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Rock Cottage, Ambleside

Guest Rating
Rating
4.3
out of 5
Guest Rating
Rating
4.3
out of 5
Cumbria » Ambleside
Sleeps up to 7
Pets 1
Bedrooms: 3

Rock Cottage is a Grade II listed 17th-century cottage in Clappersgate hamlet, just one mile from Ambleside in the Central Lake District. Two sons of Romantic poet Coleridge lodged here in 1808. This three-storey property sleeps up to seven guests and welcomes one well-behaved pet.

The hamlet sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere. Footpaths and trails start from your front door. Loughrigg Fell is literally on your doorstep. Views of Lake Windermere stretch from the first floor.

Accommodation includes two double bedrooms on the first floor (one with en-suite shower room) plus a top-floor family room with three single beds under cruck beams. There's a family bathroom with bath and shower, plus a separate WC on the half landing.

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About Rock Cottage

Rock Cottage is a Grade II listed 17th-century cottage in Clappersgate hamlet, just one mile from Ambleside in the Central Lake District. Two sons of Romantic poet Coleridge lodged here in 1808. This three-storey property sleeps up to seven guests and welcomes one well-behaved pet.

The hamlet sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere. Footpaths and trails start from your front door. Loughrigg Fell is literally on your doorstep. Views of Lake Windermere stretch from the first floor.

Accommodation includes two double bedrooms on the first floor (one with en-suite shower room) plus a top-floor family room with three single beds under cruck beams. There's a family bathroom with bath and shower, plus a separate WC on the half landing. The ground floor has a Victorian cast-iron range with open fire, flag floors and deeply-set windows. The Shaker kitchen includes an electric cooker, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer and washing machine.

Ambleside town centre (1 mile, 3 minutes) offers shops, restaurants and cinema. Grasmere lies 4.4 miles away (12 minutes). Windermere is 4.7 miles (11 minutes). Waterhead lakeside area sits nearby for cruises and watersports.

Rock Cottage suits active families and walkers. Off-road parking for two cars is a short walk away. The property combines original period features with contemporary facilities, making it perfect for exploring the Central Lakes on foot or by car.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

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Rock Cottage Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding Rock 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.

Ambleside Town Centre
Distance: 1 mile
LA22 9BS
Waterhead Pier (Lake Windermere)
Distance: 1.2 miles
LA22 0EP
Bridge House (National Trust)
Distance: 1 mile
LA22 9DU
Loughrigg Fell
Distance: 0.1 miles
LA22 9LE
Stockghyll Force Waterfall
Distance: 1.3 miles
LA22 0LP
Rydal Water
Distance: 2.1 miles
LA22 9LX
Ambleside Co-op
Distance: 1 mile
LA22 9BT
Booths Supermarket Windermere
Distance: 4.5 miles
LA23 1BA
Grasmere Village Shops
Distance: 4.4 miles
LA22 9SW
Bus Stop (555/599 routes)
Distance: 0.1 miles
LA22 9LE
Ambleside Cinema
Distance: 1 mile
LA22 9DU
Windermere Lake Cruises
Distance: 1.2 miles
LA22 0EP
Ambleside Town Centre
Distance: 1 mile
LA22 9BS
Waterhead Pier (Lake Windermere)
Distance: 1.2 miles
LA22 0EP
Bridge House (National Trust)
Distance: 1 mile
LA22 9DU
Loughrigg Fell
Distance: 0.1 miles
LA22 9LE
Stockghyll Force Waterfall
Distance: 1.3 miles
LA22 0LP
Rydal Water
Distance: 2.1 miles
LA22 9LX
Ambleside Co-op
Distance: 1 mile
LA22 9BT
Booths Supermarket Windermere
Distance: 4.5 miles
LA23 1BA
Grasmere Village Shops
Distance: 4.4 miles
LA22 9SW
Bus Stop (555/599 routes)
Distance: 0.1 miles
LA22 9LE
Ambleside Cinema
Distance: 1 mile
LA22 9DU
Windermere Lake Cruises
Distance: 1.2 miles
LA22 0EP

