Just returned from a 2 day break at Riverside, the place is absolutely fantastic. Brenda and Dave are the perfect hosts, and Dylan the dog is very friendly. Dave helped us chose a lovely relaxing walk and they are both really knowledgeable to help with whatever you want to know. Nothing is too much trouble. The breakfasts are really good, especially the homemade bread, be sure to try it. We had a lovely view from our room out on to the gardens and the Fells in the distance. This was our first time in The Lakes and we will definately return to Riverside. We looked at lots of different hotels and b+b's before chosing Riverside and we certainly made the right choice.

We have just return from a weekend break at the Riverside Hotel. Both of us being slightly obsessive with hygiene were slighty apprehensive having not stayed at a B&B before, but the riverside exceeded our expections. Our room and indeed the rest of the hotel was lovely (home from home). David and Brenda were there to greet us on our arrival and were extremely helpful, offering us advise from good walks, places to eat and even a rucksack (which we had forgotten to pack). If I was to be extremely fussy than the time window for breakfast could be a little longer, as it is breakfast is served between8.45- 9.30am however Brenda's homemade aprioct and walnut bread made up for missing a lazy sunday morning in bed!!!!!!!!!

Danger Mouse and Penfold

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!