4.6★
Lakelovers rating
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2 Guests
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1 Bedroom
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1 Bathroom
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Pets No
Features
- Cot available
- Highchair available
- Pub/shop < 1 mile
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
* Based on a combined average customer score
61 Customer Review(s)
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Karen 
“Starting off with the positives- this cottage is in an amazing location, a 5 minute walk from Ambleside center with all it's shops, cafe's and pubs.”
The flat itself is a little tired in places but that's not really an issue. The balcony is by far it's best feature sitting out there in the sun reading or eating your meal was perfect. And if course the parking was amazing, if you've ever been to Ambleside you'll know how important that is. The cottage has everything you to self cater and is almost perfect. Negatives- as mentioned in previous reviews some areas really need looking at for cleanliness, they ask you to strip the beds the ...
The flat itself is a little tired in places but that's not really an issue. The balcony is by far it's best feature sitting out there in the sun reading or eating your meal was perfect. And if course the parking was amazing, if you've ever been to Ambleside you'll know how important that is. The cottage has everything you to self cater and is almost perfect. Negatives- as mentioned in previous reviews some areas really need looking at for cleanliness, they ask you to strip the beds the mattress protector is still stained (I'd have washed or replaced after a previous review mentioned it) , one of the glasses in the cupboard had a faded lipstick mark on it (cleaner should have checked them), the placemats where dirty and the white towels were stained. They smelt of laundry detergent so they were laundered, but if you're going to have white towels they have to be bright perfect white. All of the above is mostly attention to detail and wouldn't take much to address as they are not costly problems to fix.
- Karen, March 2025 -
David “The property, as advertised extremely well located to the centre of Ambleside, convenient for all facilities.”
Spacious, well stocked with kitchen and dining equipment. Comfortable but a minor niggle, the sofas require replacing and that the apartment could do with a little T.L.C. having said that we will definitely be back, overall a great week. ,
- David, November 2024Robert “Property was all you would expect and more , with all the things included in the kitchen that make the apartment more of a home!”
- Robert, October 2024Anna “The main attraction are the location and the wonderful views of Ambleside from the big windows and the south facing balcony.”
We chose this apartment for a few years now for the above reasons. This year there was no sun-umbrella on the balcony and, because of the bright sun, we could not use it this year until the sun went down. Disappointingly, our request for one, was denied by the owner. We'll need to check this aspect before we book again next year. Overall, we feel comfortable in that apartment and would be sad to look for somewhere else. Anna Rufus
- Anna, June 2024Ceris “A first class apartment in a great location.”
Would highly recommend.
- Ceris, February 2024Janet “Lovely comfy apartment.”
Thank you so much to the owners for the lovely gifts they left for Christmas, a lovely thought. Also the decorations were just right. We had a perfect stay.
- Janet, December 2023Stephen “Loved the location and the views from the living room,was unable to use the balcony, due to the good old British weather, plenty of good kitchen equipment, but the overall condition of the property was a let down , uncomfortable lumpy bed , and awful old stains under the mattress protector, we only noticed when we stripped the bed for cleaners coming in, 3 seater sofa in living room needs replaced, door leading onto balcony has failed glazing .”
Sorry to be so critical.
- Stephen, September 2023Allan “Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at 16 Brathay.”
Apartment was well equipped, clean and comfortable with amazing views out over Ambleside. Everything you’d need is a short walk away. Great walks available from doorstep - only used car once on our week visit. Looked to book again for next year but the week I needed is already booked. Definitely recommend.
- Allan, September 2023Markus “We appreciated allmost everything.”
The appartment was wonderful exept a few things: the fire sensor should not be place above the oven or the dining table, false fire alarms are unavoidable; the car should not be broader than 1,75 m otherwise you cannot open the doors of the car properly within the parking place and the risk of dents caused by adjacent parking cars is high; there is a inside pool at the site but it's not allowed for guests to use it.
- Markus, August 2023Heather “We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this delightful apartment.”
With its elevated position above Ambleside and west facing views over the rooftops towards the mountains & the sunset, we couldn’t have asked for a better location. A short walk down a nearby path takes you right into the centre of Ambleside. The superking bed was an unexpected bonus with the extra width giving added comfort and the flexibility to be separated into two twins. The modern up-to-date bathroom was sparkling clean with lovely bright lights not often found in holiday properties. The rest of the apartment was modern, light & well maintained. Parking for the property is towards the very end of Lower Gale which is a cul-de-sac -the parking spaces were quite narrow, but just about okay. We did have to use one of the visitors spaces one time as the cars parked either side of us had not left enough room for us to squeeze our car into- thankfully that was an option. Look out for the prominent glass atrium on the left side of the road and that’s the main entrance. We loved watching the fighter jets practice their manoeuvres, zipping across the sky in a flash. We had a lovely week there, would definitely love to go back and would highly recommend.
