Skelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Exterior photoSkelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Exterior photoSkelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Exterior photo
Book through our site
—up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From156US$ /night
Check-in
24May2026Select date
Check-out
25May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9NJ
-
Near the Lake
Great
8.3
/10
4.6
4.4
/5

Rooms

Skelwith Bridge Hotel offers 28 en-suite bedrooms, each maintaining the character of the original building. Room options cater to singles, couples, and families, featuring comfortable beds and convenient refreshment trays. The Grasmere Suite provides enhanced accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible bathroom and private entrance.

Outdoor Adventure

The hotel's location serves as a gateway to outdoor activities in the Lake District, including hiking and cycling right from the doorstep. Guests can explore scenic trails and breathtaking landscapes easily accessible from the hotel. Lake Windermere and Grizedale Forest Park are just a short drive away.

Dining Experience

Dining at Skelwith Bridge Hotel includes a menu of savory classics that celebrate local ingredients prepared by Head Chef Gabor. Guests can enjoy meals in the Bridge Restaurant or Talbot Bar, where traditional Lakeland comfort food complements an extensive wine and beer list. The hotel also offers a Traditional Sunday Roast featuring locally sourced meats.

Family and Pet-Friendly

The hotel accommodates families with children under 12 staying for £25 when sharing with two adults, including breakfast. Families can choose from rooms that allow for extra beds, ensuring ample space for larger groups. Additionally, dog-friendly accommodations welcome four-legged friends, making it easy for guests to enjoy their stay together.

Packages and Seasonal Offers

Seasonal packages, such as the Turkey & Tinsel offer, present opportunities for memorable getaways throughout the year. Guests can choose tailored experiences ranging from tranquil escapes to festive celebrations. The hotel also hosts special events during Christmas and New Year's, promising unique dining and leisure options.

Highlights

Location: Gateway to Lake District attractions

Rooms: Grasmere Suite with wheelchair accessibility

Dining: Traditional Sunday Roasts with local meats

Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly accommodations for guests' pets

“Skelwith Bridge feels like a genuine escape in the Lake District, a dog-friendly haven steps away from scenic trails and charming cafes; the staff's warmth and the hotel's historic character create a truly welcoming atmosphere. The flexible dining and cozy lobby add to its appeal, making it an ideal base for exploring the area or simply unwinding with a local brew. It's a place that clearly values both its setting and its guests.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
View all

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Single Room
2 persons
35 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
55 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room
2 persons
55 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Superior Double Room
2 persons
100 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Billiard tables

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Board games
  • Children's menu
  • Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

The Skelwith Bridge Hotel offers an inviting dining experience steeped in local flavors. Guests can indulge in comforting classics and unwind with a selection of beverages in a warm and cozy ambiance, perfect for enjoying good company and delightful meals.
Skelwith Bridge Hotel Ambleside Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Local British Cuisine
Ambiance
A relaxed and welcoming setting that encourages shared moments over hearty meals.
Key Offerings
Savor the Classic Bolognaise, a rich blend of Lakeland minced beef and sun-blushed tomatoes over tagliatelle, paired perfectly with garlic bread and a twist of seasonal ingredients. A curated selection of wines, including Bon Courage Inkara Shiraz, is also available, making every meal special.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Skelwith Bridge Hotel Location

Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9NJ
Map view
Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9NJ
Nearby
Skelwith Force
1400 ft
Restaurants
The Talbot Bar
400 ft
Skelwith Bridge Hotel
Explore Ambleside
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Skelwith Force
5 minutes' walk
A stunning waterfall known for its natural beauty; a 5-minute stroll from the hotel offers scenic views and great photo opportunities.
Loughrigg Tarn
Loughrigg Tarn
10 minutes' walk
A picturesque tarn surrounded by hills, ideal for peaceful walks and nature photography, just a short walk from the hotel.
Elter Water
Elter Water
15 minutes' walk
A serene lake perfect for a leisurely stroll; it offers breathtaking surroundings and is ideal for bird watching and picnicking.
Rydal Water
Rydal Water
30 minutes' walk
Known for its stunning landscapes and literary connections, Rydal Water offers excellent walking paths around its tranquil shores.
Hiking around Loughrigg Fell
35 minutes' walk
Stunning hiking trails with views of the surrounding fells. Trail maps available at the hotel; great for outdoor enthusiasts.
Guided Yoga Sessions
10 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions available at nearby wellness studios; ideal for unwinding after exploring the area. Reservations required.
Kayaking on Windermere
15 minutes' drive
Thrilling kayaking experiences on nearby Windermere; gear rentals available. A fun adventure for both beginners and experts.
The Talbot Bar
The Talbot Bar
2 minutes' walk
A cozy bar and restaurant offering traditional British fare. Known for its local ales and hearty meals; reservations recommended.
Lake Road Kitchen
5 minutes' drive
A vibrant eatery focusing on locally sourced ingredients; a favorite for seafood and vegetarian delights. Reservations advisable.
The Old Stamp House Restaurant
10 minutes' drive
Fine dining with a focus on Lake District ingredients; perfect for a special night out. Best to reserve in advance.
Ambleside Cinema
10 minutes' drive
An independent cinema showcasing a mix of indie films and classics; family-friendly and a great way to relax in the evening.
Getting around town
City Centre
Ambleside5 min  ·  2.1 mi
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX)119 min  ·  49.0 mi
Blackpool International (BLK)165 min  ·  68.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop5 min  ·  2.1 mi
Looking for early-bird discounts?
Get special discounted rates today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:30-22:30
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Skelwith Bridge provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
Spanish, Hungarian
Number of rooms:
30

