About Old Oak Cottage

Old Oak Cottage is a Grade II listed property dating back to the 1580s in Ambleside. This historic one-bedroom retreat sits in the Lake District Conservation Area just minutes from the town centre. The magnificent curved oak spiral staircase and original beamed ceilings create an authentic period atmosphere.

You're a couple of minutes from Ambleside's shops and restaurants. Lake Windermere lies nearby at Waterhead. The location works perfectly for walking and exploring the Lakes. Two pubs sit within three minutes on foot.

The cottage sleeps two in a king-size bedroom with quality bedding. The bathroom has a bath with shower over. The kitchen features underfloor heating plus dishwasher and washer-dryer. The sitting room includes a dining area and working open fire. WiFi and TV are provided.

Stock Ghyll Force waterfall (0.3 miles, 2 mins), Bridge House (0.2 miles, 1 min), Rydal Mount (1.5 miles, 5 mins) and Dove Cottage in Grasmere (4.4 miles, 12 mins) are all close by.

Old Oak Cottage suits couples wanting historic character with modern comfort. The private rear parking and central location make this an excellent Lakes base.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Gas central heating with underfloor heating in the kitchen and open fire
✓Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge, washer/dryer, tv, wifi
✓Electricity and heating included (logs for the fire to be purchased separately)
✓Bed linen and towels included in rent
✓Off road parking for 1 car at rear of property
✓Sorry, no pets and no smoking
✓Pub and shop 5 mins walk
✓Please note that the property dates back to the 1580's and it has kept the majority of it's original features including the wooden spiral staircase, beamed ceilings, uneven oak flooring and flagged slate slabs
✓Please note the property is not suitable for babies and toddlers

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Old Oak Cottage Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding Old Oak Cottage 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.

Stock Ghyll Force

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA22 9LU

Bridge House

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9DU

Rydal Mount & Gardens

Distance: 1.5 miles

LA22 9LU

Waterhead Lake Windermere

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA22 0EP

Loughrigg Fell

Distance: 1.2 miles

LA22 9NG

Fairfield Horseshoe

Distance: 2.1 miles

LA22 9PR

Ambleside Town Centre

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9BS

Booths Supermarket

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA22 9BT

Gaynor Sports

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9DU

Windermere Lake Cruises

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA22 0EY

Dove Cottage Grasmere

Distance: 4.4 miles

LA22 9SH

Windermere Town

Distance: 4.7 miles

LA23 1AF

Stock Ghyll Force

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA22 9LU

Bridge House

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9DU

Rydal Mount & Gardens

Distance: 1.5 miles

LA22 9LU

Waterhead Lake Windermere

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA22 0EP

Loughrigg Fell

Distance: 1.2 miles

LA22 9NG

Fairfield Horseshoe

Distance: 2.1 miles

LA22 9PR

Ambleside Town Centre

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9BS

Booths Supermarket

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA22 9BT

Gaynor Sports

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9DU

Windermere Lake Cruises

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA22 0EY

Dove Cottage Grasmere

Distance: 4.4 miles

LA22 9SH

Windermere Town

Distance: 4.7 miles

LA23 1AF

Is Old Oak Cottage Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

Old Oak Cottage is not suitable for children. The property has steep spiral oak stairs and uneven historic floors throughout which present safety hazards. The listing specifically states it's not suitable for babies and toddlers. The compact one-bedroom layout and period features make this better suited to adult guests only.

For Couples

Perfect for couples wanting a romantic historic retreat. The king-size bed receives excellent reviews for comfort. The working open fire creates cosy evenings in. You're minutes from restaurants and pubs yet the cottage sits in a peaceful Conservation Area spot. The spiral oak staircase and beamed ceilings add period atmosphere.

Pet Friendly

Old Oak Cottage does not accept pets. The property operates a strict no-pets policy for all bookings. The historic nature of the building and the owner's regulations mean dogs and other animals cannot stay. You'll need to find alternative accommodation if travelling with pets to the Lake District.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Old Oak Cottage

The Royal Oak

Located 0.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BU

The Golden Rule

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BS

Zeffirelli's Restaurant

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9DU

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Old Oak Cottage

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

No, Old Oak Cottage does not have a hot tub. The property does include access to Choices Health Club at Troutbeck Bridge which requires booking.

Is it pet friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at Old Oak Cottage. The property operates a strict no-pets policy for all guests.

How many people does it sleep?

The cottage sleeps two people in one king-size bedroom. The property is not suitable for babies or toddlers due to the historic features and uneven floors.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is one private parking space at the rear of the property. Front street parking is also available on a first-come basis but can be busy.

What facilities are in the kitchen?

The kitchen has a gas hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge, dishwasher and washer-dryer. Underfloor heating keeps the space warm and there's a good range of cookware and utensils.

