refurbished. only able to walk around the grounds. It was sunny in the afternoon so we sat on the top floor of the cruise, the staff is nice enough to wipe the seats dry for us and helped us take pictures!

Even if you don't take cruises it's a lovely place to spend some time, have an ice-cream or just sit and look at the lake.

Oh my, sailing in MV Teal was such a brilliant experience. Very welcoming staff, interesting commentary along the cruise, breathtaking views and absolutely delightful to be sailing on this elegant 89 years old vessel. Highly recommend this experience.

Staff so helpful finding us the best tickets for what we wanted to do, even telling us to hang onto our ticket for a discount at another attraction. Boats clean and lots of information given whilst on the trip. Great way to see the lake, even if a little chilly the day we went!

Visited Brockhole on Windermere and had the best time ever! 😍✨ The kayaking experience was amazing — there’s a real sense of freedom as you paddle across the lake surrounded by stunning scenery 🌅⛰️. The water is so peaceful, and you can go at your own pace, which made it really relaxing 🧘‍♂️🚣‍♀️. We also went on a boat ride and the views were just breathtaking — perfect for photos and enjoying nature 🌳📸. After kayaking, we jumped into the lake for a swim 🏊‍♂️💦 — super refreshing on a sunny day! Facilities available: toilets, showers, and lockers made everything convenient 🚿🚻🔒. And a big shoutout to the staff, who were all so friendly and helpful — they made the whole experience even better! 🙌😊 Would 100% recommend for a fun and active day out with family or friends ☀️.

Brockhole on Windermere is a great day out for everyone. There is a large car park with fair prices and the grounds are beautiful to wander around. The play park is brilliant and completely free to use, and there are also extra activities you can pay for such as the tree top adventures or the tree top nets which are great fun for both children and adults. The café is lovely with plenty of seating and friendly staff, perfect for a drink or something to eat while taking in the views across the lake. You can easily spend a full day here as there is so much to do, from relaxing by the water to hopping on a boat or exploring the trails through the gardens. We would definitely recommend a visit here, it has something for everyone and always feels full of life and fresh air.

I hope the new operator is able to make a success of this site with something of value to a range of Lake District visitors. It’s a bit sad to see the state that Brockhole finds itself in now, given its potential. There’s a beautiful art deco mansion, extensive gardens and woodland trails, and the ferry service. Let’s hope arts and exhibitions return as part of the future mix.

Great place to take the kids, massive park and other activities to do there, nice little hidden coves if you just want to get away from everyone and chill by the lake 👌

A bit pricey but really nice staff and a nice place to take children. Children can tree top jumping, tree trekking and zip lining. They also have a nice park with a cafe

Our family had a lovely time over August bank holiday. Recommend booking in advance. We did Treetop adventure and the Kayak tour. Husband and kids really the enjoyed kayak tour and their instructor was brilliant.

Good range of activities for most ages. We did the treetop trek with Zipworld and Go Wild's laser tag with a 12 and 14 year old, and managed to get some enthusiasm out of a teen. Beautiful setting.

If you're into this sort of thing, it's pretty cool. There is not a great deal to see. It is a short walk from the carpark, in the middle of a cow field. It's free and a cool bit of history, great views of the lake worth a little visit if you are in the area.

This is an easy visit if you are in Ambleside and it’s surprisingly in a field with people walking their dogs all over it . The descriptive boards really allow you to picture how it was all set up. Worth a visit.

Archaeological remains, information boards, footpaths and rocky outcrop in a farmer's field. Simple but interesting piece of history and some beautiful cows as well.

On our way to Ambleside stopped here. The fort was hardly recognizable, but the scenery was beautiful.

For me, it was a fantastic look into the past. Only a ten minute walk, and as long as you don't mind some well-behaved cows, you get a look too!

Amazing old ruins, was aamzing to walk around and over them. Imagining the buildings and walking amongst them. The small information boards were also great for some little bits of knowledge

Not much left of the fort to see but there are some interesting stories to read and the surrounding is gorgeous. Its likely to be on your hike path anyway. If your route pass around here.

Good spot for great views of the lake. Fish and chips freshly cooked and served with a buzzer service. Good outside seating to enjoy your meal and nice atmosphere. The battered fish is as fresh as chips was pretty good to.

We ordered a large fish and chips to share and wasn’t expecting the portion to be so generous, but it was super delicious and we finished it off between the two of us. Some of the best fish and chips we’ve had in years. The fish was super fresh and big thick pieces, cooked very well (not at all greasy or soggy, lovely and crispy batter). The chips were also good quality, as was the gravy. Would def recommend if in the area

Delicious, freshly cooked fish & chips that was enough for three of us. Great friendly service, nice outdoor seating area by the lake, and really reasonably priced. Will definitely return.

Absolutely delicious fish and chips, freshly cooked to order (about 6 mins) with picnic tables outside to sit and eat overlooking the lake. Best meal in the best atmosphere of our trip.

Best fish and chips we’ve had. Haddock was fresh and cooked perfectly, with crispy batter - no soggy bits at all! Everything was cooked to order and you can put your own salt and vinegar on which we preferred. My son had the chicken nuggets which he enjoyed so much he kept one to eat later on! Will definitely be back.

We are visiting & after having a look at a few options, we decided to visit Ambleside fish & chip shop. Parking was pretty straightforward as we arrived someone’s was leaving. However, it may be difficult to park during busier times. We arrived approximately 6pm & they close at 7pm. The views across the waterfront were just amazing! That was one of the reasons we chose to drive 35 minutes to it. We ordered 1 classic (Reg Fish & Chips, mushy peas & can of pop £13.90) & 1 Large (Fish & Chips w’ gravy & can of pop £14.90) I shared with one daughter & my husband shared with our other daughter. Portion sizes are quite decent. There’s seating outside (best option) or inside. We chose outside. The only downside is those pesky birds that scavenge your food. They didn’t bother us too much but please don’t feed them or they all hover around. Which is off putting. The chips were my favourite 8.5/10 as we had a lot of crispy chips unsure if it’s because they were about to close. I usually love mushy peas but they were 4/10. Not mushy at all, slightly cold. The fish was 7/10. We have definitely had better elsewhere, however the staff were pleasant & we put it down to “they had a long day”. Hopefully if you go at a peak time everything will be fresh, the chips will be non crunchy & hot! A couple we sat next to threw away all their fish & chips but they never complained which I thought was odd & a shame as I’m sure the staff could have resolved it. All in all, I would recommend going 8/10 as I think our one-off experience can be rectified.

Cooked to order (well at least our fish was) so a little wait but that is fine. Tasty fish and chips good. Portion size generous and cheaper than our local chippy in Hertfordshire.

It is a very lovely hotel. It is up on a small hill and has a very good view of the landscape including the lake and a small farm. The cocktails are so nice, especially for Simon’s cocktail and Sarah’s special cocktail. The services are really nice as well. We enjoyed our trip here and stayed for three nights. The view is scenic and the food here is great. We only had breakfast but still it is very tasty and delicious.

We went to Holbeck Ghyll for the 5 course tasting menu; it was listed as £80 per-person on their website, then £85 on the menu at the restaurant, then £88 on the final bil (cheerfully adjusted down to £85 when queried). That lack of coherence probably encapsulates the overall experience of the dinner. On arrival we were directed to sit in the chilly bar area, but it wasn't explained why we weren't taken straight to our table. We were then asked if we wanted drinks, but without being shown a drinks menu. Meanwhile, an amuse bouche arrived without explanation of what they were. We were then taken to our table in the dining room. Strangely no wine list was offered, and the first course arrived. The rest of the courses followed pretty quickly, but the quality of the cooking was pretty variable. The duck ravioli was dry and overcooked, while the souffle was well made. Overall, for almost £200 for two, I felt it was a waste of money: the staff are doing their best, but there seemed to be no oversight and management of the overall dining experience, nor of the (unfortunately pretty empty) dining room. This place rather seems to be relying on past glofies, and the basics are being overlooked. I would go elsewhere for dinner next time.

My partner and I recently shared a wonderful wedding at Holbeck Ghyll and would recommend highly. From the start, we were welcomed very warmly by the fantastic team. We fell in love with the charm of the venue and character. Greg and Caleigh were extremely helpful as well as all staff who helped us at every stage of the process. The venue being exclusive use was fantastic. All guests had fantastic rooms on site. The wedding breakfast food was the best wedding breakfast many guests mentioned they had ever experienced. Many versatile rooms and outdoor spaces to utilise allowed great flexibility for wedding entertainment ideas. We were able to enjoy lawn games and dance a Ceilidh outside whilst the sunset with the most beautiful view of the lake and hills. Magical day!

Stunning location and venue. One staff member was very helpful but the other guy was quite rude really. £16 for 3 small bottles of beer and nothing on tap. Gorgeous building though! wouldn't rush back.