- Heather, July 2023Graham “Great location.”
Accommodation was good but felt it was a little tired. Parking was tight when accommodating SUVs adjacent to one another.
- Graham, June 2023Tiina “The apartment is in itself very good and wonderfully situated, but could do with some renovation.”
The balcony needs a new set of more comfy furniture and a better parasol + weight underneath. Also, the bed would be a lot more comfortable with a proper mattress topper. The fake leather sofas are pretty sweaty and rather hard to relax on. Couldn’t find a chopping board anywhere. Otherwise, the layout, the kitchen and bathroom are very good! Superb views! To make the customer feel taken care of, the owner could kindly leave soap, a few more binbags and toilet rolls. Maybe even a welcome present.
- Tiina, June 2023David “First impressions were mixed fabulous location and stunning views but balcony ...”
First impressions were mixed fabulous location and stunning views but balcony floor had lots of debris we swept it into a corner but floor needs a clean,table was dirty chairs are far past their best, views from inside the apartment are spoilt by dirty bedroom windows and lounge windows, the wardrobe doors in lounge have been badly bashed around, the bathroom is spacious and spotlessly clean but needs non slip pads and hand rails in shower and bath, it is not a luxury apartment but so easily could be with minimal work and a paint, parking is very tight, but even so the location is second to none,the apartment is very well layed out, we would not hesitate to go back we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and holiday
- David, May 2023Linda “Excellent, conveniently sited apartment.”
Car parking very tight, even for a normal sized sedan car. Underwhelming ‘Welcome Pack’, containing a few loose teabags, coffee and sugar sachets. Individual milk pots, 2 of which contained goopy mess. Would have appreciated a fresh carton of milk and small packet of biscuits, at least.
- Linda, April 2023Mike “Good central location with wonderful views over the town and surrounding countryside.”
Sofas not very comfortable. Generally well equipped but would have appreciated a whisk and a grapefruit knife. Also, a boot tray for the hallway.
- Mike, January 2023Matthew “Great location.”
Great stay. Nice amenities. Comfortable. Great views from bedroom. Really enjoyable stay
- Matthew, November 2022Anthony “Excellent apartment, will happily book it again.”
- Anthony, July 2022David “Excellent stay, only improvement could be a made would be a new coat of paint ...”
Excellent stay, only improvement could be a made would be a new coat of paint and decorating, our friends stayed in another apartment which was painted in white and looked impressive
- David, May 2022Elaine “Property to high standard.”
The cleanliness was excellent your cleaner needs to be congratulated. Excellent position.
- Elaine, April 2022Janet “We had a wonderful week at 16 Brathay.”
The apartment is in a great location for all amenities and many walks - some from the doorstep. We especially enjoyed walking ‘from home’ alongside the river to Rydal Water more than once. We hope to return.
- Janet, February 2022Kevin “LIKE MANY, WE'VE BEEN TO THE LAKES OFTEN THIS WAS OUR MOST RELAXING AND ...”
LIKE MANY, WE'VE BEEN TO THE LAKES OFTEN THIS WAS OUR MOST RELAXING AND COMFORTABLE STAY 16, IS A GREAT RETREAT WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED WELL THE OWNERS AND WELL DONE THE CLEANING CREW
- Kevin, January 2022Jonathan “Really nice apartment in a great location.”
It had everything we needed and we hope to return again in the future.
- Jonathan, October 2021Alan “Lovely clean apartment that we've visited 5 times before.”
However, this time the bedding was in quite a poor condition that didn't fit the bed and needed replacing. It's not putting us off as we're going back in May and hopefully the bedding issue will have been resolved by then.
- Alan, October 2021Ruth “Spacious, comfortable apartment with everything you need in a great location.”
would definitely go again.
- Ruth, September 2021Edward “Be good to know the code for the bottom garden gate which has recently been fitted.”
Super comfy flat, great facilities. Have stayed here before and will return next year if available.
- Edward, September 2021Graham “As reported on a previous visit in May 2019.”
One of the sofas is badly in need of some attention especially if 4 adults are in residence as the cushioning at one end has effectively collapsed and requires repair.
- Graham, September 2021Joanne “Lovely apartment in the centre of Ambleside-just a few minutes walk down some steps.”
