Guests say
Fir Howe in Ambleside receives high praise for its comfort, cleanliness, and prime location with easy access to walks and local amenities. Guests appreciate the well-equipped and cosy apartments, though some mention issues with maintenance and a lack of communication during outages. The tranquil setting and wildlife sightings add to the charm of this Lake District cottage.
Most guests find the property spotlessly clean and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable stay. However, one review mentions a lack of freshness and presence of mold, which slightly lowers the overall cleanliness score.
The location is consistently praised for its proximity to local walks, towns, and the peaceful environment. It is considered a highlight and a strong suit of Fir Howe.
Guests frequently commend the comfort of the property, mentioning the cosy atmosphere, comfortable beds, and well-furnished rooms. A few remarks about a creaky bed and dark interiors due to conifer trees are noted.
The facilities are generally well-received, with the property being well-equipped. However, there are several mentions of maintenance issues such as a problematic washing machine/dryer and dishwasher, and the unexpected closure of the swimming pool, which affects the score.
There is no mention of gifts or special thoughtful touches provided by the hosts in the reviews, so it is not possible to assess this category.
About this property
This attractive first-floor apartment is set in a picturesque woodland setting just above Skelwith Bridge within the Neaum Crag estate. Enjoying a central location with the Lake District National Park, Fir Howe offers easy access to Ambleside, Coniston and Grasmere, making this a superb choice for couples looking to get the most out of their Lakeland escape. After a day of walking the local peaks and fells, enter this romantic dwelling into the open-plan living space, finding a spot on the plush sofas, with a TV with Freesat to entertain and an electric flame-effect stove adding a subtle warmth to the room.
Make yourself at home in the well-equipped kitchen, enhanced with slate worktops and an electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and a dishwasher among the appliances, with a lovely oak dining table for two; you can delight in the company of each other whilst tucking into a delicious home-cooked meal. When you begin to feel yourself tire, head to the inviting bedroom with a spacious king-size bed to wrap yourself under, with the addition of a gleaming en-suite bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower cubicle. The bedroom also provides access onto the balcony where a view of the Langdale fells and the immediate woodland setting can be enjoyed; grab a drink and use this a calming spot to reflect on the day.
Just a short walk down the hill will bring you to ‘Chesters by the River’, a delightful tearoom and gift shop where you can dine alfresco and sample a selection of treats, from wood-fired pizza and classic cakes, to salads and soups. The hustle and bustle of Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere can be reached in a short car journey, offering a lovely selection of local shops and eateries, along with all kinds of exhibits and attractions with the iconic Roman Fort and World of Beatrix Potter to explore. Stroll along the water’s edge onboard one of the fabulous Windermere steamers, offering passengers a relaxing cruise across England’s largest lake.
Other attractions close to Fir Howe include Stock Ghyll Force, a staggering waterfall that falls from 70 feet, as well as Rydal Hall and Rydal Mount, where Wordsworth lived and created many of his famous works. Delight in the many wonders around Fir Howe will your loved one in Cumbria.
Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants and pubs in the village to suit all tastes. On the lakeside at Waterhead, the parkland offers lovely views down the lake and a short stretch of beach, whilst a walk in the other direction, following Stock Ghyll through woodland, will bring you to the entrancing waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Along with the Lake and the great walking on offer, Ambleside is also famous for its annual rushbearing ceremony and the diminutive 17th century “Bridge House” - one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and now the National Trust Information Centre.
Accommodation
Quality Assessment completed February 2025 - Grading Retained.
One king-size bedroom with en-suite bath, separate walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining and sitting area with electric flame-effect stove.
Electric central heating with electric flame-effect stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, TV with Freesat, DVD player, iPod dock/DAB radio/CD player, and WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for one car and additional visitor parking.
Balcony with table and chairs.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Note: There is an on-site seasonal clubhouse (March - mid November) a Scandinavian style pool complex houses a sauna, small swimming pool and jacuzzi, table tennis table, recreation area and telephone.
Please note: this property only accepts arrivals on Mondays and Fridays.
Nearby points of interest
- Lake Windermere
- Wastwater Lake
- Wastwater Alpaca Trekking
Reviews (32)
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Sophie
It had everything we needed for the stay and we really liked the location - very quiet and peaceful and close to lots of great walks, and the facilities of Ambleside. Would definitely stay again.
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Saamia
There was a bad smell when we walked in, and it didnât have a fresh scent, which gave us a poor first impression. After our long journey, we wanted to rest, but there were no covers on the bed. We had to request bedding from customer service, and instead, we found dirty bedding from the last guests left in the bathroom, which seemed unprofessional. While trying to put on new bedding, we noticed a bad smell in the bedroom. When we were doing this, we found mold on the bed frame, which likely caused the smell. Because of this, we had to keep the door and windows open in the cold to let in some fresh air. The cleanliness fell short of expectations, as the floors appeared not to have been vacuumed thoroughly, and there was a general lack of attention to detail throughout. We hope these issues can be addressed to enhance the experience for future guests.
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Karen
Well appointed with great facilities. Highly recommended.