We have been visiting the Old Vicarage in Ambleside since 2001. We started by going for a long weekend and gradually have extended our visits to a full week. We arrived home today after our second week long stay this year. Yes, we could probably travel abroad cheaper but that's not the kind of holiday we enjoy.
Please do not be put off by the negative reviews of this lovely B&B, in our eyes they are simply not true.
My husband, myself and our Border Collie have had a fabulous week and would happily stay in either the old section or the recent extension, both have bags of character. The indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna are a godsend when you have spent the day walking the fells. The breakfasts are hearty and the choices are plenty. The owners go out of their way to make you welcome and nothing is too much trouble. The family are lovely and we feel that it is a true home away from home for us.
Yes, dogs are welcome and the owners have dogs of their own. It's not a secret. Again for us a godsend. I'd hate to have to holiday leaving our dog at home when the Lake District is such a dog friendly place. We don't have children but accept there will be children there, the same can be said about the dogs.
We have not stayed anywhere else than the Old Vicarage in 7 years and have no intention of staying anywhere else in the future.
Cheers to you Ian, Helen, Liana, Barry, Mig, Bailey and Riley. Not forgetting the dogs, Grace and Jake. See you all in the spring!

The location is great,the welcoming was nice.....but the room ,faulty light fitting,bathroom,grubby dispenser on the wall,mouldy round the bath and hand basin,shower did not work properly..two drips and thats your lot.!!.The price paid for our room was FAR too much for the quality recived .If you visit the old vicarage make sure you stay in the NEW extension which looks great on the web site!

Had fantastic 4 nights here. (2 adults and one 6 yr old)
Perfect in every way.
Initially, a bit wary given one or two indifferent reviews in this site. Fear not !

Converted Vicarage, this B+B has a great Location, just 100yds from Ambleside centre on top of a hill, just far enough from main road but v. easy walking distance of everything.

Great welcome, owners made us a pot of tea and coffee on arrival to enjoy sitting in a lovely conservatory. Then helped unload the cases.

Room was great (given the old vicarage study) - spotless and great size with big beds, walk in wet room shower and jacuzzi bath. TV, DVD etc etc.

Real bonus is the recently installed swim pool, sauna and hot tub.
Fantastic insurance against bad weather, we used it every day.

Breakfast spot on with good variety and great full english.
Encouraged by owners to use conservatory and bring your own bottle of wine to sit an relax (glasses and corkscrew provided).

Pets are allowed and several were there during our stay (owners dog is also around) - I really couldn't see the issues other reviewers had with this.
Not a hint of noise or hassle, in fact added to to the informal atmosphere.

We will be back. Go stay stay there !

Bags of Character.
Wonderfully friendly, genuine and welcoming staff.
Comfy , cosy and clean rooms.
Fantastic breakfasts.
Superb location.
Nice and quiet.
A shining example of BedandBreakfastness!
We will return........