About Idle Mill 2

Idle Mill 2 is a glass and stone penthouse apartment in the heart of Ambleside. This converted mill building sits right beside the river and you enter via a glass bridge. The apartment has full-length windows and a viewing balcony with outstanding views of the surrounding countryside.

Ambleside sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere. You can walk to Waterhead Pier for lake cruises. Stock Ghyll Force waterfall is nearby. The town has shops, restaurants, cafes and tea rooms all within walking distance. Lots of walks start from your doorstep including Loughrigg Tarn and Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater.

The apartment sleeps four across two bedrooms. Bedroom 1 has a super king bed with en-suite. Bedroom 2 also has a super king zip-link bed that converts to twins on request, plus en-suite. The open-plan living space has oak floors, comfortable sofas and a modern wood burning stove. The kitchen includes a gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher and Lavazza coffee machine.

Bridge House (0.2 miles, 2 minutes) is one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District. Stock Ghyll Force (0.5 miles, 3 minutes) offers a spectacular waterfall walk. Grasmere village (4.4 miles, 12 minutes) has Wordsworth connections and famous gingerbread. Windermere town (4.7 miles, 15 minutes) provides access to lake activities and boat trips.

Idle Mill 2 suits walkers and couples wanting a central base. You get a parking permit for one car. The apartment is spotlessly clean with high-specification fixtures. Many guests return year after year.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Gas central heating and wood burning stove
✓Electric oven with gas hob
✓Microwave
✓Fridge/freezer
✓Dishwasher
✓Washer/dryer
✓Lavazza coffee machine (there will be some pods provided on arrival)
✓Wifi
✓Flight of stairs from main
✓Flight of stairs from ground entrance to apartment door
✓Fuel and power included in rent
✓Bed linen and towels included in rent
✓Parking permit for 1 vehicle
✓Riverside seating
✓Pubs and shops nearby
✓Sorry, no pets and no smoking
✓Cot and highchair available on request

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Idle Mill 2 Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding Idle Mill 2 during your stay. Find the best places to visit and things to do in the local area, all conveniently organised by distance and type. Charming villages to lively and exciting attractions - there's something for everyone to enjoy. Browse through our categories including attractions, walks & outdoor activities, shopping destinations and handy tips on getting around. Plan your perfect day out. Whether you're looking for family fun, romantic experiences, or pet-friendly adventures, this cottage provides an ideal base to explore Cumbria's fantastic days out. Click on any attraction for more detailed information including address, opening times and visitor tips.

Bridge House National Trust

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9DT

Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall

Distance: 0.5 miles

LA22 9LU

Waterhead Pier Lake Cruises

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA22 0ER

Loughrigg Tarn Circular

Distance: 1.2 miles

LA22 9NG

Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater

Distance: 3.1 miles

LA22 9NJ

Tarn Hows

Distance: 4.8 miles

LA22 0PS

Ambleside Co-op

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

Booths Supermarket Windermere

Distance: 4.6 miles

LA23 1BA

Ambleside Market Cross Shopping

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9BS

Bus Stop Central Ambleside

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

Ambleside Library

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9BL

Zeffirellis Cinema

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA22 9AD

Bridge House National Trust

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9DT

Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall

Distance: 0.5 miles

LA22 9LU

Waterhead Pier Lake Cruises

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA22 0ER

Loughrigg Tarn Circular

Distance: 1.2 miles

LA22 9NG

Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater

Distance: 3.1 miles

LA22 9NJ

Tarn Hows

Distance: 4.8 miles

LA22 0PS

Ambleside Co-op

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

Booths Supermarket Windermere

Distance: 4.6 miles

LA23 1BA

Ambleside Market Cross Shopping

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9BS

Bus Stop Central Ambleside

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

Ambleside Library

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9BL

Zeffirellis Cinema

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA22 9AD

Is Idle Mill 2 Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

A cot and highchair are available on request at Idle Mill 2. The apartment is right in Ambleside so you can walk to shops and cafes easily. Stock Ghyll Force waterfall is 0.5 miles away for a family walk. Lake Windermere boat trips run from Waterhead Pier less than a mile away. The two flights of stairs to access the apartment may not suit families with very young children or toddlers.

For Couples

Idle Mill 2 offers a romantic riverside setting with views from full-length windows and a private balcony. The wood burning stove creates a cosy atmosphere in the open-plan living space. Both bedrooms have super king beds and en-suite bathrooms for comfort. You're in the heart of Ambleside with restaurants and cafes on your doorstep. The location is perfect for couples who enjoy walking together with Stock Ghyll Force and Loughrigg Tarn nearby.

