Cuckoo Brow Inn: Ambleside's BEST Kept Secret (Lake District Getaway!)
Cuckoo Brow Inn: Ambleside - My Unvarnished Take on the Lake District's "Best Kept Secret" (Plus, Why You NEED to Book!)
Okay, let's be real. "Best Kept Secret" is a phrase that makes me raise an eyebrow. But after a recent stay at Cuckoo Brow Inn in Ambleside, I'm sort of convinced. It's not perfect. It's not a gleaming, impersonal hotel chain. It's… well, it's got character. And that, my friends, is what makes the Lake District experience, you know, experienceable.
First things first: Accessibility. (Because, hello, it matters!)
This is where things get a little… mixed. While they boast "Facilities for disabled guests," it's not a slam dunk. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did take a peek around. There is an elevator (phew!), which is HUGE. But navigating some of the older parts of the building might require a bit of extra effort. They've got ramps, but be sure to call ahead and clarify exactly what your needs are. Don't just assume. (Pro tip: ALWAYS ask!)
The Nitty-Gritty (and the Glorious): Rooms, Comfort, and the All-Important Wi-Fi
My room? Cozy. Think "charming village cottage" rather than "sterile hotel room." The extra long bed was a blessing - bless the person who thought of that! I could actually stretch out without my toes hanging off the edge. Carpeting felt luxurious underfoot (though I'm sure some would find it dated - I'm on the fence.) Blackout curtains? Essential. Lake District sunshine is relentless when it's out, and let's face it, you need to sleep off all that walking and eating! There was the standard coffee/tea maker (crucial for those early morning adventures), a refrigerator (always a plus!), and the all-important Wi-Fi [free] and Internet access – wireless that actually worked (unlike some hotels I've suffered through!). And honestly, the free bottled water was a lifesaver after a day of hiking.
The separate shower/bathtub was great– I took the shower. Simple as that, really.
Speaking of comfort… Let's talk about the Bathroom phone!
I could not understand this, and it just felt…odd.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Era Edition
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room (or, rather, the virus in the air). Cuckoo Brow Inn is trying. They claim a rigorous cleaning regime. Things that stood out: Hand sanitizers everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol (they seemed genuinely concerned), and individually-wrapped food options (though, honestly, who doesn't love a properly-prepared buffet?). The rooms are sanitized between stays. They offer room sanitization opt-out if that's what you need, and there is the doctor/nurse on call, which I did not use.
There are the basics, like fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and CCTV [in common areas and outside property] - which, admittedly, I didn't even notice.
Dining, Drinking, and the All-Important Happy Hour!
This is where Cuckoo Brow really shines, and let's be honest, I lived for it. The Happy Hour at the bar was pure bliss after a day spent navigating muddy trails. The bottle of water arrived promptly, and, I am a huge fan of the restaurants. We skipped the international cuisine, and I have no idea about the Asian cuisine. But the buffet (for breakfast, mind you!) was a solid spread. There was a wide range breakfast [buffet] with options for a vegetarian restaurant and Western breakfast - I loved the coffee/tea in restaurant. A la carte in restaurant and desserts were also available.
As for the Poolside bar… well, there's a swimming pool [outdoor], but it's not poolside in the way you might imagine. It's more like a slightly enclosed area. Don't go expecting a sprawling resort experience. But the food was well-made, and they'll happily pack you a breakfast takeaway service. Food delivery is available from outside sources as well if needed.
Ways to Relax (or… Try To)
Okay, here's where I get slightly disappointed. The spa/sauna is a bit… basic. Don't go expecting a luxurious pampering session. There is a pool with view, but again, it's not a grand vista. It's more intimate. I did not try the Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Spa/sauna, Steamroom.
For the Kids (and Those Who Need a Babysitter)
Family/child friendly is a definite yes, with a nice touch of Kids meal and the Babysitting service.
Things to Do (Besides, You Know, Being in the Lake District!)
Okay, this is where Cuckoo Brow's location really makes it. Ambleside is a fantastic base. You can easily access:
- Lake Windermere – take a boat trip, go kayaking, whatever floats your boat (pun intended).
- Hiking trails – endless possibilities for all levels. I was definitely looking for a Car park [free of charge]!
- Quaint shops and cafes in Ambleside itself.
