Ambleside
Cottage Stays

2026 Self-Catering Breaks in Windermere, Grasmere, Coniston & More!

Home
Cottages Latest Cottages Favourites Contact Us List Your Property
Swirl How Overview Reviews Photos Attractions

Swirl How, Ambleside

Guest Rating
Rating
4.8
out of 5
Guest Rating
Rating
4.8
out of 5
Sleeps up to 6
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 3

Swirl How is a detached ground-floor bungalow in Ambleside. This property sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere in the Lake District National Park. The elevated position delivers spectacular views over the town's church spire, Loughrigg and surrounding fells from both the lounge and rear garden.

The location is quiet yet practical. You can walk into Ambleside town centre in 15 minutes. The shop is 0. 4 miles away and the pub just 0. 3 miles. Regular bus services connect you to the wider Lakes area.

Inside you'll find three bedrooms sleeping up to five guests. The king-size and double bedrooms offer comfortable sleeping space. The single bedroom includes a trundle bed beneath that converts to a twin on request.

 

About Swirl How

Swirl How is a detached ground-floor bungalow in Ambleside. This property sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere in the Lake District National Park. The elevated position delivers spectacular views over the town's church spire, Loughrigg and surrounding fells from both the lounge and rear garden.

The location is quiet yet practical. You can walk into Ambleside town centre in 15 minutes. The shop is 0.4 miles away and the pub just 0.3 miles. Regular bus services connect you to the wider Lakes area.

Inside you'll find three bedrooms sleeping up to five guests. The king-size and double bedrooms offer comfortable sleeping space. The single bedroom includes a trundle bed beneath that converts to a twin on request. Two bathrooms serve the property - one with bath and separate walk-in shower, plus a shower room. The kitchen comes with electric oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer.

Lake Windermere at Waterhead (1 mile, 5 minutes) offers ferry landings and watersports. Stock Ghyll Force waterfall sits nearby. World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere (4.7 miles, 15 minutes) attracts families. Grasmere village (4.4 miles, 12 minutes) and Langdale Valley provide walking routes.

Swirl How works brilliantly for families or groups of couples who want walking access and fell views. The covered outdoor area lets you sit outside in any weather. Private driveway parking for two cars included.

Check Prices & Availability »
At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

Swirl How Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding Swirl How 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.

Lake Windermere Waterhead
Distance: 1 mile
LA22 0EP
Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall
Distance: 0.8 miles
LA22 9LU
World of Beatrix Potter
Distance: 4.7 miles
LA23 3BX
Loughrigg Fell
Distance: 2.5 miles
LA22 9NG
Langdale Valley Trails
Distance: 6 miles
LA22 9JU
Borrans Park Roman Fort
Distance: 1.2 miles
LA22 0EY
Ambleside Town Centre
Distance: 0.6 miles
LA22 9BS
Co-op Ambleside
Distance: 0.5 miles
LA22 9BT
Booths Windermere
Distance: 4.7 miles
LA23 1BA
555 Bus Stop
Distance: 0.3 miles
LA22 9BU
Ambleside Climbing Wall
Distance: 0.7 miles
LA22 9BS
Bridge House National Trust
Distance: 0.6 miles
LA22 9DU
Lake Windermere Waterhead
Distance: 1 mile
LA22 0EP
Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall
Distance: 0.8 miles
LA22 9LU
World of Beatrix Potter
Distance: 4.7 miles
LA23 3BX
Loughrigg Fell
Distance: 2.5 miles
LA22 9NG
Langdale Valley Trails
Distance: 6 miles
LA22 9JU
Borrans Park Roman Fort
Distance: 1.2 miles
LA22 0EY
Ambleside Town Centre
Distance: 0.6 miles
LA22 9BS
Co-op Ambleside
Distance: 0.5 miles
LA22 9BT
Booths Windermere
Distance: 4.7 miles
LA23 1BA
555 Bus Stop
Distance: 0.3 miles
LA22 9BU
Ambleside Climbing Wall
Distance: 0.7 miles
LA22 9BS
Bridge House National Trust
Distance: 0.6 miles
LA22 9DU