The location is stunning and we were seated in a small dinning area with wonderful views over Windermere. The afternoon tea was beautiful presented and delicious! It was traditionally decorated in keeping with the building. The staff did not seem very friendly or welcoming, they did not return at all to check how our food was and we had to go and look for staff to ask for more tea.

We had a fantastic dinner at Holbeck Ghyll yesterday. From the starter to the dessert, everything was delicious — perfectly cooked, with wonderful flavors and combinations.

Feeling refreshed after a lovely week in the lake district - looking forward to returning to HG! The views (of the lake, mountains...) and sounds (of the running water in the Ghyll) made the setting of Holbeck Ghyll idyllic. Ian took care of us so well with plenty of suggestions of areas to explore. Breakfast and dinner were delicious. Best sleep in a long time too!

The new(ish) driveway is a big improvement to getting to the hotel with landscaped gardens and a beautiful dining room. Wonderful views over the lake from almost every window

An absolutely amazing hotel with amazing views of Bowness from the restaurant. The architecture of old and new is outstanding 👌. The restaurant is absolutely amazing food, wine cellar and service is excellent. By far one of the best places in The Lake District. Highly recommend

The only thing I hated about this hotel is that they have a really old bentley, but the motor is electric. Who wants to not listen to a bentley? Apart from that the dining experience was great. I experienced flavours that I didn’t know existed. Every dish, every bite was a surprise. A good one at that. It was like a firework of flavours.

We had the most incredible 8-night stay at The Samling for our summer holiday- everything from start to finish was flawless. We stayed in the Grasmere room, which was beautifully designed with breathtaking views, while my fiancé’s parents stayed in Rydal Water, which was equally stunning. Both rooms had a luxurious yet cosy and homely feel and made for a truly relaxing getaway. The hotel has such a warm, family feel - like coming downstairs to old friends each morning. Every member of the team made us feel welcome and cared for in such a genuine way. A special thank you to Rebecca, who served us in the restaurant. Her knowledge of the extensive wine list and the food was exceptional- she truly elevated the dining experience. We tried both the tasting menu and the à la carte, and every dish was outstanding. We also really valued her sense of humour- she struck the perfect balance of professionalism and warmth, and made every meal even more enjoyable. We also want to thank Emma on reception, Tillie, Maisie, and Andrew, who were all wonderful. (We hope we’ve spelt everyone’s names right!). Maisie even went out of her way to call nearby restaurants she thought we’d like to check availability - completely unprompted - which was such a thoughtful and personal touch. And also thank you to all of the other wonderful waiting staff and housekeeping staff which we didn’t catch the names of. The private hot tub was a real treat - classy, peaceful, and perfect for unwinding while watching the local rabbits and deer, which added a magical touch to the whole stay. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and communication was always prompt and helpful on the lead up to the trip. Thank you so much for a stay we’ll never forget - we’re already looking forward to returning. Sarah and Will xxx

What better place can there be to celebrate our mutual 60th's, than at The Samling restaurant. We've just enjoyed a superb lunch with the lake and fells as our view, and with exceptional service too. My photos show the stunning Crab Tempura with Kombu Mayo for our starter and then Cod, Morecambe Bay Shrimps with Rigatoni and Caviar Emulsion as our mains. Very well priced for such high end cuisine. Well done the chefs. You should be very proud of your skills. The warm home made beer sourdough with marminte butter, or salted butter were fabulous too. A glass of champagne, and then a bottle of the lovely Pinot Gris both hit the spot of course. Thank you for making a special day as good as it can get. Highly recommended.

So glad and thankful The Gathering restaurant was open during bank holiday. The experience was lovely. will definitely be back

Absolute delight to stay here yet again, as the staff are both friendly and helpful and the food is a delight. Many thanks for a memorable stay.

Really enjoy visiting Hayes and always call in when visiting Ambleside. Have marked it down a star because of the high prices, but most of them are like this anyway and have been for some time. Very well presented and expertly laid out, plus the views from the outside garden area are just phenomenal. Excellent range and good diversity of gifts, clothes and shoes as well. Check out my videos.

It was so clean in our caravan we hope to come back next March or April we had a great holiday from Ann and Neil Watkins

A lovely welcome into Ambleside. One of the best garden centres I have been to, and it has a backdrop of the Lake District hills. The only time I am happy shops get prepared for Christmas early. The person who does the decorations here needs an award. The design is insane and you should visit the garden centre for the decorations too. Family and dog friendly. Plenty of plants including a variety of orchids I have never seen before, and the perfect gifts available. I won't spoil it too much, so I will only show a few photos. Go visit!

in the lakes at moment, visited this garden centre and wow, it's huge, plenty to see and buy, assistance was great in the cafe, food lovely xx

We always visit this wonderful garden centre on any trips to the Lake District. The Christmas display is fabulous and always a pleasure to visit. The plants are beautiful and looked after. The staff are also great. I have to mention Tony, in the Christmas section who came into us to offer to check the lights on the displays and box of lights we were going to purchase. It made it such a reassuring purchase knowing everything worked. He taught about settings on the lights and different options. He appreciated that most people visit from far afield and that knowing they work well are important, as most can’t return their items. He was a lovely gentleman and an asset to Hayes. My daughter has always loved the toy section, I love the homeware, my husband the bbq section, my father in law the garden and shoe section and all of us love the Christmas collection. Something for everyone!

Great garden centre ,sells everything you need for gardens and more. The Christmas decorations are fantastic.

Very nice garden centre. Not a great layout and could easily be improved with a few signs, only we found an additional unmarked building on site which turned out to be an indoor plant section. Well impressed overall and we'll definitely be back.

Food, wine pairing, staff friendliness and ambiance of the venue is first class. The chef bringing out the main dish and having a chat with every guest was a nice touch. The restaurant is decorated in dark colours and striking art work. Every single dish was an explosion of flavours that worked perfectly. The only disappointment was my boyfriend made a note on our reservation that it was my 40th birthday (actually the day itself) and offered to pay more money to do some sort of treat over dinner to acknowledge this and nothing was done. And the table next to us got a “happy birthday” from their waitress with a dessert that said “happy birthday” and from a sounds of it another complimentary dessert dish so that was sad for us both to witness when he hoped for something similar especially being such a milestone birthday.

Without doubt the best meal I have ever had! I could not fault a single thing. Each course was delicious. The staff were great. Terrific wine list. Wonderful atmosphere. Yes- this is a rave review!

This was our favourite meal during our stay in Ambleside. Everything was so well done here from start to finish. The explanation, the appearance, presentation, and taste were exemplary. We loved it all and will definitely be recommending to our friends. Well done to all the chefs and staff here who obviously work so hard to produce such a wonderful experience for their customers.

Had zero expectations when booking the Old Stamp House for dinner. To say I was pleasently surprised would be an understatement. A truly special experience start to finish. Impeccable service from when you walk in the door, the level of attention to detail and presentation with each dish is impressive. 11 courses on the atumn menu which are all timed well, use the best of the best produce and every element is carefully thought out and elevated. The best meal I've ever had by far. A must visit for a stay in the Lake District.

An amazing restaurant. Well worth booking ahead of time. Staff were friendly, and professional. Ambience was very comfortable. We went for lunch. All the courses were excellent. The chef served eveyone and had a pleasant conversation with all the clientele. There was even a letter written by Ryan to the guest, set on each table. A unique experience and would highly recommend.

From start to finish excellent! Thank you team The Old Stamp House for a wonderful evening. We much appreciated the unique and personal touch on behalf of the owner Ryan that has added so much value to the dinner. What is this? Well, visit and see!

Great service and excellent value. We loved the opening dishes but felt the latter part of the menu was very heavy and a bit overwhelming in terms of the flavours and depths of the dishes which drops it from being a five star for us. Still, an obviously deserved award winning restaurant with plenty of character, honesty, flair and talent leading the kitchen delivering a down to earth experience. We thoroughly appreciated the accompanying notes for each dish. We would return and try again.

Great restaurant. Absolutely loved the food here, and the overall experience was great. Enjoyed it so much the first time that we went back again later that week. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodated the dietry requirements of the group, pointing out the dishes that were suitable and offering to adjust dishes where possible. I would recommend their pasta dishes! The next time we're in the area, i'll be returning to try one of their pizzas!

Ate lunch at Zeffirellis after reading good reviews in a local hotel. The food was fantastic and Lucy was a great host explaining Gluten free options. Everything was incredibly efficient, staff were super helpful and the food was amazing. Beetroot Buddha bowl went down well. Will definitely come back. Thanks for a lovely meal.

Food was ok, but in my opinion, overpriced. No one came to our table to see if everything was OK, so we had to attract the attention of a waitress while going to another table, because they forgot our side order so it didn't come till the end of the meal, (taking a while so seemed to have forgotten to make it) , which was annoying and they apologised but didn't seem bothered that it came too late. Would have been a good gesture to not charge for that bit. I won't go again. didn't seem very bothered.

