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Penny Red Cottage, Ambleside

Guest Rating
Rating
4.2
out of 5
Guest Rating
Rating
4.2
out of 5
Sleeps up to 4
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 3

Penny Red Cottage is a Victorian stone-built end of terrace property in Ambleside. The cottage sits on The Struggle, a short steep hill within walking distance of the town centre. Named after the little red letter box set in its end wall, this three-storey property has been refurbished in a contemporary style and sleeps up to five guests.

Ambleside offers independent shops, cafés and two supermarkets in the marketplace. Lake Windermere sits on the doorstep. Stock Ghyll Force waterfall is a short walk away. The fells are accessible via footpaths from the cottage.

The ground floor features an open-plan living area with multi-fuel stove, kitchen with gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher and washer/dryer.

 

About Penny Red Cottage

Penny Red Cottage is a Victorian stone-built end of terrace property in Ambleside. The cottage sits on The Struggle, a short steep hill within walking distance of the town centre. Named after the little red letter box set in its end wall, this three-storey property has been refurbished in a contemporary style and sleeps up to five guests.

Ambleside offers independent shops, cafés and two supermarkets in the marketplace. Lake Windermere sits on the doorstep. Stock Ghyll Force waterfall is a short walk away. The fells are accessible via footpaths from the cottage.

The ground floor features an open-plan living area with multi-fuel stove, kitchen with gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher and washer/dryer. The first floor has a double bedroom with character fireplace. The top floor contains another double with views to Wansfell plus a single bedroom. A bathroom with bath and shower over serves all floors.

Grasmere lies 4.4 miles away (12 minutes). Windermere is 4.7 miles (13 minutes). Stock Ghyll Force waterfall is under one mile (5 minutes). Bridge House sits nearby in the town centre.

Penny Red Cottage suits families or two couples wanting a base for fell walking and lake access.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

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Penny Red Cottage Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding Penny Red 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: 0.8 miles
LA22 9TH
Bridge House
Distance: 0.4 miles
LA22 9DT
Lake Windermere
Distance: 0.6 miles
LA22 0EP
Wansfell Pike
Distance: 1.2 miles
LA22 0EF
Loughrigg Fell
Distance: 2.1 miles
LA22 9NN
Rydal Water
Distance: 1.8 miles
LA22 9LX
Ambleside Market Place
Distance: 0.3 miles
LA22 9BS
Co-op Food Ambleside
Distance: 0.4 miles
LA22 9BT
Booths Supermarket
Distance: 0.5 miles
LA22 9DG
Ambleside Bus Station
Distance: 0.4 miles
LA22 9BS
Waterhead Pier
Distance: 0.9 miles
LA22 0EY
Grasmere Village
Distance: 4.4 miles
LA22 9SH
Stock Ghyll Force
Distance: 0.8 miles
LA22 9TH
Bridge House
Distance: 0.4 miles
LA22 9DT
Lake Windermere
Distance: 0.6 miles
LA22 0EP
Wansfell Pike
Distance: 1.2 miles
LA22 0EF
Loughrigg Fell
Distance: 2.1 miles
LA22 9NN
Rydal Water
Distance: 1.8 miles
LA22 9LX
Ambleside Market Place
Distance: 0.3 miles
LA22 9BS
Co-op Food Ambleside
Distance: 0.4 miles
LA22 9BT
Booths Supermarket
Distance: 0.5 miles
LA22 9DG
Ambleside Bus Station
Distance: 0.4 miles
LA22 9BS
Waterhead Pier
Distance: 0.9 miles
LA22 0EY
Grasmere Village
Distance: 4.4 miles
LA22 9SH

Is Penny Red Cottage Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
The cottage offers a cot and highchair for families with young children. Stock Ghyll Force waterfall is less than a mile away for an easy family walk. Lake Windermere sits on the doorstep with opportunities for boat trips and waterside play. Ambleside has two supermarkets and cafés within walking distance. The steep hill location may prove challenging with pushchairs or small children.
For Couples
The multi-fuel stove creates a cosy atmosphere for evenings in. The top floor double bedroom features views to Wansfell and quality mattresses with feather-down duvets. Ambleside offers restaurants including the Michelin-starred Old Stamp House just minutes away. Lake Windermere provides romantic lakeside walks from the doorstep. The contemporary bathroom has underfloor heating and a heated towel rail for comfort.
Pet Friendly
Penny Red Cottage operates a strict no-pets policy. Dogs and other animals are not permitted at this property. The cottage is unsuitable for guests travelling with pets. Many other Lake District properties welcome pets, but this Victorian cottage maintains pet-free accommodation. Guests with animals should look for alternative cottages in the Ambleside area that accept pets.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Penny Red Cottage

