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Chapel How

(Ref. 1041065)

Ambleside, Cumbria & The Lake District Show on map

4.6

Tourist Board rating Tourist Board ratings icon Tourist Board ratings icon Tourist Board ratings icon Tourist Board ratings icon

  • 6 Guests

  • 3 Bedrooms

  • 3 Bathrooms

  • Pets No

Features

  • Garden / Patio
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • great (14)
  • well (13)
  • location (12)
  • stay (11)
  • kitchen (11)
  • property (11)

25 Customer Reviews

  • "We’ve visited the Lakes many times over the years and on this holiday we came with our two adult daughters."

    We found Chapel Howe to be a beautiful property, in an ideal location. We had lots of space for the four of us, and all our things (walking and gym gear, husband’s bike and cycling gear). The property was very well fitted out with great facilities in the kitchen particularly, and we enjoyed a number of home cooked meals. I loved the big bath in the top bedroom too! We did have a bit of an issue with the two first floor loos. Lakelovers were quick to respond and because we could get away with the problems using other loos (en-suite flush not very effective and waste not clearing) and were intermittent in the case of the family bathroom (cistern not refilling) we agreed they’d look at it after our stay. One thing I would suggest is a blackout blind over the velux window above the bed in the top room, and perhaps a blind over the small window at the very top of the room if that would be possible. We couldn’t sleep past 6am because the room was so light, and I imagine this would be even more of an issue in high summer.

    Reviewed by Alison4.4Apr 2024

  • "The setting of the cottage is stunning - one of the reasons we chose the property was the fact it was a converted chapel so full of quirkiness and character - amazing views too."

    Be warned, the original staircases are very creaky, not a problem for us, it added to the charm! Location is perfect - you actually feel like you’re far from a town yet it’s literally 3/4 mins walk down to the centre of Ambleside! The walk back is steep but great daily exercise! Lovely walks in and around Ambleside and also a great base for the rest of the Lakes. Plenty of eating out choice and shops for all tastes. Comfortable cottage for 6 adults (3 couples) with 3 en-suite rooms. Well kitted-out kitchen and ample sized dining area with the addition of original chapel pews for some seating (can be uncomfortable if sitting for a long period but plenty cushions provided!) We’d love to return as we had a fantastic week, even though the weather was against us - you go to the Lakes prepared for this but always still so much to do. Parking can be an issue, especially during busier times of the year and if you have 2/3 cars arriving, as there is only one allocated parking space in the chapel grounds. There are parking spaces opposite the chapel however not often free and the lanes around the chapel are very narrow. We struggled for additional parking close to the cottage when we first arrived but were lucky to get a space the next day. All in all a lovely holiday.

    Reviewed by Glenda4.4Apr 2024

  • "Wow wow wow."

    ..when we walked into chapel how we just stood and I said think I have done well girls...me and two friends travel to the lakes after Christmas each year ...one little problem..heating had been switched off but within hour a really nice guy was out and got it working...end of problem..we each had own bedroom and just couldn't fault any of the rooms....as we said it's quirky and loved it...it's near so many places and a walk in to Ambleside took 5 minutes but coming up the hill took mmm more like 15 mins but it was lovely. Looking out of the front door at the beautiful country side what more do you need...oh ladies and gents!! If you forget your hairdryer don't worry...between the three of us we found 6!!..Once again to the family who own this lovely place ...thank you for allowing us to stay there..it was an experiment a really great one..

    Reviewed by Caroline5.0Jan 2024

  • "On arrival the chapel smelt damp and musty; this smell also permeated the bedding."

    The down stairs of the chapel was very comfortable and was relatively easy to heat but the upstairs seemed to be permanently cold. We had two duvets on the bed on the top floor as it seems to be impossible to get it warm. The lighting also caused concern as the lights on the stairs go off before you reach the room you are walking to. Considering how much money we were paying I expected the chapel to be perfect. There were cobwebs in the top floor bedroom; there was a plastic bath plug in the communal bathroom and both the bathrooms on the first floor had black mould in the shower area. The chapel is lovely but for the amount we have been charged I expected a much higher standard of cleaning and comfort. The standard overall was disappointing.

