Babbling Brook | Ambleside | Bridge House | The Lake District And Cumbria

4.4★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
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Features

Off road parking
Garden / Patio
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

43 Customer Review(s)

Mark
November 2024

“We loved our stay and have already rebooked for next year.”

Babbling Brook was perfect for us, as was Ambleside in general. Our only criticisms would be that the main bed was too firm for us and that the wardrobe in the main bedroom seemed cold and perhaps damp. But those are in context minor issues and clearly haven't stopped us from rebooking as soon as we got home.

Babbling Brook was perfect for us, as was Ambleside in general. Our only criticisms would be that the main bed was too firm for us and that the wardrobe in the main bedroom seemed cold and perhaps damp. But those are in context minor issues and clearly haven't stopped us from rebooking as soon as we got home.

- Mark, November 2024
Jaclyn October 2024

“Positives: The location of the property was incredible and we really fell in love with Ambleside!”

Lovely, quiet area but so close to amenities! The property was lovely and clean when we arrived and there were lots of cleaning products around which was useful (although I had taken my own as sometimes find places don’t provide these!). Beautiful flowers and a bottle of wine on arrival were appreciated! It was a good size for us as a couple with a small dog. Negatives: Within minutes of arrival I burnt my hand on the hob. It’s electric and I’m assuming the cleaners had caught the control knob but, unlike other hobs, it doesn’t glow red when still hot but ‘off’ so I didn’t know it was still hot! Could have been far worse than it was but it was a rather painful way to start our stay! Noise from upstairs could have been a nightmare for a reactive dog. Luckily it was empty for most of our stay but every time someone moved upstairs we heard them so something for potential customers to be aware of. We joked about the reviews on the mattress before we went - it was not a joke! We didn’t sleep well, it was like sleeping on concrete. The singles were ok though! Parking space was taken up when we got there - contacted the travel company who were meant to get back to us. Didn’t respond until the following morning to ‘check if the other car had moved’ and when I said it still wasn’t vacant so were we ok in the spot we had parked (the property provided some parking passes but it wasn’t clear what they were for) I didn’t hear from anyone again throughout the holiday! Luckily, part way through our stay, they moved and we went in but a better response from either the property owner or travel company would have been useful! You can tell this is only ever used as a holiday home so some things haven’t been well considered such as a ticking clock in the bedroom a not a problem as we took it down but I do think a stay by the owners would be the best way to improve things for the future!

- Jaclyn, October 2024
Peter September 2024

“We loved this apartment, it was compact but worked perfectly for our needs and is located in a complex that is great for getting about Ambleside.”

We’ve stayed in other units, some which were much more expensive but both agreed that we loved this one. I would like to address previous criticism of the heating. We found it to be great, it being controlled by a Nest Thermostat which was very intuitive and responded super quickly. This apartment is on our shortlist for our next trip planned for 2025.

- Peter, September 2024
Kevan August 2024

“Fantastic cottage.”

Beautiful and spotlessly clean. The kitchen had everything we required. Very comfortable and cosy. Only downfall the hills you had to climb from Ambleside back to cottage.

- Kevan, August 2024
Helen July 2024

“Since making the Booking my mobility had got worse so I did have trouble getting into the shower because I struggled to put one of my legs over the side of the bath.”

I had to have help in the bathroom. That was the only issue with the property. Everything else was perfect.

- Helen, July 2024
Alan June 2024

“Great location, 10 minute walk to the centre of Ambleside, lovely and homely, my only small gripe, the main bed was a little hard, and i understand this is a matter of opinion, and personal preference, 8.”

5 out of 10 overall.

- Alan, June 2024

Thank you for your comments. We do find that bedding and mattresses are down to personal preference. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Jonathan June 2024

“We had rented the property until the Saturday.”

