Ambleside Cottages with Hot Tubs
Ambleside Guide
Ambleside's hot tub cottages offer the perfect Lake District escape, nestled in one of the national park's most charming towns. With Windermere on its doorstep and fells rising dramatically in every direction, it's an outdoor enthusiast's paradise that also boasts surprising cultural depth.
Accommodation ranges from traditional stone cottages with modern luxuries to contemporary eco-lodges. Many feature private gardens where you can enjoy your hot tub whatever the weather - a particular treat after tackling Helvellyn or the Fairfield Horseshoe.
TripAdvisor's top-rated attractions include Stock Ghyll Force (a spectacular 70-foot waterfall), Bridge House (possibly England's smallest house) and the Armitt Museum. The town's literary connections are strong - William Wordsworth frequently visited, while Beatrix Potter lived nearby at Hill Top Farm.
Cottage stays offer flexibility that hotels can't match - full kitchens for self-catering, space to store walking gear and that all-important hot tub for evening relaxation. Many properties welcome dogs too, perfect for exploring the countless pet-friendly trails surrounding Ambleside.
Get More From Your Ambleside Hot Tub Cottage Break
Sightseeing
Ambleside packs an impressive punch for a small Lakeland town. Start at Stock Ghyll Force (LA22 9SH), a powerful waterfall just a 15-minute walk from the town centre. The 70-foot cascade is particularly impressive after rainfall, with Victorian viewing platforms offering perfect photo spots.
Don't miss Bridge House (LA22 9DU), the quirky 17th-century structure spanning Stock Ghyll. Now a National Trust property, this tiny building once housed a family of eight! It opens 11:30am-4pm daily between March and October.
The Armitt Museum (LA22 9BL) houses an excellent collection of local history and Beatrix Potter's natural history drawings. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 from over 200 reviews, with visitors praising its "fascinating insights" into Lake District heritage.
Waterhead Pier (LA22 0EY) offers steamboat trips across Windermere - a must-do activity that lets you appreciate the landscape from a different perspective. Boats run hourly in summer with reduced winter schedules.
Pet Friendly
Ambleside ranks among the UK's most dog-friendly destinations. Most walking paths welcome four-legged friends, including the popular Loughrigg Fell circuit which offers spectacular views without too challenging a climb.
After working up an appetite, head to Fellinis (LA22 9AD), a vegetarian restaurant with a dedicated dog area and water bowls. The Apple Pie Café (LA22 9BU) also welcomes dogs in their outdoor seating area and offers treats.
The Wateredge Inn (LA22 0ER) on Waterhead Bay provides dog-friendly accommodation and a bar where pets can join you. Their riverside beer garden is perfect for sunny days when you're not enjoying your cottage hot tub.
Remember that sheep roam freely in the Lake District, so keep dogs on leads when crossing farmland. Many local shops provide dog waste bags if you run short and the tourist information centre (LA22 9BS) can advise on current trail conditions suitable for dogs.
Top 3 attractions you have to see in Ambleside
1) Hayes Garden World (LA22 9LB)
Much more than a garden centre, this massive complex houses everything from outdoor gear to Christmas decorations year-round. The café serves excellent cakes and their houseplant section is legendary among green-fingered visitors. Open 9am-5:30pm Monday-Saturday and 10:30am-4:30pm Sundays. One TripAdvisor reviewer called it "a rainy day saviour" - useful given the Lake District's changeable weather!
2) Stagshaw Garden (LA22 9LR)
This hidden National Trust gem offers a peaceful alternative to busier attractions. The woodland garden features rare rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas, with spring and early summer bringing spectacular colours. Open dawn till dusk year-round with free entry. Visitors describe it as "a tranquil oasis" and "Ambleside's best-kept secret."
3) Rydal Mount & Gardens (LA22 9LX)
William Wordsworth's beloved home from 1813 until his death in 1850 sits just outside Ambleside. The house remains largely as he left it, while the gardens he designed offer stunning views over Rydal Water. Open 10am-4pm daily except Tuesdays, with adult tickets at £9.50. The tearoom serves excellent scones that make a perfect post-walk treat before returning to your hot tub cottage.
Is Ambleside good for walking?
Absolutely! Ambleside sits at the heart of some of the Lake District's finest walks. Routes range from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain hikes. The Fairfield Horseshoe is a classic circuit for experienced walkers, while Loughrigg Fell offers spectacular views for moderate effort.
When is the best time to visit Ambleside?
May and September offer ideal conditions - fewer crowds than summer but generally good weather. Spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls at their most impressive, while autumn creates stunning woodland colours. Winter has its own charm with snow-capped fells, plus your cottage hot tub feels even more luxurious!
Do I need a car in Ambleside?
Not necessarily. The town has excellent bus connections to Windermere, Keswick and beyond. The 555 bus runs regularly through the central Lakes. Many walks start directly from town and boat services operate from Waterhead. That said, a car provides flexibility for exploring more remote areas.
Where can I park in Ambleside?
Parking can be challenging in peak season. The main car parks are at Miller Bridge (LA22 9DG) and Lake Road (LA22 0DN). Both charge around £8 for all-day parking. Some cottages provide private parking - a valuable amenity worth checking before booking.
What's the best pub in Ambleside?
The Golden Rule (LA22 9BH) wins most locals' votes. This traditional pub avoids screens and music, focusing instead on excellent ales and conversation. For something livelier, try The Unicorn (LA22 9BJ) which offers regular live music and a broader food menu.
Can I swim in the lakes near Ambleside?
Yes! Wild swimming is popular at Rydal Water and Waterhead Bay on Windermere. Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre (LA23 1LP) offers supervised swimming sessions for those wanting more safety measures. Remember that even in summer, lake temperatures rarely exceed 17°C.