Guests say
Smithy Cottage in Ambleside is a well-loved holiday rental, praised for its central location, cosy atmosphere, and thoughtful touches such as scones and wine on arrival. Guests appreciate its proximity to local amenities and the Lake District's natural beauty. While some guests have concerns about cleanliness and the spiral staircase, the majority report a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Cleanliness at Smithy Cottage has received mixed feedback. While many guests found the property clean and well-maintained, a few reported issues with cleanliness, including mould and dust. These negative experiences have slightly impacted the overall impression of cleanliness.
The location of Smithy Cottage is highly praised for being central and convenient, with easy access to Ambleside's shops, pubs, and natural attractions. Guests appreciate the ability to explore the area without relying heavily on their car.
Guests generally find Smithy Cottage comfortable, with a cosy living area and a warm atmosphere. However, some guests have mentioned that the spiral staircase can be challenging, and the parking situation may not be ideal for everyone.
Facilities at Smithy Cottage are well-regarded, with a modern kitchen and inviting living space. However, there are comments about maintenance issues such as a tricky TV remote, a non-functioning washing machine, and a difficult induction hob, which suggest room for improvement.
The thoughtful gestures of a welcome pack with scones, wine, and milk are frequently mentioned and appreciated by guests. However, it should be noted that such gifts are a kind gesture and may not be guaranteed with every stay.
About this property
Tucked away in an elevated position in Ambleside is this ‘chocolate box’ Lakeland cottage. This traditional blacksmith’s cottage has been refurbished to a high standard, with slate flooring and stunning spiral staircase, offering a luxury stay in the Lake District for couples.
The stable door opens into the open plan living area, with luxurious furnishings to the sitting area and stylish kitchen. The perfect bolthole for two. The spiral staircase leads up to the romantic double bedroom and shower room, complete with walk in shower. There is also a separate dressing room with chaise longue, a lovely area to get yourself ready to enjoy wining and dining in Ambleside. At the front of the property is a small patio area with furniture, a peaceful spot to enjoy a moment watching the sun set over the Lake District.
The centre of Ambleside is just a few minutes’ walk away, it is known as one of the foodie destinations of the Lakes, with plenty of vegetarian restaurants to sample too. There are plenty of independent shops to browse and unwind by the Lake at Waterhead Pier. Here you can hop on a Lake Cruise and explore nearby Windermere and Lakeside.
Further north are the villages of Grasmere, Coniston and Langdale – all of which are a little more rural, great for hiking and discovering the hidden gems of the Lakes.
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
One bedroom: 1 x double.
1 x shower room with walk in shower, basin and WC.
Open plan living area with kitchen and living area.
Separate dressing room
Gas central heating with electric underfloor heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, TV, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Parking permit and on-street parking nearby, patio with furniture to front of the property.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Pub 4 mins walk.
Shop 6 mins walk.
Note: No infants allowed at this property
Nearby points of interest
- Lake Windermere
- Wastwater Lake
- Wastwater Alpaca Trekking
Reviews (60)
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Steven
This is one of the nicest cottages we have stayed in. We arrived on a cold miserable day and on entering the cottage it felt nice and warm - lovely and cozy. We were greeted with homemade scones and a bottle of wine and some milk in the fridge. A very nice touch! The kitchen / diner and lounge area was very modern and clean with very comfortable sofa and chair. We loved the spiral staircase and upstairs the bed was very comfortable, the bathroom and shower were just great and the separate dressing room was a great area to put all out walking gear and equipment. The heating was very efficient and easy to control. There is a small parking space outside the cottage and in addition a permit was provided for a car park which was less than 5 minutes walk away. All in all a great place to stay.
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Wendy
In ambleside and plenty to do and see
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Susan
Very quirky with the spiral staircase - beautiful cosy home from home! Thank youâ¦we will be back