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Skelwith Bridge Hotel enjoys a quiet location with a sunny beer garden, offering guests a friendly atmosphere. Many appreciate the excellent, spacious rooms and the good breakfast menu served in a dining room with scenic views. Some guests have found certain rooms to be a bit dated. The hotel is conveniently close to a bus stop, making it easy to explore the surroundings.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 515 verified reviews
8.4/10
Great
88%
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Staff
9.2/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Clean room
Good breakfast
Convenient parking
Cons
Limited TV channels
Noisy staircase
Guest reviews
based on 515 reviews
8.4/10
based on 831 reviews
8.3/10
evelyn from united kingdom
Single
standard double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 12, 2026
8.8/10

wonderful and friendly stay

excellent locationhelpful staffcozy ambiancecomfortable bed
The location is excellent. It provides great access to wonderful walks. all staff members are helpful and friendly. the hotel maintains a lovely, cozy ambiance, i really liked that. the food options are very tasty, generous portions are provided, and there are healthy choices available. the bed was very comfortable too.
the decor felt somewhat tired, perhaps some updates could enhance the overall feel. i saw woodchip wallpaper in the room, it is a bit old.
Service
9/10
staff were very friendly and helpful. they were attentive to all needs and quick to offer assistance, i appreciate this kind of attitude. the service was prompt and efficient.
Location
9/10
the hotel benefits from a fantastic location near walking routes. parking was easily accessible. the setting offers beautiful scenery too.
Rooms
8/10
the standard double room was a good size and included useful usb adaptors in the sockets. plenty of hot water was available, it ensures a comfortable experience. heating worked well too, we found it to be nice.
Dining
9/10
the meals i ate were very tasty and served in generous portions, very grateful for that. i found a nice variety of options on both the restaurant and breakfast menus, the menu was amazing. breakfast was really good, we loved it
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Emma from United Kingdom
Couple
Standard Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:January 03, 2026
9/10
polite stafffree parking
The staff were very polite and helpful. The free off road parking was great. The breakfast was also very good.
I needed a taxi to visit the city, but it was easy to book a taxi.
0 Helpful
Ryan from United Kingdom
Single
standard double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 08, 2025
7/10

satisfactory stay overall

helpful staffgood locationcozy ambiancelong waitingdirty hotelsticky table
the staff are very helpful. the location is very good and perfect for accessing walks. i found the hotel had a cozy ambiance.
i had to wait to check in when i arrived saturday night. the hotel looks dirty looking. the table i was given was sticky.
0 Helpful
Benjamin from Germany
Family with children
Standard Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 12, 2025
9.0/10

Excellent Stay

lovely gardensattentive staffdelicious foodample parking
The gardens were really lovely. The staff members I interacted with were attentive and acknowledging of my needs. The breakfast food was delicious. There was plenty of parking space available .
The Wi-Fi signal was sometimes weak in my room, though it was reliable in the public areas!
Service
9/10
Staff were helpful, attending to requests quickly. They provided useful information about local attractions and services. The team really worked hard to ensure I had a good stay.
Location
10/10
The location provides easy access to the southern Lakes, offering opportunities for walks and drives. The immediate surroundings were very unspoilt. The area was peaceful and serene.
Dining
8/10
Breakfast provided a range of options. The bar adjoining was a friendly and well run place. The restaurant offers a menu with very good food.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About Skelwith Bridge Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
Check-in is from 15:30 and check-out is by 11:00.
What is the distance from Skelwith Bridge Hotel to Ambleside city center?
The hotel is located 2 km from Ambleside city center.
Is parking available at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for reservation.
What dining options are available at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
The hotel features an à la carte restaurant serving local cuisine, and a bar offering a variety of wines and beers.
What activities can guests enjoy at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
Guests can enjoy billiards, a games room, and activities such as sailing, cycling, and fishing in the surrounding area.
What room amenities does Skelwith Bridge Hotel provide?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, work desk, and private bathroom with free toiletries.
What breakfast options are offered at Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
A wholesome breakfast is served every morning, available in the restaurant or in guest rooms for an additional charge of £15.
How far is Skelwith Bridge Hotel from Manchester Airport?
The hotel is 200 km from Manchester Airport.
What popular attractions are near Skelwith Bridge Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Lake Windermere (6 km), Grizedale Forest Park (12 km), and Beatrix Potter Gallery (14 km).

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
24May2026Select date
Check-out
25May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room