The Old Stamp House

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BU

The Priest Hole

Located 0.4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BZ

Doi Intanon Thai Restaurant

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BL

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Penny Red Cottage

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
No, Penny Red Cottage does not have a hot tub. The property features a bathroom with bath and shower over on the ground floor.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at Penny Red Cottage. The property operates a strict no-pets policy for all guests.
How many people does Penny Red Cottage sleep?
The cottage sleeps up to five guests across three bedrooms. There are two double bedrooms and one single bedroom spread over the first and second floors.
What parking is available?
Off-road parking for one car is provided at the property. The parking space is described as large and spacious by previous guests.
How far is it from Ambleside town centre?
The cottage is within walking distance of Ambleside centre, approximately five to six minutes downhill. It sits on The Struggle, a short steep hill above the town.
What heating does the property have?
Gas central heating runs throughout the cottage. A multi-fuel stove in the open-plan living area provides additional warmth and atmosphere.
What kitchen appliances are included?
The kitchen has an electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge with ice box, dishwasher and washer/dryer. All crockery and cooking utensils are provided.
Are bed linen and towels provided?
Yes, all bed linen and towels are included in the rental cost. Fuel and power are also included in the price.

Penny Red Cottage Reviews

Stephen
Lovely little cottage , but wifi didnt work and lock on bathroom door on first ... Lovely little cottage , but wifi didnt work and lock on bathroom door on first floor didnt work , apart from that couldnt fault it , hopefully will be back
Stuart
The cottage is in a good location quite near to the centre of Ambleside. The only drawback is the steep hill in order to get back, I realise that there is nothing that can be done about that but it needs to be highlighted as anyone with mobility issues will need a car for access. The cottage does have a large parking space, enough for all these new cars that tend to be the size of a small tank. The cottage was clean and tidy with a well equipped kitchen. The beds are comfortable but the staircase to the top floor is a little steep and has no handrail, so if you have kids you will need to keep an eye on them. Overall we enjoyed our stay and would stay there again.
Rebecca
Lovely cottage in great quiet location, it is up a steep hill but this was clear from the description. Dishwasher was broken which was disappointing and appeared to have been for a while. Would appreciate a small welcome pack, including a few teabags and milk etc as we have had in previous cottages. Overall a good cottage with lots of great walks from the door.
Syed Ali
The booking was seamless. Accommodation was very comfortable. As others have mentioned, it's up a steep hill so if you don't have a car, be prepared for the walk. Otherwise very close to the town center and other attractions to explkre. Ambleside pier within a 30 min walk distance. The house on the bridge is also very close. The stock ghyll force waterfall and rydal cave and rydal mount are also relatively close. Suggestion for owners please get the cobwebs cleaned. There are too many all over the bricks inside. The upstairs shower door needs repair. In welcome instructions, please mention that we have to open the latch and come in ourselves. We were trying to call the emergency number as we were afraid it would be trespassing to get inside the main boundary.
Lovely stay at Penny Red Cottage as always. Very comfortable indeed and everything needed on hand for a relaxed time!
Stephen
Nice cottage , easy to find , parking a bit tight ,other wise very nice
Lovely stay at Penny Red, I remember it as a child and the new fence was certainly a bonus so stuff outside felt more secure! Only issues were plumbing problems for dishwasher and washing machine so we couldnt use these during a two week stay which was an issue, but we love the Lakes so not a lot deters us! Lovely spot.
We both felt it was in a great location and enjoyed the peace a quiet , for the price we paid it was good value, we would have paid more if it was more luxurious but was happy overall Thankyou.
We loved our stay at Penny Red Cottage which was very cosy and well equipped. In a quiet location but only 6 mins walk to shops, pubs etc a little more on the way back up the hill but it was good exercise. The parking space is a bit awkward to manuver but we managed ok. I'd definitely return to Penny Red in the future.
Cosy cottage with a good parking space. Quality fittings & furniture throughout & lovely bath towels. Had no problem with the cooker as mentioned in previous feedbacks but the dishwasher & washing machine did cause a leak. Only little niggle was the tv which blocked the window somewhat & made the room darker.
Richard
