The Unicorn, Ambleside Hotel Room photoThe Unicorn, Ambleside Hotel Exterior photoThe Unicorn, Ambleside Hotel Exterior photo
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From93US$ /night
Check-in
02Jun2026Select date
Check-out
03Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

North Road, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9DT
-
Near Skelwith Force Waterfall
Very good
7.2
/10
4.5
4.4
/5

Location

The Unicorn Inn is situated in the center of Ambleside, surrounded by the stunning fells of the Lake District. Guests can enjoy easy access to the area's many hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. The hotel being the oldest pub in Ambleside adds a distinct charm to the location.

Accommodation

The Unicorn Inn offers five individual guest rooms with en-suite facilities. Each room provides a dog-friendly option, accommodating pets alongside their owners. The unique layout of the rooms enhances the overall stay experience.

Dining

On-site dining at The Unicorn features home-cooked pub food served daily, catering to diverse tastes. The menu includes a variety of dishes ideal for traditional pub dining. Guests can pair their meals with a selection of cask ales and Robinsons beer.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The Unicorn Inn welcomes dogs, allowing guests to enjoy their stay alongside their furry companions. Special pet-friendly accommodations ensure both the guests and their pets feel comfortable. Nearby walking trails offer enjoyable experiences for pet owners.

Family-Friendly Services

The hotel is family-friendly, providing a welcoming environment for all ages. Families can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while dining on-site or exploring local activities. Children will appreciate the easy access to various walking paths that cater to family outings.

Highlights

Location: Center of Ambleside with access to hiking trails

Accommodation: 5 individual rooms with en-suite facilities

Dining: Home-cooked pub food and cask ales

Pet-Friendly: Dog friendly accommodations available

“This historic pub in Ambleside stands out for its character and real ales. The location places you perfectly for exploring the Lake District's fells, and the dog-friendly policy is a real plus. I think that the live music and home-cooked meals create a welcoming atmosphere that's hard to beat.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Double Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
2 Single beds
Standard Double Suite
2 persons
1 King-size bed

Room rates & availability calendar

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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Nice
6.8/10Review 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

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

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

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At The Unicorn in Ambleside, diners can relish hearty meals in a family-friendly setting steeped in tradition. The inviting atmosphere combined with refreshing Robinsons beers creates a perfect backdrop for memorable lunches and dinners.

The Unicorn

Traditional pub fare
Ambiance
Cozy, family-friendly with a welcoming atmosphere
Key Offerings
Enjoy a range of classic meals accompanied by a selection of Robinsons beers, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Reservation
Reservations are not needed.
Open for lunch and dinner

The Unicorn, Ambleside Hotel Location

North Road, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9DT
Map view
North Road, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 9DT
Nearby
Garden
Stagshaw Garden
300 ft
Museum
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
1600 ft
Moss Eccles Tarn
300 ft
AmblesideEngland
Copt Howe
300 ft
Restaurants
Rattle Ghyll Cafe Ambleside
200 ft
2 Bridge Street
The Giggling Goose Cafe
400 ft
The Old Mill North Road
Daisys Cafe
300 ft
Rydal Rd Central Buildings
Royal Oak
300 ft
Main St
Gandhi's Cafe
2.2 mi
The Slack
The Old Smithy
2.3 mi
The Slack
The Royal Oak Resturant & Bar
2.3 mi
Church Street
Greggs
1800 ft
3 The Old Stamp House Church Street
Shake, Waffle & Roll
1700 ft
2A Cheapside
Explore Ambleside
Explore Ambleside
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Borrans Park
Borrans Park
15 minutes' walk
Borrans Park offers scenic views of Lake Windermere and a perfect picnic spot, ideal for families and leisurely strolls.
Rydal Mount
Rydal Mount
25 minutes' walk
Rydal Mount, former home of poet William Wordsworth, features beautiful gardens and insights into literary history.
High Close Estate
High Close Estate
10 minutes' walk
High Close Estate is a tranquil area with stunning walks through diverse landscapes, great for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking Trails
15 minutes' walk
Numerous hiking trails surround Ambleside, catering to all levels, with stunning views and varied wildlife.
Boating on Lake Windermere
30 minutes' walk
Boating on the serene waters of Lake Windermere offers stunning views and a thrilling experience for water sports lovers.
Rattle Ghyll Cafe Ambleside
Rattle Ghyll Cafe Ambleside
1 minute' walk
This cozy cafe serves hearty breakfasts and homemade meals, featuring a relaxed atmosphere and local ingredients.
Gandhi's Cafe
Gandhi's Cafe
10 minutes' drive
Authentic Indian cuisine with vegetarian options, Gandhi's Cafe offers flavorful dishes in a casual ambiance.
Ambleside Cinemas
10 minutes' walk
A local cinema showcasing the latest films and occasional live performances, great for family outings or couples' nights.
The Giggling Goose Cafe
The Giggling Goose Cafe
2 minutes' walk
A vibrant spot with live music events, perfect for enjoying good food and entertainment, suitable for all ages.
Getting around town
City Centre
Ambleside8 min  ·  2000 ft
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX)112 min  ·  46.4 mi
Blackpool International (BLK)160 min  ·  66.2 mi
Bus
Bus stop5 min  ·  1400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
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.

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review score
Based on 235 verified reviews
7.9/10
Very good
77%
Recommend
Cleanliness
7.8/10
Comfort
7.7/10
Facilities
6.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.3/10
Location
9.1/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
7.7/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Cozy room
Picturesque location
Cons
Uneven floors
No evening food
Guest reviews
based on 247 reviews
7.2/10
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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FAQs
About The Unicorn, Ambleside
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Unicorn, Ambleside?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Which attractions are close to The Unicorn, Ambleside?
Nearby attractions include Stagshaw Garden (0.5 km), Rydal Mount Museum (3 km), and Brockhole on Windermere (3 km).
How far is Carlisle Lake District Airport from The Unicorn, Ambleside?
The hotel is located 75 km from Carlisle Lake District Airport.
What food options are available near The Unicorn, Ambleside?
Nearby dining options include Rattle Ghyll Cafe (0.5 km), The Bridge Restaurant at Skelwith Bridge Hotel (0.5 km), and Zeffirelli's (4 km).
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Unicorn, Ambleside?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities, and fresh cotton bedding.
Does The Unicorn, Ambleside have live entertainment?
Live music events are held every Friday and Saturday from 21:00.
What are the dining options at The Unicorn, Ambleside?
Guests can enjoy on-site pub food and a variety of cask ales.
Who are the ideal guests for The Unicorn, Ambleside?
The hotel is particularly suited for outdoor enthusiasts and families traveling with pets.

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Check-in
02Jun2026Select date
Check-out
03Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room