Birchcroft | Ambleside | The Lake District And Cumbria

4.5★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
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Features

Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

45 Customer Review(s)

Michael
September 2024

“Birchcroft is a very cosy cottage, situated centrally in Ambleside.”

The cottage is very well equipped, spacious and has the luxury of two bathrooms!! Sadly, it does not have a garden - just a small courtyard equipped with a table and chairs. Parking is immediately outside the property but limited to one hour. The restriction starts at 10:00 and ends at 18.00. So ot is possible to park outside from 17:00 until 11:00 the next day. However, a parking permit is provided for use at a nearby car park outside these times. Birchcroft is within a very short walk of all ...

The cottage is very well equipped, spacious and has the luxury of two bathrooms!! Sadly, it does not have a garden - just a small courtyard equipped with a table and chairs. Parking is immediately outside the property but limited to one hour. The restriction starts at 10:00 and ends at 18.00. So ot is possible to park outside from 17:00 until 11:00 the next day. However, a parking permit is provided for use at a nearby car park outside these times. Birchcroft is within a very short walk of all Ambleside's shops, restaurants, pubs, etc. The town is ideally located in relation to other Lake District towns. Frequent bus services to all the Lake District towns operate from King Street, which is extremely close to Birchcroft. It being a small cottage, the stairs are steep and have turn in them. A banister would help enormously.

- Michael, September 2024
R September 2024

“Firstly we did have a good trip, and were blessed with great weather .”

The cottage , in our view, is ready for a refurbishment and the weakest one we have stayed in . The location is great , the beds are decent and it's well equipped . It needs a new sofa , furniture and patios furniture . The carpets are past sell by date upstairs and whilst the ensuite and kitchen look the most recently modernised , it just feels about unloved with lightbulbs in fittings that don't match and a blind that is torn. We visit Ambleside twice a year but sadly Birchcroft won't be on a repeat list for us .

- R, September 2024

We thank you for your observations as it is helpful to have feedback. The blind has been replaced. New carpets are being fitted in October. We note your other comments. Property Owner
Mark September 2024

“This is a lovely cottage in a great location, right in the centre of Ambleside.”

Generally everything worked perfectly, it was very comfortable for four adults, we had plenty of space to spread out and generous wardrobes for a cottage.

- Mark, September 2024
Ranald August 2024

“This is our fifth time in Birchcroft.”

Great property in a great location - we will be back

- Ranald, August 2024
Alan July 2024

“A great place to stay and convenient being on the centre of town .”

Very spacious and comfortable. A pity about creepy stairs landing floor boards but with the age of the building it is too be accepted.

- Alan, July 2024
Jason July 2024

“Birchcroft was in an excellent location and within walking distance of all restaurants, bars and shops in Ambleside.”

The property was comfortable but could have been a bit cleaner. There was evidence of dust on the bedside lamps in both rooms. The bin in the kitchen hadn’t been cleaned on the lid and outside.

- Jason, July 2024

We are extremely sorry that the cleaning wasn’t up to standard. We understand that Lakelovers have taken the matter up with their cleaners . Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Property Owner
Joanne June 2024

“The cottage was ideally located.”

Everything we needed was there. The beds were very comfortable and the bedding and towels supplied were great quality. However, I agree with a previous review that noted a damp dog smell. I found it overpowering and unpleasant. The cottage simply didn't smell fresh or clean. A bone dry, dirty mop and bucket were left in the kitchen, there were hairs in one of the bathrooms and the lid of a drinks bottle was under the sheet in one of the bedrooms. Some people won't be bothered by these details but, in the interests of an honest and hopefully helpful review, I think it's worth noting them. If these small details could be amended, it would be a fantastic place to stay and they certainly didn't spoil our enjoyment if our short break.

- Joanne, June 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. Our Property Services Team have been made aware of your comments and will look into the comments. We hope that you will visit the Lake District again. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Janet May 2024

“Birchcroft was a lovely cottage conveniently situated in the heart of Ambleside.”

The facilities were superb and the beds extremely comfortable. We had an issue with one of the showers and contacted the customer service team at Sykes and this was sorted within an hour or two. Would stay here again.

- Janet, May 2024
Hollie May 2024

“The cottage smelt really strongly of dogs when we arrived - overpoweringly so.”