Oven does not work properly. Despite contacting you several times and it taking 2 days for someone to come out it still does not work properly. Putting it on 259c it still takes 30 minutes to cook a pizza when it should only take 10 minutes at 180c. Reading previous reviews this seems to be a problem that has been ongoing for some time. Also the dishwasher has a habit of stopping mid cycle and not washing
Had a great week in Penny Red. It completely delivered on the cosiness the pictures suggested. The two large beds were super comfortable with quality mattresses and featherdown duvets, so we slept a lot and really well. And the main room was made up by the log burning fire. Overall the place just smacked of quality and some good attention to detail. The furniture drawers, tables and side units was all good quality, and the main bathroom was really stylish with underfloor heating and a towel rail that actually got hot. Both bathrooms had good showers, and having a bath was a treat. The kitchen was decent but there were issues with the toaster and main oven taking ages to cook things because they never really got hot enough. Easy to replace a toaster but the oven is a slightly bigger problem. Other little bugs were that, although it was really nice and cosy, the fire desperately needs servicedrepaired because the door and chimney seals are shot so we were tearing though fuel Note DecJan booking. We ended up having to buy logs because the coal we took just wouldn't burn properly and didn't give off any heat. Not the end of the world but almost a disappointment. And one other bit of wear and tear that needs to be sorted out is that the shower head holder in the main bathroom is a bit loose and wobbly which meant the shower would sometimes drop down or flop around the place. Not a huge problem but was a bit annoying. Don't let any of this put you off though, because Penny Red is a really nice place and we would definitely go back.
Willow
We recently stayed at the penny red cottage, the cottage itself is described as being in the town. However it is not, it is a 5 minute walk from the town which for most that wouldnt be a problem however the booking does not mention the massive hill you have to climb to reach the house. So a simple 5 minute walk into the town turns into a sweaty tired mess. So it would have been nice for a heads up in the description of the area on the booking. I was happy to find that the kitchen is decently stocked with kitchen equipment however the tap in the kitchen drips which is really annoying and there is no description on how to use the oven or washing machine so that took us 15 mins to work out. I was also very disappointed to find that the stunning double bedroom on the top floor with lovely views, the main light does not work so you have to rely on the bed side lamp to navigate yourself round the bedroom. The main disappointment of the house was the extractor fan in the first bathroom is broken. When the wind blows on the house it rattles and makes a ton of noise which is very distracting sounds like a ping pong ball is bashing round inside. For a house that could comfortably house 45 people in the main seating area in the sitting room there is only 3 seats available a sofa and sofa chair, I didnt quite understand this as there is enough space for a bigger sofa. But if 4 people turned up only 3 can sit down and watch some tv. Apart from that criticism the stay itself was lovely, it has private parking with a spacious gap, the bathroom and bedrooms are very clean and cosy with a nice view and the location is nice.
Really lovely cottage in a great location Parking is a great bonus Cottage ... Really lovely cottage in a great location Parking is a great bonus Cottage clean, comfortable and spacious for 4 Let down slightly by kitchen setup small bin, lacking cooking equipment, oven on the blink Would definitely recommend and stay again
Louise
Issues with boiler and leak from heated towel rack in 1st floor bathroom. Very cute cottage though
The cottage was excellent, Just what we wanted. It was clean, tidy and very comfortable. The facilities in the cottage were also very good. Showers, bath and living quarters were very well maintained. Would definitely stay at the cottage again.
Very comfortable, clean & ideally situated holiday cottage. The only problem we had during our stay was the heating control unit kept resetting to frost setting which involved us having to manually override it several times a day. We could not find any instruction in the cottage information pack relating to the heating control unit.
Lovely location and clean cottage. Boiler old and only partially functional. Didnt use the main bathroom once for a shower as a result and used the electric shower on the second floor instead. Boiler was eventually switched off by contractor and heaters dropped off instead for last 2 days of stay. Boiler replaced after checkout. Roof leak in main bedroom during Weds evening rain. Moved to top floor bedroom as a result. Upon check out, fridge appeared to be leaking from bottom left. Nice property but could do with some investment from owners.
Veronika
