About Unicorn Cottage

Unicorn Cottage is a characterful three-storey retreat right in the centre of Ambleside. This Cumbrian base sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere and puts you 0.1 miles from local shops and pubs. The cottage welcomes two well-behaved pets and offers permit parking.

Ambleside is perfect for exploring the Lake District National Park. Walk straight from the doorstep to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall or head to the lakeside at Waterhead for boat trips and watersports. The town has restaurants including two Michelin Star venues plus the Unicorn and Golden Rule pubs directly opposite.

The cottage sleeps six across three bedrooms. The second-floor king-size room has an en-suite with walk-in shower. The double bedroom includes an en-suite with walk-in shower and heated towel rail. The second-floor twin room features a TV. A first-floor bathroom offers a large bath with handheld shower. Open-plan living space includes a kitchen, dining area and sitting room with open fire.

Visit Bridge House (0.2 miles, 2 minutes), Wray Castle (5.1 miles, 15 minutes), Hill Top (7.8 miles, 20 minutes) and Tarn Hows (4.3 miles, 12 minutes).

Families and groups love the central location with immediate access to walks, restaurants and Lake Windermere activities. Book Unicorn Cottage for your Lake District break.

Check Prices & Availability »

At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Gas central heating
✓Electric range oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, toaster
✓Smart tv, tv, wifi
✓Fuel and power included in rent
✓Bed linen and towels included in rent
✓Permit parking available
✓Two well-behaved pets welcome
✓Sorry, no smoking
✓Shop and pub 0.1 mile
✓Note: there is a washing machine and tumble dryer in the utility cupboard on the first-floor
✓Note step up to the shower

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Unicorn Cottage Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding Unicorn 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.

Bridge House

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9DU

Wray Castle

Distance: 5.1 miles

LA22 0JA

Hill Top

Distance: 7.8 miles

LA22 0LF

Stock Ghyll Force

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA22 9DT

Waterhead Lakeside

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA22 0ER

Tarn Hows

Distance: 4.3 miles

LA22 0PS

Ambleside Town Centre

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

The Rock Shop

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BS

Booths Windermere

Distance: 4.7 miles

LA23 1BA

Grasmere Village

Distance: 4.4 miles

LA22 9SH

Windermere Town

Distance: 4.7 miles

LA23 1AF

Go Ape Grizedale

Distance: 9.2 miles

LA22 0QJ

Bridge House

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9DU

Wray Castle

Distance: 5.1 miles

LA22 0JA

Hill Top

Distance: 7.8 miles

LA22 0LF

Stock Ghyll Force

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA22 9DT

Waterhead Lakeside

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA22 0ER

Tarn Hows

Distance: 4.3 miles

LA22 0PS

Ambleside Town Centre

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

The Rock Shop

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BS

Booths Windermere

Distance: 4.7 miles

LA23 1BA

Grasmere Village

Distance: 4.4 miles

LA22 9SH

Windermere Town

Distance: 4.7 miles

LA23 1AF

Go Ape Grizedale

Distance: 9.2 miles

LA22 0QJ

Is Unicorn Cottage Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

Kids love The Rock Shop and Silver Moon directly in Ambleside town centre. The Stock Ghyll Force waterfall walk starts from the doorstep and leads through woodland to a spectacular waterfall. Waterhead offers boat trips on Lake Windermere plus watersports activities. Go Ape Grizedale provides treetop adventure courses 9.2 miles away. The twin bedroom includes its own TV for entertainment.

For Couples

The king-size bedroom features an en-suite walk-in shower for privacy. Relax in the lovely big bath on the first floor after Lake District walks. The open fire creates a cosy atmosphere in the sitting area. Two Michelin Star restaurants sit within walking distance alongside numerous other dining options. The Unicorn and Golden Rule pubs are directly opposite for evening drinks.

Pet Friendly

Two well-behaved pets can stay at Unicorn Cottage. The central Ambleside location puts Lake District National Park walking trails right on your doorstep. Stock Ghyll Force waterfall walk begins immediately from the cottage. Waterhead lakeside sits 0.8 miles away for longer walks. Tarn Hows offers a popular dog-walking route 4.3 miles from the property. The cottage has outdoor seating space available.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Unicorn Cottage

The Unicorn Inn

Located 0.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BT

The Golden Rule

Located 0.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BS

Zeffirellis

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BZ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Unicorn Cottage

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

No, Unicorn Cottage does not have a hot tub. The property does offer three bathrooms including a main bathroom with a lovely large bath and handheld shower.

