Guests say
Rock Lea is a well-loved cottage in Ambleside, praised for its convenient location, comfort, and thoughtful touches. Guests appreciate the private parking, proximity to shops and pubs, and the cosy atmosphere with a log burner. While there are some mentions of noise and cleanliness issues, the overall sentiment is positive, with many guests planning return visits.
Most guests found Rock Lea to be clean and well-maintained, though there were a few mentions of cobwebs and hairs, suggesting occasional oversights in cleaning. The majority of reviews, however, reflect a high standard of cleanliness.
The location is highly praised for being central yet quiet, with easy access to local amenities and walking routes. The private parking is consistently mentioned as a significant benefit. Some noise was noted from nearby activities, but this seems to be an infrequent occurrence.
Guests describe the cottage as cosy, warm, and comfortable, with comfortable furniture and beds. There are some suggestions for minor improvements, but overall, the comfort level is rated highly.
The cottage is well-equipped with kitchen utensils, a wood burner, and other home comforts. Some guests encountered issues with heating and hot water, but these were resolved promptly. There are suggestions for additional items like larger mugs and a radio in the second bedroom.
While many reviews mention the cottage's well-equipped nature and some thoughtful touches, there are no specific references to gifts provided by the hosts. Therefore, it is not possible to score this category accurately.
About this property
Rock Lea is a lovely traditional slate cottage, built in 1903 and is the end cottage of a row of six in a quiet conservation area of Ambleside, known as The Green. Rock Lea has been sympathetically resorted by its owners to a quality standard, retaining much of its original character and offering a heart-warming escape for families or a couple looking to stay in a peaceful location close to the amenities of Ambleside. Enter the cottage into the entrance porch with room to store coats and boots before finding the sitting room, a cosy space to unwind on the sofas in front of the woodburning stove and watch your favourite show on the Smart TV.
Move through into the fully equipped kitchen, appointed with a useful selection of appliances including an electric oven and hob. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, a double and a single, dressed in light colours with oak furniture and both with fell views. A contemporary shower room with corner shower, basin, WC and a heated towel rail completes the accommodation. Walking enthusiasts will want to take advantage of the many low and high level walks from the doorstep including the lower paths to Rydal and Grasmere and the higher peaks of Wansfell and the Fairfield Horseshoe, or walk alongside the River Rothay and up on to Loughrigg, a rewarding climb to discover the uninterrupted views across Lake Windermere.
A couple of minutes' walk from the cottage are a number of excellent traditional Lakeland Inns and the centre of Ambleside has a wealth of shops, excellent restaurants, cafes and the award winning Zeffirellis Cinema & Restaurant for films, live music and good food. A cruise on board a Windermere steamer is highly recommended, taking you down to the bustling town of Bowness-on-Windermere or further to Lakeside where you’ll find the Lakes Aquarium before returning to Ambleside with time to enjoy the unbeatable views of wooded landscapes, secluded bays and dramatic fells. Rock Lea is a charming base for Lake District delights, all year round.
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
Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x single.
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Cosy sitting room with Smart TV, DVD/CD player, radio.
Wifi.
Woodburning stove.
Gas central heating throughout.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer, dryer.
Fuel and power included In rent.
Bed linen and towels included In rent.
Travel cot and highchair are available at this property.
Off-road parking for one small/medium car immediately outside the cottage.
Patio with seating and access to pretty communal garden with views over Loughrigg.
Small shed with secure storage and hanging racks for 2 bikes.
2 minute walk to traditional Lakeland inn.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking or vaping allowed in the property.
Please note: The cottage has open plan living on the ground floor with stairs off the living room leading to first floor bedrooms, although the staircase has a handrail the property may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Nearby points of interest
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
- Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
- The World of Beatrix Potter
- Lakes Aquarium
- Lake District National Park
- Lake Windermere
- Esthwaite Water
- Lodore Falls
- Church of St Olaf
Reviews (37)
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Katie
The kitchen was well equipped with everything we needed. We loved every minute of our stay.
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Sarah
Well equipped kitchen, we cooked each evening and the kitchen had all the tools we needed. Large freezer was really handy as we brought frozen food and were able to freeze our bread rolls so they would last the week. The beds were so comfortable and the curtains kept the light out well. Couldnât fault the property at all. We will be back!
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Robin
No negatives at all. We benefitted from decent weather and were able to leave the car most days. That meant having dedicated parking was a real bonus too. The living room is cosy, the kitchen meets all basic needs, the bedrooms comfortable, and the bathroom has as good shower. It was an ideal property for our stay in Ambleside.