We booked Zeffirellis for a school friends reunion of nine people and we were not disappointed. The customer experience from reception to service of food was excellent. The food was excellent, hot, well cooked and served with a smile. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would not hesitate to go there again.

You really won't be disappointed! The food is delicious and the staff are wonderful, polite & attentive. The atmosphere in this place is relaxing. Prices are fair, we went for lunch but the evening menus is also very good.

I had The cream tea Loved the scone Coffee was great But …whipped cream instead of clotted ???!!!! I would have kicked off and sent fists flying but the ambiance was nice and so were the waiters I felt a bit uncivilised and savage being given whipped cream instead of clotted They unleashed an unknown beast from within me The cream tea with no clotted cream has awakened something within me I didn’t know existed I feel soooo aliiiveee It’s complete madness I’ll probably come back for dinner

Three of us enjoyed a delicious meal here with excellent service. It was a delight to choose from such an extensive vegetarian menu. There is a good range of wines by the glass too. We also enjoyed a very good meal at their sister restaurant, Fellini. Of the two, the food at Zeffirellis is better.

This place is such a nice little spot to visit. The walk up is easy and scenic, and the views along the way are worth it on their own. The cave itself feels a bit magical when you step inside, especially with the water and reflections. It's a great place for a short hike, taking photos, or just sitting and enjoying the atmosphere. Definitely worth adding to your Lake District list.

Good size carpark (White moss walks) The hike to the cave is easy and stunning views of lake. Rusty red colors of fields mixed with yellows and greens speaks of beautiful autumn. Trees with visibly stalwart widely spread roots....water streams trickling. Breathtaking. I have concluded caves never fail to mesmerize me. This one was hauntingly beautiful. Worth a visit.

I highly recommend this place. I have never seen such impressive caves in the UK, and as the first cave I have been to in the UK, it was stunning. It’s around 16-20 mins walk from the closest parking lot. There are a lot of rocks, creeks, and mud on the way to the caves, so I highly suggest visitors wear professional boots, even sports suits. There are two smaller caves on the way to the big cave, but if you want to go all the way up to the top of the cave, you must take another path, which will take way longer. The biggest cave is worth spending some time in, but when there are a lot of people, you must wait to take turns to get in. Outside the bug cave, you can see a lot of mountains around you, which are very gorgeous. I had a great experience here.

We were surprised to see the Rydal Cave and tried asking fellow walkers if it was a natural or an old quary. Can someone research and let me know....! I took a few photos, hopefully they help someone to make plans to visit this beautiful place soon. No entrance fee required. What I liked- it's not a lonely place and we came across many friendly people. Maybe because we make and effort to stop and talk to people as we value Ubuntu...!

Great spot for a family friendly visit, the little one was having a great time wading through the water in the cave. Nice and gentle walk from Ambleside, and bring either waterproof boots or wellies to explore the cave comfortably. Can get fairly busy, specially on weekends/holidays

Nice Cave with an interesting entry… I would say may be 7/10 experience. Just it gets crowded specially on a weekend so you have to wait turns to go in and also when I was there it was a bit noisy with different things going on around like people playing music, shouting bla bla but on a normal day it will be brilliant I hope. Good luck

The cave is a single big chamber, has unique rock sculptures, with a flat smooth wall at the end of the cave , cool and wet air inside . In general all natural caves in the lake district area and water falls have no clear signage at all, you will lose your way and walk miles and miles in wrong directions, also you will end up in private land/ property. No car park near by , the roads are very tiny can fit only one car and even 1/2 a car, dangerous roads, blind corners, blind curves, no internet coverage at all, no GPS signal at all , you will need hicking sticks, proper shoes wear, water , and some ropes. Small engine cars not good You can enjoy the walking and hicking if you will be able to reach your destination, this is why it will be a good idea to ask people and locals for proper directions and advice, or to go with some friends who know the area and visited thos places . Note: GPS will give you wrong route most of the time whether you are walking or driving, it seems that the lake District area was not covered in a proper way by Google maps

Same operating team as The Old Stamp House downstairs. One earned a Michelin star, this one the Michelin Bib Gourmand. We enjoyed all the small & big plates we ordered. Good value. Save some space for desserts too!

A lovely intimate restaurant serving delicious small plates. This is such a great way to sample plenty of their gorgeous dishes! I’d recommend booking a table in advance given how busy they are! Attentive staff who were incredibly welcoming upon arrival. A very positive experience and a must if you are in Ambleside!

Hubby took me there for my 60th birthday. Craig was so welcoming and suggested we sit at the bar which gave us a great view of the kitchen. He helped with the menu and wine choice. We went along with his suggestion of 4 starters, 2 small plates and a side. I was apprehensive as the amount seemed very small and I thought I'd have to pop into Tesco on my way home to bulk out the meal. I couldn't have been more wrong. I've never had food so tasty, every mouthful exploded on your tongue. An amazing experience and I'd gladly return. All in all a fantastic experience, if I didn't live 250 miles away, I'd be back every month. Thank you!

What an absolutely fabulous spot! The service was fantastic (big thanks to James), the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was so relaxed. Every little dish was a delight, and the wines were spot on. Highly recommend — definitely a must-visit!

We have just had an amazing meal at The Schelly. We were seated at the Chef Table which gave us a great view of the kitchen. The staff were really helpful in explaining the concept of sharing dishes and ensured we had a balanced selection. The stand out dishes were the lamb Henry, the roe deer tartare, the beef cheek and the mushroom dish. Thankfully we left enough room for the desserts which were divine. We will definitely be returning at the earliest opportunity.

The restaurant is overrated. We ordered seven dishes and three of them, cod, pork, and duck are all very tasteless. It’s not at the level of a Michelin bib gourmand. The waiter also dropped food on the table while putting down the plate without offering a replacement which came across as a poor standard of service. Disappointed and wouldn’t recommend.

The food at The Schelly was beautiful. We started with the deer tartare and duck as snacks – both absolutely delightful. For mains, we shared the cod and lamb with pickled carrot, and everything was cooked to perfection. The flavours were fantastic and really showcased the kitchen’s creativity. However, the service sadly let the experience down. I’m from Yorkshire, and my plan for the ultimate weekend was to go climbing and then enjoy an early dinner at The Schelly. When I walked in, wearing a hiking outfit, I immediately felt a little unwelcome (though I wasn’t the only one dressed like this in the restaurant). We were seated at the bar, which turned out to be quite awkward, as my partner had to move his chair every time a waiter passed by. Fine – we didn’t get much attention from the staff, but we actually appreciated the peace. The disappointing part came at the end of our meal. When we finished, the head waiter asked where we were from. My partner answered “Cluj, Romania,” and the response we got was: “There’s a huge Romanian community around here, you should go to Tesco, you might make some friends there.” I felt this was an unnecessary and rather discriminatory remark. It really dampened what should have been a perfect evening. We paid the bill and left immediately. The food was fantastic, but the service and the comment left a bitter aftertaste that overshadowed an otherwise excellent dinner.

Lovely breakfast with a decent coffee. I've had better and I've certainly had worse but best coffee I've found so far in Ambleside even if your charging £4.50 for a cortado.

Despite obviously being incredibly busy, staff are attentive and kind. Coffees were fantastic and we didn’t grab food, but the selection looked amazing. Also nice to see dietary information on the menus . Thanks so much !

We have just enjoyed a fantastic and very tasty breakfast at Esquires! The quality of both the food and the service is second none and it was the perfect way to bring our week in the Lakes to an end. Thank you! We will definitely be recommending to family and friends.

Popped in for lunch but was expected to pay £2 extra for the vegetarian option of an already overpriced bacon sandwich. Opted for the vegan sausage roll which was much like dry stuffing in stale pastry which we had to ask to be heated. Staff were moderately helpful but ambleside has so many better options we wouldn't bother going back here.

Stopped off for coffee whilst it was raining. Our welcome was first class and we were made to feel right at home. Prompt service and coffee was really tasty and piping hot. Only thing that spoilt our visit was a very loud and enthusiastic customer being interviewed for a job (the interviewer seemed to have switched off so he probably didn’t get the job). You couldn’t hear to have a conversation, I couldn’t fault the drinks though.

They cannot understand the difference between allergies, intolerances and preferences. So if you already feel singled out and awkward about that, prepare to feel worse. Don’t dare have a preference here when it comes to food. Because despite it being on the menu they will police how you choose to consume it. If you prefer oat milk in your coffee but aren’t lactose free you have to eat an entire lactose free meal or they won’t serve you the oat milk coffee. The most stupid policy I’ve ever heard. The man who served us with the backwards cap was so arrogant and rude from the off and then told me I can’t have gluten free bread if I have chips so I have to have the salad. I repeatedly told him I was not coeliac, I just struggle digesting the heaviness of normal bread. He point blank refused to serve me my preference unless I had a full coeliac safe meal when I’m not coeliac. Their policy is totally illogical and singles people out further. By law, as long as everyone is aware of the allergens, it’s at the discretion of the customer what they choose to eat and the establishment is not liable. Such a weird situation that I’ve never encountered before when explaining a dietary requirement. so we chose to leave and won’t be returning. We ended up elsewhere where they were very normal about dietary requirements, like everywhere else.

