Skelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Exterior photoSkelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Exterior photoSkelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Exterior photo

Skelwith Bridge Hotel

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From$156 /night
Check-in
02Sept
Check-out
03Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, LA22 9NJ
-
Near Lake Windermere
Great
8.3
/10
4.7
4.4
/5

17th-century Lake District hotel with dog-friendly policies and direct access to scenic trails

Rooms & Amenities

Skelwith Bridge Hotel offers 28 well-appointed en-suite bedrooms including single, standard, superior, and twin options. Each room has a flat-screen TV, work desk, and a private bathroom with either a bathtub or shower. The hotel provides complimentary parking and high-speed Wi-Fi, along with a drying room for wet walking gear.

Dining

The on-site restaurant and bar serve a wide selection of local beverages, wines, beers, and soft drinks. Breakfast includes a Cumbrian breakfast with options for special dietary needs, and the menu offers customizable choices for lunch and dinner. Guests can also order breakfast in their room, and the bar serves a variety of wines and champagne.

Dog-Friendly Policies

The hotel allows dogs throughout the property, including in the bar area and guest rooms. Dog bowls, pet baskets, and treats are provided to make four-legged guests comfortable. The location offers direct access to river walks and trails suitable for dogs.

Location & Activities

Skelwith Bridge Hotel is located on the outskirts of Ambleside, 3 km from Rydal Water and close to Lake Windermere, Grizedale Forest Park, and the Beatrix Potter Gallery. Guests can walk directly from the hotel to Elterwater or the Cumbria Way, and the area offers sailing, cycling, mountain biking, fishing, bird watching, golfing, and shopping. The hotel is 152 km from Manchester Airport.

Entertainment & Facilities

The hotel has a games room with a pool table and board games for guest use. A shared lounge and TV area, garden with outdoor furniture, picnic area, sun terrace, and a coffee house on site provide additional leisure options. Accessibility features include wheelchair access, raised toilets, grab rails, and an emergency cord in the bathroom.

Highlights

History: 17th-century coaching inn with historic charm

Rooms: 28 en-suite bedrooms including superior options

Dining: Cumbrian breakfast and customizable menus

Dog-friendly: Dogs allowed throughout, with pet bowls and baskets

Activities: Direct access to the Cumbria Way and river walks

Facilities: Drying room, games room, and meeting/banquet space

“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.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

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
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Standard Twin Room
    2 persons
    5 m²
    2 Single beds
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Standard Double Room
    2 persons
    5 m²
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

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
Show more

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.
  • 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.

Location

Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, LA22 9NJ
Explore Ambleside
Activities Around Skelwith Bridge Hotel
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Skelwith Force
5 minutes' walk
A stunning waterfall set in a tranquil woodland, perfect for a short stroll and photo opportunities.
Loughrigg Tarn
Loughrigg Tarn
10-minute walk
A picturesque tarn ideal for picnics and nature walks, offering breathtaking views of surrounding hills.
Elter Water
Elter Water
15-minute walk
A serene lake known for its beautiful reflections and surrounding scenery, perfect for a quiet retreat.
Rydal Water
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
    Ambleside 5 min  ·  3.3 km
  • Airports
    Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 119 min  ·  78.9 km
    Blackpool International (BLK) 165 min  ·  109.4 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 5 min  ·  3.3 km
Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?
Access exclusive discounts today!
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 the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 15.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
Spanish, Hungarian
Number of rooms:
30

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Skelwith Bridge Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
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 528 verified reviews
8.5 /10
Great
89 %
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Staff
9.2/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Pros
Good breakfast
Friendly staff
Dog-friendly hotel
Good location
Cons
Uncomfortable beds
Water leak
Guest reviews
based on 528 reviews
8.5/10
based on 866 reviews
8.3/10
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 staff dog friendly parking 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
|
Show less
Tony from United Kingdom
Family with children
Standard Double Room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 30, 2025
6/10
moody barman awkward 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 food reasonable price dated room mold 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 location nice bar area bath inclusion dated decor difficult window staff 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.

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