Can I use the open fire?

Yes, the open fire is working and available for use. You'll need to purchase logs separately as they're not included in your stay.

How far is it from Ambleside centre?

The cottage is approximately two minutes walk downhill to Ambleside town centre. The return journey is uphill but still only takes a few minutes.

What is check-in and check-out time?

Standard check-in is at 4pm and check-out is at 10am. The property is self-catering with electricity and heating included in your booking.

Old Oak Cottage Reviews

Lovely cottage with lots of character. The only downsides were that the heating hadn't been preprogrammed properly and the house was freezing at around 10c we had to manually set the central heating but it literally took all night to heat the house and the kitchen stayed very cold throughout our stay despite the underfloor heating in that room. Maybe a couple of electric fan heaters could have been provided by th owners. We bought kindling and logs for the fire which helped to heat the lounge. The front path across the garden needs to be cleaned as it was very slippery in the wet weather with algae and bird mess. However Ambleside is a lovely area for exploring the Lakes.

Natalie

We absolutely loved our stay at Old Oak Cottage in Ambleside. From the moment we arrived, the cottage felt warm and cosy, which was especially welcoming after a freezing cold day. It stayed perfectly comfortable throughout the night not too hot, just right. The history and character of the cottage really shine through, with beautiful quirky oak floors, wooden panelling, and lots of historic charm throughout. It feels authentic and full of soul. The kitchen was very well equipped with everything we needed, and the bed was lovely and comfortable, making for a great nights sleep. A truly special place to stay cosy, characterful, and very relaxing. We would absolutely love to return.

Philip

This was our seventh stay at Old Oak Cottage since we first visited it in 2017. On this occasion we noted a much higher standard of cleaning and maintenance at the property. We always return because we love the old world charm, position and the comfortable bed.

The cottage is exactly as described. The staircase and floorboards are extremely uneven which adds to the quiantness and authenticity of the aged property but if you struggle with balance or mobility at all it will be a problem. Parking at the front of the property is first come, first served and very busy so the parking space at the rear is essential. It's a 2 minute walk to the two nearest pubs and another 3 minutes will get you into the very centre of Ambleside.

Alison

This is a quirky property. If you're not a fan of creaky, uneven floorboards this isn't the place for you, but it's got an abundance of character and is quite a comfy cottage. Parking to the front and the rear note there's no rear access to the cottage so you have to walk around the block to the front door and Ambleside town centre is just a short walk downhill. If you want to use the open fire you'll need to bring your own logs etc.

Nicholas

The cottage itself was lovely, a beautiful old building with plenty of space for a couple. The heating was great and the bed comfortable. There was also a decent amount of entertainment from books to tv and games. The only reason why we didnt give 5 stars was that we felt some basics were lacking, such as enough toilet paperwe left behind 4 rolls so I hope they were left for others and not taken away, cooking oil, salt etc. We understand that it is self catering but every other place weve stayed has provided these basic itemseven much cheaper placesas having to buy a bottle of cooking oil to travel back home with on the train was frustrating. A welcome pack other than cleaning items would have been a nice addition too, just to make it a 5 star experience. Otherwise it was a great and enjoyable. Im from the Lake District so it was important that I felt at home and I really did.

Patricia

Found the cottage to be cheerless and dreary. Furnishings comfortable but the colourscheme throughout made it feel more sombre. Parking each day a struggle. Ok if using the cottage for a few days as a base but if like us wanting somewhere to unwind and relax, cannot recommend it.

Thank you a really lovely stay in this beautiful old property. We had no problems at all, everything worked well , excellent shower and bed and also lots of space and very quiet . Also very close to centre of town, wonderful pub only 3 minutes walk away. We didnt use our car all week as lots of buses and great walks from the door. Also Ambleside a fantastic town with lots of excellent places to eat, 3 cinemas and Jazz! We particularly liked the vegetarian meal deals with the Jazz and cinema.

Jonathan

What a fantastic cottage! The history of the building, the location a 5minute walk into the town be aware though if you're not physically fit, it's downhill on the way there but quite a steep uphill on the way back the quirkiness of the layout the floors were particularly enjoyable, it even had a designated parking space! It was just what we needed and more! for our Lakeland adventure. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Richard

Lovely quaint cottage, stairs and upstairs floors need very careful negotiation, especially us older folks!

Heather

Lovely traditional property in a marvellous location. This is our fourth time staying here and we will be back.

Really wellequipped cottage, characterful and great to have parking. Perfect location for exploring the Lakes and being close enough to amenities in Ambleside.

