"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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The Unicorn, Ambleside - Historic Pub Hotel in the Lake District
Dining & Ales
The Unicorn serves simple fresh bar food made on site by local chefs. Sunday roasts and a variety of real ales are available daily. Guests receive a complimentary drink on arrival, and a child-friendly menu is offered for families.
Live Entertainment
Live music takes place every Thursday and Sunday evening, with quiz nights on Mondays. Open mic nights also occur, drawing both locals and visitors. The entertainment schedule is designed to complement the pub's traditional atmosphere.
Rooms & Historic Character
The Unicorn offers five individual rooms with en-suite or private external bathroom options. The building is 400 years old, with low beams and creaky floors that reflect its history. Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi.
Pet-Friendly & Family
The hotel allows dogs throughout the premises, including the bar and rooms. A child-friendly menu is available, and accommodating service is reported by families. The pub's dog, a small Labrador, is often present and well-behaved.
Location & Surroundings
The Unicorn sits a short walk from Ambleside's shops, restaurants, and public transport. The stunning fells of the Lake District and Windermere Lake are within easy reach for outdoor activities. Guests can explore local attractions on foot or via nearby bus routes.
Highlights
Historic Pub: Oldest pub in Ambleside, built in the 1500s
Dog-Friendly: Pets welcome throughout the hotel
Live Music: Regular Thursday and Sunday performances
Dining: Sunday roasts, real ales, fresh bar food
Rooms: 5 characterful rooms with en-suite options
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!
Facilities
The Unicorn, Ambleside provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Very good
7.7/10Review 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
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
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The Unicorn, Ambleside: Location in England
North Road, Ambleside, LA22 9DT,
Map view
City landmarks
Garden
Rydal Mount
2.18 km
Landmark
Borrans Park
1.28 km
Landmark
High Close Estate
650 m
Landmark
Stock Ghyll Force
3.05 km
Landmark
Rydal Water
2.7 km
Landmark
Wansfell Pike
1.79 km
Garden
Rydal Hall Gardens
2.02 km
Landmark
Lily Tarn
1.59 km
Landmark
Dora's Field
2.04 km
Bridge
Bridge House
3.78 km
Landmark
Rydal Hall Sculpture Path
2.2 km
Landmark
High Sweden Bridge
2.18 km
Cave
Rydal Cave
2.49 km
Castle
Wray Castle
3.6 km
Landmark
Loughrigg Fell
3.03 km
Gallery
Old Courthouse Gallery
3.55 km
Landmark
Wansfell
2.69 km
Landmark
Brockhole on Windermere
3.7 km
Camping
Skelwith Fold
3.01 km
Landmark
Ambleside Roman Fort
4.88 km
Landmark
Hayes Garden World Ambleside
4.12 km
Landmark
Jenkin Crag
4.83 km
Landmark
The National Trust
3.78 km
Landmark
Rothay Park
4.06 km
Church
St Mary's Church
3.9 km
Landmark
Merz Barn
3.94 km
Nearby
Garden
Stagshaw Garden
90 m
Museum
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
460 m
Moss Eccles Tarn
90 m
AmblesideEngland
Copt Howe
90 m
Restaurants
Rattle Ghyll Cafe Ambleside
50 m
2 Bridge Street
The Giggling Goose Cafe
100 m
The Old Mill North Road
Daisys Cafe
80 m
Rydal Rd Central Buildings
Royal Oak
90 m
Main St
Gandhi's Cafe
3.62 km
The Slack
The Old Smithy
3.67 km
The Slack
The Royal Oak Resturant & Bar
3.78 km
Church Street
Greggs
530 m
3 The Old Stamp House Church Street
Shake, Waffle & Roll
500 m
2A Cheapside
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
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.
Cleanliness
8.4/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
7.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.4/10
Location
9.2/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Pros
Staff hospitality
Food quality
Cozy atmosphere
Value for money
Cons
Parking accessibility
Room updates needed
Noise levels
Hygiene issues
Guest reviews
based on 294 reviews
7.9/10
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.
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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.