Is it pet friendly?

Yes, two well-behaved pets are welcome at Unicorn Cottage. The central Ambleside location provides immediate access to Lake District walking routes perfect for dogs.

Where can I park at Unicorn Cottage?

Permit parking is available for guests staying at the cottage. The owner provides helpful information about obtaining and using your parking permit upon booking.

How many people does Unicorn Cottage sleep?

The cottage sleeps six guests across three bedrooms: one king-size, one double and one twin room. Reviews confirm there is plenty of space for four adults and two children.

What facilities are in the kitchen?

The kitchen includes an electric range oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and toaster. Guests find tea, coffee, condiments, foil, washing up liquids and dishwasher tablets already provided.

Is there a washing machine at the property?

Yes, there is a washing machine and tumble dryer in the utility cupboard on the first floor. The property also provides bed linen and towels as part of your stay.

What can I do in Ambleside?

Ambleside offers restaurants including two Michelin Star venues, numerous shops and pubs right across the road. The town sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere with boat trips and watersports at nearby Waterhead.

How far is Unicorn Cottage from Lake Windermere?

The cottage sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere with the lakeside at Waterhead nearby. You can walk to waterside activities or drive to other Lake Windermere access points within minutes.

Unicorn Cottage Reviews

The property is superbly located close to the centre of Ambleside, but not on a main road. Whilst plenty of people walk past the front of the house there are handy half height wooden shutters to stop people looking in if that concerns you. There is also a bit of noise from the local pub as people leave, but nothing too concerning. As the property description states, there are narrow and steep stairs. We were a family of 5 plus 2 dogs, and managed fine although we had to keep the dogs downstairs and off the sofas, and the ground floor is open plan, which took a bit of managing. The property itself is old, but has been done up nicely. It retains a lot of character, but that also means that some of the finish is a bit rough around the edges. Nothing that impacted our stay though. We would definitely come back.

The cottage is in a great location and very cute. However during our stay we had a number of issues. Firstly the dishwasher was broken. The landlord was very responsive and a plumber came round very quickly to get it working, however it didn't wash well and the bottom basket tray is broken. Secondly there was a smell of sewage throughout the ground floor, which I'm guessing was known about before because we were instructed to turn on the airpurifier. This helped a little, but the smell downstairs was still pretty unpleasant. Finally, one of the single beds upstairs was old and the springs could be felt when lying down didn't make for a great night's sleep. Overall a very cute cottage and nicely renovated. It's just that it needs some core maintenance work doing and some of the furniture updating.

Stuart

Stayed for 3 x nights from 2nd Jan 2026. The cottage itself is stunning and plenty of room for 4 x adults and 2 x children. The Christmas tree and bits of decorations were a lovely touch. Bedrooms were lovely and had really comfortable beds. The bath on the first floor was lovely and big. Little drafts from the windows but was soon gone when the wooden blinds were closed. I would stay here again

Philip

Fabulous cottage in a perfect location!

Cosy cottage n the centre of Ambleside.

A fantastic property right in the centre of Ambleside. We loved our stay in this cosy space and we will definitely be back. The rooms were nicely decorated and the kitchen well equipped with plenty of teacoffeesoap to keep you going during your stay. The location was great although you might hear some minor noise in the eveningnight as it is right on a street but nothing that will take away from your stay.

Unicorn Cottage is fabulous, as is its location in Ambleside. We were a family of four so had plenty of space. The bedlinen and towels are an excellent quality and kitchen very well equipped with everything you could need. Fabulous beds and a lovely deep bath to enjoy after a good trek. The pubs across the road are well worth a visit. We ate out every night and were not disappointed. Note for EV charging its well worth using the super fast chargers at Booths in Windermere. The ones we found in Ambleside were slow and parked at for the night. Thank you Andy, we look forward to returning!

Claire

Firstly, this cottage was so well stocked, all the little things like foil, condiments, ice packs in the fridge, washing up liquids, dishwasher tablets and loads more much appreciated! We loved the location, we parked up Fairview road I think so that made things fairly easy. Very close to everything in the centre, right down the street to the kids' favourite shops The Rock Shop and Silver Moon! and the entrance to the road to the waterfall, as well as two pubs! The owner was extremely helpful when we contacted regarding parking permit etc, and even let us know mid stay that the washing machine had been reported as broken. Everything was beautifully clean, very spacious bedrooms, and we had more bathrooms than we knew what to do with! I've already recommended to a family member thinking to visit later in the year.

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Unicorn Cottage, Ambleside

About Unicorn Cottage