We had to go out and buy febreze and a plug in air freshener to try to mask it. Seemed to be mainly coming from the rug in the living area. The shower head fell off the first time we tried to use the shower in the main bathroom. Didn't cause us an issue as we just used the one in the en suite instead but needs fixing. The high chair was very dirty and needed a good scrub before we could use it. Sofas weren't very comfortable. Otherwise all was great - well equipped and great location. Parking permits were very handy.

- Hollie, May 2024

We are very sorry to hear about the smell of dogs and the problem with the high chair. Please accept our apologies. We will take this up with housekeeping at Lakelovers. The cleaning by the Lakelovers staff is usually exemplary. The rugs were cleaned last month - The property owner Property Owner
Mike May 2024

“Great holiday property.”

Very clean and well serviced with everything you need for a short break. Central location in Ambleside close to shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes. We highly recommend this beautiful cottage.

- Mike, May 2024
Amanda May 2024

“Fantastic cottage in the middle of Ambelside would definitely stay again.”

- Amanda, May 2024
Richard May 2024

“Lovely cottage in a great location, enough room for 4 people.”

- Richard, May 2024
David March 2024

“Excellent property in very convenient location.”

Would love to book again for future visits to Ambleside.

- David, March 2024
Catherine March 2024

“The cottage was lovely and warm, and comfortable - a much needed refuge for what was a very wet week in the Lakes!”

Ideally located for all facilities. We had no problems parking outside cottage for loading and unloading, and parking permit provided for local car parks - again we had no problems parking in the closest car park but this may be trickier during high season. We would definitely return to this cottage.

- Catherine, March 2024
Julie December 2023

“Fabulous cottage, very cosy and comfortable.”

Perfect location in the heart of Ambleside.

- Julie, December 2023
Ranald September 2023

“Great location - our third time staying there - we will be back again next year”

- Ranald, September 2023
Kate August 2023

“Very comfortable extremely well equipped kitchen and surprisingly spacious.”

The only issue was the very noisy fan running all night across the street above the cookhouse gallery. There was some rubbish left outside the yard hence 4 for cleaning but otherwise a great place to stay

- Kate, August 2023

Thank you for your feedback. There is secondary glazing in both bedrooms so we are surprised noise was an issue. If you need air in the bedrooms, the bathroom and shower rooms have windows at the rear of the property We apologies for the fact rubbish hadn't been removed. Property Owner
Carla August 2023

“The Cottage was centrally located and so handy to explore all of Ambleside.”

So close to bars, restaurants and coffee shops. The Cottage was very well appointed and beautifully decorated. The Kitchen was very well equipped and the Owners left foods for us to use. The beds were so comfortable and the 2 bathrooms was so useful and lovely to have. Great showers too! Our one very minor critique is the pillows in the master bedroom are in bad need of renewing. They’re lumpy and bumpy with no support whatsoever, but that’s the only negative aspect we found.

- Carla, August 2023

Many thanks for your positive feedback. Your comments have been greatly appreciated and we are replacing all the pillows. Property Owner
Jane August 2023

“The back courtyard was open/shared with the next door cottage.”

As we had a dog he went onto their section . They didn’t mind but may not have liked this. Perhaps you could be more specific in your description.

- Jane, August 2023

Thank you for your feedback. We will look at the description to ensure that it is accurate. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
J June 2023

“Ideally situated, very well presented and good for four folks and the drag.”

- J, June 2023

We are glad that you enjoyed your holiday at Birchcroft Lakelovers Owner Relations Expert Property Owner
Sharon May 2023

“Property is lovely and very well equipped with everything we needed for our stay.”

Great location in the centre of Ambleside.

- Sharon, May 2023

Thank you for your comments, we are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We hope to welcome you back. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Josephine April 2023

“Unfortunately I am only 5"2.”

..so I had difficulty getting into bed..it was too tall for me. Also the second step into the kitchen was a bit high for me. Apart from that we loved the cottage.

- Josephine, April 2023

Thank you for your comments. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We do find that beds are down to personal preference. Thank you. Property Owner
David March 2023

“Had a long weekend here and absolutely loved it, fantastic cottage in great ...”