The balcony was fabulously sunny and also great for stargazing later at night. The apartment had everything we needed including cleaning stuff/washing up liquid etc. It was very clean and the bed and linen were super comfy too. A spacious apartment for 2. It was a bonus to have parking as well.
- Joanne, August 2021Thank you for your lovely comments. The balcony is a great feature enjoyed by many and I'm pleased to hear you have had good time away. We will pass your appreciation onto the housekeeping team. Property Owner
Rebecca “It was lovely.”
The only issue we had was the towels (a bath sheet, 1 bath towel and 2 hand towels) smelled like they had been stored damp and didn’t smell very nice so I washed and dried them in the washing machine. I would suggest people take their own towels.
- Rebecca, August 2021Thank you for your feedback. I'm sorry to hear about the towels during your stay. This is the first time we have had this issue and have addressed this with the housekeeping team. Guests do not need to bring their own towels for apartment use, unless extra's are required for swimming or for a lake visit. Property Owner
Anna “We love the apartment.”
Been here a number of years. Location is superb.
- Anna, July 2021Carolyn “This holiday was postponed from last year and the reason we chose the apartment was because of the swimming pool and leisure facilities are still mentioned in the description.”
If I hadn't phoned up to check if it was open we would not have known it was shut, so I feel there is a lack of communication. If we had known when we booked it was closed we would have probably chosen somewhere else that was cheaper as I feel the price reflected the facilities that were not there. Some areas of the complex and apartment are looking tired and would benefit from some T.L.C. We were fortunate that we only have a small hatchback as the parking space and road are quiet narrow and the house opposite was having building work done and had a large cabin in front of the space which made manoeuvring difficult. I understand this is not the owners' fault. We did have a good holiday mainly due to the great weather we had and the apartment is convenient to walk into Ambleside albeit down a steep hill and had wonderful views from the balcony.
- Carolyn, June 2021Thank you for your feedback. The leisure facilities were removed in 2020 and we did inform you by email in 2020 and again in 2021. These were separate to the property and not reflected in the price for the property. The description was changed in 2020 on the website and this was completely out of ours and the owners control. We do take all feedback on board and have addressed the concerns you have mentioned appropriately. Once again thank you for your comments. We are pleased you enjoyed your stay and had great weather. Property Owner
Valerie “Lovely apartment with incredible views.”
Really close to centre of Ambleside although location is elevated, so there are hills to walk down/up, or some steep steps, which go straight to the town, a few metres from the apartment. Ambleside itself really lovely with loads of great pubs and restaurants. Food we had was exceptional. We will definitely go back and book this apartment again
- Valerie, June 2021Andrew “A great place to stay, clean and comfortable.”
Lovely views over the village and surrounding area and a short walk to all amenities makes it a perfect location.
- Andrew, December 2020Martha “I was grateful that Sykes changed their policy and offered a refund option when covid prohibited our original booking.”
We decided to proceed with alternate booking in November. I appreciated the right kevel of detail at the right time in Sykes' emails about arrival and departure. Apartment reassuringly clean and location great. Your policy and communication mean I will consider booking with you again.
- Martha, October 2020Edward “Nice apartment, great facilities, will book again.”
- Edward, September 2020Neil “We had booked the accommodation for 3 adults but towels and bed linen we only provided for 2.”
Diassapointing start to the holiday.
- Neil, September 2020Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. Having checked with our cleaners, we have confirmed that the bed linen and towels were on the pull-down bed in the lounge unit, as is the case with every stay. If there are any problems on arrival or during your stay, a call to Sykes will ensure that we are notified and can take the relevant steps to resolve without delay. Thank you Property Owner
Helen “The flat was more spacious than we expected and the kitchen was very well stocked.”
Excellent location in Ambleside, only 4 minutes from the centre (albeit down and up a steep slope to keep you trim). Would recommend to my friends.
- Helen, January 2020Jan “Brathay is in a fantastic location and is provided with all the facilities one would need.”
The only slight observation I have is that the wood panelling on the doors and furniture could perhaps do with a lick of varish/paint. Otherwise everything was more than perfect.
- Jan, October 2019Derek “Need to tell guests that having accessed by stairs that the second key from key safe opens Atrium door to the lift and luggage can be taken to unit STEP FREE avoiding 3 flights of stairs!”
!! Plug to bath is useless the lightest touch opens and the water is gone. The actual unit is lovely very well equipped.
- Derek, June 2019Carl “Great place to stay, car parking spaces are a little tight though.”
- Carl, May 2019Graham “2nd time in this property, so we knew where to go and what to expect - its high position over Ambleside is fabulous with beautiful views.”
