The Old Vicarage in Ambleside, England

The Old Vicarage offers an indoor heated swimming pool, a hot tub, and a sauna for guest use. A games room with a pool table and a shared lounge with a log burner provide additional relaxation spaces. Guests also have access to a sun terrace and a garden with ponds and seating areas.

Breakfast is served à la carte with full English or Irish options, using locally sourced ingredients in a seasonally inspired menu. Guests can also order breakfast to their room, with a pre-order card left the night before. The hotel provides plates, cutlery, and condiments for guests who bring takeaway food back to the property.

Dogs stay free at The Old Vicarage, a policy that is uncommon in the Lake District area. The property welcomes dogs in guest rooms and provides bowls, treats, and a friendly atmosphere for pets. Guests are allowed to bring takeaways to their rooms, making it easy to dine with a dog.

Rooms include spacious four-poster bedrooms, suites with separate living areas, and ground-floor rooms with accessible showers. Each room has a private bathroom with both a bath and a power shower, plus bathrobes and a mini fridge. The Garden Suite offers a balcony overlooking the gardens, while upper-floor rooms feature skylights.

The hotel sits within a 2-minute walk of Ambleside town centre, with shops, restaurants, and cinemas nearby. Free on-site parking is available for all guests, a rare benefit in this central location. Direct access to walks such as the Fairfield Horseshoe and Loughrigg starts from the doorstep.

Dog policy: Dogs stay free

Pool & Spa: indoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna

Breakfast: à la carte with local ingredients, room service available

Parking: free on-site parking

Location: 2-minute walk to Ambleside centre, doorstep to Lake District walks