The Gables Guest House, Ambleside ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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The Gables Guest House Ambleside Exterior photo

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About the Hotel

Church Walk, Ambleside, United Kingdom

2 minutes' walk from the centre of Ambleside

Perfect

9.1

9.0

/10

5.0

4.7

Loved by The Gables Guest House guests

Comfortable rooms
Friendly staff
Excellent breakfast
Great location

"The location was ideal with the bus interchange a two minute walk away and shops and eateries just steps from the front door."

Roslyn from Australia

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"The English breakfast each morning was very hearty and delicious, filling me with the sustenance I needed before adventuring on one of the nearby hiking trails."

Peter T from United States

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"Good facilities and has a drying room for wet gear."

Scott from United Kingdom

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4-star stylish Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Ambleside

Accommodation

The Gables Guest House offers a range of accommodation options, including singles, doubles, twins, and superking rooms, all individually styled. Each room is en-suite, equipped with a bath and/or shower, ensuring convenience and comfort. Options vary from spacious classic superking rooms to cozy doubles with magnificent views.

Dining

Every morning, guests can enjoy a full Cumbrian breakfast, freshly cooked to order in the bright breakfast room. Lighter options, including scrambled eggs on toast and homemade croissants baked to order, are also available. Ingredients sourced from local suppliers like Haytons in Staveley enhance the dining experience.

Location

The hotel is centrally located in Ambleside, less than a mile from the shores of Lake Windermere, offering easy access to water activities. Guests can explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions, with Zeffirellis five cinema screens nearby. The surrounding area is a starting point for walking, cycling, and driving excursions into the Lake District.

Activities

Ambleside provides numerous outdoor activities, including walking trails, cycling routes, and local attractions like galleries and award-winning cinemas. Guests can rent boats or enjoy kayaking and canoeing on Lake Windermere. The Gables serves as an excellent base for taking on renowned cycling passes like Wrynose and Hardknott.

Policies

The Gables welcomes well-behaved pets by prior arrangement, making it an accommodating option for animal lovers. The hotel is a no smoking establishment, ensuring a pleasant environment for all guests. Specific check-in times are between 4 and 8 PM, and guest keys offer flexibility to come and go at leisure.

Highlights

Location: Less than a mile to Lake Windermere

Dining: Full Cumbrian breakfast with locally sourced ingredients

Rooms: Individually styled en-suite rooms

Policies: Well-behaved pets welcome with prior arrangement

“The Gables Guest House earns high praise for its central Ambleside location, putting guests steps away from local attractions and Lake District trails. I particularly appreciate the blend of Edwardian charm with modern comforts, alongside a commitment to locally sourced, home-cooked meals. The provision of practical amenities like bike storage and a drying room underscores its appeal for active travelers.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.8/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingHassle-Free Arrival

On-site parking was free. Overflow parking was also available nearby. It made exploring the area easy.

Kevin from Canada

Review on

DiningBreakfast Bonanza

Breakfast included a wide choice of cereals, yogurts and hot options, plus coffee and juice.

Olivia from Australia

Review on

BedroomDreamy Comfort

The bed was so comfortable, I had the best sleep ever. The room was quiet and spacious.

Jake from New Zealand

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Room FeaturesThoughtful Extras

A drying room was available for wet clothes. The room also had tea and coffee making facilities.

Chloe from United Kingdom

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Select your room type

The Gables Guest House offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Room Bath

2 persons

80 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room Shower

2 persons

165 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

King Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe King Room

2 persons

205 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Gables Guest House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No pets allowed
Security
Adults only
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Wind surfing
Canoeing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Tennis court
Bowling
Mini golf
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Gables Guest House Location