.. Extra bonus that there is allocated parking... However - we were a little dissapointed as to how the property has been allowed to go downhill slightly from our last visit a couple of years ago... Ceiling light in lounge and bedroom not working.. Bulbs out in other ceilling light in lounge.. Cooker extractor fan not working.... Some matching drinking glasses would be nice to have...Seat in one of the sofas - spring has gone... No remote for tv in bedroom - leaving us with very few channels to watch as it needs to be re -tuned... No DVD in lounge - instruction book there but no DVD player... We think that these are general maintenance which the property needs - just needs some TCL ☺.... Would we come back - definitely yes....
- Graham, May 2019Katherine “The flat at Brathay was a great place to stay in Ambleside- we never got tired of the amazing view from the balcony and the living room.”
We used public transport from London and there was a bus stop only 10 mins walk away from the flat. The flat was very clean, very comfortable and had everything we needed during our stay. We are a family and so needed the pull out bed, which was comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped for self catering. We used the swimming pool at the place every day. It was never busy and we often had the pool to ourselves. We would definitely recommend this flat to stay in for a family or a couple. We would definitely book this again.
- Katherine, April 2019Julie “This is a lovely apartment but does need some things to bring up to date, The springs have gone at one end of the large sofa.”
New mugs, plates, dishes all to match would be a big improvement. Needs a new tv in the bedroom as no remote and a very small screen.
- Julie, March 2019Andrew “We booked the apartment after scouring the net and eventually chose this one because of the views over Ambleside on the listing brochure.”
On arrival, we were not disappointed; although the weather was cloudy and overcast, the view of the town from our window and balcony, was simply stunning. In addition to this, there was only a five minute walk down into the centre of Ambleside. The apartment itself was far bigger than expected, with clean linen and all of the comforts one would find at home. All in all, a very nice clean apartment, with wonderful views and a beautiful town to enjoy. Thank you
- Andrew, January 2019Samantha “Booking process was really easy and communication was great.”
Flat was well equipped, warm and welcoming. Parking space was very handy. Location of flat was great though a very steep footpath so you need to be pretty fit. Cleanliness was great. Bed was comfy with a range of 3xtra bedding.
- Samantha, December 2018Michelle “A fabulous apartment overlooking Ambleside.”
Very comfortable and a beautiful bathroom - with a bath!
- Michelle, November 2018Claire “What a fantastic holiday we had.”
The accommodation was outstanding, everything we could have wanted. So homely, perfect location, clean and tidy we had such a great holiday. So much to see and do within the surrounding area we were all shattered by the end of the day, the fact we had such a lovely place to come home to made it so lovely. Will definitely venture back at some point to enjoy the amazing scenery. Thank you to Sykes and the homeowners for making our stay so welcoming .
- Claire, May 2018Andrew “Excellent base for exploring the Lake district.”
We would definitely book to go again.
- Andrew, May 2018David “Great place to stay.”
Enjoyed our time in the apartment. A second set of keys would have been helpful however. Also the key to the main entrance failed to work, but I think this was more to do with the lock it's self. Baring these niggles we had a great time and will book again in future at one of your properties. Many thanks D Pateman
- David, April 2018Laura “I have been snowed in the lake district for four extra days.”
Sykes cottages was so bound up in red tape that nobody there was remotely kind or helpful in trying to find me a place to stay or even trying to extend my stay by a couple of hours. There is a UK-wide travel and weather disaster happening and your company don't seem to have bothered to have looked out the window or considered it necessary to extend a bit of human decency to the situation.
- Laura, February 2018Andrew “The accommodation is outstanding and we really enjoyed our visit.”
However a couple of things could be looked at. One of the main reasons for us booking here was the car parking space. Car parking in the lake district can be quite difficult. It was annoying to find someone had parked across our and number 17 space. we initially approached reception but there response was it nothing we can do. We were able to park in some non used spaces 26 - onward but these quickly became full mainly due to people bringing more than one car i think. I ran Sykes and they were very helpful and rang the reception unfortunately the van didn't move but we were allowed to park in the unused spaces for the duration. I imagine at peak season these spaces aren't going to be available and would cause some real issues. Also no complaints about the kitchen equipment available it was everything we needed but non of the baking trays available actually fit in the oven. still an enjoyable stay.
- Andrew, January 2018Joanna “Absolutely great holiday apartment, had a fab time.”
Just to make you aware....the expelaire fan didn’t work in the shower room.
- Joanna, December 2017Jos “Close to center of lovely city Amblesite A bit hard to find.”
Streep hill to down town.