Services and Conveniences (The Bits and Bobs)
They have a concierge that was helpful. A Daily housekeeping is there with laundry service and they do luggage storage. They have a gift/souvenir shop if that's your thing. There is car park [on-site] with the valet parking.
Getting Around!
If you are looking for transport, there is the airport transfer, car park [on-site], car power charging station, taxi service and the bicycle parking.
The Verdict?
Cuckoo Brow Inn isn't perfect. It's got its quirks. But it's got heart. It's clean, it's comfortable, the food is good, and the location is amazing. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, recharge, and actually experience the beauty of the Lake District.
The Emotional Verdict?
I left wanting to return! And that, friends, is the biggest sign of a great stay.
Cuckoo Brow Inn: Your Lake District Getaway Awaits!
Tired of the same old cookie-cutter hotels? Craving a truly authentic Lake District experience? Escape to Cuckoo Brow Inn in Ambleside – your BEST KEPT SECRET!
Here's what makes Cuckoo Brow Inn the perfect escape:
- Cozy Charm: Nestled in the heart of Ambleside, experience the warmth of a traditional inn with all the modern comforts.
- Unbeatable Location: Explore the breathtaking beauty of Lake Windermere, hike stunning trails, and discover the charm of Ambleside – all at your doorstep.
- Delicious Dining: Indulge in hearty breakfasts, and enjoy the perfect end to the day at a brilliant bar.
- Peace of Mind: Relax with our enhanced cleaning protocols, ensuring your safety and comfort.
- Stress-Free Stay: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, all the amenities you need, and friendly service that makes you feel right at home.
But here's the REALLY good news:
[Insert LIMITED-TIME OFFER Here - e.g.,]
- Book your stay by [Date] and receive a FREE welcome drink and 10% off a dinner at the restaurant!
- [Or, offer a special package, like: "Book a 3-night stay and receive a complimentary spa treatment at a nearby spa!"]
Don't delay! Cuckoo Brow Inn is a popular choice. Secure your escape to the Lake District's Best Kept Secret… book your stay today!
[Link to book directly on their website or a reputable booking platform.]
#CuckooBrowInn #Ambleside #LakeDistrict #LakeDistrictGetaway #UKGetaway #HiddenGem #BestKeptSecret #TravelDeals #HotelReview #UKTravel #VisitEngland #BookNow
Escape to Dupont: Hampton Inn & Suites Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real deal: a travel itinerary for The Cuckoo Brow Inn in Ambleside, UK. Forget the pristine, perfectly-ordered itineraries you've seen. This is how it actually went, warts and all.
The Cuckoo's Nest (aka "The Trip That Started with a Bloody Train Delay")
Day 1: Arrival and "Existential Crisis in a Pub"
- Morning: Right, so, the grand adventure begins! Or, rather, should have begun hours ago. London Euston station? A glorious shitshow, apparently. The "engineered fault" (translation: "someone screwed up, classic British Rail") meant a delay that had me wanting to scream into the void. Forced to inhale stale coffee and watch the news of the day, I start to doubt my life choices. Why am I even doing this? What am I hoping to achieve? Is that a particularly sad-looking pigeon? Existential crisis officially brewing.
- Afternoon: FINALLY, the train moves! Arrive at Windermere, the gateway to the Lakes, several hours late. Frantically grab a taxi. My driver, a chatty chap named Barry ("Just Barry, love") regales me with tales of grumpy sheep and the "massive tourist crush" this time of year. Note to self: Buy a hiking stick.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Check into The Cuckoo Brow Inn. Oh. My. God. The view! Seriously, breathtaking. It's like a postcard exploded in front of my eyes. The room is cozy, maybe a little overly-floral, but who cares? That view! Drop my bags (unpacked is a state of mind, right?), and head straight to the pub.
- Evening: First pint of local ale (a perfectly acceptable, slightly bitter brew). Instantly feel my blood pressure lower about 20 points. Order dinner, a hearty Cumberland sausage and mash – pure, unadulterated comfort food. Strike up a conversation with a couple at the next table, who are absolutely obsessed with spotting badgers. I eavesdrop shamelessly, trying to glean some badger-spotting tips. The pub is warm, the food is good, and for the first time today, I feel… happy. Maybe the delay was worth it. Maybe. (whispering: probably not.)