Claire

A pleasure to stay in such a charming cottage. Very comfortable to say how old it is, very spacious too and very clean. Location is excellent, I couldn't believe how quiet it was, I didn't expect it to be so tranquil with other dwellings joined on but we didn't hear a sound for our three nights stay. Lovely comfortable beds and crisp bedding. One thing that could be improved is the view out of the living room window, there is really big holly tree blocking the beautiful view, you can only see half of Wansfell Pike which is a real shame.

Michael

We loved everything about our stay. It was a privilege to occupy such a historic building, even temporarily. The bed was extremely comfortable and the sheets beautifully smooth. In the most constructive spirit, we would suggest only that the Visitor's Guide be left in plain sight, on the dining table or in the kitchen and that the fire guard have a heatproof handle attached so that it's easier to move. You must treasure the wonderful BW photos, both as mementos of fantastic experiences and as works of art in themselves. Kind regards, Michael McPherson

Great location, quirky cottage, but. . As we were there for probably the coldest week of the year, we really struggled to keep the living areas warm. Even with the heating on, the stone floors and single glazing meant we were cold. Perhaps the owners could provide additional heating fan heater? for cold weather? The upstairs was warm tho. Otherwise, a great place, with a comfy bed and good shower.

Rachel

Lovely old property with amazing character. Loved the stairway. Kitchen was also well equipped with dishwasher and espresso maker which we weren't expecting. Very handy having private parking spot at back as parking becoming an issue in Ambleside. Loads of amazing walks from the door and great friendly pubs serving good food.

Philip John

This was our fifth stay at Old Oak Cottage, and once again we loved our stay, due to the character and the location of the property. The very comfortable bed and quality bedding which ensured a very good nights sleep. The standard of housekeeping on this occasion was much better than our previous visit. However the grouting in the shower could do with some attention from the maintenance department.

We absolutely loved your cottage, it was wellappointed, everything worked and was as promised, it was warm and cosy and the real fire really made it. We brought some wood to get started, but it's available locally and at all the garages we passed on days out. Perfect time of year to come too October. No joke about needing slippers pick ones with a good grippy sole as well as the wood upstairs is so clean and shiny with lots of knobbles. The location was ideal for all our day trips and would absolutely recommend staying here. Loved it.

Valerie

The cottage was fabulous. Clean,comfortable and perfectly placed for access to village. Even had dedicated parking space.

Lyndsay

Loved this cottage. It really felt like stepping back in time but with 21st century comforts. Position for exploring Ambleside was perfect. Parking great. Freezer very iced up when we arrived. Probably should be checked regularly, or better still install a frost free fridge freezer.

Thomas

The photos do not do this place justice. The creeky floorboards and winding staircase give the cottage a truly authentic feel, and it had everything we needed for our short stay. The bed was very comfortable and we enjoyed peaceful lie ins with views of the rolling hills.

Dominic

Lovely stay, there was no membership pass for the gym that was mentioned in the booking. Other than that, perfect

Malcolm

A lovely cottage and it appeared to us that all of the comments from previous guests had been addressed. Very clean and not problems with the water. A couple of minor points 1. The smoke alarm on the landing had been removed and left on the window sill. I replaced it as it would not work unless in position. As a safety item, I would expect that this should have been checked. 2. The upstairs floors have a lot of character which is wonderful but you will definitely need good slippers. This was a great base for a wonderful short holiday and we really liked it.

Excellent location near local attractions ,walks ,scenery and also Ambleside itself shops jazz club etc Enjoyed old house and fire Tv disappointing . .we knew it was small and basic but sound keeps turning off .I can see this is longstanding issue as mentioned in reviews and not yet addressed Hot water an issue ..unable to have bath and only around 3 minutes worth of hot water in shower. Again this appears to be ongoing issue mentioned in reviews and not addressed again very disappointing when youre. Old and wet having been outdoors Kitchen hot tap dodgy Would have considered revisiting however put off by these seemingly longstanding issues

Philip John

This was our fourth stay at Old Oak Cottage, and on this occasion we were somewhat surprised and disappointed by the poor standard of housekeeping and general maintenance at the property. Some of our concerns included The toilet had not been adequately cleaned A little effort with the toilet brush rectified this issue Badly stained cushions on the two sitting room chairs. Black mould in the bathshower. There was a very high level of thick dust underneath the chaise longue in the bedroom noticed on the second day, when I dropped something The cutlery and cutlery drawer needed to be cleaned before we could use them. The sound on the television regularly cut out and the television needed to be switched off for the sound to return. Some of the kitchen equipment, crockery and utensils could do with refreshing and replenishing. On a more positive note, the bed was very comfortable and we had a good sleep every single night. This is a lovely property but is sadly in need of some Tender Loving Care.