Pet Friendly

No, Idle Mill 2 does not accept pets. The property has a strict no pets policy. If you're looking for dog-friendly accommodation in the Lake District you'll need to search for alternative properties that welcome pets. The apartment is kept to a high standard and this policy helps maintain the quality for guests with allergies or preferences for pet-free accommodation.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Idle Mill 2

The Giggling Goose

Located 0.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BU

Zeffirellis Restaurant

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9AD

The Flying Fleece

Located 0.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9AN

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Idle Mill 2

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

No, Idle Mill 2 does not have a hot tub. The apartment does have a modern wood burning stove and two en-suite bathrooms for your comfort.

Is it pet friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at Idle Mill 2. The property operates a strict no pets policy for all guests.

How many people does Idle Mill 2 sleep?

The apartment sleeps four people across two bedrooms. Both bedrooms have super king beds with one offering a zip-link option to create twin beds on request.

What parking is available?

You get one parking permit included with your stay. The car park is nearby but parking can be competitive during peak times in Ambleside.

Are there stairs to access the apartment?

Yes, there are two flights of stairs from ground level to reach the penthouse apartment. You enter via a glass bridge over the river then climb internal stairs.

What cooking facilities are provided?

The kitchen has an electric oven with gas hob, microwave, dishwasher and fridge-freezer. A Lavazza coffee machine is provided with some pods included on arrival.

Is the apartment suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome and a cot and highchair are available on request. The two flights of stairs may not suit very young children or elderly guests.

What walks can I do from the apartment?

Stock Ghyll Force waterfall walk starts 0.5 miles away. Loughrigg Tarn, Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater, Tarn Hows and Blea Tarn are all accessible from Ambleside.

Idle Mill 2 Reviews

Another wonderful holiday in this fabulous apartment. It's very spacious, yet warm and cosy right in the heart of Ambleside. We've stayed in Idle Mill 2 many times and look forward to returning again in 2026. Thank you.

Duncan

Excellent apartment. All the facilities you will need. Very central to the town. Car parking available.

Michael

A super apartment, ideally situated to enjoy Ambleside and the surrounding area.

Very nice flat Been here before. Would stay again

Perfect accommodation. High standard, very comfortable, very convenient location. We will be back. Thank you

Sharon

Love staying at Idle Mill. The location is great and the apartment fantastic and has everything we need. We have booked again for next year

Another great stay at this wonderful, spacious, apartment right in the heart of Ambleside. It was decorated for Christmas, which is a lovely touch. Thank you.

Duncan

I keep coming back to this excellent apartment for a weeks walking holiday. I cannot fault the interior and its facilities. It is also a good location for setting off on a variety of countryside walks, without having to drive somewhere. The town has a good cinema, lots of interesting local shops and a variety of good restaurants to choose from. Your lucks in here.

Fabulous as ever. Third time staying says it all clean, comfortable and ideally placed for exploring this beautiful area.

Katrien

We loved this apartment! It's perfectly located in Ambleside near to shops and restaurants, and also to discover the rest of the Lake District. The apartment has everything you need and more. It's very clean, comfortable and very spacious. Absolutely 5 stars!!! We'll definitely recommend.

Had an amazing stay in a beautiful cottage located right in the heart of Ambleside. What a beautiful place. Plenty of really nice bars and restaurants. Loads of choice of walks from the door. You dont have to use your car as the bus service is really good in the local area. I would highly recommend this cottage. We will be defaintly be coming back. Five star.

I have stayed here four times now. Love the flat. Love Ambleside

Robert

Excellent property, loved the flat and location, will definitely stay again.

Annette Emma

First class accommodation. Cant fault it. We will definitely be returning. Thanks very much for lending us your beautiful home

Deborah

We had a lovely stay. The property was in a great location and was very spacious. The towels were so soft and fluffy! Great to have a few logs, fire lighters and kindling for the fire. Thankyou. Given the price we paid we expected a welcome pack of things such as milk, butter, bread etc. and maybe a few store cupboard items such as oil for cooking. The microwave, oven and fridge were dirty and needed cleaning prior to use. The knives were also blunt and could do with being replaced. Overall a great stay. Thankyou.

Rachel

Unfortunately unable to recommend. Flat adequate but charged120 on the basis of some very blurred pictures of alleged damage. Impossible to identify either damage or location even though we requested additional information. Would avoid at all costs.

Patricia

We have holidayed in this apartment several times over the years. The sofa is unfortunately now too low for our needs and therefore we struggled to be comfortable in the living room. The rest of the apartment was comfy and well equipped. Ideally situated close to all amenities

Our first time staying in Idle Mill 2, we were pleasantly surprised at how spacious it was. Two ensuite bedrooms were an added bonus, and the beds were really comfy. We would stay there again

Duncan

Enjoyed our stay once again. Very clean 5 star apartment. Warm and inviting. Very central for facilities and easy for parking at this time of year.