Is Swirl How Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
The property works well for families with children. A travel cot and highchair are available on request and delivered quickly. The rear garden provides safe outdoor space for young children to play while parents enjoy the fell views. Three bedrooms sleep up to five people comfortably. Ambleside offers family attractions including World of Beatrix Potter (4.7 miles) and Lake Windermere watersports at Waterhead (1 mile). The ground floor layout means no stairs to worry about.
For Couples
Two couples can share this bungalow comfortably thanks to the two full bathrooms. The king-size and double bedrooms provide private sleeping space. Spectacular fell views from the lounge and garden create a peaceful atmosphere. The covered patio area lets you sit outside together regardless of weather. Walk into Ambleside in 15 minutes for restaurants and pubs. Lake Windermere sits just 1 mile away. The quiet elevated position above town delivers privacy while keeping amenities close.
Pet Friendly
Swirl How does not accept pets. The property maintains a strict no pets policy for all guests. If you need pet-friendly accommodation in the Lake District you will need to look at alternative properties. The bungalow's carpets and furnishings are kept in excellent condition for guests with allergies or those who prefer pet-free environments. Many guests comment on the exceptional cleanliness standards maintained throughout.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Swirl How

The Priest Hole

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BU

Zeffirellis Restaurant

Located 0.6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BS

The Apple Pie Cafe

Located 0.6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BT

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Swirl How

Does Swirl How have a hot tub?
No, this property does not have a hot tub. The bungalow does feature two bathrooms including one with a full bath and separate walk-in shower.
Is Swirl How pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property. The bungalow maintains a strict no pets policy for all guests.
How many people does Swirl How sleep?
The property sleeps up to five guests across three bedrooms. These include one king-size, one double and one single with a trundle bed that converts to a twin on request.
What parking is available at Swirl How?
Private driveway parking for two cars is included. The driveway meets the pavement at a steep angle so approach at an angle if your vehicle has low suspension.
How far is Swirl How from Ambleside town centre?
The walk into Ambleside takes approximately 15 minutes. The route involves a fairly steep hill but guests say the views make it worthwhile.
What kitchen equipment is provided?
The kitchen includes electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. Cookware, crockery and utensils are provided for self-catering.
Is Swirl How suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the property works well for families. A travel cot and highchair are available on request and the garden is safe for young children to play.
What are the check-in arrangements?
Specific check-in details will be provided by Lakelovers before your arrival. The property is all on ground floor level making access straightforward with luggage.