Richard

Old Oak Cottage is a beautiful period property with the range and the staircase being particular highlights. The central heating works well but the hot water supply is erratic. We could usually get a warm shower but to fill a hot bath the flow needed to be reduced to a minimum. The television sound was very poor. I would be happy to return to this cottage if the boiler and TV were upgraded

We loved our stay, the cottage was full of character and was in a great location. Everything we needed was there. Shower was great. Bed very comfy. Furniture in lounge not so comfortable. Would be nice if some wood could be provided for the fire as it was a long walk to get some. Also felt check out at 10 was a bit early, could do with being 11, and check in at 4 is a bit late, 2 or 3 would be better. But overall we had a fantastic stay and will recommend to friends and family and definitely like to return.

Blissfully quiet with a lovely calm feel

Yvonne

We had a lovey time in this truly historic house. Its in a great location on the edge of the town centre, and completely silent at night. We enjoyed the property's 'quirks' and found it clean and wellequipped. We didn't need to use the fire so can't comment on that. My only negative comment is that the mattress is not the most comfortable you can feel the springs. A thick mattress topper would help a lot. But we still slept well and had a great week!

Stuart

On booking we were told in your website there was use of a local gym ,we both use the gym on a regular basis therefore this was a main reason on picking this cottage we contacted the mumber left Craig on the Sunday after arrival asking for details of how to use gym told me there was a key fob left in code box with house key nothing was left only one house key searched the cottage , could not find anything , Craig said he would contact owners heard nothing , so never used gym . Very disappointed with this esp as nobody bothered to do anything about it . This is false advertising and wrong also unable to get a hot Bath tepid shower ok but bath useless again this was mentioned and nothing done about it Ambleside perfect shame about the above .

Nicholas

Fantastic location, really close to the centre of Ambleside. A wonderful historic cottage, with lots of charm... And bigger than we had anticipated. Will definitely be recommending it to friends and family. Thankyou for making our stay so pleasurable.

Deborah

It is misleading to say it has outside space, there is space to the front which has no privacy at all. The pictures show an area at the back with a bench. This, if it can actually be used , as is covered in weeds and long grassI have taken pictures, has no connection to the house, as no back door. The picture is maybe showing parking space, as the sign can be seen at the bottom of the picture if you look carefully. The mattress in the main bedroom is disgusting, is covered in stains, and a filthy colour. I dread to think what the stains are. My main disappointment is the outside space. I don't use many filters when I search for a property, but that is top of my list. I feel very misled. Maybe it needs to be more specific, and have a filter for useable outside space.

Lovely cottage, full of character. The staircase and upstairs floors are fantastic, if only they could talk! Perfect location for pubs, shops etc and for walking. Handy parking space too.

Amanda

We had a fantastic stay! The accommodation was accurately described and although dates from the 1500's very comfortable and clean with uptodate amenities. We will definitely return.

Joanne

A lovely, characterful cottage. Very well equipped, although it was a shame that the fire was not useable when we visited. In a very good spot, within a short walk of the pubs, shops and restaurants of Ambleside. Cleanliness was generally good, although the mattress and duvet could do with changing as they were both quite stained. This didn't bother us particularly as there was a mattress cover. I like the fact that the hob is gas, which is much easier to cook on.

Sophie

I really enjoyed our stay at Old Oak Cottage. I absolutely love Ambleside and this cottage is excellently located! The cottage is packed with character and would be perfect for a couple or small family to stay. However, part of the reason we chose Old Oak Cottage was to use the fire place. We had visions of long, cold, December walks and getting back and putting our feet up in front of the fire. We were really disappointed that despite the issue of the fire being raised many reviews ago, the issue is yet to be fixed and we therefore could not use the fire. There was no reduction in price or good will gesture to make up for this which I found disappointing. Especially in these cold winter months, I think getting to fire fixed should be a priority!

Philip John

This was our third visit to Old Oak Cottage, a place which we always enjoy staying in, because its style and old charm suits us perfectly. The property was very much as we found it when we stayed just over twelve months ago. However, we were more than a little surprised that the open fire had still not been sorted out, with the issues having been mentioned by previous guests quite some time ago. Additionally, the door on the ice compartment in the fridge is no longer completely attached and requires very careful handling when using the ice box Quite difficult in view of where the fridge is situated. Plus, the toilet brush holder has certainly seen better days and its appearance was quite unpleasant. Also, some food debris was present in the cutlery drawer and the shelves of the crockery cupboard needed a wipe, both of which we addressed on our arrival. Hopefully during the winter months Old Oak Cottage will be receiving the necessary TLC it so deserves.

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Old Oak Cottage, Ambleside

About Old Oak Cottage

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

Old Oak Cottage Attractions & Days Out

Is Old Oak Cottage Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Royal Oak

The Golden Rule

Zeffirelli's Restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Old Oak Cottage Reviews