The Unicorn, Ambleside Hotel Exterior photoThe Unicorn, Ambleside Hotel Exterior photoThe Unicorn, Ambleside Hotel Interior photo
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From93US$ /night
Check-in
04May2026Select date
Check-out
05May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

The Unicorn, Ambleside - A traditional Lakeland pub with en-suite rooms, live music, and proximity to Lake District fells

The Unicorn, Ambleside is the oldest pub in the area, featuring a restaurant, bar, and free WiFi. Some rooms in this accommodation include en-suite bathrooms, with amenities like electric kettles, tea/coffee makers, and carpeted floors. The pub menu offers home-cooked dishes, and guests can enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday from 21:00. Situated in the center of Ambleside, The Unicorn Inn is surrounded by the Lake District fells, with landmarks like Rydal Water and Wansfell Pike within 3 km. Nearby dining options include The Giggling Goose Cafe and The Bridge Restaurant at Skelwith Bridge Hotel, both 0.5 km away.

Pros

The Unicorn is the oldest pub in Ambleside, offering a traditional Lakeland atmosphere.

Live music is available weekly on Fridays and Saturdays.

Rooms include tea/coffee makers and some feature private entrances.

The pub serves home-cooked food and Robinsons beer.

Cons

Some rooms lack en-suite bathrooms.

The pub's central location may result in noise during peak hours.

“The Unicorn in Ambleside strikes a practical balance, offering a prime location and friendly service that stands out. I noted its value-focused approach, with clean, if compact, rooms catering well to active visitors; upgrades are planned. Its dog-friendly pub adds genuine appeal.”
Hotel logo
Luke HarrisonEditor-in-Chief at Hotelewam
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Select your room type

The Unicorn, Ambleside Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room Private External Bathroom
2 persons
9 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
12 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
12 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Unicorn, Ambleside Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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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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
90 m
Museum
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
460 m
Moss Eccles Tarn
90 m
AmblesideEngland
Copt Howe
90 m
Restaurants
Rattle Ghyll Cafe Ambleside
50 m
2 Bridge Street
The Giggling Goose Cafe
100 m
The Old Mill North Road
Daisys Cafe
80 m
Rydal Rd Central Buildings
Royal Oak
90 m
Main St
Gandhi's Cafe
3.6 km
The Slack
The Old Smithy
3.7 km
The Slack
The Royal Oak Resturant & Bar
3.8 km
Church Street
Greggs
530 m
3 The Old Stamp House Church Street
Shake, Waffle & Roll
500 m
2A Cheapside
Explore Ambleside
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Borrans Park
Borrans Park
15 minutes' walk
Borrans Park offers stunning lake views, ideal for picnics and gentle strolls. The park is perfect for families and serene retreats.
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
6 minutes' walk
The Armitt showcases local art and history, with rotating exhibitions and a charming café. A cultural gem worth a visit.
Rydal Mount
Rydal Mount
25 minutes' walk
Historic home of poet William Wordsworth, featuring beautiful gardens and guided tours that reveal its literary significance.
Rydal Water
Rydal Water
30 minutes' walk
Rydal Water is a picturesque lake ideal for nature walks and photography, offering a serene environment surrounded by hills.
Stock Ghyll Force
Stock Ghyll Force
35 minutes' walk
Stock Ghyll Force is a stunning waterfall, perfect for hiking enthusiasts seeking adventure. A must-see for nature lovers.
Yoga at The Lake
5 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga classes offered at scenic locations around the lake. Great for unwinding amidst nature's beauty.
Daisys Cafe
Daisys Cafe
1 minutes' walk
Daisys Cafe serves delicious homemade dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Ideal for brunch with options for dietary preferences.
Royal Oak
Royal Oak
2 minutes' walk
Royal Oak specializes in traditional British fare, offering a warm pub atmosphere and local ales. Reservations recommended.
The Old Courthouse Gallery
45 minutes' walk
The Old Courthouse Gallery features local artworks and hosts regular events. Great for families and art enthusiasts alike.
Live Music at The Giggling Goose
2 minutes' walk
The Giggling Goose offers live music performances in a relaxed setting. A perfect spot to enjoy local talent.
Getting around
City Centre
Ambleside8 min  ·  600 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX)112 min  ·  74.5 km
Blackpool International (BLK)160 min  ·  106.3 km
Bus
Bus stop5 min  ·  400 m
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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

Feedback about The Unicorn, Ambleside Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 144 verified reviews
7.0/10
Very good
68%
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
7.6/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Excellent food
Central location
Dog-friendly pub
Cons
Tired rooms
Bathroom issues
Guest reviews
based on 245 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 are the check-in and check-out times at The Unicorn, Ambleside?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Is there a restaurant on-site at The Unicorn, Ambleside?
The hotel features a restaurant that serves fresh bar food made on-site.
What nearby dining options are available to guests of The Unicorn, Ambleside?
Nearby restaurants include Rattle Ghyll Cafe (0.5 km), The Bridge Restaurant at Skelwith Bridge Hotel (0.5 km), and Fellini's (0.5 km).
What are some key amenities provided in the rooms at The Unicorn, Ambleside?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, and toiletries.
What entertainment options are available at The Unicorn, Ambleside?
The hotel features live music events every Friday and Saturday evening.
How far is The Unicorn, Ambleside from Carlisle Lake District Airport?
The hotel is located 75 km from Carlisle Lake District Airport.
What languages are spoken by the staff at The Unicorn, Ambleside?
Staff at the hotel primarily speak English.
What type of hotel is The Unicorn, Ambleside?
The hotel is a historic family-friendly pub that accommodates guests within a traditional environment.
Are there any notable attractions near The Unicorn, Ambleside?
Nearby attractions include Stagshaw Garden (0.5 km) and Rydal Mount Museum (3 km).
What special features does The Unicorn, Ambleside have?
The hotel includes a bar/lounge area, a welcome drink for guests, and children's menu options.

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Check-in
04May2026Select date
Check-out
05May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room