The Old Vicarage Bed & Breakfast Ambleside Exterior photoThe Old Vicarage Bed & Breakfast Ambleside Interior photoThe Old Vicarage Bed & Breakfast Ambleside Room photo

The Old Vicarage

Book with us
—up to 10% cheaper
than on Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From$258 /night
Check-in
31Aug
Check-out
01Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Vicarage Road, Ambleside
-
Close to Rothay Park
Perfect
9.0
/10
4.8
4.8
/5

4-star Lake District Bed & Breakfast with Free Dog Stays and Indoor Pool

Amenities & Leisure

The Old Vicarage in Ambleside offers an indoor heated swimming pool for guest use only, along with a hot tub and sauna. Guests have access to a games room with a pool table and a shared lounge with a log burner. The property provides free on-site parking, an ice machine, and self-service plates and cutlery for takeaway meals.

Pet-Friendly Policy

Dogs stay free at The Old Vicarage, a policy that is uncommon among Lake District accommodations. The hotel provides pet-friendly rooms, and staff are known to make a fuss of visiting dogs. Guests with dogs can have breakfast delivered to their room if needed.

Rooms & Accommodations

Rooms include ensuite bathrooms with a separate spa bath and walk-in shower, plus a mini fridge, bathrobes, and a TV. Four-poster rooms offer a spacious wardrobe with hangers, and the Garden Suite opens onto a balcony with garden views. Some rooms feature a skylight and a large, comfortable bed with quality bedding.

Dining & Breakfast

Breakfast is served à la carte with full English or Irish options, including freshly cooked food with a variety of cereals, fruit, yoghurt, and condiments. The hotel also offers a pre-order breakfast option delivered to the room. Freshly brewed cafetière coffee and biscuits are provided upon arrival in the conservatory.

Location & Surroundings

The Old Vicarage is situated within walking distance of Ambleside town centre, shops, pubs, restaurants, and a park. Popular walking routes such as Fairfield Horseshoe and Loughrigg start nearby, and Windermere Lake with its outdoor activities is close. The hotel is 9 km from the World of Beatrix Potter and 16 km from Lake Windermere.

Highlights

Pet Policy: Free dog stays, uncommon in the area

Leisure: Indoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna

Breakfast: À la carte with in-room delivery option

Location: 2-minute walk to shops, restaurants, and park

Parking: Free on-site parking for all guests

Accommodation: Rooms with spa bath and walk-in shower

“The Old Vicarage strikes me as a particularly welcoming choice in Ambleside, especially for dog owners, with its pet-friendly stance and familial atmosphere. I noticed the indoor pool and sauna-rare finds for a smaller hotel-add leisure appeal. The building's historic character, combined with modern comforts, creates a distinctive experience that many visitors clearly value.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
  • Suite
    2 persons
    17 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Deluxe Suite
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Balcony
    Bathtub
  • King Room
    2 persons
    14 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!
August 2026 - August 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
August 2026
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Perfect
9.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Pets allowed
  • Smoke detectors

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping

Dining

  • In-room breakfast

Children

  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Sauna
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
Show more

Location

Vicarage Road, Ambleside
Explore Ambleside
Local Experiences Near The Old Vicarage
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Bridge House
Bridge House
9 minutes' walk
An iconic 17th-century house straddling the river. Famous for its picturesque architecture and scenic views.
Ambleside Roman Fort
Ambleside Roman Fort
13 minutes' walk
A historic site showcasing ruins of a Roman fort. Great for history enthusiasts with informative displays.
Rydal Mount
Rydal Mount
25 minutes' walk
The former home of poet William Wordsworth. Beautiful gardens and guided tours highlight literary history.
Stock Ghyll Force
Stock Ghyll Force
18 minutes walking
A stunning waterfall accessible via a scenic trail. Offers a refreshing spot for nature lovers.
Hiking at Wansfell Pike
20 minutes' walk
A thrilling hike with panoramic views of the Lake District. Great for adventurous guests looking to explore.
Relaxation at Rydal Water
30 minutes' walk
Serene walks around the lake, perfect for unwinding. Ideal for solo travelers or couples seeking peace.
Lakeland Pony Trekking
4.5 km
Guided pony treks through stunning landscapes. Suitable for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Zeffirelli's
7 minutes' walk
Vibrant Italian restaurant known for homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Reservations recommended.
Jintana Thai Restaurant
7 minutes' walk
Authentic Thai cuisine with a cozy ambiance. Offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Matthew's Bistro
7 minutes' walk
Charming bistro serving modern British dishes. Known for local ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere.
Old Courthouse Gallery
Old Courthouse Gallery
9 minutes' walk
Contemporary art gallery featuring local artists. Hosts regular exhibitions and events, fun for all ages.
Live Music at Zeffirelli's
7 minutes' walk
Weekly live music nights showcasing local talents. A vibrant spot for relaxing after dinner.
Local transport and travel tips
  • City Centre
    Ambleside 5 min  ·  400 m
  • Airports
    Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 113 min  ·  75 km
    Blackpool International (BLK) 161 min  ·  106.7 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 3 min  ·  200 m
Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?
Access exclusive discounts today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-19:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
15