Had a long weekend here and absolutely loved it, fantastic cottage in great location, the accommodation had everything needed for the stay and parking permit was very useful and easy to use, no complaints

- David, March 2023

Thank you for your kind feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay, and that the cottage had everything you needed. We hope to welcome you back again. Property Owner
Ian January 2023

“Great value.”

Great location. Well equipped. Please don’t change!!!

- Ian, January 2023

Thank you for your very kind feedback. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We hope to welcome you back again. Property Owner
Joseph November 2022

“Enjoy your stay at the cottage.”

In a nice location very comfortable and spacious good layout. Would go back again.

- Joseph, November 2022
David October 2022

“Very comfortable and in a perfect position”

- David, October 2022
Deborah October 2022

“The only problem we had was no dustbin outside so previous user’s bin bag left in yard was attacked by vermin.”

I called Lakelovers and they came next day with a wheelie bin so all sorted. No info or facilities to recycle rubbish.

- Deborah, October 2022
Grant September 2022

“Excellent property in a superb location with everything on the doorstep.”

It was nice to leave the car on the car park for the duration of our stay and walk from the front door!

- Grant, September 2022
Mark September 2022

“Loved the cottage.”

Great location with car parks in walking distance. Everything explained well. When back in England we will try and book this cottage again.

- Mark, September 2022
Julia September 2022

“Great cottage in a perfect location for everything”

- Julia, September 2022
Dave August 2022

“Cottage was as expected and it served its purpose.”

If there are any areas to look at I would say the rear garden patio picture on your site makes it look large where in fact it’s a picture of the shared patio. The cottage was clean but we dropped a pen which went under the sofa and it’s never seen a vacuum cleaner. Finally a better explanation of the parking arrangements is definitely needed as I thought the permit allowed you to park outside the property and I got a ticket on the first morning at 10 past 10 in the morning.

- Dave, August 2022
Lee August 2022

“Lovely clean cottage in a great location.”

Very small shared yard if you have dogs with you but wasn’t a problem for us. Tumble dryer didn’t get warm/hot to dry washing but didn’t spoil our stay in the cottage.

- Lee, August 2022
William July 2022

“Great location.”

Nice layout. But it seemed ‘lazy’. Dishes needed re washed. Things you would normally expect as a ‘starter’ not there (couple of dishwasher tablets. Kitchen roll. Empty toilet roll holders). Didn’t feel ‘clean’ on arrival. The kitchen itself is a bit ‘tired’. … and a really strong smell of ‘dog’. Suggestion might be to change out the rug in the lounge. Arrogant. I wouldn’t stay here again. Not for this price.

- William, July 2022

Thank you for your observations. This is a self catering holiday accommodation so guests are expected to provide their own supplies. Lakelovers housekeeping are in charge of cleaning we apologies for their omissions. They do provide 2 dishwasher tablets and refill toilet roll holders if required. In addition to Lakelovers’s cleaning the rugs are shampooed every 6 months and the carpets each year as part of the deep clean . Unfortunately the day you left the rugs and stair carpet were shampooed . Property Owner
Maureen July 2022

“Hi as I said in last email to lake lovers that the attitude of your colleague called Keith was shocking.”

He arrived with the key which was not in Keybox which we had been waiting to get into cottage. We said at long last to him he did not like this and told us do you want me to take the key back to the office. I said off course not and that his behaviour was really shocking. As we paid alot of money my mother could not believe it. Have had no response as of yet from Lake lovers. Regards Craig Brown

- Maureen, July 2022
Karen June 2022

“We have stayed at Birchcroft 3 times now.”

We love it!!!! The cooker hob didn’t work for us though despite maintenance showing up and checking it. The iron wasn’t working but was replaced while we were there when we alerted lakelovers. The tumble dryer does not seem to work properly (takes ages no matter what setting and doesn’t really dry). So in sum we love the house and location, but just some electrical goods might need to be checked.

- Karen, June 2022
Susan June 2022

“A lovely old property, the only critic with a dog the outside space is very small and shared”

- Susan, June 2022
Yvonne May 2022

“Had a lovely week in Birchcroft.”

Have stayed in Ambleside and the surrounding area numerous times, twice over the road in Roseberry Cottage. This was through Lakelovers. Comfortable cottage and very central. Couple of cleaning issues which need to be dealt with. Garden tiny and not ideal for a dog but we were out walking every day so not a huge problem. Would recommend and will definitely stay again.

