"Pub ideally situated to explore the town and see the waterfalls and climb wansfell."
Adventure65719757895 from United States
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"The location was perfect, very reasonably priced."
Sarah from United Kingdom
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"Friendly and welcoming staff. Clean and tidy rooms.Great location.Super value for money."
Matthew from United Kingdom
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"It was cozy, just a little out of the way of extra foot traffic, very friendly service, perfect for our needs."
Robert from United States
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Historic pub hotel in Ambleside, Lake District
Entertainment & Amenities
The Unicorn is the oldest pub in Ambleside, a traditional Lakeland pub with a bar and restaurant. Live music events take place every weekend, along with regular open mic nights and a weekly quiz night. Complimentary drinks are offered on arrival, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
Accommodation
The hotel has five individual rooms: four with en-suite bathrooms and one small double room with a private external bathroom. All rooms include fresh cotton bedding, towels, and tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms have private access from the road, and the pub provides a separate entrance for guests.
Location & Surroundings
The Unicorn sits in central Ambleside, within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and public transport stops. Guests have direct access to the stunning fells of the Lake District and Windermere Lake for hiking and water activities. The nearest public car park is a short walk from the hotel.
Dining & Bar
The pub serves simple fresh bar food prepared on site by the local chef, with a focus on Sunday roasts and cask ales. A children's menu is available, and the restaurant offers wine and champagne selections. The bar stocks a variety of real ales, and food service runs throughout opening hours.
Family & Pet Policies
Dogs are welcome throughout the hotel, including the bar and restaurant areas, with no additional charges mentioned. Families with children are accommodated with a dedicated kid's meal menu and accommodating service. The hotel is child-friendly and pet-friendly, making it suitable for family groups.
Highlights
Historic value: Oldest pub in Ambleside
Entertainment: Live music every weekend
Dining: Fresh bar food with Sunday roasts
Drinks: Complimentary drinks on arrival
Pet-friendly: Dogs allowed throughout the hotel
Location: Central Ambleside, close to Lake District fells
Must-do experiences
Hike to Stock Ghyll Force for stunning waterfalls and nature views.
Taste the famous Grasmere Gingerbread at Sarah Nelson's shop.
Visit the Armitt Museum for a glimpse into local history and culture.
Explore the nearby Dove Cottage for a glimpse of Wordsworth's life.
Stroll through Ambleside's market on Thursdays for local delights.
Select your room type
The Unicorn, Ambleside features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
Twin Room
2 persons
12 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room
2 persons
14 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Double Suite
2 persons
20 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Unicorn, Ambleside provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Very good
7.5/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
VIP check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Services
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Children
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Live entertainment
Room features
Heating
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
The Unicorn, Ambleside: Location in England
North Road, Ambleside, LA22 9DT,
Explore Ambleside
Explore Ambleside
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Borrans Park
15 minutes' walk
Borrans Park offers stunning views of Windermere and is perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, and children's play areas.
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
6 minutes' walk
A charming museum showcasing local history and art. Features fascinating exhibitions and a lovely café.
Stock Ghyll Force
35 minutes walking
A spectacular waterfall offering scenic walks and photo opportunities. Great nature spot with easy access.
Hiking and Walking Trails
15 minutes' walk
Well-marked trails nearby cater to all fitness levels, offering beautiful Lake District views and lush landscapes.
Yoga Retreats
6 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga classes available in local studios focusing on mindfulness and wellness, ideal for rejuvenation.
Rattle Ghyll Cafe Ambleside
1 minute' walk
Cozy café known for hearty breakfasts and homemade cakes, offering a warm atmosphere and rustic decor.
The Giggling Goose Cafe
2 minutes' walk
Casual dining spot featuring locally sourced ingredients in dishes with a creative twist. Vegetarian options available.
Ambleside Climbing Wall
10 minutes' walk
Indoor climbing facility with options for all skill levels. Offers fun, active nights for all ages and abilities.
The Old Courthouse
45 minutes walking
Live music venue with a relaxed atmosphere. Hosts local bands and open mic nights, suitable for a fun evening out.
Getting around England
City Centre
Ambleside 8 min · 600 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 112 min · 74.6 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 160 min · 106.5 km
Bus
Bus stop 5 min · 400 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Unicorn, Ambleside.
Review score
Based on 234 verified reviews
7.9 /10
Very good
77 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.3/10
Comfort
8.2/10
Facilities
7.5/10
Free WiFi
8.4/10
Location
9.1/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Staff hospitality
Food quality
Cozy atmosphere
Value for money
Cons
Parking accessibility
Room updates needed
Noise levels
Hygiene issues
Guest reviews
based on 286 reviews
7.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
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Questions of the users
About The Unicorn, Ambleside
Does the double room come with a private bathroom?
10 March 2024
Yes, the double room features its own shower and toilet facilities.
Is there parking available nearby?
15 April 2024
Parking is not available at the hotel, but you can find public parking just a 400-meter walk away.
Are dogs permitted in the rooms?
22 May 2024
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the accommodation.
Can I bring my well-behaved dog to stay with me?
30 June 2024
A well-behaved dog can stay, as long as it does not sleep on the bed.
Can I check in later in the evening?
18 July 2024
Late check-in is permitted until 21:00; just let the staff know upon arrival.
Do the rooms have en-suite showers?
25 August 2024
Yes, all rooms come equipped with en-suite shower facilities.
Is there any option for breakfast available?
14 September 2024
The Unicorn operates on a room-only basis, and breakfast is not served.
What are the check-in and check-out timings?
21 October 2024
Check-in is from 15:00 to 21:00, while check-out is until 10:30.
Are there dining options available on-site?
29 November 2024
Yes, The Unicorn includes a restaurant serving home-cooked pub food regularly.
What recreational facilities does the hotel offer?
10 December 2024
Unfortunately, The Unicorn does not feature a spa, swimming pool, or wellness facilities.
Is there any option nearby for storing bicycles?
15 January 2025
There is no designated storage for bicycles within the hotel; they cannot be stored in the rooms due to fire safety regulations.
Are there family-friendly accommodations available?
22 February 2025
Yes, the hotel is family-friendly and suitable for families with children.