Absolutely shocking service from a very rude man who clearly doesn't understand what good customer service looks like or the difference between an intolerance and an allergy. He made ordering extremely difficult and awkward and we ended up leaving and going elsewhere. Definitely do not recommend, especially if you have any dietary requirements.

Honestly didn’t expect to come across proper Chinese food in the Lake District – and this place was such a nice surprise. The steamed sea bass was super fresh and tasty, the dry-fried green beans were packed with flavour, and the tofu dish was really comforting. Everything tasted just like home! It’s also really affordable, which makes it even better. So glad we found it – we’ll definitely be coming back next time we’re around.

The lady is super pleasant and helpful. The food is also affordable, very little wait time, with good value for money. I’ve had take out from them twice now. The first time, I had their drunken duck, spring rolls and chicken chow mien and they were superb. Very tasty. The next time, I had the roasted pork chow mien, I didn’t thoroughly enjoy the noodles, but I have to say that the pork was delicious. My friend had gotten their chicken fried rice, and I had a taste of that. It was really tasty as well. They give complimentary prawn crackers too, which is a nice touch. Overall, it’s a nice place to have dinner at Ambleside.

Nobody in except myself and my partner. The young lad who served us seemed lovely and informative. Food was tasteless- closer to plastic. Dirty cutlery. Didn’t eat any of my food, and still charged £40; what a joke! We travelled all the way from Ulverston, hoping to find a decent Chinese- NOPE! The coke was nice. Never knew praw crackers were made of cardboard. Oh, and why on earth were staff wearing flip flops!!!

Great takeaway, would recommend. Great temperature and glad to have given this Chinese a go. Really good Chinese dishes and extremely reasonable! Glad we did collection, and not room service at a local hotel!

It was edible. Was it authentic Chinese food? Depends if you think chip shop mix curry sauce is authentic. A note to the chef: if you’re going to cook barbecue spare ribs in the sauce - please put all of the ribs in the sauce - it helps disguise the dry/burnt bits of rib. The upsides? Sweet & Sour Chicken balls were nice - according to my wife. The French fries weren’t bad. I guess when you have such little competition, you can get away with it. Disappointed.

Distinctly average. The food could not be described as anything other than average in all respect. The staff were friendly enough. The wait time showed the food was cooked freshly at least. But, I would say if this is the best the Lake District can muster up for a Chinese takeaway, then that is extremely disappointing. Stay away from the satay sauce. A real shocker.

Delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine that rivals even the best restaurants in major cities. The ambiance of the restaurant may be modest, but the flavors are exceptional. Loved the salt and pepper squids and the northern china dishes from the specials menu.

We had a mixed experience at The Flying Fleece. My fish & chips was generous & hot but my wife's Sunday dinner was not very warm. We enjoyed the our time there, but it was spoilt by a slightly below average meal.

Big portions and great place to get a quick bite. ♿️ wheelchair accessible entrance and space to move around inside the restaurant, but may be challenging to use the washroom as there are steps to walk up.

It's a nice place for food and a drink or just a drink. I had the fish and chips it was really nice. Service was very fast. Definitely recommend this place if you're in Ambleside. Its location is central and easy to get to. It dose get very packed around lunch and dinner times. Music for some can be a little obnoxious at times.

This is a great place that is at the edge of town so although there are many people walking about, this seems a bit quieter. Saying that the place was busy. The staff were good and perfect for a drink after walking around town. The place inside is clean and plenty of space.

We just stopped here for a drink, nice bar to come to, really friendly staff and a good selection of drinks to choose from. We came on a Saturday at the start of summer and it was busy, although that is to be expected. We still managed to find a table though. Would recommend visiting if you're in the area.

I had high hopes for a traditional Sunday dinner, but sadly this one fell flat from start to finish. The roast beef arrived lukewarm and was far too tough to cut through easily, let alone enjoy. The Yorkshire pudding looked impressive but was dry and hollow, lacking the light, fluffy texture you’d expect. The vegetables were another letdown — clearly overcooked and mushy, with the carrots tasting more of boiled water than anything else. The roast potatoes, which should be the star of any Sunday plate, were under-seasoned and soggy, missing that perfect crisp outside and fluffy centre. To top it off, the gravy was thin and watery, doing little to bring the meal together. For the price, I expected something far better — at least hot food and basic seasoning. Service was pleasant enough, but even that couldn’t make up for such a disappointing meal. Overall, a forgettable experience and certainly not worth returning for.

Nice large pub with a good atmosphere. Food was great had the roast beef. Could have donecwith a little more gravey. Asked for some and came in a small jug which was great. Upstairs gents very small could only fit 1 person in their which could be an issue when very busy. In all a nice experience had by everyone. Would definitely go back again if we went bk to the lakes.

Lovely waterfalls. You can follow the steep climb along the river, part walk up the road or a short distance from the nearby car park (Force Cafe, need to be a customer for parking first). We did the cafe, which was about 10 minutes, but still not ideal for those with mobility issues

Took a walk to Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall and really enjoyed it! The trail is peaceful and surrounded by beautiful woodland, with the sound of water along the way. The waterfall at the end is stunning — definitely worth the short hike. A lovely spot to relax and enjoy nature in Ambleside!

A short walk from the centre of Ambleside, these delightful, popular waterfalls are well worth visiting. Well marked tracks lead up the side of the river to the falls and then cross over small bridges so that you get the best views. An easy walk for children with lots of spots to pause and take in the view.

Stock Ghyll Force, Ambleside’s Hidden Waterfall. Located just a 15 minutes walk away from Ambleside town centre. Start your journey from the road opposite the Ambleside Inn, and follow the waymarked woodland path through Stock Ghyll Woods, where the sound of rushing water guides you to various scenic viewpoints along the river. 🌊🥾Follow the red arrows trail and cross a wooden footbridge, Just below the bridge, kids can paddle in the shallow stream. It’s a perfect spot for photos and refreshing treats.📸 🌿 Free, easy, and perfect for little explorers and nature lovers!

Always great to see the waterfalls all year round. This visit was on the loop walk from Troutbeck over Wansfell then down into Ambleside via the falls. Great walk.

A lovely waterfall within easy walking distance of Ambleside. The path splits about a third of the way up - the left route is classed as the more ‘challenging’ walk. We went up the left and then down the right which is definitely a more accessible route

We walked from the local Force cafe - you can park here but do need to visit the cafe to enable you to park. The walk isnt far from the cafe taking about 5 minutes. It was very busy with queues to take photos at some view points. You can walk a loop of the falls, crossing the bridge at the top, falling the path down to the second bridge. We would advise caution in the wet weather as with any environment like this as a slip here landed our afternoon in a&e! The paths are well maintained

Wonderful place in a beautiful setting. You can almost sense Wordsworth's presence. It is a calm space and it is easy to see how the great man drew his inspiration. Walking where he walked is most humbling.

One of a number of Wordsworth sites to visit. Well worth taking the time to wander through the house and then go and relax in the garden s. It's full of interest and considering the other Wordsworth sites nearby it helps build a picture of the life they had in the area. Well worth a visit. Gift shop has a range of quality items and the reception was great, really helpful.

Beautiful spot to see Wordsworths home. It's wonderful to walk in his footsteps and the gardens are a delight. Well worth a visit. There are toilets here but no cafe at the moment

Really worth a visit, especially because of the interesting young lady in the ticket office/gift shop who educated us on the family history. Lots of inspiring things to learn about the Wordsworths. Parking is a little tight but I believe there is a nearby car park if needed.

Well kept beautiful gardens to walk through befote walking down to the Falls and its little viewing hut.

Beautiful and historic place to visit, 3 hours from glasgow, scenic drive.

Visited Rydal Mount on a lovely Sunny Day. So nice to see that this still belongs to Wordsworth descendants. Very quaint house with just enough information for you to get the feel of the place. The gardens were quintessentially British with lovely views. The Tea Room was quaint and all the staff were lovely. Enough to keep you occupied for a couple of hours.

April 2025. Midweek. Got there at 8am loads of spaces. Doing Fairfield Horseshoe so needed a long time. £9.60 for 12 hours but it actually give me a time till the next morning which might be useful to some. Sign on entrance states no overnights. No problems for me, good carpark although BEWARE the toilets are 60p to use contact less card only.

This could be considered a little on the expensive side, but if you're looking to get into town quick then this park is very well situated. The bridge house nearby also offers a rare example of an actual historical reason to visit a car park. There are toilet facilities at 60p charge for use. I have no problem with this as these facilities do cost to keep. But contact less only payment would potentially exclude some from being able to use them.

Got there before noon so a fair few spaces, toilets 50p, close to the centre, good start for lots of hikes too!

A parking with one way driving into it. Good machine for paying with card. However, come early because it can be full easily on peak seasons with nice weather even it is a weekday.