- Yvonne, May 2022
Linda April 2022

“The cottage was everything we could have asked for, and so very conveniently located in the middle of town, with the car park a short walk away.”

Lovely downstairs space, where my kids chilled and we played guitars round the dining table, a well equipped kitchen and great to have 2 bathrooms upstairs. The only challenge was I couldn’t work out what to do with recycling rubbish, and I missed the sign saying to put the bins out on Wednesday until Thursday - it would help if that was in the info folder

- Linda, April 2022
Helen December 2021

“Great property.”

Parking permit could do with being left out, we would've missed it had we not looked through the book on the first night. Fabulous location though & really comfortable.

- Helen, December 2021
Christopher September 2021

“We’ve stayed at Birchcroft several times.”

Information is lacking on how to operate several of the appliances and it would be helpful if that were corrected. Some of the information is incorrect such as the notice about the cleaners leaving crockery freshly washed in the dishwasher and how to use the heating controls. Where are the outside rubbish bins? The red light in the electric heater in the fireplace has never worked all the years we have been coming and it would add a cosy feel to the cottage

- Christopher, September 2021
Rubinsson Thomas July 2021

“Lovely house located centrally to all amenities and exactly what we were hoping to have during our stay.”

The house is maintained to a very high standard and all facilities work as expected. Your company communications before, during and after our stay is prompt and up to date. Thanks for a wonderful week of stay at Birchcroft. Would love to book it again if we return to Lake District.

- Rubinsson Thomas, July 2021
Christopher April 2021

“The central location of Birchcroft makes it so convenient.”

Parking is usually no problem and the buses to all parts are just round the corner. Lots of cafes, pubs and restaurants nearby. As are Ambleside’s excellent range of shops, bakeries and mini markets.

- Christopher, April 2021
Sarah April 2021

“Cottage was spotlessly clean, kitchen very well equipped.”

Great flat screen smart Tv. If you want a central town location then it’s smack bang in middle of Ambleside on a nice street. Our biggest issue was that the bed in the bigger ensuite bedroom isn’t comfortable. Mattress very soft on an old springy divan base, so bad they we made the kids swap with us after second night and gave them the best room. The outside area is tiny, really just a bin area. It was cold but glorious sunshine when we were there so we stayed out in country pubs and headed back early eve, but had it been summer we’d have missed outdoor space.

- Sarah, April 2021

Thank you for taking the time to feedback on your recent stay. We are glad to hear you had a lovely week. Since your comments the owner has replaced this mattress with a new firmer mattress. We are sorry this wasn't in place for your stay but rest assured this is now resolved, we do hope we can welcome you back in the future. Property Owner
Kevin December 2020

“We have had about four Lakelovers holidays and generally been impressed with the quality of the accommodation.”

Birchcroft was a disappointment. A poor unhomely layout with seating furniture pushed against wall. Uncomfortable to view TV, which was a smaller screen and poor quality colour. The sound system was for an I-Pod!! Most appliances similarly old and outdated. Generally, a spartan living area and very 'tired'. I did attempt to put the rubbish out - it meant struggling with a large 'wheelie' bin - shared between two properties, down steps and through a passage way to put it onto the pavement of a back road. The bin was emptied and I had to retrieve the bin from a different location and bring it back to the space. Happy with internet speed, parking, upstairs accommodation. But overall, this wasn't up to the standard I have experienced with previous properties.

- Kevin, December 2020

Thank you for your feedback Mr Simpson. We thank you for your observations which we have now rectified. During lockdown the kitchen has been updated including a ceramic hob. The property has been decorated throughout. A new larger TV has been installed to enable visitors to access their Netflix, Amazon Prime, iPlayer and other accounts. A DVD is also connected to the TV. I am sure this will benefit our new and regular guests. Thank you once again for your feedback Property Owner
Mr Fiddles Nov -0001

“A lovely cosy little cottage in the centre of Ambleside, great base for walking.”

Lovely and clean inside and full of character. Despite the central location very quiet. Wonderful walks around the area and some spectacular views.

- Mr Fiddles, Nov -0001

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Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x king size with own bathroom, 1 x double with own bathroom
Kitchen
Dining room
Sitting room
Gas central heating
Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, and dishwasher
Smart TV, DVD, WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Parking permit for one vehicle in nearby car park
One well-behaved pet welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop and pub 0.1 mile

The property

With permit parking in the centre of Ambleside, this Grade II listed traditional whitewashed cottage is a real gem.