Swirl How Reviews

Lovely accommodation, great condition and marvellous location.
Lovely property with great views. Extremely clean and comfortable. Were planning a return visit. Highly recommended!
One of the very best holiday properties in which we have stayed. Quiet location with amazing views cloud permitting!. Easy access to the town and walks. Great facilities, especially having two bath shower rooms. Comfortable, clean and it had everything we needed.
Excellent accommodation very comfortable and well equipped. Wonderful views and as the weather was dry and sunny which was unusual In our experience of holidays in the past in the lakes. It was lovely to be able to sit in garden in the sunshine after coming back from a walk. Would certainly recommend.
Michael
Generally the kitchen was well supplied, but no pasta bowls, which is slightly puzzling. Also some tongs would be useful. Oh, and the temperature lettering on the oven is badly eroded making it difficult to see what setting the oven is on.
We stayed at Swirl How with our daughter and her husband and their two young boys. We were attending a family wedding nearby. The cottage was exactly what we needed. The children played in the garden at times although the weather was the usual unpredictable lake district weather. It was a very comfortable place to stay with everything you need to enjoy your time there.
Swirl How is a comfortable cottage in a quiet location in Ambleside. Beds and living areas were comfortable and the kitchen is well set up for selfcatering. I was, however, surprised to find that there was nothing but salt in the cupboards, not even the makings for a cup of tea or a bit of oil and vinegar. I comment on this as all of the other places we staying in during our 6 weeks in England did provide those things. The cottage is 710 minutes walk into the town centre, with lots of options for meals, etc. along with access to a good bus service connecting the Lakes district which we used a few times to avoid the narrow country lanes and high parking fees. There are a couple of small supermarkets in Ambleside but a much bigger one a short drive away in Windemere.
Christopher
It's a lovely bungalow that we have stayed at about three times now. It's in a lovely quiet location above the town, a short walk from the town and the lake. It's comfortable and well equipped with parking for four cars on the driveway. Everything worked well.
Lesley
Great property in a lovely location. Very clean, well equipped and comfortable.
Andrew
Really nice property and truly great views. Bungalow has absolutely everything that you need and more for your stay. Despite the hill from old lake road the property is ideally placed to explore the local and surrounding area. We didn't need to move the car as the bus stops are only a short walk away. The only issue we had was on arrival with the key safe and the cover was stuck, we were lucky that one of the local residents came to our rescue and managed to release the jam, apparently this has happened previously perhaps a new key safe could be installed Overall a great stay and yes we would return if available.
Denise
Had a lovely week in Swirl How. A great bungalow in a beautiful location . Its like home from home and has all you need for a great stay. Lovely comfy beds and I liked the little extra touches like hot water bottles, walking sticks and colourful pot plants artificial of course. Well looked after and would definitely like to return in the future. Plenty to see and do in the Lake District and a really good bus service.
Swirl How is a very well equipped, cosy comfortable holiday bungalow . Our holiday coincided with storm Debi and it was a pleasure to come home to such a cosy warm home after our days out. The views over the well maintained garden to the fells beyond are truly food for the eyes. Unfortunately I have one concern in relation to the drive which looks to be quite new. The angle where the drive meets the pavement needs to be flattened as both our cars bottomed out every time we drove onto the drive from road.
Robert
Second stay completed. a great property, with comfort and unbeatable views of the surrounding fells. I would recommend swirl how.
Ashleigh
Loved our stay at swirl how and will definitely return. The property is in a great central location with beautiful views. Furniture and appliances are all to an excellent standard. The property felt much more spacious than I was anticipating. We travelled as a group of 4 adults and 2 young children and the property offered us so much space. The bedrooms have lots of storage and the beds and bedding are great quality. The outside space is beautiful, safe for young children, with a covered area to allow you to sit out in any weather, ample outdoor furniture and a bbq fire pit available for use. A truly perfect stay cant fault a thing about this amazing property and we cant wait to return!
Thomas
This was our 5th time at swirl over say 12 years. It's worth it just for the view. The layout with 2 bathrooms and the location, suit us very well.
Good property in Ambleside with far reaching views from the rear garden and lounge. The property is up a fairly steep hill which may not suit some but if you dont plan on walking into the centre then this wont be an issue There was no spare toilet tissue but other than that everything you need. The drive has room for two cars and although there is a garage, apparently the owners car is parked in there.
Lesley
Swirl How is a real find. Beautiful views, sparkling clean and everything you need for a comfortable holiday. We will book it again Im sure.