Handy location, bit pricey. There are lots of spaces but it does get full peak time. The concern is that at night there is barely any lighting. It's extremely unsafe for a public carpark with no lighting except for the first few rows. More than half of the carpark is in complete darkness. Very unsafe

Easy access , long stay, safe , very close to shops and easy access to the start of walks... parked here to walk loughrigg fell and around to the coffin route

Good parking facilities. Prices are no different to most other town centre car parks. Good toilet facilities, however you must pay 60p. Plenty of parking spaces, however it was full on a rainy day in December, therefore at the peak of summer it's going to be a struggle.

Pretty little house over the river. Is right on the roadside so easy and free access ( & right next to the Apple Bakery if you fancy something tasty after your visit )

I fell in love with this town There are so many adventure, beautiful nature, lovely 🥰

Great place to eat under the shade - we bought a slice of pizza from the small shop nearby and sat along the bridge house. Nice place for a quick rest or stop.

Yep... it's indeed a house on a bridge. Great place to sit and eat your apple pie from the ambleside bakery.

Great opportunity for some good photos. Built across some fast flowing water and beautiful buildings surrounding it.

Cute little attraction. An easy stop for pictures as you wonder through the town.

A scenic spot in Ampleside. Only 10 mins drive from Windermere. Good to include in your itinerary if you are visiting Lake District.

From Hilltop, we walked three miles, but the museum is closed. But it was good to see the site in the picture book in person. This is Potter's husband's lawyer's office. Wordsworth's Grammar School, where he attended from age 9 to 17, and the church can be seen from the bus stop. Toilets here are clean and card-accessible, although there is a charge. There is a lovely shop and pub, reachable by the 505 bus.

Currently highlighting Beatrix Potter's floral illustrations. Worth it if you're a National Trust member, though I'm not sure if children would find it as interesting. I'd call ahead as the gallery was closed earlier this week due to staff shortage. I've been told it's hard to get in during the morning so booking is advised, however the afternoons are more accommodating for drop-ins which is what we did. There's no immediate parking so you will need to park in the village pay & display car park (£3 for up to 2hrs). You can collect a National Trust Passport stamp at the entrance if you ask. Very limited gift stand, I'd recommend the 'Peter Rabbit and Friends' gift shop and 'Chocolate Factory' (both next to the car park) if you want to buy gifts and merchandise. No toilets, but the car park has some for 50p (cash/contactless).

Now called Tabitha Twitchets Bookshop, though unsure if this is just a temporary arrangement? Within still contains many displays relevant to the life and works of Beatrix Potter, but with a large bookshop element as well. All housed within a delightfully Olde worlde interior that is as much part of the attraction as the exhibits it contains. If you are in Haweshead with an idle hour to spare, this will be worth your time to take a look.

We travelled to this wonderful little gallery after visiting Hilltop, Beatrix Potters house just a short drive away. Original pictures hand drawn and displayed for us to appreciate. Pay and display parking in the Village and a lovely walk through very quaint streets, we didn't think it was very well sign posted and we found it through Google Maps. There are some steep, narrow stairs inside the building but qell worth negotiating to have a look at thr wonderful art work. Fabulous place to visit and a step back in time to my childhood.

Great little place to enjoy some Beatrix Potter stories. Perfect for older children as there is a game to look for the answers, however there is beautiful little corner with drawing and playing area for little ones. Great deal for National Trust members, both House and Gallery free which can save a lot of money!

It’s no longer the gallery, it’s now a 2nd hand book shop. The Beatrix Potter illustrations are apparently safely in storage & the new exhibition is due to move to Wray castle in 2027.

This is a must for all Beatrix Potter fan!!

Extremely friendly staff, delightful food! And very nice pub garden, sticky chicken sandwich was delicious as well as the chowder, with such good choice. Two suggestions would just be to have a fence by the end of the pub garden to block out the bins and there was a slight odd smell inside. Would make it absolutely perfect!

Excellent meal mid-week in the evening. Lamb was beautifully cooked and surrounded by fantastic tasting vegetables. Nice friendly service and good pub atmosphere.

Lovely traditional pub with very welcoming and friendly staff. Enjoyed the most delicious Sunday lunch with fresh vegetables, homemade Yorkshire puddings and very tasty gravy. Would definitely recommend and visit again.

Fabulous place to stay in a beautiful little village, lots of interesting shops in the doorstep. Room and beds were comfortable. Food in the pub downstairs was excellent and service was very friendly. There is some parking right next door.

A lovely village pub. Great, fast service. Good pricing too. Free dart board and pool for £1. Great to pop into if you are staying around Hawkshead.

Absolutely brilliant staff. Chilli beef nachos, steak and ale pie, Black Sheep ale and lemonade all fantastic. Dining area inside spacious and cool on a hot summer's day. Gem of a pub.

In my humble opinion, I think this is the best pub in Hawkshead. The pub had four draft ales on - all well kept. The Swan Blonde from Bowness Bay Brewery was the best but the others were deserving of a sample! The Sunday Roast was perfect. The staff were great in looking after the customers. The inn dates back to at least the 15th century, making it the oldest pub in the village. The building, which is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England, was refaced in the 19th century, giving it a stucco exterior with a slate roof, though it retains much of its historic character.

Wasn't too busy. Been here before. Beer was good. Loved the pizza. Burger with cheese inside was a bit too round and not as enjoyable. Staff attentive and a very good experience. Just didn't like the burger. Chicken wings were pretty good.

Visited twice during our stay in Ambleside. The first just for drinks and the second for an evening meal (for which we booked a table in advance). The staff are great, and do well to cope with the volume of tables they have to look after. Great choice of beer, although the wine is a little limited but what they have is good quality. The food was delicious! Would recommend the pizzas which are a good size and packed full of very tasty toppings.

Noticed this place on a visit to Ambleside a couple of days prior to actually going and really wanted to try it after seeing the menu. Well, we were not disappointed - the food was amazing, the staff were even better: very friendly and nothing too much bother. The kids' menu included 9" pizzas and I swear they were bigger.... we left with plenty of leftovers. The place has a great atmosphere about it and it's the sort of place you want to come into from the rain or cold - highly recommend a visit here if you're ever in Ambleside!

We passed the Tap Yard in Ambleside a few times whilst staying in the area and went in for dinner. The menu looked good and had various options for our son who has ASD (plus he loves pizza!). They are a dog friendly venue, so we were able to bring our dog in with us too 🐾 🐾🐾 They serve some great beers, and the servers are all very friendly. The place has a nice relaxed atmosphere - good place to go to catch up with friends or for a bite to eat with the family after a day out in the Lakes. The wood fired pizzas were very nice with thin bases and plenty of toppings. We had a side of cheesy focaccia which was lovely! Also ordered the Tap Yard salad with chicken, which was delicious. You can book a table, which is advisable, but this time we walked in and were lucky enough to be seated straight away. We’ll definitely come again next time we’re in Ambleside.

- Great variety of pizzas. Portion was generous. Pizza tasted very good. - Burger is a bit dry. I’d recommend pizza over burger. - Quick and friendly service! We didn’t have a reservation but was able to get a table on the second floor.

A lovely experience. After a long day of driving and walking this was just what we needed. The service from Thomas and Christian was fantastic and the pizzas were spot on. Great atmosphere with good banter. Would definitely recommend! Bonus is that they're dog friendly so we could sit inside.

Solid 5 stars. Service was fast server's were very polite, and the food was absolutely class. If your looking for a gastro burger place in Ambleside look no further. The Tap Yard has plenty of outdoor seating and plenty of indoors. Food prices are very good for what you are getting and I must say food quality is really good. I had a margarita pizza and an Oreo Sunday with a drink and tip for £25 food was delicious. There are quite a few choices on the menu to suit almost anyone. I will definitely go back.

The family were lovely and so welcoming. He was chatting with us the whole time and gave us free samples of their delicious hot sauce! The food tasted SO fresh and it couldn’t have been tastier! Would definitely recommend this place to anyone who loves Mexican.

Fantastic little spot in the Lakes. The tacos are really authentic, so fresh and flavourful. I believe it’s a small family run establishment and the chap on the till was so lovely, trying to share his love of the beers on tap with everyone coming in. Unfortunately found myself infuriated that this place is in Ambleside and not round the corner from us in Manchester! These are on par with the best tacos we’ve tried, up with the likes of Los Tacos No 1 in New York City! So often we’re disappointed trying new restaurants and food spots but this place blew us away. Will definitely be making the trip back, if not only for Tacos del Sol.

Had a fab vegan burrito 🌯 from here. They have vegan cheese so nearly all options had vegan variants. Whilst my vegan burrito was 10 out 10, my colleagues also rated their meaty meals 10 out of 10 too. Its hidden slightly as its not on the main streets in Ambleside but you should make every effort to go and experience the best Mexican foods.

Best burritos we have ever had! So fresh and flavourful. A real authentic Mexican gem.