Oozing with character and original features - stone-flagged floors, oak exposed beams, characteristic thick walls and deep-silled cottage windows - but styled up to scratch with modern furniture, fabulous fitted kitchen and luxurious bathrooms.

Birchcroft is a quintessential Lakeland hideaway.

If you're discovering Ambleside for the first time, or returning to a place you love, location doesn't come much easier than this. == Accommodation in detail Central Ambleside parking permit for convenient access to property and village.

Entrance hall leads to lounge, which is open to, but separate from, the dining area.

Stone-flagged floors throughout this living area with sumptuous rugs for warmth.

A couple of steps lead to modern fitted kitchen.

Back door leads out to the small patio area.

Upstairs find two adorable and cosy bedrooms with luxurious bathrooms and TV. Location Central Ambleside permit parking gives you reliable access to the delights of the village; varied shops, cafes, excellent restaurants, pubs, bars and cinema.

Windermere Lake Cruises depart from nearby Waterhead Pier, ferrying passengers the full length of the lake with stops at Bowness and Lakeside.

Ambleside's location is also ideal for keen walkers; numerous spectacular routes begin nearby and the village is renowned as a hotspot for hiking gear and advice.

For exploring, the A591 road leads effortlessly south to Bowness, north to Grasmere and on via simple navigation to the Langdales and Coniston.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

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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.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Your selection:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Birchcroft is a very cosy cottage, situated centrally in Ambleside.”

“Firstly we did have a good trip, and were blessed with great weather .”

“This is a lovely cottage in a great location, right in the centre of Ambleside.”

“This is our fifth time in Birchcroft.”

“A great place to stay and convenient being on the centre of town .”

“Birchcroft was in an excellent location and within walking distance of all restaurants, bars and shops in Ambleside.”

“The cottage was ideally located.”

“Birchcroft was a lovely cottage conveniently situated in the heart of Ambleside.”

“The cottage smelt really strongly of dogs when we arrived - overpoweringly so.”

“Great holiday property.”

“Fantastic cottage in the middle of Ambelside would definitely stay again.”

“Lovely cottage in a great location, enough room for 4 people.”

“Excellent property in very convenient location.”

“The cottage was lovely and warm, and comfortable - a much needed refuge for what was a very wet week in the Lakes!”

“Fabulous cottage, very cosy and comfortable.”

“Great location - our third time staying there - we will be back again next year”

“Very comfortable extremely well equipped kitchen and surprisingly spacious.”

“The Cottage was centrally located and so handy to explore all of Ambleside.”

“The back courtyard was open/shared with the next door cottage.”

“Ideally situated, very well presented and good for four folks and the drag.”

“Property is lovely and very well equipped with everything we needed for our stay.”

“Unfortunately I am only 5"2.”

“Had a long weekend here and absolutely loved it, fantastic cottage in great ...”

“Great value.”

“Enjoy your stay at the cottage.”

“Very comfortable and in a perfect position”

“The only problem we had was no dustbin outside so previous user’s bin bag left in yard was attacked by vermin.”

“Excellent property in a superb location with everything on the doorstep.”

“Loved the cottage.”

“Great cottage in a perfect location for everything”

“Cottage was as expected and it served its purpose.”

“Lovely clean cottage in a great location.”

“Great location.”

“Hi as I said in last email to lake lovers that the attitude of your colleague called Keith was shocking.”

“We have stayed at Birchcroft 3 times now.”

“A lovely old property, the only critic with a dog the outside space is very small and shared”

“Had a lovely week in Birchcroft.”

“The cottage was everything we could have asked for, and so very conveniently located in the middle of town, with the car park a short walk away.”

“Great property.”

“We’ve stayed at Birchcroft several times.”

“Lovely house located centrally to all amenities and exactly what we were hoping to have during our stay.”

“The central location of Birchcroft makes it so convenient.”

“Cottage was spotlessly clean, kitchen very well equipped.”

“We have had about four Lakelovers holidays and generally been impressed with the quality of the accommodation.”

“A lovely cosy little cottage in the centre of Ambleside, great base for walking.”

Summary

The property

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About the location

AMBLESIDE