Broadview is a mid-terrace Ambleside Guest House that was built around 1820 of traditional Lakeland slate and stone. It is believed the house was originally built as a Country Residence for a Gentleman, in preparation for the Railway link to Ambleside which never materialised. The trains stop at Windermere which is about 5 miles away - there are excellent bus links to us from the station.

Being situated on the fringe of the village of Ambleside and about a 5 minute stroll from Lake Windermere at Waterhead, we are therefore very handy for all the local attractions and amenities.


Broadview is open all year and has 6 attractive letting rooms to suit all; from hardened walkers to weekend ramblers, from holiday makers to couples or friends just wanting that quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.


Most rooms are en suite or have private facilities and some have lovely views of Loughrigg Fell and the Langdales beyond.


There is plenty to read in the house including maps and guides to plan your days walk or ramble, along with plenty of tourist information if you fancy site-seeing or a scenic drive around. Help and advice is always on hand of what to do and Alan will help with routes and ideas for walking and hiking. We also have a wide selection of novels to curl up with at night or you can consult the maps and guide books to see where you went wrong. In the hall, there is a chest full of games to keep both young and old amused.


Drying facilities are available for coats, boots etc. should you have a wet day on the fells. Packed lunches with Alan's famous home-made cake and flask filling can be provided if required.


There is plenty of parking about 100 yards away in the "Lowfold" public car park. Although it is pay & display, each guest room at Broadview has one parking permit allocated so the car park will be free for you to use during your stay at Broadview. As an added benefit, these permits allow you to park your car free of charge in many of the South Lakeland District Council car parks which can save you considerable time and money during your stay. Full details and restrictions are on permit.


Ambleside has a plethora of good pubs, cafes and restaurants, we try to keep information and menus for as many local establishments as we can, and are happy to book tables for dinner for you, should you require. We even have copies of the Ambleside Pub Crawl.

Book 3 nights or more in August and receive a 10% discount

With Ambleside being at the heart of the Central Lake District, there are plenty of things to do to fill your time. We have a wide selection of information to help you decide. Maps and guides for walking and leaflets about most tourist attractions along with details of local towns and villages.

The Windermere Lake Steamers leave from Waterhead Pier which is only a 5 minute stroll away. From there, you can travel the whole length of England's largest natural lake. You can call at Brockhole, which is the Lake District National Park Visitors' Centre. Bowness-on-Windermere for a bit of retail therapy around the tourist shops and boutiques, or even pay a visit to the World of Beatrix Potter. If you carry on to the end of the Lake, Lakeside has the Aquarium of the Lakes and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway.

The village of Grasmere is only 10 minutes drive away and also has a frequent bus service. Wordsworth made his home here and was buried in the church yard. You can visit Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage or visit the Gingerbread shop where they have been following the same recipe for generations.


Hawkshead and Coniston are within a short drive. Coniston is famous for Campbell's water speed records as well as Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazon stories. The Coniston Ferry has special themed sailings that are well worth going on. Hawkshead was the home of Beatrix Potter. You can visit some of the properties she owned especially Hill Top which is now owned by the National Trust.


The Lake District has hundreds of attractions from Potteries to Wild Animal Parks, Slate Mining Museums to Breweries and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Although some attractions are not open all winter, there are still plenty that open all year, thus, there is always plenty to do.

Leisure Facilities


We are now pleased to be able to offer Broadview guests the use of leisure facilities at Langdale Country Club, a 10-15 minute scenic drive away.


The newly refurbished leisure club hosts a large multi-activity pool, spa bath & deluge, underwater bubble massage, sanaruim - sauna & steam room, children's paddling pool, soft play area fully equipped gym. Squash & tennis, fitness sessions as well as a beauty salon treatments are available for an extra charge payable directly to the club. (Some age restrictions may apply).


Usual price for day membership (11am - 4pm) is £8.50 per person but we are able to offer you the reduced price of £5 per person. Check out our special offers page to see which deals include a complementary day pass.

We have recently teamed up with Out to Play Golf to offer you the opportunity to sample some of the areas finest Golf Courses on a basis of 2 Green Fees for the price of 1!