    Reviewed by Suzanne3.1Oct 2023

  • "A lovely stay at Chapel How, a converted chapel up a hill with lovely views."

    It was very well equipped and has been tastefully fitted out throughout. The kitchen had everything you need for a holiday stay with local shops nearby. We were a family of 5 with adult children all of whom loved their stay and we will definitely be coming back to the Lake District following our stay at Chapel How with the wonderful walks and water sports on offer nearby.

    Dear Amanda Thank you very much for your positive feedback. We are glad you enjoyed using the house as your base for a successful holiday in the lovely Lake District. Best wishes, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Amanda5.0Sep 2023

  • "Very good location and ideal for us."

    The accommodation was much smaller than the photos appeared . The two bedrooms were particularly small and storage limited. Showers excellent. Toilet in top bedroom did not flush; our fault for not reporting it. Generally we were very happy , the communications with your Company were exceptionally good.

    Reviewed by Francis4.1Jul 2023

  • "Lovely comfortable, well equipped property in Ambleside - easy walking into town for restaurants cinema and local walks."

    Uphill coming back but good exercise! Quiet location with communal grassed area - even with resident rabbit and birds. Golden Rule is very local pub to satisfy the walker on return home from Sweden Bridge.

    Reviewed by Janet A5.0Jun 2023

  • "I took my elderly mother (88 years of age) for a week in Ambleside and we stayed at Chapel How."

    This was a lovely property. Well refurbished, maintained, equipped, and evidently well cared for. Last week was very hot outside but the property was extremely cool, especially downstairs. This helped significantly. Would be lovely in Winter as well, given the heating and fire etc. I wasn’t going to mention the stairs. But they are awesome! Not a concern/complaint from my mother about the climb, or the squeaks. And how quiet is this place being a short stroll to the centre of Ambleside? Very!! I will definitely consider visiting again and bringing other family members. Thank you.

    Dear Simon, Thank you so much for your really lovely review! I loved reading how much you and your mother enjoyed your week at Chapel How. It's also excellent to hear someone appreciating the amazing stairs! I do hope you decide to return to Ambleside. It's such a lovely town. Kind regards, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Simon5.0Jun 2023

  • "Characterful property."

    Very well equipped with good quality furniture and fittings. Great location for Ambleside although the road is potentially steep for the less abled. Quirky stairs but definitely part of the properties history. We would stay there again.

    Dear Gill, Thank you very much for your kind review. I'm glad you had an enjoyable break in lovely Ambleside and hope to welcome you back in the future! With best wishes, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Gill5.0Apr 2023

  • "Definitely one of the best holiday lets we’ve stayed in and will certainly stay here again."

    Furnished and decorated to a high standard but retaining many quirky original features(loved the original church door and the creaky stairs!). The living room is cosy with 2 large comfortable sofas, makes a nice change from the hard leather sofas you usually find in holiday properties. The kitchen is new and seemed very well equipped though we ate out whilst there. The bathrooms are of a high standard with powerful showers and good size baths. Bedrooms tastefully furnished with very comfortable beds. The location is excellent being only a couple of minutes walk from the centre of Ambleside, and there is a large parking space (a luxury in Ambleside!) plenty big enough for our 4x4.

    Dear Jodi, Thank you so much for your beautiful review! We really do appreciate it. I'm so glad you enjoyed your holiday. Ambleside is such a fabulous place and Chapel How is very well situated to enjoy it. I know what you mean about parking! I hope you are able to stay again. With best wishes, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jodi5.0Feb 2023

  • "Just a few minor points."

    The new kitchen was very good and an improvement over when we stayed there last year. However some basic kitchen utensils were missing. These included; potato masher, kitchen tongs and there were very few teaspoons. Apart from that the cottage was excellent and this was the third time we have stayed there. In general the house was too hot and we were constantly turning the thermostat down. It would have been nice to have had full control of the thermostat.