We received a call on the Tuesday telling us that contractors were coming in to carry out maintenance work on the fire alarm system on the Friday, as they assumed that we were leaving on Friday. I advised them that this wasn’t the case and that we were leaving on Saturday, and we were then asked to leave the keys for the contractors to let themselves in. We were not happy with that suggestion as all of our personal stuff was in the property, so we decided to leave on the Friday, thus losing a day of our holiday. The shower was dangerous, it either ran very hot water or very cold water. The television effectively only had one channel which was the BBC iPlayer TV. Despite being a smart TV we were unable to download other apps so I would suggest that if you have children and you want to keep them entertained, it might be an idea to take your own TV firestick etc with you. The Central heating had a Nest thermostat, which had at the most only an hour of heating. When the temperature dropped to 6 degrees at night, this was very uncomfortable and unpleasant. Also we don’t think the bed linen had been changed as it did not feel clean when we arrived. There is very little privacy in the property as the bedrooms and living room have no net curtains at the windows, so we had to keep the curtains closed most of the time.

- Jonathan, June 2024
Martin May 2024

“Everything was fine with the flat, had everything we needed, that said, you could do with a better clothes airer!”

There is a washing machine but no dryer, the airer is one of those that if you put outside, one gust of wind and you will probably find it somewhere in Ambleside!

- Martin, May 2024
Patricia April 2024

“Mattresses are very very hard - mattress toppers would improve their comfort”

- Patricia, April 2024

Thank you for your feedback. We do find that mattresses are down to personal preference but we take your comments on board. We hope to welcome you back. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Lucy April 2024

“Great location and property, had all we needed.”

Would recommend.

- Lucy, April 2024
Anne March 2024

“We enjoyed the clean, comfortable and well equipped apartment.”

Thank you.

- Anne, March 2024
Colin March 2024

“We had a great time and the apartment was lovely.”

Really appreciated the bottle of wine and flowers to welcome us. Wouldn’t hesitate to book again, v clean and comfortable.

- Colin, March 2024
Michelle January 2024

“Had a perfect weekend at Babbling Brook.”

The place is clean, comfortable and well equipped. We liked that it was quiet yet not far from amenities. A great place to return to after a day walking on the fells. Suited us very well and would come back.

- Michelle, January 2024
Shaun January 2024

“Lovely apartment, excellent facilities everything that we needed.”

Just one comment the mattress in the main bedroom is very hard, might require memory foam topper but had a lovely stay and would definitely stay again. Thank you. Jackie M

- Shaun, January 2024
Lesley December 2023

“All arrangements and communications leading up to the visit were first class as were the instructions during our stay.”

We were really pleased with the accommodation which was perfect for the 4 of us with a great living space where we could relax. The location is also ideal for exploring Ambleside on foot. We would definitely consider another visit to this cottage.

- Lesley, December 2023
Paula November 2023

“I purchased this as gift for my Brother and family as a Christmas present and sadly, this cottage was not as described and a disappointing stay for my brother and his family.”

Here's a list of what was wrong with the cottage:- 1. Building work was being carried out in the apartment above. Work commenced at 8.30am each morning, so they unfortunately could not have a lie in bed. We should have been given the option of a change of cottage prior to them commencing their visit to the Lakes! 2. The mattress protector had blood on it. This was also noted by 2 previous guests who had written in the Guest Book, so it had clearly not been changed. Absolutely disgusting, particular how hygiene is must in this day and age! 3. Shower head completely mouldy, had to be cleaned before use. 4. Washing machine completely mouldy and smelt badly, again had to be cleaned before use. 5. When sitting in the living room in the afternoon the window was blocked with planks of wood by the builders outside, making the living room dark and unable to see out of the window. 6. The general cleanliness of the cottage was very poor. Over the years I have spent thousands of pounds booking cottages, mainly in the Lake District for my brother and this has to be the worst that they have stayed in and it was not cheap either. I have already made a verbal complaint to Sykes Cottages but I will also be making a written complaint with the images that they have sent to me. Yes, please pass on the feedback to the owners, it is clearly needed! Yes, please publish my feedback, if only to avoid other customers booking this cottage!

- Paula, November 2023

Thank you for taking the time to write your feedback. The building work in the apartment above is outside of the owners control. Further to your comments regarding the mattress protector, this has now been changed. Your comments have been passed on to the Housekeeping Team to ensure that our high standards continue to be met. Whilst we are sorry that your stay at Babbling Brook was not as you had hoped, but other guests who have stayed at the property have had an enjoyable stay. Please be advised, that we have taken all of your comments on board. We hope that you will return to the Lake District again. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Rebecca October 2023

“We really enjoyed our stay at Babbling Brook, does what it says on the tin - you can certainly hear the waterfall!”