What a brilliant property! It has beautiful views all around and a patio area and table and chairs on the lawn to sit outside and enjoy the views. Kitchen has everything needed. Two proper showers and a separate bath were great. Ample space for two cars. I cannot think of any negatives and if wanting to stay in Ambleside again then I would look to see if this is free. We enjoyed it so much that never once in the week did we put either tv on at all! Such a great week!
Stayed here a couple of times and it's so clean and tidy. perfect views and really quiet. only draw back is the short steep walk up the hill but it's worth it to get the views at the end of it !!
Adrian
We have stayed here before and like our previous visit in 2022, it had been cleaned to a very high standard, the furniture and furnishings are all excellent. The accommodation is just right, and the views are terrific. The new paved driveway is very nice however it meets the pavement and dropped kerb at a very steep break over angle so there is a very big risk of grounding the car going in and out of the drive. My car, a medium sized saloon, only just cleared with less than one inch. The only other comment we would make is perhaps the addition of some small Dessert Knives in the cutlery drawer would be useful.
The newly repaved drive has a definite peak where it meets the pavement. As a result my car, which has normal saloon type suspension and ride height, kept bottoming out when pulling on or off the drive.
Brenda
Beautiful home and surroundings. Cant fault in any way.. will be back again next year. Thank you for another brilliant stay. Very helpful staff who responded very quickly to items we didnt have. Thank you.
1 The toaster requires replacing as was unsatisfactory over 11 year old. 2 Could have done with a second front door key times. 3 The lounge only has 4 easy chairs & there were 5 of us. It was ok for us because I was in the kitchen most of the time & am not so keen on TV. 4 I needed to renew 2 of the lamp bulbs.One was in the kitchen & noticed that just one of the original remain.There is fortunately one spair remaining.
Our Stay at Swirl How was absolutely
Christopher
It was our second visit. We love the bungalow and the area. Everything was very clean and tidy. The showers are super. The beds are very comfortable. The new smart TV is great. It would be good to have more wine glasses i.e. 4 of the same medium size and lids to fit the saucepans that have none.
Adrian
The cleanliness and the overall presentation of Swirl Howe was outstanding. The seating in the Lounge was very comfortable and the property was extremely well equipped, we will definitely return for another stay.
Esther
This property was amazing. The views are even better than in the photos. Its really comfy and lacked nothing. Down to handy torch nightlights! Really clean and felt open and airy. I couldnt fault the place and the whole family agreed we would stay here again when we come to Ambleside.
The bungalow was very clean and welcoming for our arrival and we appreciated all the extras such as hand wash, dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid etc we have previously stayed in cottages where there was none of these. We found the house very well equipped and comfortable and our only suggestion would be to provide some throws for extra warmth in the evening. The travel cot and high chair which we requested on booking were not in the property when we arrived but were delivered within about 10 minutes of me contacting the office what could have been a problem was dealt with in a very prompt and professional way, many thanks. The views are ever changing and beautiful! We enjoyed our stay very much and thank you for sharing your lovely home with us.
We have stayed at this house for the last few years either in early January or early December & have found it an ideal position. We feel very comfortable in this property and this is why we keep returning. Views are excellent giving you a good view on two sides of the house & a heads up by being able to see whether theres snow on the tops, great if you are intending to do some high level walking.
Bernadette
Although it was the week of Halloween the amount and visible level of cobwebs throughout the property was at least shocking. Needless to say we cleaned them prior to inlaws arriving. Also made approx 2.50 from loose change down sofa. Also feel the cream carpets are little in practical .Other than that great location and views well equipped.
A very well equipped and comfortable holiday cottage which compensated for some very wet weather during the week. The property is situated on an elevated position above Ambleside giving good views of the nearby fells but with easy access to the town.
A lovely clean property and with a beautiful view of the Langdale valley. Only draw back is the short though steep hill to the house but thats the compromise, if you want a view, so it shouldnt deter people.
My only minor criticism of the property concerns the pillows provided. They are all flat, foamfilled pillows which are not good for guests with neck or upper back problems. It would be good to provide some downfilled pillows which better support the neck. I realise that these are more expensive than the foam ones. But they are available in most hotels nowadays, and I think most guests would expect them to be provided in a self catering property of this quality. Otherwise, Swirl How was superb and I would thoroughly recommend it. Thank you
The house was very comfortable and well equipped, and well situated for Ambleside and exploring the area. The views from the house were particularly spectacular. We found everything cleaned to a high standard on our arrival. Thank you for a very pleasant week in the lakes. We will return!
Excellent wifi. Super showers and hot water. Comfortable and warm. Spacious.
Leave a Review
Been to Swirl How? Please leave a review and share your holiday experiences.
Name
Month of stay
Year of stay
Review
Millans Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AG