Catherine

We had a great stay at Idle Mill 2, its a perfect accommodation for friends to go away together! In the heart of Ambleside it was so convenient to go downstairs with all the shops & cafes right on your doorstep. It was super clean, comfortable and well equipped. We would absolutely recommend staying here and will be back!

This is our second stay in this beautiful flat, and we 'treat' ourselves to it after a year of climbing in some fairly remote parts of the Lake District whilst walking the Outlying Fells. It's lovely to come back to somewhere so warm and comfortable, and which is so conveniently located. We will definitely be back!

Superb apartment, spotlessly clean in a great location. Weve been twice already and will undoubtedly be back!

Great property, just a few comments 1 There were no blinds in back bedroom only front, so it was too light for my daughter curtains too thin recommend to add blinds to help sleep 2 Front bedroom was very noisy from the road traffics only room with old sash windows which didnt block out any noise difficult to solve but worth to mention on the description had to sleep with earplugs Everything else was great!

Fantastic. Id like to move in permanently.

Catherine

The apartment exceeded my expectations. Great location we loved hearing the sound of the stream at night, popping to the Apple Pie bakery, and of course the view of Bridge House. Also very comfortable and well equipped. Would definitely recommend.

Doreen

The apartment was really lovely but we will not be returning as the 2 flights of stairs to gain access was a problem for us as we are both over 70. once inside it was ideal. We would have enjoyed a balcony as we managed to be in the Lakes with glorious weather. In the bedroom, not the master, I found putting clothes on the rail you needed to be a giant. same with the microwave, I am quite tall but both areas caused me grief. Apart from the above it was a lovely stay, close to all amenities which was a blessing, we would recommend this apartment to family.

Sharon

We had a great stay. The accommodation was excellent and the location perfect. We would definitely stay again next time we visit Ambleside

This was probably the best property in ambleside we have stayed in over all the years we have been coming here. It was everything it said and more, can't wait to return.

We love Idle Mill 2 and Idle Mill 1 as we've stayed there before and rebooked for Christmas. Lovely property with everything you need provided. Location is excellent it's the main reason we book it so handy for everything. Love the views and handy parking too.

Anneke

Great place to stay over the festive season. Very comfortable and centrally located. Great walks from the door, even though the weather was against us. Hadnt realised how busy Ambleside was over NY and the traffic noise in the bedroom was noticeable.The apartment itself was a bit more tired than previous feedback had suggested various items broken or stained. When we emailed, and phoned, about lights not working we were told leave it with us but nothing happened for the rest of the week.

Duncan

Excellent location for walking access to the town of Ambleside and its facilities. The accommodation was first class, modern, clean and welcoming. The front bedroom faces on to the main road, but there was very limited noise from the traffic. The parking permit was blessing. Overall, a very good apartment.

Only 1 bin liner and 2 dishwasher tables for a 7 night stay. Heating needs sorting we turned it down to 10 degrees and still had to open patio doors mid November.

Beautifully appointed and maintained property, spotlessly clean and centrally located in our favourite place in the Lake District. Whats not to love? Already booked our return for next year highly recommended.

Lovely apartment in a great location very spacious. Lots of walks from the doorstep and great bus service if you want to leave the car behind and travel further afield. Have stayed at Idle Mill 2 a few times over the years and have always been extremely satisfied with the accommodation. Super comfy huge bed and quality linen. Car park pass for the car park is a bonus. Thank you.

Great apartment and well situated in Ambleside. Only issue was the bed as very soft and so caused back pain. Otherwise fully recommend.

We had a lovely week staying at Idle Mill 2. The property was lovely and clean on arrival. We were advised that one of the shower was not functioning prior to our arrival but this was rectified quickly and did not cause us a problem. The property is in a great location in the heart of Ambleside and we would definitely stay again.

Excellent property, very clean, great space for 4 adults. Brilliant location you can just park the car and walks, shops, restaurants all on your doorstep, would definitely stay here again.

Joseph

Our favourite place to stay in the Lakes.

We had a wonderful stay. The facilities were brilliant and in a fab location. The only issue we had was controlling the heating. The heating seemed to be either on or off. We tried changing the thermostat but could not change the heat level we were either very warm or a tad chilly. Would definitely stay again though as we muddled through the heating.

This is a more expensive 5 star property. The position with car parking and quality fixtures ,fittings together with wood burner and elevated position justify its score.

Leave a Review

Idle Mill 2, Ambleside

About Idle Mill 2

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

Idle Mill 2 Attractions & Days Out

Is Idle Mill 2 Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Giggling Goose

Zeffirellis Restaurant

The Flying Fleece

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Idle Mill 2 Reviews