Is Rock Cottage Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
The top-floor family room has three single beds under original cruck beams with Velux windows. Ambleside offers mini golf and cinema one mile away. A cot and highchair are available. Waterhead pier provides lake cruises and boat trips. However, the property is not recommended for very small children due to the busy A593 road approximately 20 metres from the front door and steep stairs throughout the three-storey cottage.
For Couples
The first-floor double bedroom features an en-suite shower room and views across Lake Windermere. Cosy up by the Victorian cast-iron range with open fire on winter evenings. The location offers immediate access to Loughrigg Fell walks from your doorstep. Ambleside's restaurants and pubs are one mile away. The 17th-century cottage retains original features including flag floors and deeply-set windows, creating an atmospheric setting for two.
Pet Friendly
One well-behaved pet is welcome at Rock Cottage. Footpaths and trails start directly from the front door, with Loughrigg Fell literally on your doorstep. The hamlet setting provides immediate countryside access. An outside storeroom is useful for muddy walking gear. However, exercise caution as the busy A593 road runs approximately 20 metres from the property. There is no garden, but the surrounding area offers excellent walking opportunities for dogs.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Rock Cottage

The Unicorn Inn

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9NE

Doi Intanon Thai Restaurant

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BU

The Apple Pie Cafe & Bakery

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BU

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Rock Cottage

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
No, Rock Cottage does not have a hot tub. The property features a Victorian cast-iron range with open fire instead.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, one well-behaved pet is welcome at Rock Cottage. There are footpaths and trails starting directly from the front door for dog walks.
How many people does Rock Cottage sleep?
The cottage sleeps up to seven guests across three bedrooms. There are two double bedrooms on the first floor and a family room with three single beds on the top floor.
What parking is available?
Off-road parking for two cars is provided approximately one minute's walk from the cottage. The private parking spaces are a significant benefit as there is no other parking nearby.
Is Rock Cottage suitable for families with young children?
The property is better suited to families with older children due to the very busy A593 road approximately 20 metres away. The three-storey layout includes steep stairs and the front door opens near the main road.
What heating does the cottage have?
Gas central heating throughout with a Hive control system for easy temperature adjustment. There's also a Victorian cast-iron range with an open fire in the sitting room.
Are towels and bedding provided?
Yes, all bedding and towels are provided. Guests have described the beds as comfortable and the towels as big and fluffy.
What kitchen appliances are included?
The Shaker kitchen has an electric cooker, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer and washing machine. The farmhouse dining table seats all guests comfortably.

