SKELWITH BRIDGE HOTEL | Dog Friendly Hotel in Ambleside | Pet Friendly Comfort

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Skelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9NJ

Near Lake Windermere

Great

8.3

/10

4.6

4.4

Loved by Skelwith Bridge Hotel guests

Clean rooms
Excellent breakfast
Helpful staff
Comfortable bed
Cozy ambiance

"Perfect base for a walking holiday, with a couple of easy scenic walks starting nearby, and a drying room for dealing with wet clothes."

Jenni from United Kingdom

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"The hotel has a lovely location and central to the south lakes, there's plenty of parking and a pleasant garden / terrace for drinks / lunch."

gboyle7 from United Kingdom

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"Food here is 5* no nonsense, exceptional."

Richard T from United Kingdom

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Situated around a 5-minute walk from the 3-star Skelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside, guests can reach Skelwith Force in no time. The hotel features 30 rooms and such amenities as a restaurant and a luggage room.

Location

The tranquil woodland Stagshaw Garden is 3.6 km from this Ambleside hotel, and the stunning Tarn Hows is 4.2 km from it. St Oswald's Church is also located approximately 10 minutes by car from the Skelwith Bridge Ambleside.

The nearby cultural experience includes the Beatrix Potter Gallery, which is 6 km away.

Foulstep crossroads bus stop is merely 5 minutes' walk away.

Rooms

The rooms at this accommodation have a seating area, along with an iron for your convenience. Furnished with a writing table, the rooms also have coffee/tea making equipment. Bathrooms are equipped with a separate toilet and a shower, as well as comforts such as toiletries and towels.

Eat & Drink

Guests can try local cuisine at an à la carte restaurant on site. The bar's menu offers various types of wines and beers. The Talbot Bar is adjacent to Skelwith Bridge Hotel, 100 metres away.

“This hotel strikes me as a restful base in Ambleside, particularly appealing to those exploring the southern lakes with a canine companion. The enduring team seems to genuinely care, enhancing that cozy fireside feeling after a long day outdoors. I picture relaxed evenings in their bar, sampling local flavors after rambling through the hills.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingHassle-free Arrival

Plenty of space in the car park! Easy to come and go as we pleased during our entire stay.

John Smith from United Kingdom

Review on

BedroomSuper Comfortable

The bed was incredibly comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep after a day of exploring.

Maria Rodriguez from Spain

Review on

BathroomSpotlessly Clean

The bathroom was spotless, and the shower had great water pressure. A real plus!

Jean Dubois from France

Review on

DiningGreat Food

The breakfast was delicious and set us up perfectly for our walks. A satisfying start!

Peter Hansen from Denmark

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Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers

Single Room

2 persons

3 m²

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Twin Room

2 persons

5 m²

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Double Room

2 persons

5 m²

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Superior Double Room

2 persons

9 m²

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

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Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable

Facilities: Great

8.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Billiard tables

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Board games
Children's menu
Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Skelwith Bridge Hotel, dining options celebrate the essence of local cuisine in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Guests can indulge in hearty dishes and a selection of beverages that mirror the charm of the beautiful surroundings, making each meal a delightful experience.

Skelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Local cuisine

Ambiance

Warm and welcoming setting perfect for casual dining

Key Offerings

Savor the Classic Bolognaise made with Lakeland minced beef, seasoned to perfection, served atop tagliatelle and complemented by crisp garlic bread. A diverse range of bottled and draught beers, wines, and ciders are available throughout the day.

Reservation

Not required

Food served from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM every day.

Hotel location

Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9NJ

Map view

Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9NJ

City landmarks

Landmark

Loughrigg Tarn

910 m

Camping

Skelwith Fold

1.2 km

Landmark

Elter Water

1.1 km

Landmark

View point looking north west

780 m

Garden

Rydal Mount

3.5 km

Landmark

Rydal Water

2.9 km

Landmark

Loughrigg Fell

2.7 km

Landmark

Todd Crag

1.6 km

Landmark

Colwith Force

2.3 km

Landmark

Lily Tarn

1.9 km

Landmark

Ambleside Roman Fort

2.8 km

Landmark

Lake Grasmere

3.0 km

Museum

Dove Cottage

3.6 km

Cave

Rydal Cave

2.5 km

Bridge

Bridge House

3.4 km

Castle

Wray Castle

3.9 km

Landmark

Elterwater Gunpower Site

2.3 km

Landmark

Merz Barn

2.4 km

Landmark

Sawrey's Wood Slate Mine

2.4 km

Landmark

View over mine

2.5 km

Landmark

Meg Gill Falls

3.1 km

Museum

The Armitt Museum And Gallery

3.4 km

Landmark

Peppers Quarry

2.6 km

Cave

Cathedral Quarry

3.1 km

Landmark

Borrans Park

3.0 km

Landmark

Hayes Garden World Ambleside

3.3 km

Gallery

Old Courthouse Gallery

3.4 km

Landmark

Rothay Park

2.9 km

Landmark

Main Gate

2.9 km

Nearby

Skelwith Force

410 m

Restaurants

The Talbot Bar

100 m

Skelwith Bridge Hotel

Explore Ambleside

Activities Around Skelwith Bridge Hotel

Skelwith Force

5 minutes' walk

A stunning waterfall set in a tranquil woodland, perfect for a short stroll and photo opportunities.

Loughrigg Tarn

10-minute walk

A picturesque tarn ideal for picnics and nature walks, offering breathtaking views of surrounding hills.

Elter Water

15-minute walk

A serene lake known for its beautiful reflections and surrounding scenery, perfect for a quiet retreat.

