The Rookery Cottages

Stock Ghyll Force

A short walk from the centre of Ambleside, behind the Salutation Hotel, leads to Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70 foot waterfall which may be viewed safely from a railed viewpoint. In spring the area under the trees is a carpet of daffodils.

Stock Ghyll, a tributary of the River Rothay, tumbles down through a series of waterfalls to the centre of Ambleside, passing under the famous Bridge House.

All of the cottages overlook Stock Ghyll, which is a wildlife haven and a beautiful and tranquil place to be - with many sightings of Heron, Otters, Badgers, Dippers, Ducks and small fish.

There are gated steps down to the river beside No. 3 and all cottage guests are welcome to go down and enjoy the water. This is a fantastic adventure playground enjoyed by kids and parents alike.

Ambleside Village

Although there has been a settlement since pre-Roman times, Ambleside is largely Victorian. A fort beside Borrans Park – named Galava – was built in Ambleside by the Romans, housing some 500 soldiers. It was built to defend the lower fells of South Lakeland from invasion by the Picts and Scots, and to guard the road to the Roman Port at Ravenglass via Hardknott Pass.

The opening of the Lake Windermere ferry terminal at Waterhead Pier in 1845 created further expansion. Today ferries can be taken to Bowness and Lakeside.

Many well known characters have been connected with Ambleside, including William Wordsworth, Hardwicke Rawnsley, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter. More about these people can be found in the The Armitt Museum, (opposite the main car park entrance).

Restaurants

Ambleside has many delightful restaurants catering for every taste and budget. Our favourites include Dodds (fantastic pizza and pasta, very tasty and inexpensive), Zefferellis (superb atmosphere and fresh tasty vegetarian food - meat eaters love this place too), Priest Hole (hearty, filling English food at its best), Doi Intanon (fab Thai food in a beautiful building), Lucy on a Plate (many people's all time favourite). Finally, our all time favourite, Fellinis (gobsmackingly gorgeous vegetarian food). There are many more Indian, Chinese, Thai, Italian and English restaurants and loads of pubs & cafes serving good food too.

Pubs

Truly spoilt for choice in and around Ambleside. Our favourite pub is The Golden Rule for great beer, charm and atmosphere. Some pubs have live music and there is even a basement late night disco (although it isn't Stringfellows). The Jazz Bar at Zefferellis is a favourite for a night out. Some superb bands have entertained us in there. Outside Ambleside there are some lovely country pubs such as The Three Shires in Little Langdale, The Drunken Duck, towards Hawkshead, The Britannia Inn at Elterwater and The Brown Horse at Winster.

Cinemas and other entertainment

Can you believe Ambleside has 3 cinema with 5 separate screens, showing the latest movies and some art house classics. There is also a brilliant climbing wall in Ambleside suitable for children, beginners and experienced climbers. A great place to develop the skills before tackling some real rock climbs and scrambles in the area.

Booking Your Stay at the Rookery Cottages

To make an enquiry or to place a booking for the Rookery Cottages, please contact us by telephone, email or online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible

Please check our availability page to ensure the cottages are available for your stay