The food was superb, very fresh and authentic. The couple who work there are really friendly and welcoming creating a lovely atmosphere. A must if you're visiting!

Wasn't expecting a lot of a back street burrito shack, but I can't help myself and was pleasantly surprised. Food was great, really excellent quality. Had the beef burrito and all the ingredients were fresh and vibrant. Chunks of beef, zingy guacamole, salsa came in choices of heat level (after discussion with the main man) - everything had great flavour and texture right down to the soft and crispy wrap. Excellent post-ride food!

After a long walk down from Wansfell this was unbelievable. The host is SO friendly, talking through the way they cook everything, offered us tasters of all the new beer they had in. We loved the quesadillas so much we ordered another. The ingredients are all made daily, they cook it all in front of you and it’s really quick. The flavors are so fresh. Not many restaurants in Ambleside with fresh ingredients. I wish I came here before our last day.

You can imagine Beatrice in all the rooms and outside sitting in her garden. Full of things she loved and the stories she wrote, the house is big (lowish ceilings) and interesting but lots of visitors make the rooms seem small. Dog friendly, a few benches in her garden to enjoy a picnic or a drink\bite from the mobile cafe, toilets down a step. 2hrs parking is ample for looking round, so arrive a few minutes before your booked time, check in and collect your token for the house. Book and gift shop plus a house had cake for £2 and another a few plants for sale.

Beatrix Potters beloved farmhouse. You need to book car working if visiting here via the National Trust website. It’s a nice way to spend and hour reminiscing on the books you had in childhood. Beatrix used the farmhouse and local area as inspiration for her famous children’s story books. You see story boards around the side demonstrating this. The house is interesting with lots of the original contents on display. These are refreshments, toilets and a shop on the site.

My visit to Hill Top was a cherished return after 25 years, and it was just as magical as I remembered. It was a joy to walk through Beatrix Potter's gardens and home, which truly sparked my imagination. I was especially excited to find a Peter Rabbit book for my grandson, a perfect memento of the visit. ​The grounds are pet-friendly, which was great for our group. However, dogs are not allowed inside the house itself, so we took turns visiting to make sure everyone got a chance to see it. ​The views and the small village are incredibly quaint and charming. I highly recommend stopping at the pub located between the car park and the property entrance—it’s a great spot. ​A major tip for visitors is to book your tickets online in advance. We purchased our tickets the day before and got the last two available spots for the entire day. I would have been so disappointed to have traveled all the way to the Lake District and not gotten in! We booked the last time slot at 2:30 PM, and it seemed to have the fewest crowds, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

The main attraction here is to be in the same spaces that Beatrix Potter occupied and see how those spaces inspired the writing of some of her books. Having copies of those books open and available at points through the house was a nice touch which added an extra level of understanding to the place. The mice hidden throughout the house to find also added to the visitor engagement in a way that seemed to fit well with the general feel of the place. If you are not a Beatrix Potter fan (but you're other half is perhaps?) then do not fear. There is plenty of interest here for the tag along visitor too. The house holds its own as a purely historical attraction, and the garden areas surrounding the house are also noteworthy. The gift shop just before the exit is well stocked and the staff were welcoming and helpful. Some exclusive items here that can only be bought at the shop itself. They are not cheap but I would imagine a dedicated fan will not be deterred by the larger numbers involved.

Lovely place, well looked after by the national trust with almost all the original furnishings. So interesting to see more about Beatrix's life. Got the ferry across from Bowness and walked up, a bit of road walking at times but a beautiful walk.

The house is beautifully set for visitors to see how Beatrix Potter lived and worked. The garden is just as I imagined. Beatrix Potter did so many good things for children with her books and pictures. Her work with people in the Lake District helped to keep it looking wonderful for generations to enjoy. I am so glad the NT takes so much care of Hill Top. Thanks to Joey’s for the yummy coffee.

Its a quiet, small and beautiful garden to visit if you are in the area & a NT member. However it’s missing the usual NT tea room, facilities & information to make worthwhile a re-visit as we only spent 1.5hr there… which included a long sit in the garden.

What an amazing find! We stumbled upon this shop by accident and once inside the kids couldn't help but want to join in the chocolate making class! Staff were very helpful, classes on the hour. The kids enjoyed their class and brought home 3 chockate items each that they made! 100% worth the money.

Great experience in the chocolate factory. Enjoyed by all the family! Lots of yummy chocolate eaten whilst making our treats!! Definitely worth the £20 you get to take home what you make and it was a lot of chocolate. Would definitely recommend.

Good selection of fudge and chocolate. Fudge is freshly made. We bought few flavours. Nice staff.

This is a really great experience for children and adults alike. The only thing that let's the place down is lack of toilet facilities. You have to use the public toilets across the road, which are 60p to use, but which are not very nice nor hygienic. There us no baby change facilities in the gents, so single dads will be a little stuck. Aside from this The Chocolate Factory was great with great, polite staff. We would certainly recommend a visist👍

Amazing shop, lovely treats, bought there freshly made dubia chocolate 🍫 best one I've tried home made perfection 😍

Brilliant selection? Yes. Brilliant quality? Yes. Expensive? Yes, but worth every penny. Go on, treat yourself. Fantastic little shop.

Bought 2 bars Salted caramel and banoffee tasted like cheap chocolate, very disappointed was hardly any difference in taste between the two bars. I was expecting Hotel Chocolat standard.

What an incredible day! Our party of 10 visited Go Ape on Sunday, a mix of seasoned zip-liners and nervous first-time fliers, and Vic and Ronan made it an experience we’ll never forget. Their perfect balance of fun banter and rock-solid professionalism put everyone at ease, from the teenagers to the almost-pensioners! They were brilliant at encouraging the nervous ones while keeping the thrill alive for the confident climbers. Safety was always front and centre, but never in a way that killed the fun. We left with huge smiles, plenty of laughs, and memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re thinking about Go Ape—ask for Vic and Ronan. They’re absolute legends! 🌳💚💪

Lorn & Ronan were very supportive & excellent instructors. They were lively, fun & very safety conscious. Thank you both very much for a great experience.

I did not participate in the go-ape activities. However I could see lots of people having fun high up in the trees.

From the outset the staff here set you at ease as they give the safety brief. No easy feat for someone like myself who is not great with heights. Came here to challenge myself and achieved that in the best possible way. Safety is always first, but the course is just high enough, far enough and tricky enough to keep that edge of excitement. Looking down on the site four zip wire is not an experience I will forget in a hurry. Was I really that high up? Refreshment and toilet facilities are available before or after your adventure. If you want to scare yourself but from a point of safety then give this one a go.

Closed due to damage done by Storm Amy and the beginning of October. Some serious trees have been broken in two bringing down a lot of the equipment. Quite right, 3 stars was inappropriate. Upgraded to 5 stars. I hope you are able to get it all repaired.

Zip trek was a mind blowing experience!! Good variety in the speed/views/length of the zip lines. You get to do 8 long zips in a really untouched area accompanied by fun and reassuring instructors. Every zip is tandem so you can watch each other as you go!! Our instructors Emily and Louis were fab. It's not too scary as the starting platforms are close to the ground but you get a thrill zooming over the valleys! Totally recommend, well worth the price we paid.

We did the zip wire experience and it was amazing. We had a group of 6 people and 2 instructors. Took about 2 hours to get through there were 3 zip wires down due to trees but didn't affect out experience still got to do 5 massive zip wires was great experience in the foggy spooky trees. Purchased gloves there which were glad we had. Parking on departure cost £5.90

Big fan of this pub, having experienced probably over 100 pubs around the UK over the past few years at this point. A quintessential English experience set in a charming little town. I only had a few drinks, but enjoyed the banter and environment here the most out of the other options in town.

Lovely country pub with excellent service and atmosphere. Visited twice for Sunday lunch whilst on holiday and on both occasions were treated as though we were their most valued customers; a standard they extend to all their customers. The nut roast wasn't to my wife's taste and this was resolved in a professional manner meaning we went back again. Many thanks.

I had an amazing 3 day stay here with my two spaniels. Nothing was too much trouble we were made so welcome. Everything - food, room, service was top notch - I'll definitely be back thank you

Lovely staff, cosy room with very comfy bed and beautiful shower. My only comment is that although the food was tasty, my hubby and I had the lamb hotpot, which had very little meat in it. That said, we would definitely return.

What a great find in Hawkshead. Beautiful pub with good range of real ales and wines. Friendly and welcoming staff. Although we never ate, ( we didn't have time)the food looked amazing The interior is your traditional style pub. We had an amazing time, wished we could have stayed longer, but we had a bus to catch.

Nice littke pub well cared for by the Robinson family / brand. Pretty oak beams. Friendly staff. Speed food between 2 and 5, which is crazy in a village a busy as Hawkshead. I eat only in 2o mins and 2 groups wanted to eat. And this is October. Still, pleasant pub.