It was perfect for a family. Easy to find things around and all what you would expect a cottage to have. Lovely and cosy.
Rachel
This was our first trip to the Lake District and we had a fantastic time. We have fallen in love with the stunning scenery and will definitely return. We appreciate the cottage is old but it does need a good clean. We never normally leave reviews but felt this one was important to the owner especially if they are employing a cleaning company. The hand mirror and towel rail in the second floor bathroom were covered in dust on arrival. Throughout the cottage there were cobwebs and spiders everywhere including in the bread bin, amongst the cutlery, pots, pans, dishes, plates, glasses, corners of the rooms, around the windows, between the bannisters etc. On the one occasion when we chose to cook something in the cottage we had to clean the baking trays before we used them as they were filthy. The shower head and shower lead in the bathroom on the top floor were mouldy and needed a bleach. When we removed hair from the shower plug we were horrified to see what else came out it was clear this had not been cleaned for some time. The toothbrush holder in the bathroom on the top floor was mouldy. We even found toe nail clippings on the floor which wouldnt have been there if the cottage had been hoovered. There were tea stains down the wall in the bedroom. The boiler kept making loud banging noises throughout the night which woke us all up. There was a wasp nest outside the window of the main top floor bedroom which meant we couldnt open the window as the wasps were swarming. Penny Red was in a perfect spot with beautiful surrounding views and close to the centre of Ambleside. It was on a hill called The Struggle which was fine for us but some people might find this difficult. It was a bonus having a designated car parking space. The cottage was well equipped with everything you need for a break in the Lakes but it just needed a thorough proper clean.
We really enjoyed our stay at Penny Red Cottage it was comfortably proportioned and had everything that we needed for the stay. The beds were extremely comfortable, always a bonus especially after a long day in the hills. Location was perfect for Ambleside, and even though it is on the hill out towards Kirkstone the walk back from the village was fine. I perhaps would add to parking space on the left in the details next to the garage. We were pretty certain this was the correct place but was grateful to know for sure from a neighbour. It is definitely somewhere we would consider staying at again. Thankyou.
The cottage provided an excellent setting for a relaxing few days away. It is cosy, warm and clean, with the most beautiful views from the windows of the surrounding fells and fields. Thank you. It is true that there is a short, steep climb up from the town, but this is nothing unmanageable for someone of average fitness and it means beautiful views on arrival. The only issue we had was that we did not find the TV remote control and did not receive an answer back on texting the number in the cottage folder for assistance. This may require a review.
Really enjoyed our stay at Penny Red. Lovely little cottage as we expected.Would stay here again and is a great base for Ambleside as you only need walk 5 minutes and your in the centre for pubs,shops and restaurants.If your big walkers, it is central to all main villages,fells,lakes and mountains. Thanks, well be back!
Nice cottage which was well equipped with everything we needed for an enjoyable stay. Great location, short walk into Ambleside and footpaths into the fells just up the road
This is our second time staying at this lovely cottage. Comfortable and clean and we will be back. Thanks for the memories Penny Red.
Robert
The cottage is up a very steep hill called The Struggle! This was not clear at all from information given and would cause big problems for anyone with mobility issuesnot fit. Mattresses were too soft needs a mattress topper to give some firmness plus needs a mattress protector on beds. And an anti slip mat in the bath.
Wonderful cottage in a perfect location to stroll down to the town. Spotlessly clean with very comfortable beds. Lovely quiet location. Instructions and correspondence from Heart of the Lakes was spot on.
Great views from the cottage, situated on a very steep road which made for a steep walk home from town, this is fine for most but anyone with mobility issues would struggle. Beds are very soft. Otherwise a great cottage & a great stay.
Easy to book, very helpful staff and great information on line. The cottage was brilliant in an excellent location and I would definitely return again in the future.
Victoria
We had a wonderful stay at Penny Red in Ambleside the cottage was beautiful, efficient and comfortable. However we do not feel that the outside area matched the quality of inside weeds and a lot of overgrowth, and the garden furniture needs either paintingtidying up or replacing. Overall, we would definitely return and throughly enjoyed our break.
Good comfortable bed and quiet location. happy to stay there
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Millans Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AG