- Jos, August 2017Andrew “Very easy to find and parking space was really useful.”
Short but steep walk into Ambleside but the location was very quiet. The view over the rooftops of Ambleside to the surrounding hills was delightful. Great places to eat and wonderful places to visit. A most comfortable place to stay.
- Andrew, June 2017Joanne “The accommodation was actually better than we anticipated - much bigger and in excellent condition.”
The view was amazing, though due to the weather we were unable to enjoy the balcony :-( Ideally situated, though the directions given were not entirely accurate and we took a wrong turn finding it!
- Joanne, June 2017J “The location of the property was excellent and the layout superb for two people.”
The cleanliness left a little to be desired there was a used frying pan with oil on out away in the cupboard, the windows were very dirty and the outside table had not been cleaned but none of this distracted from our enjoyment of the holiday - we are in our 70's and this was one of the best holidays we have had, although Sykes can take no credit for the lack of rain during the week!!!
- J, September 2016Marilyn “Holiday flat absolute gem.”
We were delighted to find that it was all we expected, with no misleading photos or information - something we have experienced in the past. Having a balcony to sit out on in the evenings was a real bonus, especially with the unexpected heat wave that arrived. Normally we would have gone out for a meal at least once in our holiday, but as we were able to sit on balcony and dine, we ate in every evening. Brilliant
- Marilyn, September 2016Rainer “Maybe I misunderstood the advertising but I thought that the use of the swimming pool was included in the price.”
Paying £35 for 5 days was unexpected. That's all on the minus side
- Rainer, August 2016Jacqueline “The apartment is very warm and comfortable, with an excellent view over Ambleside.”
It was easy to walk into town. An added bonus is having an allocated parking space outside the apartment.
- Jacqueline, April 2016Caroline “A great location and a perfectly sized apartment with everything you need.”
There were lovely bathroom and pool facilities.
- Caroline, December 2015Lynda “Fantastic apartment with stunning views.”
Great location
- Lynda, July 2015Lawrence “We feel that this property is the nicest that we have ever stayed in.”
The overall space and setting overlooking the hills outside Ambleside made for a perfect holiday. One that we would recommend to family and friends.
- Lawrence, June 2015Summary
- Please note that this property does not accept any check-ins/check-outs on Sundays. All first floor
- One bedroom: 1 x king-size double
- Bathroom with bath, separate shower, basin and WC
- Open-plan living room with a kitchen, dining area and sitting area.
- Electric central heating
- Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD player and WiFi
- Fuel and power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Travel cot and highchair
- Off-road parking for 1 car
- Sorry, no pets and no smoking
- Shops and pub 2 mins walk
- Note: The apartment is accessed via a lift or stairs from the car park
The property
A glorious apartment, superbly located in the picturesque town of Ambleside in the heart of the Lake District National Park, with stunning views across the town to Loughrigg.
Luxuriously appointed throughout, this cottage is part of the Lakelands complex and is perfect for a couple or friends who wish to enjoy time together in one of the most desirable locations in the country.
All on the first floor, it boasts a large open-plan living area with a stylish fitted kitchen with a central island and a lovely sitting area with soft leather sofas situated around a TV with a DVD player.
Perfect for relaxing of an evening.
Gather around the spacious dining room table for a lovely romantic meal, cooked in the contemporary fitted kitchen.
The king-size double bedroom has views across Ambleside - perfect for watching the sun set.
Just a short walk down a flight of steep steps or a steep path from this Lake District cottage brings you into the vibrant town of Ambleside which has some fantastic restaurants, bars and specialist shops.
Ideally placed to explore the pretty villages of Grasmere, Hawkshead and Elterwater - there is something for everyone at this lovely Ambleside cottage.
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About the location
AMBLESIDE
Grasmere 4.4 miles; Windermere 4.7 miles; Keswick 16.7 miles.
Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants and pubs in the village to suit all tastes. On the lakeside at Waterhead, the parkland offers lovely views down the lake and a short stretch of beach, whilst a walk in the other direction, following Stock Ghyll through woodland, will bring you to the entrancing waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Along with the Lake and the great walking on offer, Ambleside is also famous for its annual rushbearing ceremony and the diminutive 17th century “Bridge House” - one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and now the National Trust Information Centre.
Please note that this property does not accept any check-ins/check-outs on Sundays.
Please Note: On 19th April 2024, this property will have it's annual fire safety check and access will be required to the property for a short period to have fire safety items checked. If you book across this date - access will be required as the visit cannot be rescheduled.This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Off-season
- Last minute
- Christmas
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