I stayed at The Queens Head in Hawkshead this weekend with a friend and loved every moment. We booked a dog friendly room as it was the only one available at the time of booking, it was so spotless you would never know a dog had been in there, I would happily choose it again. The toiletries were lovely too with good quality shampoo and conditioner provided. Hawkshead is a charming, picture perfect village and the inn makes the most of its beautiful setting. Breakfasts were delicious and the evening meals and Sunday roast were just as impressive. Warm, welcoming and faultless in service, The Queens Head is the perfect place to relax, eat well and enjoy the Lake District.

My wife and I recently stayed stayed at the Cuckoo Brow Inn, top class service. The staff were very friendly and couldn't do enough for you, nothing was any trouble. We stayed in room 7 and the room itself was great. powerful hot shower and a comfortable sleep. If I had to pick anything I would have preferred to be at the front of the building so we had more of a view, but this doesn't take anything away from our stay it's more a preference of I had a choice. The food was beautiful from breakfast to our evening meal and service was prompt. Over all a very enjoyable stay and I'm sure we will be back. Thank you to all the staff at the Cuckoo Brow and your hard work.

A really excellent truly dog friendly hotel. A great location, right by Hill Top Beatrix Potters house, Hawkshead and easy to get to Windermere and Bowness via the short ferry. The Rooms very lovely with great views, comfortable beds and stylish bathrooms. The restaurant was excellent and we ate there both nights we stayed, the curry was particularly delicious. There are vegan and vegetarian options. The staff were so attentive that the waitress noticed I ordered vegetarian the night before so offered me the vegetarian cooked breakfast which was excellent. The second day I had porridge which was probably the best porridge I have ever had in an hotel. We were really made to feel welcome especially the dog. A great family place.

This family owned inn is just lovely. They are very personable and really care about their guests. The view was amazing from our room. The food is to die for. Their menu changes due to the season and we were quite satisfied with our meals. We ate there for dinner every day. We did forget to book, but we were able to get a table within 30 minutes. They had the best sticky toffee pudding, so moist and fluffy. And the breakfast is just the best. If you get a chance, stay here or just eat. You won't be disappointed.

Every is amazing here !! The service is incredible, we were out finding petrol for 2 hours at 12 am and they called us to make sure we were ok and to see when we would be back. Everyone is so friendly and the service is amazing. The food is incredible!!! 100% value for money! Plus it is beautiful!

We went to the Cuckoo Brow for Sunday dinner to celebrate a wedding anniversary with our family recently (October 2025). The food was delicious and plentiful and the staff were so polite and efficient (particularly sweet with my young granddaughter). Thank you for making our special day extra special. We will be back.

Great food, staff very friendly such a warm welcome from them all. Took Lexi with us as its dog friendly, loved the gallery of dog photos and stories on the wall. Highly recommend

Just popped in for the loo mid walk and got a couple of latte's and in a world of mediocre coffee they were very good. The pub was very nice and the staff were great too, would definitely like to go back for a meal and maybe stay over.

Haven't stayed here so can't comment the rooms but had a great meal here last week - day four from the re-opening and the service and food was very good. Portions were just right, the food overall was delicious. I had the scotch egg starter which was fab, and the Chicken Ballantine main which was lovely. It's a popular spot so suspect you'd need to book as we did as it was full on a Monday evening. Also sat outside the previous afternoon for a lovely drink in the sun. The outside space is lovely, especially in the sun!

Had a very good meal! Really recommended. Excellent staff. Very special in terms of ambience and atmosphere; in part down to a beautiful and tasteful refurbishment - so good for see the character of the interior thoughtfully maintained. Already planning a return!

Exceptional Service, Exceptional food, Exceptional Guinness. What more could you ask for? Recently renovated, we have eaten here three nights in a row and it’s just been incredible. The staff are wonderful, the dishes are varied and incredible quality and the Guinness outperforms the 99% of other pubs in the area.

Food is OK dining room far to noisey as there is no wall between dining room and the busy bar which is a big shame. Starters too small ….but mains good Also they were unable to provide a correct VAT receipt showing the VAT calculation which i am reasonably sure is a legal requirement All in all 5 out of 10

Great atmosphere, friendly staff, good food, dog and child friendly, what else can you ask for? We visited the day after it reopened (and many days in the subsequent 2 weeks). Would definitely recommend if you are visiting or staying around Hawkshead.

Great service the bar Manager is really welcoming makes you feel happy to be here, great pint of Brooklyn IPA

Top quality food and service. Owners have done an amazing job with the renovation.

They’ve done an excellent job with this museum, creating modern galleries to tell the story of both Wordsworth’s who made Dove Cottage their home, plus a space for contemporary exhibitions, in addition to regular tours of the house and garden access. There are handy lockers beyond the entrance, gender-neutral toilets and a lift inside the museum if you need it. Free entry with an Art Pass or Historic Houses membership too. My only suggestion would be to install cycle parking somewhere on site. If there is some, please make sure signage is clear!

A fascinating visit to one of the main homes of William Wordsworth. With a booked tour, you can visit Dove Cottage and then onto the museum. They also have quite a nice cafe, with plenty of seating. We are not creatives or well versed in poetry, but the environment is good with all types of people. Creatives will particularly enjoy it

What a dream come true moment for me!! Wordsworth is an absolute favourite of mine and visiting Grasmere, Lake district is like a pilgrimage for me. The cottage is kept beautifully and the museum is small but interesting. I recommend that u take the 10am or 10.40am tour to avoid crowds. The staff is pleasant and kind

An authentic step into Wordsworth’s world The Dove Cottage tour is wonderfully authentic—stepping inside truly feels like going back in time. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and able to answer any question about Wordsworth, his life, and the period. The on-site art suite adds a creative touch to the visit, and overall, it’s a very engaging and inspiring experience. The garden is quite small, and the café is simple, but Dove Cottage alone is absolutely worth the trip. Booking ahead is essential to secure your spot for the Dove cottage tour with specific starting time, however you can come for the museum, garden, cafe, woodland anytime during the open time.

Our visit to Dove Cottage was one of the most moving experiences of our Lake District trip. The tour was beautifully delivered by Holly, whose passion and confidence brought Wordsworth’s world to life. As newlyweds, we were touched when she kindly offered to take our photo on the bench in the garden such a thoughtful gesture that made the visit even more memorable, it was one of the best photo of our honeymoon. The Wordsworth film at the beginning brought everything together and genuinely moved us. A deeply emotional and inspiring experience we’ll never forget.

Our visit begins with a step back in time: the guide paints a picture of Grasmere in the early 1800s, when William Wordsworth lived here with his beloved sister, Dorothy. Dorothy’s journals, alive with observations of nature and daily life, often sparked the very verses that made her brother famous. A short film follows, drawing us deeper into Wordsworth’s world, his reverence for nature, his radical belief in the worth of every human being, and his ability to transform the simplest moments into timeless poetry. Crossing the threshold of Dove Cottage feels like entering their lives. The rooms are intimate and welcoming, with much of the original furniture still in place, including a striking grandfather clock that seems to tick with the weight of history. Here, William and Dorothy found joy in the simplest pursuits: long walks through the fells, tending their garden, writing late into the night, and sharing conversation with friends. Later, Mary, William’s wife, joined them, and the little house echoed with the laughter and footsteps of children. The pretty cottage garden, bursting with colour and still so peaceful today, was both their sanctuary and their muse. Standing there, it is easy to imagine how its quiet beauty found its way into William’s verse. From the cottage we move to the exhibition, where Wordsworth’s world comes alive through handwritten letters, notebooks, and first editions. Passages from his works—including The Prelude, his poetic autobiography, are woven through the displays, reminding us of his deep spiritual bond with nature and humanity. Reading about his gentleness, compassion, and commitment to kindness, I can’t help but reflect on how much we might learn today from the way the Wordsworths lived. Our final stop is an unexpected delight: the studio of resident artist Stacey Joy. Her striking drawings, inspired by Wordsworth’s poetry, invite us to explore time and memory in new ways. Visitors are encouraged to contribute their own ideas to an evolving artwork—a living conversation between past and present. Stacey poses the question: How do we interpret memories and time? It lingers with me. I picture memory as a spiral, looping backwards and forwards through a lifetime—so different from the slow, fragmented progression of my mum, whose dementia steadily erodes her recent memory, pulling her further into the past. The idea of capturing these contrasting journeys through art feels both poignant and powerful. Leaving Dove Cottage, I feel not only enriched by the story of an extraordinary poet, but deeply moved by the reminder of his humanity. William Wordsworth left us a legacy of literature, yes, but also an enduring example of how to live: with kindness, humility, and reverence for the beauty in people and the world around us.

Absolutely utterly impressed with the accessibility within this place. As an ex SEND teacher who has ADHD I was completely blown away by the attention of care for any young learners with additional needs. There were sensory bags with toys, sensory walks, ear defenders, social stories (which even myself as a 34 year old found helpful) and plenty of activities throughout. It was also great to see wheelchair access. Thank you so much for such attention to care! It is very rare to see this but it made me feel valued as i contemplated carrying some sensory toys for myself!