It was a very clean tidy and compact flat, in an excellent location. Modern kitchen with everything needed to have a self sufficient stay.

- Rebecca, October 2023

Thank you for your feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay. We hope to welcome you back. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
E September 2023

“This property is in a beautiful position .”

We enjoyed our stay again , stayed here at the beginning of the year too . Kitchen and facilities were lovely . Just feel that the settee cushions , including throws could do with updating . Otherwise a lovely stay .

- E, September 2023

Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased to welcome you back for a second stay. We take all comments on board. Thank you- The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Rosemary September 2023

“A really delightful place to stay.”

This is a lovely, beautifully furnished and fitted home with facilities one would expect from a luxury apartment. I missed a dryer, as there was a torrential storm while we were there, but I do not know where one could be fitted. Everything else was spot on, from welcoming flowers to electronic torches, tea and coffee in the containers, ready for use and local maps and guides in the bookcase. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Very impressed.

- Rosemary, September 2023
Elizabeth July 2023

“Fabulous weekend break at Babbling Brook.”

Lovely property, very comfortable and everything you need for that perfect stay. Will definitely return.

- Elizabeth, July 2023

Thank you for your feedback, we are glad that you had a lovely holiday. Heart of the Lakes Owner Relations Property Owner
Beverley May 2023

“We really enjoyed our stay at Babbling Brook and would definitely stay again.”

Just a few minor points to make it even better: - it would have been helpful to know towels are provided. The summary stated bedlinen is provided but didn't mention towels so we took a pile of towels to last us the week. The summary should be amended to say bedlinen and towels are provided. - blinds in both bedrooms would be better to ensure more privacy. - a second smaller frying pan would have been useful especially for cooked breakfast. One of us is vegetarian so we had to have breakfast in installments on some days.

- Beverley, May 2023

Thank you for your kind comments. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We take all comments on board. Thank you. The Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Mark April 2023

“Very nicely located near the town center.”

Well equipped and quiet area. Definitely will visit again.

- Mark, April 2023

Thank you for your kind comments, we are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We hope to welcome you again. Property Owner
Helen April 2023

“Really lovely, comfortable and well-equipped property.”

I've already recommended it to family and will be booking again.

- Helen, April 2023

It is lovely to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We hope to welcome you back. Property Owner
Jean March 2023

“The apartment was excellent and exactly what we hoped it would be, home from home.”

All the little useful things that you have at home to hand, were provide and it makes such a difference to your holiday.

- Jean, March 2023

Thank you for your kind comments, we are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Babbling Brook. We hope to welcome you back again. Property Owner
Tanya December 2022

“Very clean and love it, would come back again”

- Tanya, December 2022
Christopher October 2022

“Great accommodation.”

Only downside is the bed in main bedroom is not firm enough and not enough toilet paper supplied. Otherwise, very clean, comfortable, cosy and welcoming.

- Christopher, October 2022
Rachael September 2022

“We had an amazing time at Babbling Brook.”

The cottage was lovely and cosy with everything needed for a home away from home. The only thing we struggled with was the firmness of the double mattress, but that didn't warrant any deduction from the rating. We would absolutely stay again! (The doggos included)

- Rachael, September 2022
Robert September 2022

“Had an enjoyable week away nice ground floor apartment with everything we needed.”

Location was in a good area close to shops bars restaurants etc. Lovely scenery and a great location to get out and explore the lakes.I would certainly book again. Thankyou Sykes cottages

- Robert, September 2022
Mike September 2022

“This was our second stay at Babbling Brook and the property was again very good indeed.”

It was well equipped, clean and very comfortable with reliable wifi ( an important detail for us!).

- Mike, September 2022
Lorraine August 2022

“Had a fantastic time.”

The apartment was lovely clean and comfortable. Had everything that we needed and more. Only problem we had was the main front door that other people where using from other apartments kept on slamming. It was very loud and annoying and set the dogs off barking. We didnt use this door we used the side door to the property. My partner checked the front door and it wasnt closing properly so that's why people where slamming the door closed. Apart from this I would recommend babbling brook to all my friends and family and would love to visit again. Regards Lorraine and Graham.

