"The room was really cozy with nice little touches and a very comfortable bed."
Niamh from United Kingdom
read full review
"Staff were very friendly and helpful, the location is fantastic for exploring Ambelside and surrounding areas."
Alexandra from United Kingdom
read full review
"The location was perfect, very reasonably priced"
Sarah from United Kingdom
read full review
The Unicorn, Ambleside - Oldest Pub in Ambleside with Live Music and Dog-Friendly Rooms
Pub & Dining
The Unicorn, Ambleside is the oldest traditional pub in Ambleside, housed in a 400-year-old building. The bar serves a variety of cask ales and simple fresh bar food made on site by local chefs. Sunday roasts are served regularly, and the restaurant includes a child-friendly menu.
Entertainment
The Unicorn hosts live music on Thursday and Sunday evenings. A quiz night runs on Monday evenings. Live sport events are shown, and complimentary drinks are offered on arrival.
Accommodation
The Unicorn has five individual rooms, with en-suite and non-en-suite options. Guests have private access to the rooms and road, and the accommodation is room only. The 400-year-old building has low beams, and guests can expect sounds from the pub below.
Location & Outdoors
The Unicorn is close to the fells of the Lake District. Windermere Lake offers outdoor activities nearby, and Ambleside's local dining options and shops are within walking distance. Public transport is nearby, and although the hotel has no parking, a public car park operates close by.
Dog-Friendly & Family
The Unicorn's dog-friendly policies apply throughout the hotel. The restaurant offers a child-friendly menu and kids' meals. Guests traveling with pets are close to the fells of the Lake District and Windermere Lake for outdoor activities.
Highlights
History: Oldest traditional pub in Ambleside, housed in a 400-year-old building
Rooms: Five individual rooms with en-suite and non-en-suite options
Dining: Sunday roasts, cask ales, and child-friendly menu
Entertainment: Live music on Thursday and Sunday evenings, quiz night on Mondays
Dog-Friendly: Pets welcome throughout the hotel
Location: Close to Ambleside shops, public transport, and Lake District fells
“The central location is a clear advantage, making it easy to explore Ambleside and connect with family, while the friendly atmosphere and quiet rooms ensure a restful stay. It's a sensible choice for its value, especially with a traditional pub downstairs offering good food and drink. You can count on a straightforward check-in and check-out process here.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukcumbria
Select your room type
The Unicorn, Ambleside offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Twin Room
2 persons
12 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room
2 persons
14 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Double Suite
2 persons
20 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
The Unicorn, Ambleside offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.7/10Review 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
No parking available.
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
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Dining Onsite
At The Unicorn in Ambleside, the dining experience combines traditional charm with a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. With a focus on hearty meals perfect for sharing and a selection of refreshing Robinsons beer, guests can enjoy a rustic yet inviting setting for lunch or dinner.
The Unicorn
Traditional pub fare
Ambiance
Family-friendly, warm and welcoming atmosphere
Key Offerings
Savor classic dishes complemented by a selection of Robinsons beers in a cozy setting perfect for families or gatherings.
Reservation
Not needed
Lunch and Dinner
The Unicorn, Ambleside Location
North Road, Ambleside, LA22 9DT,
Map view
City landmarks
Garden
Rydal Mount
2.18 km
Landmark
Borrans Park
1.28 km
Landmark
High Close Estate
650 m
Landmark
Stock Ghyll Force
3.05 km
Landmark
Rydal Water
2.7 km
Landmark
Wansfell Pike
1.79 km
Garden
Rydal Hall Gardens
2.02 km
Landmark
Lily Tarn
1.59 km
Landmark
Dora's Field
2.04 km
Bridge
Bridge House
3.78 km
Landmark
Rydal Hall Sculpture Path
2.2 km
Landmark
High Sweden Bridge
2.18 km
Cave
Rydal Cave
2.49 km
Castle
Wray Castle
3.6 km
Landmark
Loughrigg Fell
3.03 km
Gallery
Old Courthouse Gallery
3.55 km
Landmark
Wansfell
2.69 km
Landmark
Brockhole on Windermere
3.7 km
Camping
Skelwith Fold
3.01 km
Landmark
Ambleside Roman Fort
4.88 km
Landmark
Hayes Garden World Ambleside
4.12 km
Landmark
Jenkin Crag
4.83 km
Landmark
The National Trust
3.78 km
Landmark
Rothay Park
4.06 km
Church
St Mary's Church
3.9 km
Landmark
Merz Barn
3.94 km
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
3.62 km
The Slack
The Old Smithy
3.67 km
The Slack
The Royal Oak Resturant & Bar
3.78 km
Church Street
Greggs
530 m
3 The Old Stamp House Church Street
Shake, Waffle & Roll
500 m
2A Cheapside
Explore Ambleside
Explore Ambleside
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Rydal Mount
25 minutes walking
Famous home of poet William Wordsworth, offering beautiful gardens and stunning views over Rydal Water.
Borrans Park
15 minutes walking
A scenic park featuring large open spaces, play areas, and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills.
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
6 minutes walking
Offers insight into the local history and culture, featuring art exhibits and historical artifacts.
Stock Ghyll Force
35 minutes walking
A stunning waterfall located in a beautiful wooded setting, accessible via scenic walking paths.
Hiking at Wansfell Pike
20 minutes walking
An exhilarating hike for thrill-seekers, offering panoramic views from the summit.
Relax at Rydal Water
30 minutes walking
A peaceful area for leisurely walks, picnics, or enjoying serene lakeside views.
Rattle Ghyll Cafe Ambleside
1 minute walking
Cozy café known for its local ingredients, serving hearty breakfasts and lunch options.
The Giggling Goose Cafe
2 minutes walking
Welcoming eatery offering homemade cakes, local dishes, and vegetarian-friendly options.
Gandhi's Cafe
10 minutes driving
Authentic Indian cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere; famous for its flavorful curries and sauces.
Ambleside Theatre
10 minutes walking
Local theatre showcasing plays and films, often featuring community performances and events.
Live Music at Zeffirelli's
5 minutes walking
A unique venue offering live music and film, with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Ambleside 8 min · 600 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 112 min · 74.6 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 160 min · 106.5 km
Bus
Bus stop 5 min · 400 m
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exclusive rates right now!
Check Rates
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 from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.4/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
7.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.4/10
Location
9.2/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Comfortable bed
Charming building
Good food
Central location
Cons
Noisy rooms
Tired rooms
Lack of amenities
Maintenance issues
Guest reviews
based on 294 reviews
7.9/10
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.