Beautiful fell, fairly easy to climb but with great views. A lot of overlapping paths but usually busy enough that there are plenty of other people around!

We had an amazing walk to the Loughrigg Fell and the trail around the area. The scenery up at the top was fantastic. Enjoyed the packed Lunch up at the top. The trail is quite easy. Lots of cute farm animals along the way.

Loughrigg Fell is such a perfect walk for all ages. We usually park at White Moss car park which is a great starting point and has plenty of space. The route is not too long and the path is steady all the way up, making it ideal for families or anyone who just wants a good walk without anything too difficult. The views from the top are amazing, looking out across Grasmere and Rydal Water, and it always feels peaceful and rewarding once you reach the summit. It is one of those fells you can do in a few hours and still feel like you have had a proper adventure. We would definitely recommend it for anyone visiting the area, it is a brilliant little fell with big views.

Had a great hike up Loughrigg fell stopping at Rydal cave on the way, steep in places and was a little awkward for my dog in a couple of places on craggy rocks but he did manage. The reward was stunning views of the tarn and nearby lakes.

My first mountain hike and it was so much fun and breathtaking. Beginner friendly. The views were incredible and it has connectivity to other major sight seeings like Rydal cave and rydal hall where you can also see the Grot.

A delightful moderate climb from White Moss car park (Wainwright's Route 1, a few more strenuous bits in places) with great all-round scenic views rewarding the effort. After the pretty flat path from the riverside to the Loughrigg Terrace footpath, the climb starts there in earnest at the west end, where the well-constructed stepped path starts climbing back southeastwards (more or less overlooking Grasmere lake, lovely views). Much of the climb from there is on the very good stepped path, but there are two or three short sections that are definitely a scramble - hands are needed and extra care is necessary placing feet! I tried to do the walk fairly quickly (I didn't want a parking ticket) so completed it with just around 5 minutes spent at the summit before returning. Time taken - just over two hours there and back. But I'd allow a minimum of two and a half or three hours if I did the walk again. No point in rushing up and down without good reason; the views are spectacular.

Beautiful hike - if you have just one day in the Lake District, I recommend seeing Grasmere (gingerbread shop, St Oswald's, Dove Cottage) and then hiking up Loughrigg Fell for stunning 360° views. Helpful (though steep) stone steps on the way up, making the ascent from Grasmere relatively short, and lovely wild raspberries if you need a snack on the way. More and more of the surrounding lakes and valleys reveal themselves the higher you climb. Totally gorgeous!

Walked in today for my wife to try on new boots and hopefully choose some and buy some. She tried on 4 pairs and we were assisted by a member of staff who was quite helpful. She liked the Scarpa Terra priced at £210 which seemed a bit expensive for me. I did a quick Google search whilst in store and they were priced at £168 delivered, at George Fisher in Keswick, which they have to consider as a rival store. The assistant said, "Are you having those then?" and I told him about the price in Keswick and asked about a price match. The assistant was powerless to do any deal and told me flat that they do not price match or do any negotiations. I said that the £42 was better in my pocket and he agreed and said he would go for that deal too. So, after taking 15 minutes of his time and trying the boots out in store, we walked out empty handed. Wow! I couldn't believe the inflexibility of this situation. We walked around the corner and bought them from Go Outdoors! I'm giving 2 stars for the help and initial enthusiasm, but after that, I'm gobsmacked by the customer service.

Absolutely fantastic service from Mark. The time and attention he paid me and my partner in getting the right boots for our feet, gait and condition was fantastic. His knowledge and care throughout made the following days' hiking in the Lakes a much more comfortable experience.

Please be very careful. We have been long standing customers of Gaynors however I purchased a voucher as a present for my wife in store and asked whether the voucher could be redeemed online to which the staff member confirmed yes. Having tried to redeem the voucher online, I have engaged with both the store and head office and have been told it can actually only be redeemed in store and it does not mention this in T&Cs. The voucher was of significant value. It is terribly disappointing so please be aware of this, when supporting independent businesses compared to more 'household' establishments.

This shop used to be my first choice if I needed hiking gear. However was told this trip that I could only bring the dog in if I carried her. Another member of staff then told us no dogs even if she was carried! Both members of staff were unfriendly and didn't offer any help when we were looking at walking boots. Ended up going elsewhere

This is a bit of an unfortunate review for me to have to write, as I do quite like the in person experience at this store. However, I have recently ordered an item online from the clearance section at a fair discount on one Sunday night, after the shop was closed, paying a little extra for faster shipping - should arrive Tuesday. No action was taken (that I can tell) for my order on Monday, then on Tuesday at 10am I received an email saying my order had been dispatched. 15 minutes later I received an order confirming my refund had been processed - no further info. As it turns out, a customer had entered the store in person and bought the item I had already purchased and paid for online in between the time they tried to dispatch it. No other form of resolution or apologies were made, and the initial refund didn't even include refunding my shipping! Ultimately, quite disappointed in the service provided and likely will not be shopping online here again unfortunately.

I was lucky enough to buy a new Mountain Equipment Tromso jacket online for an amazing price - far cheaper than anywhere else in the country. It was an easy transaction and the jacket arrived within 2 days even using the cheaper postal option.

Great section of stuff inside but my partner had to wait outside because we had the dog. Literally the only outdoor shop in the world that's not dog friendly. Absolutely mad

A sweet little gem in the heart of Ambleside! Popped into the Rock Shop on a wander through town and was met with a blast of colour and fun gifts. The staff were lovely and friendly, happy to help but not pushy. Great for picking up souvenirs or just treating yourself. Well worth a visit if you're in Ambleside.

Love this shop! So many gorgeous crystals many way out of price range for me but beautiful to look at! Lots within price range too! Bought a beautiful green fuchsite, a lovely double wand sodalite and such a cute little selenite tower with a light box all for £18 which I think is a bargain! Will be back in the future.

Great shop, full of interesting, beautiful crystals & fossils. £6 and you get to sit in the gem pit and fit as many gems as you can in your bag 😊. Friendly staff and situated in a beautiful setting. Would definitely recommend.

This shop was the highlight of our visit through town! The bracelet making station was so cute and fun! Plus the view is lovely:) A perfect place to make a personalized souvenir. Bonus: the staff were lovely!

Loved it in here. Spent most of my wages on gorgeous jewellery and tumble-stones. They also have a bracelet making bar, which we obviously had to have a go at. Amazing, all kinds of stones, gems, charms, etc, to make a bracelet completely unique to you! They have a dinosaur thing upstairs, which I couldn't persuade my pal to go into with me, but next time!

We always love visiting the rock shop when we holiday in the lake district. Such beautiful little gifts and trinkets. But the best bit is the rock pool. And big area full of gem stones that kids can actually get into and dig around for their favourite rocks to take home. We do it every time we visited and i did it as a kid too. Its become something of a tradition. And we love it. The staff are always so so lovely. The shop is beautiful. We will continue to re visit!

Much has changed since visiting this store many years ago. A gem pool for the kids and Dino experience. It's definitely something a bit different and great gifts as well.

A great place to walk. There's a fantastic view at the top. There's Gruffalo/ Stickman sculptures halfway up the hill. There's also a sculpture trail that wasn't there last time I headed up Orrest Head. We parked in a free layby. The closest ones to Orrest Head have a time limit, but the one a bit further back hasn't a time limit. Great place to visit for families.

This is a hidden gem where you must go if you want to enjoy abundance of natural beauty. After you reach here you get a full 360 degree view of Windermere and the surrounding areas. Very serene and peaceful place. It is around 2 km climb from Windermere, not too steep but not very easy either. Actually there's an accessible road though I won't recommend people on wheel chairs to get here, strollers are ok. We went in the morning before breakfast so there wasn't any crowd. Just one note, the views show up only after you reach the spot, not much to admire on the way. Sharing a few pictures that I clicked here.

This is a really lovely spot. It has spectacular views over Windermere and the hill and mountains. There's a great information board showing what you can see. It's the first hill that Wainwright climbed when he came to the Lake District. There are 2 routes to get to the top, one is steeper and shorter and the other easier and suitable for push chairs.

Orrest Head is such a lovely walk and perfect for families. It’s an easy path from Windermere up through woodland that opens out to a beautiful viewpoint over the lake and surrounding fells. The climb is gentle but the view from the top is amazing, especially on a clear day. We’ve done it a few times now and it’s one of those walks you never get tired of.

Beautiful scenic view of Windermere and the mountains in the distance. Well worth a walk up. Easily accessible. Parking on street at bottle. 30 mins to summit.

Easy to get to from the station, cross the road the sign for the start is there. There are two ways to get up. The red route, which includes steps and the blue route, is an accessible route that allows wheelchairs and buggies. Great view from the top. If you have hay-fever, bring the tissues lol

Fabulous walk. Miles without styles. Great for individuals or families