- Lorraine, August 2022
Leanne July 2022

“We have stayed before, and we love it.”

Perfect location and beautiful apartment. Need different cleaners!! Exactly the same as last time, dusty! Really filthy in the living room. Coffee table was disgusting, nuts under the table so hadn’t been moved to clean. The rest of the apartment was fine.

- Leanne, July 2022

Thank you for taking the time to provide additional feedback following your stay at Please accept our apologies that the property was not cleaned to the standard you expected. If you had let us know we would have asked the housekeeping team to rectify the issues you found. Housekeeping team. Property Owner
Sarah June 2022

“The location, just a few minutes walk from the centre of Ambleside was really great, and the parking space next to the flat very good.”

It is lovely and modern and had everything that we needed but it soon became clear that, although appearing clean on the surface, it needed a 'deep clean' - skirting boards & edge of floor dirty in places, dust & dirt under sofas and under the cushions. The toilet seat was dirty between the lid & seat. As the bedrooms are facing onto the driveway venetian blinds would be good in the bedrooms to give some privacy. Overall we really enjoyed our stay.

- Sarah, June 2022
Andrew June 2022

“An ideal place to use as a hub for visiting the lakes, good facilities and very comfortable.”

very peaceful.

- Andrew, June 2022
Angus May 2022

“Enjoyed our stay in a lovely apartment.”

Would definitely recommend this property.

- Angus, May 2022
Dawn May 2022

“A nice property in a quite area with mostly everything you need.”

A little airer to put over the bath would be really useful as there is nowhere to hang dripping waterproofs to dry. The description does not mention a dishwasher & it would be a positive to know there was one I think.

- Dawn, May 2022
Viki May 2022

“Lovely, clean property in a great location.”

The only downside really was the comfort of the bed which we found quite hard, although easily rectified with the duvets from the twin room. Thank you for a lovely stay and the very rapid response in fixing the low batteries in the smoke alarms.

- Viki, May 2022
Richard April 2022

“We had a fabulous stay at Babbling brook cottage, great location and everything we needed was either provided or easy to get from Ambleside centre which was a 5 minute walk away.”

- Richard, April 2022
J October 2021

“Overall we had a lovely stay, but the property could have been cleaner.”

The cleaners did come back to finish the job, but still didn't clean the dirt off the shower hose or empty the vacuum cleaner, which was full of dog hair, before using it and left the flat smelling like a wet dog. Lovely flat, just needs a proper deep clean.

- J, October 2021
Sarah October 2021

“Great cottage in lovely location - the hill from town keeps you fit!”

Warm and cosy to come back to after wet walks! Would suggest drawer unit in main bedroom would be better use of space than armchair. Also just to note washing machine is not a washer/dryer! We would stay again - having back door on the kitchen was really useful with the dogs.

- Sarah, October 2021
Anneli October 2021

“Only difficulty I had was there was no area to let the dogs out to so I ended up walking them 4 times a day having said that we loved it.”

- Anneli, October 2021
Ruth September 2021

“We had a great stay at Babbling Brook, the cottage was very comfotable and being so close to all amenities was great.”

There are just a couple of points I would lie to highlight please bear in mind that I have a holiday cottage that I rent. It states that there is a washer / drier and infact there is only a washing machine making drying clothes difficult. There were no cleaning products left, I understand how hard it is to turn the property around on changeover day and leaving basic cleaning products would encourage people to tidy up, I couldn't even clean the bath. There was a mop bucket but no mop, luckily the weather was superb but had it been wet I would have cleaned the floor as we had a dog. However these are just a few niggles and would not stop me staying agan.

- Ruth, September 2021
Joanne July 2021

“The accommodation was excellent!”

We had a wonderful week and cannot wait to return again next year!

- Joanne, July 2021
Andrew June 2021

“Very good accommodation, would recommend”

- Andrew, June 2021

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Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x king size, 1 x twin
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
Kitchen
Living/dining room.
Gas central heating with underfloor heating in the bathroom
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview and DVD Player, Wi-Fi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen inc. in rent
Private parking for one car
Two small dogs accepted
Sorry, no smoking.

