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Scandale Bridge Cottage

Ambleside, Cumbria & The Lake District (Ref. 1123990)

Customer rating

4.1

How reviews work

A property's star rating is the average of the star ratings received from guests that wish for their review to be published

Lakelovers rating

  • 6 Guests

  • 4 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets No

  • Show on map

Features

  • Off road parking
  • 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

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22 Customer Review(s)

  • Geoffrey

    “As I have not received a response to the email sent on 06/01/2026 I have copied below for your attention.”

    Re: Complaint Regarding Booking Z2627-25-SA at Scandale Bridge Cottage Ambleside – Faulty Kitchen Equipment and Other Issues. I am writing to formally complain about our recent stay at Scandale Bridge Cottage in Ambleside, which we booked through Sykes Cottages for our family's Christmas getaway from 23rd December 2025 to 30th December 2025. As loyal customers who have booked our 9th Christmas holiday away and approximately our 15th trip overall through your company, we are deeply ...

    Re: Complaint Regarding Booking Z2627-25-SA at Scandale Bridge Cottage Ambleside – Faulty Kitchen Equipment and Other Issues. I am writing to formally complain about our recent stay at Scandale Bridge Cottage in Ambleside, which we booked through Sykes Cottages for our family's Christmas getaway from 23rd December 2025 to 30th December 2025. As loyal customers who have booked our 9th Christmas holiday away and approximately our 15th trip overall through your company, we are deeply disappointed by the significant issues we encountered, particularly with the kitchen equipment, which have severely impacted our holiday. Having sat back for a week following our return wondering whether to bother raising these issues, I feel it necessary to hopefully prevent future holiday makers wasting their money on this below average holiday let. On the second day of our stay (Christmas Eve), we discovered that only a small section of the oven was working and the air fryer was also non-functional. These are essential appliances for preparing meals, especially for a family Christmas dinner. Having reviewed previous guest feedback on your website and other platforms, it is evident that these exact problems have been reported by multiple guests prior to our booking, yet no action appears to have been taken to resolve them. This lack of maintenance is unacceptable, as it suggests Sykes Cottages was aware of the faults but proceeded to let the property regardless, at a much higher rate over the Christmas period. The oven overall was dirty as was the portable countertop oven that was far too dirty to use, presumably provided due to the known oven faults. What should have been a relaxing and joyful christmas eve turned into a stressful return drive from Ambleside to Blackpool - a round trip of several hours—to collect cooking equipment from home and a family member. Without this emergency measure, our Christmas dinner would have been completely ruined, turning what should have been a joyous family gathering into an almost impossible ordeal. Our group includes young children, and it is particularly distressing that we were knowingly allowed to proceed with this booking during the festive season, when reliable kitchen facilities are crucial for a family holiday, let alone a christmas dinner. In addition to the kitchen issues, we experienced several other problems, including a non-working dryer, malfunctioning radiators that left parts of the house uncomfortably cold, and multiple lightbulbs that were out. While we appreciate that older properties can have occasional maintenance challenges, these cumulative faults—especially the known kitchen defects—have made our stay far from the relaxing escape we anticipated and paid over the odds for. Due to how late these faults began to appear, i.e evening of Christmas Eve, we felt that our only option was to find our own resolution rather than expecting any maintenance responses over this period. We have chosen not to publicise these issues on social media or in public reviews at this stage, as some guests might, in the hope that Sykes Cottages will take action accordingly and professionally to investigate and address the issues highlighted. It is worrying that such 'premium' accommodation is made available at such a low standard and has made us reconsider our future holiday providers. I kindly ask that you investigate this complaint promptly and provide a response on the proposed resolution to this matter, with assurance that this is a one-off and standards will be raised across the board. Thank you for your attention to this matter, I look forward to hearing from you. We have enjoyed many positive experiences with Sykes Cottages in the past and hope this can be resolved to restore our confidence in your service.

    - Geoffrey, December 2025

Summary

  • Four bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x double, 1 x twin, 1 x single
  • Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, heated towel rail and WC
  • Kitchen/diner
  • Sitting room with electric fire
  • Gas central heating
  • Esse Traditional range cooker, microwave, fridge, dishwasher
  • TV, DVD player, WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Travel cot, stairgate and highchair available on request
  • Off-road parking for 4 cars
  • Enclosed patio
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shop 0.6 miles, pub 0.5 miles
  • Please note the occupancy of Scandale is 6 guests including infants
  • Please note the maximum age of children is 3 years

The property

This 18th-century, stone cottage rests in a quiet position on the northern outskirts of Ambleside.

With a beautiful interior and exterior, Scandale Bridge Cottage is a magnificent choice for families and friends, with easy access to the amenities of Ambleside and the surrounding Lakeland regions.

Upon arrival you are greeted by off-road parking for three cars; take a moment to appreciate the views over Scandale Beck before getting to know your new home-from-home.

Step into the kitchen/diner, complete with original flagstone flooring and a great assortment of appliances, including an Esse traditional range cooker, microwave, fridge and dishwasher, so you are well-equipped for a week away.

Carry the conversation into the lounge, where everyone can curl up beside the electric fire and agree on a favourite film to watch.

On warmer evenings, step out to the enclosed patio and relax on the table and chairs, or wander around the mature gardens and take in the magnificent setting.

Whisk away upstairs, offering four neatly presented bedrooms, including the master with double bed and en-suite shower room, along with a standard double, twin and single.

Awaken from a deep slumber with a refreshing rinse in the bathroom, complete with bath and shower over so you can best decide how to prepare for the day.

Ambleside makes a fantastic holiday base, with a wonderful selection of specialist shops from which you can purchase a gift to take back home, plus a range of restaurants, cafés, ice cream shops and pubs to indulge in before you continue exploring.

From Ambleside, follow the river up to the stunning Stock Ghyll Force, a 17-foot waterfall with a viewing bridge, before continuing up to Wansfell Pike for a challenging but rewarding climb.

Two excellent cinemas, a famous pizzeria and jazz bar playing live music provide entertainment late into the evening.

Whether you’re cruising on Lake Windermere’s waters or whiling away the hours in the town centre, a break at Scandale Bridge Cottage is sure to bring fond memories.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £350.

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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 the occupancy of Scandale is 6 guests including infants.
Please note the maximum age of children is 3 years

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas