1 / 24

The Britannia Inn

Name: The Britannia Inn
Address: Elterwater, Ambleside, England, LA22 9HP, Ambleside, GB

★★★·8.8/ 10Recommended

·Inns

📍Elterwater, Ambleside, England, LA22 9HP · Ambleside ↗

GardenLuggage storageFree WiFiSmoke-free propertyUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyWell-lit path to entranceAll 11 facilities +

Review

Guest scores & sentiment

From 75 guest reviews · multi-source · as of 2026-07-21

Guests praise the scenic location, friendly staff, and excellent food, ideal for hikers. Common complaints include small rooms, poor soundproofing, dated decor, dog smells, and noise from the busy pub.

Dimension scores · cross-source

Location9.8

Service9.6

Rooms9.3

Cleanliness9.3

Wi-Fi9.2

Facilities8.9

Value8.5

＋ PraisedExcellent location for walks · Friendly staff & cosy atmosphere · High-quality food & varied breakfast · Clean, cosy rooms with good showers

－ ComplaintsSmall rooms, thin walls & pub noise · Slightly dated decor & facilities · Higher prices & drink costs · Late breakfast timing & limited vegetarian options

KEYIdeal for hikers and pub lovers. Those sensitive to noise, small spaces, or dated facilities should consider carefully.

No checkout or paid ranking here — commission never drives content.

Book on FlyerTrip →

Nearby & map

DiningSights

Forest Side

Modern British, Regional Cuisine · ★ Michelin

££££

An engaging team welcome you to this substantial Lakeland mansion; start with drinks in the lounge and take in views over the surrounding fells. The room has a rustic feel and a glass-topped table crafted from a wind-blown tree takes centre stage. Ingredient provenance plays a major role, with produce often coming from their Victorian kitchen garden or local suppliers, as well as being foraged by the team. Skilfully prepared, creative dishes are full of vibrant colours, textural contrasts and sublime flavours, such as scallop with homemade tabasco and Worcestershire sauce.

3.6km

Old Stamp House

Modern Cuisine, Regional Cuisine · ★ Michelin

££££

In the heart of the Lake District sits this quirky little restaurant, which occupies the cellars of an old house where William Wordsworth used to work as the Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland. It's now owned by brothers Ryan and Craig Blackburn. The former is in the kitchen, crafting the ‘A Journey Around Cumbria’ tasting menu that showcases his passion for exceptional local produce. The skilfully prepared dishes have been well conceived and carefully balance bold and delicate flavours; each one has a story – sometimes historic, sometimes personal.

4.9km

THE SCHELLY

Regional Cuisine · Bib

££

A delightful operation from the team behind The Old Stamp House and situated directly above it, this deservedly busy restaurant is named after a local fish found in only four nearby lakes. It’s indicative of the distinctly Lakeland feel to the menu, which is epitomised by the likes of lip-smacking Herdwick hogget shoulder, plus a dish of ‘mushrooms found around the woods in Ambleside’. Sit at the counter to see the chefs or by the window to people-watch the tourists passing by. Desserts such as sticky toffee madeleines cooked to order ensure you’ll leave on a sugary high.

4.9km

Drunken Duck Inn

Modern British

£££

This picture-postcard pub sits in the heart of the beautiful Lakeland countryside and must be one of the most desirable in the region. Inside, the extended inn is overflowing with charm and character, especially in the buzzing bar. The generous cooking includes the likes of celeriac and hazelnut Kiev or venison loin and pie with beetroot fondant, and they can be paired with ales brewed on-site. Relaxed, chatty service enhances the experience, as do the boutique bedrooms, some of which boast terraces with stunning fell views.

4.2km

Rowan

Modern British

£££

In an understandably popular part of the picturesque Lake District, the Rothay Manor country house hotel stands proud with its Regency-era grandeur and stylish modern additions. Rowan is its restaurant, occupying an elegant dining room that features original shutters and cornicing alongside bold William Morris wallpaper and striking chandeliers. The concise à la carte is full of seasonal goodness, all executed with skill and care. Look out for bright, fresh fish dishes like roast cod with 'nduja, gremolata, broad beans and shrimp.

4.6km

Slates Coffee & Kitchen

Restaurant

Café

25m

Lanty Slee's Elterwater

Restaurant

Bar

367m

Brambles Cafe

Restaurant

Café

795m

Click a row to locate it · distances are approximate. Data from Overture / Michelin / Wikidata.

The Britannia Inn

Guest scores & sentiment

Room types · 3

Double Room, Ensuite

Twin Room, Ensuite

Double Room, Private Bathroom

Facilities · 11

Nearby & map