The property

A well appointed ground floor apartment with a delightful holiday feel in the ever popular residential area of 'The Falls' just on the outskirts of Ambleside and yet within easy walking distance of the village centre. The property takes it name from the waters of Stock Ghyll which bound 'The Falls' tumbling down the valley on their way to Lake Windermere.

The location offers many opportunities for walking in glorious scenery together with a varied choice of pubs, shops and restaurants, just down the hill. Babbling Brook is an ideal property for a family holiday, there are plenty of activities close-by for children of varying ages such as mini-golf, tennis, cycling, watersports and a good cinema. Accommodation: The property is on one level, there is only one step at the front door and a shallow step at the back.

Front door into inner hallway with useful cloak cupboard, then leads into the comfortable sitting/dining room (flat screen TV with Freeview, DVD) with attractive bay window.

Newly fitted kitchen June 2019 has door to outside and onto the small patio. There are two bedrooms, one bedroom with useful built-in wardrobes and king-size bed and one twin room with 2' 6" single beds.

Fully tiled family bathroom (bath with shower over, basin and wc) completed with heated flooring. Hardwood flooring throughout, with rugs in the bedrooms and gas central heating and hot water. Outside: Small patio area outside the kitchen door with bistro style table and chairs.

Private parking for one car in a named space. NOTE; Sorry no room for a cot

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
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Last minute
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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“We loved our stay and have already rebooked for next year.”

“Positives: The location of the property was incredible and we really fell in love with Ambleside!”

“We loved this apartment, it was compact but worked perfectly for our needs and is located in a complex that is great for getting about Ambleside.”

“Fantastic cottage.”

“Since making the Booking my mobility had got worse so I did have trouble getting into the shower because I struggled to put one of my legs over the side of the bath.”

“Great location, 10 minute walk to the centre of Ambleside, lovely and homely, my only small gripe, the main bed was a little hard, and i understand this is a matter of opinion, and personal preference, 8.”

“We had rented the property until the Saturday.”

“Everything was fine with the flat, had everything we needed, that said, you could do with a better clothes airer!”

“Mattresses are very very hard - mattress toppers would improve their comfort”

“Great location and property, had all we needed.”

“We enjoyed the clean, comfortable and well equipped apartment.”

“We had a great time and the apartment was lovely.”

“Had a perfect weekend at Babbling Brook.”

“Lovely apartment, excellent facilities everything that we needed.”

“All arrangements and communications leading up to the visit were first class as were the instructions during our stay.”

“I purchased this as gift for my Brother and family as a Christmas present and sadly, this cottage was not as described and a disappointing stay for my brother and his family.”

“We really enjoyed our stay at Babbling Brook, does what it says on the tin - you can certainly hear the waterfall!”

“This property is in a beautiful position .”

“A really delightful place to stay.”

“Fabulous weekend break at Babbling Brook.”

“We really enjoyed our stay at Babbling Brook and would definitely stay again.”

“Very nicely located near the town center.”

“Really lovely, comfortable and well-equipped property.”

“The apartment was excellent and exactly what we hoped it would be, home from home.”

“Very clean and love it, would come back again”

“Great accommodation.”

“We had an amazing time at Babbling Brook.”

“Had an enjoyable week away nice ground floor apartment with everything we needed.”

“This was our second stay at Babbling Brook and the property was again very good indeed.”

“Had a fantastic time.”

“We have stayed before, and we love it.”

“The location, just a few minutes walk from the centre of Ambleside was really great, and the parking space next to the flat very good.”

“An ideal place to use as a hub for visiting the lakes, good facilities and very comfortable.”

“Enjoyed our stay in a lovely apartment.”

“A nice property in a quite area with mostly everything you need.”

“Lovely, clean property in a great location.”

“We had a fabulous stay at Babbling brook cottage, great location and everything we needed was either provided or easy to get from Ambleside centre which was a 5 minute walk away.”

“Overall we had a lovely stay, but the property could have been cleaner.”

“Great cottage in lovely location - the hill from town keeps you fit!”

“Only difficulty I had was there was no area to let the dogs out to so I ended up walking them 4 times a day having said that we loved it.”

“We had a great stay at Babbling Brook, the cottage was very comfotable and being so close to all amenities was great.”

“The accommodation was excellent!”

“Very good accommodation, would recommend”

Summary

The property

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About the location

AMBLESIDE