Guests say
Birchcroft is a well-equipped and cosy cottage praised for its superb central location in Ambleside, offering easy access to local amenities and the Lake District. Guests appreciate the comfortable furnishings, though some noted areas for improvement in maintenance and cleanliness. The property's charm and convenience make it a popular choice for visitors.
Reviews indicate a generally clean environment, but some guests noted issues such as dust, a dirty mop, and pet odours. The majority, however, did not report significant cleanliness problems.
The cottage's location is highly praised for being central and convenient, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and public transport, making it an ideal base for exploring Ambleside and the surrounding areas.
Most guests found the cottage comfortable, with a well-equipped kitchen and cosy living space. However, some mentioned that the beds and sofas could be improved for better comfort.
The property is well-furnished with necessary amenities, but several guests reported issues with appliances like the tumble dryer and cooker hob. Maintenance responsiveness is noted, but some appliances may need updating.
While some guests mentioned the provision of food items and a parking permit, there is insufficient information to assess the overall thoughtfulness of the hosts, such as consistent mentions of welcome gifts or special touches.
About this property
Birchcroft, a heavenly Grade II listed property, is situated in the heart of the lively village of Ambleside. Still with its original flag floors and exposed oak beams, this whitewashed cottage is the very essence of Lakeland charm. For guests intent on a relaxed break in Ambleside and those looking for a base from which to explore further afield, Birchcroft makes a magical choice.
In the beamed sitting room, two inviting leather sofas snuggle round the feature fireplace with its electric wood burning stove. There’s no cosier spot in which to hunker down with a glass of wine and good book. The separated dining area is perfect for leisurely breakfasts and sociable evening meals that last for hours. By contrast, the kitchen is a bright and modern space, well-equipped with stylish units and all the appliances needed to make Birchcroft a home-from-home.
Upstairs are two pretty bedrooms, one king size and one double. Both rooms come with plenty of storage space and each has its own private bathroom or shower room and TV. The back door of the cottage leads out to a patio area and supplied is a central Ambleside parking permit.
The village itself is hugely popular with foodies, walkers, culture vultures and shopaholics. There are two quirky, independent cinemas to choose from, Windermere Lake Cruises depart regularly from Waterhead Pier, crossing the lake to Bowness and Lakeside and numerous wonderful walks begin in and around the village. Where could be more perfect?
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.
Accommodation
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 included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included 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
Nearby points of interest
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
- Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
- The World of Beatrix Potter
- Lakes Aquarium
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Lake District National Park
- Lake Windermere
- Esthwaite Water
- Lodore Falls
Reviews (38)
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Mark
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.
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R
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 .
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Michael
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.