Church Walk, Ambleside, United Kingdom

Map view

Church Walk, Ambleside, United Kingdom

City landmarks

Garden

Rydal Mount

1.4 mi

Landmark

Ambleside Roman Fort

3500 ft

Landmark

Stock Ghyll Force

3800 ft

Landmark

Hayes Garden World Ambleside

3900 ft

Landmark

Borrans Park

3300 ft

Castle

Wray Castle

2.1 mi

Landmark

Lily Tarn

4600 ft

Landmark

Jenkin Crag

1.4 mi

Landmark

Rydal Water

1.7 mi

Landmark

Wansfell Pike

1.2 mi

Garden

Rydal Hall Gardens

1.4 mi

Landmark

Dora's Field

1.3 mi

Landmark

Rydal Hall Sculpture Path

1.5 mi

Cave

Rydal Cave

1.5 mi

Landmark

Loughrigg Fell

1.8 mi

Landmark

High Sweden Bridge

1.5 mi

Museum

The Armitt Museum And Gallery

2.6 mi

Garden

Stagshaw Garden

2.5 mi

Camping

Skelwith Fold

1.7 mi

Landmark

Brockhole on Windermere

2.2 mi

Landmark

Todd Crag

1.8 mi

Landmark

Moss Eccles Tarn

2.5 mi

Landmark

Copt Howe

2.5 mi

Nearby

Bridge

Bridge House

800 ft

Gallery

Old Courthouse Gallery

2000 ft

1 Vicarage Rd

Rothay Park

1100 ft

Church

St Mary's Church

1600 ft

The Hollens

The National Trust

2000 ft

Loughrigg

High Close Estate

2000 ft

Cylinders Langdale

Merz Barn

2000 ft

Restaurants

Fellini's

600 ft

Church Street

Great North Pie Co

400 ft

Unit 2 The Courtyard Rothay Road

Misto

400 ft

9 Compston Road

Matthew's Bistro

600 ft

Compston Road

Jintana Thai Restaurant

600 ft

Compston Road

Zeffirelli's

800 ft

Compston Road

Copper Pot Cafe

600 ft

Church Street

Luigi's Restaurant

600 ft

Luigi's Restaurant Kelsick Road

Ishaas Indian Eatery

600 ft

3 Kelsick Road

eS Bar

800 ft

2 St. Marys Lane

Explore Ambleside

Local Activities and Dining Options

Ambleside Roman Fort

13 minutes' walk

Ancient Roman ruins offering captivating history with guided tours available to enrich the experience.

Stock Ghyll Force

14 minutes' walk

A stunning 70-foot waterfall surrounded by lush woodland, perfect for a peaceful nature walk.

Rydal Mount

25 minutes' walk

Former home of poet William Wordsworth featuring beautiful gardens and scenic landscapes.

Hayes Garden World Ambleside

15 minutes' walk

Gardening center with a diverse range of plants and garden decor, ideal for garden lovers.

Hiking at Wansfell Pike

20 minutes' walk

Thrilling hiking opportunity with panoramic views; accessible via local trails.

Lakeland Pony Trek

11 minutes' drive

Horse riding experiences for all skill levels amid scenic landscapes; pre-booking required.

Great North Pie Co

2 minutes' walk

Local favorites with handmade savory pies; relaxed atmosphere, perfect for casual dining.

Matthew's Bistro

2 minutes' walk

Intimate bistro serving locally sourced dishes; noted for its welcoming service and innovative menu.

Jintana Thai Restaurant

3 minutes' walk

Authentic Thai cuisine in a cozy setting; vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

Old Courthouse Gallery

8 minutes' walk

Art gallery featuring local artists; family-friendly with regular exhibitions and workshops.

The Royal Oak

5 minutes' walk

Charming pub vibe with live music on weekends; popular among locals and visitors alike.

Getting around

City Centre

Ambleside4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Carlisle Lake District (CAX)113 min · 46.6 mi

Blackpool International (BLK)160 min · 66.3 mi

Bus

Bus stop3 min · 700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-19:00

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel The Gables Guest House provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Gables Guest House from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Gables Guest House is highly rated for its convenient Ambleside location, steps away from shops, restaurants, and the bus interchange, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas. Guests often enjoy the well-cooked breakfast, sometimes with a view over the park. The rooms generally feature modern bathrooms, comfortable beds and some offer a sitting area; though a few guests have noted that the bathroom radiator may not always provide sufficient heat.

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Review score

Based on 369 verified reviews

9.3/10

Perfect

97%

Recommend

Location

9.8/10

Staff

9.7/10

Breakfast

7.1/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.4/10

Pros

Comfortable bed

Friendly staff

Tasty breakfast

Cons

Dated room

Small TV

Late check-in

Taylor from United Kingdom

Single

single room bath

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 13, 2026

9.3/10

wonderful stay!

fantastic locationdietary needsgood breakfast room

I had such a pleasant experience! the location is fantastic for walks right from the doorstep and the bus station is very close. the staff helped with my luggage and accommodated my dietary needs. the breakfast room was so good. I really enjoyed the well-cooked food.

the bathroom radiator provided only a little heat!

Facilities

9/10

off-street parking is available at no extra cost. drying facilities are offered free for boots and outdoor kit. washing facilities are also available without charge to the guests.

Dining

10/10

breakfast includes a selection of fruit, cereals, and yogurts. cooked options are available for breakfast. oat milk is available as a milk alternative during breakfast service.

Rooms

9/10

rooms include good lighting and heating. towels are changed daily in the rooms. the rooms are cozy and are always kept very super clean for each guest.

0 Helpful

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David from Canada

Single

single room bath

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 01, 2026

9.6/10

excellent guest house!

corner windowgreat breakfastexcellent servicesmall bathroom

the guest house served me very well. my room had corner windows overlooking the church and the bowling green. breakfasts were great, with both excellent food and service.

i found the bathroom to be very small. it was quite cramped and also cold, even when the radiator was on.

