We have just returned from a two night stay at the Riverside Hotel in Ambleside, Lake District and wished we had been able to stay longer. The hotel is set along a small river neatly tucked away on a small driveway just off the main route into Ambleside. The hotel is a wonderful dry stone building with outstanding character. The entrance to the hotel welcomes you into a large living room type area with a beautiful fire and cosy surroundings, almost like stepping back in time a little because of its charm. The room we stayed in was on the top floor, floor three, with an ensuite shower. The room was very comfortable, well heated and had a lovely view of the river. The hotel is on a bed and breakfast basis and the food was a delight, plenty to choose from and the quality of the cooked food was excellent. The owners of the hotel, Brenda and Dave are very welcoming and make you feel very much at home the moment you arrive, when we left both came to talk to to us and we felt this was a very nice way to part, we couldn't fault any of it. The hotel's location is again an excellent feature and accessibility to the local area is within very easy reach, but you are not caught up in any touristy hustle. The hotel is a small walk away from Ambleside, about ten minutes, and in Amleside you will find all normal amenities, there is plenty of parking there but it is just as easy to walk. In Ambleside you will find plenty of restaurants but research them first before you go and make sure you book, even at this time of year you have to book. Ambleside overall is a very pleasant base to explore from and we very much enjoyed our stay and look forward to returning to Riverside.

It's rare to find a hotel where the hosts give you such a lovely and warm welcome!

The room, with its fourposter bed and spa bath, was fantastic, with lots of lovely little touches, like some fresh roses in a vase.

The breakfast, especially the daily changing home made speciality bread, was excellent (for carnivores as well as veggies).

If you are looking for a retreat that is within easy walking distance of Ambleside yet still secluded enough to feel like a peaceful retreat, then this is the perfect location!

Arrived at the riverside and was welcomed by both owners with suggestions for local walks and nice places to eat for the evening.
The B+B was rather like a small hotel, very cosy and comfortable but plenty of room away from other guests.
Breakfast was perfect and David was always around to offer help when required.
I strongly recommend this hotel and the surrounding area, plenty of scenic walks close by, stunning views all around.

Best restaurant we found was called LUCYS ON A PLATE, great service and wonderfull food.

Just read all the reviews and am disappointed that so many others know of this haven. It gets more difficult to get in. We've been lots of times.

It must be just about the best B&B with the best hosts in the world. They always greet you and say a long goodbye and look after your every worry. Even the old labrador is glad to see you. You sort of want to help them.

Breakfast with large choices of breads, including fresh home-made and fruit bowl with yoghurt.

Drinks of local ale in the garden. No traffic here on the narrow lane.

Rooms warm, well decorated and very clean with everything working.

Plenty of parking, we just leave it there for a few days and walk round.

Great setting on Loughrigg and nice not too far walk into town where we go to Zeffirelli's or Lucy's.

Keep quiet about it, we don't want everyone to know.