- Night: Bed. Passed out like a log.
Day 2: Hiking and Humiliation (and a Secret Lake)
- Morning: Wake up to the sound of… nothing. Glorious, beautiful nothing. Actually, the sound of a crow cawing, but it's still pretty good compared to the Euston station symphony of sadness. Breakfast at the inn – FULL English, of course. Attempt to look like a seasoned hiker as I stuff my backpack. (Spoiler alert: I am not.)
- Mid-Morning: The trail! The actual, real-life trail! Stroll with the intention to take in Lake Windermere views. I start off feeling like a conquering hero, a real-life Bear Grylls. The sun shines, the birds sing… then, BAM! I immediately start to struggle with hills more complicated than the one in my neighbour's garden. My "hiking stick" (a perfectly decent branch, if I may say so) is proving less useful than anticipated.
- Lunch: Stop for a picnic. Realise I forgot a bottle opener. Contemplate a life solely dependent on screw-top wine. Eat a sandwich with my bare hands, crumbs everywhere.
- Afternoon: The humiliation continues! After a couple of hours of huffing and puffing and feeling the burn, decide to ditch the planned longer circuit and take a shortcut. This “shortcut” leads me and my bruised ego to a secret lake. Seriously, it’s like out of a fairy tale – hidden amongst trees and full of lily pads. The water is crystal clear. Find myself just staring, drinking it all in. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated beauty that makes me forget my aching feet… almost.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Back to the pub. More ale. This time, I’m going to try the local Bitter, which also is an absolute treat. Chat with the locals and try to appear nonchalant. (Note: I’m not. I'm desperately trying to blend in.) Regret my life choices with chips.
- Night: Crash. Repeat.
Day 3: Boating and Baking (and the Quest for the Perfect Scone)
- Morning: A leisurely start. Breakfast again, not even feeling guilty about the full English anymore. It's the Cuckoo Brow Inn’s way of saying "You deserve this."
- Mid-Morning: Decide to take a boat trip. This starts off lovely, seeing the lakes from a different perspective. The wind whips through my hair. Look at the world's beauty. I almost trip and fall… on the way out of the boat.
- Lunch: The lake side is the best choice for lunch. Find a little cafe, full of hikers and tourists. Grab a sandwich which is just ok.
- Afternoon: Baking lesson at a local cookery school! A genius idea. I love this. Attempt to make scones (scone-making is surprisingly stressful, who knew?). My first batch resembles hockey pucks, but the second batch… the second batch is perfection. Light, fluffy, with the perfect amount of clotted cream and jam. I eat three. Or maybe four. There is no evidence.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Back at the Inn. It's time to chill. This time with a book. The cozy room beckons me to settle in and read.
- Night: Dinner at the Inn again. Some live music and a fantastic fish pie. The best meal by far. Chatting with other guests. Feeling good.
Day 4: Departure and Reflections ("Did I Leave the Iron On?")
- Morning: One last breakfast. Say goodbye to the view that has stolen my heart. Pack. Check out. Contemplate a career change that involves running a pub in the Lake District.
- Mid-Morning: Taxi to the train station. Another train delay! (Just kidding… mostly.)
- Afternoon: Train journey home, now wondering if, in the rush, I left the iron on. It is a real concern. Ruminate on the trip. Remember the hike (and the subsequent humiliation). The pub conversations, the perfect scone. The beauty of the secret little lake. The sheer joy of doing nothing… and doing everything.
- Evening: Arrive home. Unpack. Start planning the next trip.
- Night: Iron definitely on.
And that, my friends, is the honest truth. The Cuckoo Brow Inn, warts and all, gave me memories I'll never forget. Just the perfect getaway. Now, excuse me while I eat a scone and plan the next adventure.
Escape to Paradise: R Photo Hotel's Stunning Nakhon Phanom Getaway
Is the Cuckoo Brow Inn *really* a "best-kept secret?" Seriously?
Oh, come on! That tagline is a *tad* overused, right? But… *whispers*… maybe. I mean, it’s not plastered all over Instagram like some of those ridiculously trendy places. It's got this lovely, lived-in feel. You’re less likely to trip over a gaggle of influencers trying to get the perfect shot of their avocado toast and more inclined to find a real person with muddy boots enjoying a pint. I'd call it a "best-kept secret... for people who actually *want* to appreciate the Lakes, not just Instagram them."