Facilities

9/10

the building is a traditional lakeland stone structure. it features a warm and spacious interior. good facilities exist for hikers, specifically a drying room is available.

Rooms

9/10

my room was very clean and warm. the room was spacious. it included good prints and pictures. it also had personal touches all over.

Service

10/10

the host saw me in early. the team helped me with travel plans around the lakes. the staff was very helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them.

Dining

10/10

the breakfast menu offers a good english breakfast cooked to order. the breakfast was lovely, with plenty of choice. i tried the scrambled eggs on toast and they were AMAZING!!!

Location

10/10

the location is superb, near parks and on the south side of the centre. it is a short walk from restaurants, pubs and shops. a central bus stop was a 3 minute walk away.

0 Helpful

Cameron from United Kingdom

Single

Single Room Bath

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 19, 2025

6/10

standard offeringcramped bathroomold decor

the breakfast was good, it was a standard offering.

my room was not great. the bathroom was really cramped. the decor felt old, it really could use a refresh.

0 Helpful

Joshua from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 05, 2025

9/10

charming Guesthouse Experience

central locationvaried optionshelpful stafflimited space

The location was central , yet surprisingly quiet. Breakfast offered varied options, all cooked to order. The staff was friendly and helpful. They provided useful information.

i found the parking arrangements challenging since spaces are limited.

Service

9/10

the staff's attention to detail stood out. They were proactive in assisting with directions and suggesting local attractions. The team remembered my preferences, this.

0 Helpful

Nicholas from United Kingdom

Single

single room bath

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 03, 2025

9.3/10

a return visit well worth it

friendly staffsuper clean roomfresh towelschanged bed

I stayed again and found it just as good. sharyn and mark are very cute. The staff are friendly. the cosy rooms remain super clean. towels and beds get changed daily, which i appreciated after long walks.

the bathroom radiator emitted very little heat though it was on, so the bathroom felt a bit cold

Facilities

9/10

A drying room accommodates wet gear after hikes. Free parking is available on site arriving by car. This added convenience meant i didn't have to worry about finding alternative parking.

Service

10/10

The breakfast staff offered a great and friendly welcome each morning. Their attentiveness created a positive start to the day. their helpfulness added to the experience!

Location

9/10

The location allows easy access to public transport for reaching major towns. Its location near major routes is very useful. I was able to quickly start my daily excursions to various scenic spots.

Dining

9/10

breakfast provided varied options. i found it was well cooked and offered a great choice! this meant i could easily prepare for a day of walking. the filling breakfast offered a good start to the day.

0 Helpful

Rosie from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 04, 2025

7/10

Adequate stay

helpful staffcooked breakfastgreat locationlate heatingsmall bathroomtired decor

The staff were very helpful. Breakfast included a good English breakfast cooked to order. The location is near parks and a short walk from restaurants.

The heating did not come on until 4 pm daily. The bathroom felt small and cold. The decor looked a bit tired.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About The Gables Guest House

Where can I find affordable parking options during my stay?

12 November 2024

There is ample overnight on-street parking available nearby, and staff will be happy to guide you to free parking options.

Are there any rooms on the ground floor for those with mobility challenges?

16 January 2025

There are two ground floor rooms available: one twin and one double. However, there are six steps from the pavement to the entrance. A bus stop is conveniently located about 100 meters away.

Can guests access spa facilities at nearby hotels?

8 March 2025

Unfortunately, local hotels and spas are currently only making their facilities available to their own guests post-lockdown.

Are pets, particularly dogs, allowed during my stay?

5 December 2024

Dogs may be accepted if booked directly over the phone. It's best to inquire about the specific pet policy to ensure a smooth booking process.

What public transport options are available from Windermere station to reach the guest house?

23 February 2025

The journey from Windermere station can be made by either taxi, taking about 10 minutes, or by bus, which takes around 20 minutes.

Is there parking available on-site?

14 April 2025

There are seven parking spaces reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. It's advisable to book directly to secure a space.

What time do guests need to check out by?

30 March 2024

Check-out time is set for 10 a.m. to facilitate enhanced cleaning procedures for arriving guests.

What kind of breakfast options are provided?

21 February 2025

Breakfast includes a 'Picnic' option featuring a filled artisan roll, fruit juice, a cereal bar, croissants, fresh coffee, milk, and fruit, served to your room at the time of your choice.

Is the area surrounding the guest house convenient for exploring local attractions?

19 May 2025

Yes, the guest house is centrally located in Ambleside, making it easy to access local shops, restaurants, and attractions, as well as being less than a mile from Lake Windermere.

Is there a possibility for late check-out?

11 September 2024

Late check-out is not available at this time due to enhanced cleaning protocols which require a timely turnover of rooms.