Rock Cottage Reviews

Cottage well equipped and clean. Even though outside was warm the cottage was very cold downstairs and no way to heat . TV controller no batteries only small thing but very annoying late at night . One key seven people caused problems?
Gillian
A lovely place to stay. Easy access to the fells.
We enjoyed very much the cosiness of the house. The living room and the kitchen especially invite good atmosphere. A plus was the extra toilet and shower in the master bedroom. Beds were comfortable. The property is walking distance from Ambleside and two walking trails start straight from the house. The location is excellent for an exploration of the whole Lake District. On the downside I would not recommend this property for a family with very small children as a very busy road is just bordering the house. The proximity of the street and the lack of a real garden is the online minus points I could add, but price quality the house is a very good deal and with so many things to see and so many rainy days on average there is not so much time to sit in the garden anyway. Thanks for a lovely stay, I would certainly recommend.
We had an issue that the dishwasher didnt work. We were able to get it working ourselves by putting a new fuse in the plug but we had called out maintainence by then. They came out and did something that stopped it working completely. I dont book places that are going to require me to do more work on holiday than when I am at home. We have been told there will be no compensation for this. The front room is very cold and drafty. We needed a fire every night, even with the heating on all day. No fire wood is provided.
It is a lovely classic Lake District cottage in a great central location, warm, comfortable and very good value for money. In spite of some reviews where the traffic was referred to as a problem, it didnt bother us. The parking was the only minor draw back as it was a little far to walk with all our stuff but it wouldnt change our minds about staying in Rock Cottage on another occasion. Thank you to everyone involved in helping our stay be so enjoyable!
Rock Cottage was an ideal place for us to stay. The cottage was spacious, warm & had all we needed. It's also ideally placed for exploring the beautiful area both on foot & by road. It's proximity to Ambleside made shopping, going out to eat & even going to the cinema so easy. A great home from home for all weather.
Needs a deep clean. Dishwasher tablets and basic essentials would have been nice. But a lovely cottage.
The cottage was as described and very conveniently located for Ambleside and touring the Lakes. It was noisier than we expected as it is very close to a busy road and perhaps this should be flagged up. The ensuite facility in one bedroom was really tiny and a tumble dryer would be helpful in such a rainy area, but overall we were satisfied. It would be great for a group of active young people.
Anthony
The Cottage is well equipped comprising a living space, a hall and a combined kitchendining room on the ground floor, two bedrooms on the first floor one with an ensuite and a bathroom, there is a bedroom in the attic with three single beds. The descriptive on the Sykes website details external storage, but none was available during our stay. If I had known this when making the reservation, I would not have booked the property. The property is located in close proximity to the A593 approximately 20metres. The noise of the passing traffic is distinct from the first floor bedroom to the front of the dwelling. Overall, the cottage is well presented and is favourably located for walking, particularly Loughrigg Fell. At the price point that is being requested the storage should be available and for me having to find alternative arrangements for storing the roof box and bikes was disappointing. As nice, as the property is I would not rebook the property due to its proximity to the A593 and the lack of storage.
Stephanie
Rock cottage was the perfect cottage for our family trip to the Lake District. Cost, clean but at the same time a Tardis experience. We were mixed ages and interests but there was so much to do from the door step. We cycled, ran, took the bus and hiked and also able to walk into Ambleside for mini golf, cinema and food.
Caroline
We had a fabulous stay here, exploring the Lakes. Ambleside was an easy walk away, and the cottage was spacious and comfortable for a couple of days when rain forced an indoor day! The property could really benefit from a tumble drier. We found it impossible to get our rainsoaked clothes and washing dry as the main room is quite dark and cool. The sofa covers were quite tatty and stained, and there was mould around the shower door and fluff buildup in the shower extractor fan. Otherwise, a lovely cottage.
Matthew
Had a very nice week in this property with the family. Good period building with interior to match. The place had everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The one thing I would maybe say is that the description should mention that it is near a very busy fast main road, that did get quite noisy at times during the day. With us having a dog and two small children we always had to be wary when opening the front door. Other than that we thought the place was fab and would recommend it to anyone else looking for a break just outside Ambleside town.
This is a well equipped property with three large bedrooms and comfortable beds. Kitchen table is great for playing board games or cards. Good location if you didn't want to use a car. Ambleside is a short walk away and bus stop is a minute away. It is also worth finding the blue folder which gives loads of information on the history of the property and the renovations carried out. We had a great week and would certainly stay here again.
We have spent a number of Christmass at Rock Cottage. We had a good time, but unfortunately it was difficult this year. My mother in law is 92 now and we realised this cottage is not suitable for the elderly or slightly disabled. Handles in the bathrooms and toilets would have been very helpful. The television was poor and small for todays standards. The rugs and upholstery needs updating. I am afraid we will not be staying at Rock cottage again.
We have just enjoyed a week's stay at Rock Cottage, the cottage is lovely retaining a lot of original features, kitchen was well stocked and we enjoyed an evening meal sitting round the farmhouse table chatting about what we had done that day. Parking space is an added bonus and location brilliant for exploring the surrounding towns and villages that are only short drive away. Also path that takes you up on to Loughrigg fell literally on your doorstep
Brilliant base for exploring the Lakes. Very well equipped and comfortable cottage.
A fantastic cottage in a great location. Would definitely stay again. Only a couple of small issues. On arrival the dishwasher was on with a full load. The oven had been left on. Could not find the alocated bin for Rock cottage.
Rock cottage is in a great place to explore Ambleside and the surrounding area. The parking is a bonus as there is no other parking near the property although a sign would be useful as it was dark when we arrived and a little difficult to locate. We telephoned the office for guidance and were told to drive through the gate, don't do this as the parking is on the right before the gate. The cottage states there is a log burner but there was no wood, matches or anything else to enable a fire to be made so we didn't know if there was an issue so we chose not to try starting a fire in the fireplace. This did mean that it was a little chilly sometimes as the weather was cold and we couldn't find anywhere to adjust the heating. The beds and bedding are lovely and clean and comfortable and the towels are big and fluffy. Overall the cottage is great and we would definitely stay here again.
An easy booking process, and the covid delays were dealt with in a very fair and efficient way. The cottage is lovely, and we would gladly stay there again.
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