What's the food like? Give me the dirt. (And hopefully, not *literally* dirt, on my plate.)
Okay, the food… Right, so picture this: I'm ravenous after a ridiculously long hike. Like, I'm talking "hangry" level. And I ordered the lamb shank. And… Oh. My. GOD. It was falling-off-the-bone tender, rich, and perfectly seasoned. Honestly, I think I moaned. My partner, bless her heart offered me a bite of her fish and chips, and while it was perfectly fine, I was in a lamb shank-induced bliss. However... and there's always a "however," right? I *did* have a slightly overcooked piece of salmon during lunch the next day. It happens, alright? Nobody's perfect. The pub grub is good, solid, warming food. You're not going to get Michelin Star stuff, but trust me, after a day of walking the fells, it's pure comfort on a plate.
How are the rooms? Are they falling apart? I'm picturing damp, cobwebs, and questionable wallpaper choices.
Okay, breathe. It’s not a rotting castle, alright? The rooms are… cosy. Think proper country inn, not some sterile hotel room. There's a certain, shall we say… *character*. Some rooms are definitely bigger than others. We managed to score a room with a little balcony overlooking the valley, and it was GORGEOUS. The decor is traditional, maybe a *touch* dated in places, but that's part of the charm! If you're expecting a minimalist, ultra-modern experience, you'll be disappointed. But if you appreciate a comfy bed, clean sheets, and a warm fireplace, then you'll be just fine. *Maybe* pack a small air freshener if you're sensitive to, *ahem*, "old building smells."
Okay, location, location, location! Is it actually *in* Ambleside, or are we trekking for miles?
Semi-lies: It's *near* Ambleside. You're not *in* the thick of it, thank goodness. It's a short drive, or a doable (and lovely, really) walk into the town. This is a major plus in my book. You get the peace and quiet of the countryside, but easy access to shops, restaurants, and pubs (yes, plural!) in Ambleside. I mean, I'd probably prefer to be actually *in* the middle of everything but parking is a nightmare so... It's a compromise, and a good one, too. Just remember that, after a few pints, the walk back *feels* longer.
The service? Are the staff friendly or do they act like they'd rather be anywhere else?
Right. The staff… bless 'em. They're generally lovely. Not overly polished and fake-friendly, you know? But genuinely helpful. There's a real warmth to them – they chat, they make sure you're looked after. I had a bit of a drama with our reservation when we first arrived (my fault, not theirs, I'd forgotten to include a plus one). But they sorted it out with a smile and good humour, even though it probably threw a spanner in the works behind the scenes. That's what you want, isn't it? Not to feel like you're an inconvenience.
Parking… Is it a nightmare?
Okay, the parking situation. It's a bit… *tight*. There's a car park, but it can fill up. On the plus side, they've got *some* space. Also, it's *free*, which is a major win. It's just… don't arrive late on a busy afternoon, or you might find yourself playing a high-stakes game of car musical chairs. I suggest a short walk from a less contested spot, or better yet, get a taxi, or use the bus! Easy peasy!
Is it pet-friendly? My furry best friend demands to know.
YES! Glorious, beautiful, wonderful YES! Dogs are welcome, which is brilliant. You will see them, everywhere. But hey, that's what the Lakes are for! Just check with the hotel about room restrictions before you book, mind. I've heard tales of glorious dog walks from the doorstep. I'm guessing this *really* is a big selling point for the Cuckoo Brow Inn, and the surrounding area is great for pups!
What about the atmosphere? Is it a lively, social place or a quiet retreat?
It's a bit of both, honestly. The bar area is definitely more lively, especially in the evenings, with people chatting and maybe a little bit of laughter (and occasionally loud singalongs… from the ones that have had a few!). The dining room is a bit more relaxed. The pub itself is very cosy, with a roaring fire (or it *should* be, depending on the time of year!), and a lovely, welcoming feel. In general, it’s a good place if you want to meet other people, or to have a quiet meal. And the best thing? If you have had enough, retreating back to your room is easy!
Would you go back? The ultimate question!
Hmm... That's a tough one. I really enjoyed my stay overall. The food was mostly great, the location is good for exploring, and the staff were really wonderful. It's definitelyBest Stay Blogspot