Rydal Water

10 minutes' drive

A scenic lake with walking paths and picnic areas, great for families and walking enthusiasts.

Hiking on Loughrigg Fell

10 minutes' drive

Challenging trails offering stunning views of the Lakes, suitable for keen hikers and nature lovers.

Wellness at Macdonald Spa

10 minutes' drive

Relaxing spa treatments with various therapies available, ideal for those seeking rejuvenation.

The Talbot Bar

2 minutes' walk

Traditional pub fare with a cozy atmosphere, offering locally sourced dishes and a fine selection of ales.

Zeffirino

5 minutes' drive

Known for exquisite Italian cuisine and an elegant setting, perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.

The Old Laundry Theatre

10 minutes' drive

A vibrant venue featuring local plays and performances, catering to all ages and tastes with a lively atmosphere.

Ambleside Tavern

10 minutes' drive

A lively bar with regular live music and events, welcoming guests of all ages for an enjoyable night out.

Local transport and travel tips

City Centre

Ambleside5 min · 3.3 km

Airports

Carlisle Lake District (CAX)119 min · 78.9 km

Blackpool International (BLK)165 min · 109.4 km

Bus

Bus stop5 min · 3.3 km

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Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:30-22:30

Check-out

from 08:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Skelwith Bridge provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

Spanish, Hungarian

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Skelwith Bridge Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Skelwith Bridge Hotel is often praised for its location, ideal for exploring the central Lakes and enjoying beautiful nearby walks. Guests appreciate the free off-road parking and find it easy to book a taxi to Ambleside. Many have found the rooms spacious, with some noting room 11 as particularly perfect, featuring a large double aspect and a massive bath; a few guests have, however, mentioned noise from the pub cellar when staying in room 11. The breakfast is frequently described as excellent and plentiful, and many enjoy the sunny beer garden.

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Review score

Based on 515 verified reviews

8.4/10

Great

88%

Recommend

Location

9.3/10

Staff

9.2/10

Facilities

8.3/10

Value for money

8.6/10

Pros

Good breakfast

Friendly staff

Dog-friendly hotel

Good location

Cons

Uncomfortable beds

Water leak

Andy from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 27, 2025

8.7/10

grateful for the stay

friendly staffdog friendlyparking space

the staff was friendly and the facilities were great. this hotel is very dog friendly. the bar area has spacious room between tables that kept dogs apart. i appreciate the many parking spaces provided and the easy access to nearby walks.

the room looks slightly dated and could use a refresh.

Service

9/10

the welcome was fantastic and the staff was helpful. gabriel, who worked behind the bar, was particularly efficient and kind. i appreciate the great service received throughout my stay.

Rooms

8/10

my room was large, sunny, and comfortable. the bed provided great comfort. i was grateful for the usb adaptors in the sockets. the bathroom featured a large bath, very relaxing.

Dining

9/10

the breakfast was very delicious. the steak and ale pie that i had for supper was superb. the bar had a comfy atmosphere. i found the food and drink to be enjoyable, especially the sea bass.

0 Helpful

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Tony from United Kingdom

Family with children

Standard Double Room

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 30, 2025

6/10

tea varietymoody barmanawkward atmosphere

The room was spacious and there was plenty of tea and coffee provided.

The barman, Jack, seemed moody and standoffish during his shift. He lowered the music volume due to an ear problem and threatened to ask us to leave when we tried to play music after he turned it off. This situation made the atmosphere awkward after we had already spent a considerable amount at the hotel.

0 Helpful

Leo from Germany

Couple

Standard Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 24, 2025

6/10

Acceptable Stay with Some Issues

quick foodreasonable pricedated roommold smell

The food arrived quickly. The price was reasonable for the Lake district. The location is great. Beautiful walks are very close.

I stayed in a room that needed updating. The bathroom smelled of mold. The window did not open to let in fresh air I thought this was an issue.

0 Helpful

Jordan from Jordan

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 23, 2025

7/10

A satisfactory stay

lovely locationnice bar areabath inclusiondated decordifficult windowstaff absence

The location was lovely. The bar area had a nice atmosphere. The room I stayed in included a bath, a feature I appreciate.

I found the decor to be somewhat dated. The window was not easy to open for fresh air. It was difficult to locate staff at certain times.

0 Helpful

FAQs

About Skelwith Bridge Hotel

What is the check-in and check-out policy at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?

Check-in is at 15:30 and check-out is at 11:00.

Is parking available at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?

Free on-site private parking is available for guests.

What dining options are available at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?

The hotel features an à la carte restaurant serving local cuisine and a bar that offers a variety of wines, beers, and soft drinks.

Are there any nearby attractions to Skelwith Bridge Hotel?

Nearby attractions include Rydal Water (3 km), Hayes Garden World Ambleside (3 km), and Brockhole on Windermere Adventure Park (5 km).

What amenities are included in the rooms at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?

Rooms include a flat-screen TV, work desk, private bathroom with free toiletries, and some rooms feature a sitting area.

Is breakfast available at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?

A wholesome breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 GBP, served in the restaurant or in guest rooms.

What activities can guests enjoy at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?

Activities available include billiards, a games room, and outdoor activities such as cycling, mountain biking, sailing, fishing, and bird watching.

How far is Skelwith Bridge Hotel from Manchester Airport?

The hotel is 200 km from Manchester Airport.

What special features does Skelwith Bridge Hotel have?

The hotel features a garden with a terrace, historical charm dating back to the 17th century, and a welcoming atmosphere with real log fires during winter.