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Old Vicarage from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the spacious rooms, some featuring spa baths and separate showers, alongside the convenience of having a mini-fridge. The location is ideal for exploring Ambleside, being central to shops and restaurants, and some guests enjoyed the swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna. Many appreciate the availability of tea, coffee, and even cutlery for takeaway food in the lounge; a few guests, however, found the pillows too hard. Breakfast receives high marks for its variety and the option to have it served in your room.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 97 verified reviews
9.4 /10
Perfect
97 %
Recommend
Free WiFi
10.0/10
Location
9.8/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Facilities
9.2/10
Pros
Perfect location
Fantastic breakfast
Dog-friendly B&B
Cons
Room odour
Maintenance issues
Guest reviews
based on 97 reviews
9.4/10
based on 141 reviews
9.0/10
Joshua from United Kingdom
Couple
King Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 09, 2026
9.5/10

Home away from Home

home feel staff friendliness tea service
I loved the 'home from home' feel of this place. It really is something special. I especially liked that they served us tea and biscuits in the lounge on arrival! The staff were helpful, friendly and always available when needed, wonderful.
I wish there was a wider window for breakfast service, as it was only served between 8:30 and 9:30. It was a little restrictive if you wanted to start your day early with an adventure!
Location
9/10
The hotel is accessible and near shops, restaurants, and a beautiful park. It is easy to walk to everything. The position of the accommodation is just PERFECT! Free parking is available for all guests.
Service
10/10
The staff are friendly and helpful. They could not have been more accommodating. The service included tea and biscuits served in the lounge and breakfast service is also available to your room. The staff were AMAZING!!!
Facilities
9/10
Guests have access to a pool, a sauna, and a hot tub, all maintained in excellent condition. The hallway has sachets of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and milk for self-service. There is even an ice machine available!
Rooms
10/10
The room included a fridge, and the super king sized bed was very comfortable. There are plates, cutlery, and napkins available if you want to bring food back. The rooms are spotlessly clean and spacious.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Harper from United States
Single
King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 05, 2025
9/10

Really good Stay

convenient location relaxing sauna cute staff
The location is convenient. It allows easy access to local shops and restaurants. I particularly appreciated the available facilities, including the pool, sauna, and hot tub. The staff were really cute upon my arrival.
0 Helpful
David from United Kingdom
Family with children
King Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 09, 2025
9/10
spacious bathroom amazing breakfast helpful team
The room had a mini fridge. That was useful. the bathroom was spacious with a bath and separate shower. breakfast was amazing and the team members did everything to.!!
the pillows were very hard.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Old Vicarage
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Old Vicarage?
Check-in is from 12:30 and check-out is by 10:30.
Is parking available at The Old Vicarage?
Free private parking is provided on-site.
What amenities are featured at The Old Vicarage?
The hotel features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, garden, and game room.
Which nearby attractions are close to The Old Vicarage?
The Old Vicarage is within 10 km of World of Beatrix Potter and 17 km from Lake Windermere.
What room amenities are available at The Old Vicarage?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms with walk-in showers and bathrobes.
Are pets allowed at The Old Vicarage?
The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, allowing dogs to stay free of charge.
What dining options are available at The Old Vicarage?
The hotel specializes in an à la carte and Full English/Irish breakfast with in-room dining options available.
How far is The Old Vicarage from the nearest airport?
The nearest airport, Leeds Bradford International Airport, is 100 km away.
Which languages are spoken by staff at The Old Vicarage?
Staff at The Old Vicarage primarily speak English.
Does The Old Vicarage provide any spa facilities?
The hotel offers spa facilities including a sauna, hot tub, and indoor swimming pool.
What types of views can guests expect from their rooms at The Old Vicarage?
Some rooms feature balconies with views of the surrounding area.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.