    Dear Ian. I am really glad you liked the new kitchen and that you have returned to the property so many times, and enjoy staying there. Thank you for your comment about kitchen utensils. I will make sure those items are available hereafter. I am sorry you found the house a bit warm. We pre set the temperature to 21 degrees during the day and 17 degrees during the night, and these temperatures can be manually adjusted each day via the thermostat (instructions in the welcome file). However, as you say, we do not allow for the default pre program temperatures to be changed, so temperatures return to 21 and 17 periodically. I'm sorry this was a bit of a pain, but we feel that not having any pre set defaults would be problematic, as guests to Chapel How change weekly. I really hope you return for a 4th visit! With best wishes, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Ian4.7Jan 2023

  • "Chapel How is a lovely property and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay."

    As a party of three couples having a bathroom each was great, and the beds were very comfortable indeed and we all slept well. The dining table in the kitchen was a very convivial place to eat, drink and play games, and the kitchen was very well fitted out with a good sized fridge and good oven and hob. The lounge was also very comfortable, the place was toasty warm, very welcome as it was quite wet and it was spotlessly clean. Very conveniently located for the facilities of Ambleside - a 5 minute stroll down the hill. Highly recommended.

    Dear Joanna Thank you so much for the lovely feedback you left about your stay at Chapel How. I am really pleased you enjoyed your holiday. Happy New Year to you all! Kind regards, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Joanna5.0Dec 2022

  • "A lovely place to stay in Ambleside with great facilities right on the doorstep."

    The driveway and parking wasn’t the easiest to access in the snow but that’s Cumbria in winter! It was very warm and everything was spotlessly clean. The books and games were a nice touch. Do check all the kitchen cupboards - particularly the top ones straight away as we didn’t and there are more useful kitchen utensils in them. We managed to cook a family ‘Christmas’ meal with everything available. The nespresso coffee machine is a nice touch. The Bumble cafe on the bridge and the Mexican takeaway come highly recommended.

    Dear Laura Thank you very much for your lovely feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday in Chapel How, especially as you were celebrating Christmas! Thank you for your note about the kitchen utensils, we will look at rehousing them somewhere more obvious when we are back up in the Lakes. We love our coffee, so I'm glad you appreciated the Nespresso machine, which is a recent addition! Happy New Year to you all. Kind regards, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Laura4.7Dec 2022

  • "Excellent quirky property in the centre of town, its over 150 years old so yes the stairs do squeak !"

    !

    Dear Charles Thank you for embracing the squeaky stairs! I'm glad you enjoyed the location of the property. Ambleside is such a lovely place. Happy New Year to you! Kind regards, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Charles5.0Oct 2022

  • "We’ve just returned from Chapel How Oct 22 - this was a great property which we would return to."

    It has a lovely quality kitchen fitted new in 2022 I suspect, it has a cozy lounge with a decent sized TV and Netflix, Amazon etc. The Wi-Fi works very well for a family. It has 3 bathrooms/3 bedrooms so plenty of space upstairs. Yes the stairs creak but its an old chapel, it goes with the charm of the building. The property is a 2 minute walk into Ambleside if you want to pick up a takeaway or go to a pub/restaurant. Tesco express, Coop and Spar all 2 minute walk from the property. It has 1 dedicated parking space, fine for our VW Tiguan. All in all, a great property if you want to be in Ambleside, have great views & quiet quality accommodation really close to town

    Dear Alastair Thank you very much for your lovely feedback about Chapel How. You are right, the new kitchen was fitted in Autumn 2022, so you were one of the first to use it! Your review was very kind and also useful for other guests searching for a property. I hope you are able to return to lovely Ambleside in the near future. Happy New Year to you. Kind regards, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Alastair5.0Oct 2022

  • "We enjoyed our stay in Chapel How, very well equipped if somewhat quirky apartment with a mix of modern and tastefully retained aspects of the original chapel."

    Yes the stairs squeak but after a while that just becomes part of the character of the apartment. Dedicated parking spot is a big bonus as parking in Ambleside can be difficult. New kitchen contained everything we needed. Location suited well as it is only a short walk from cafes and shops. Overall a great spot to spend a holiday and this would be high on our list for a return trip to the area.

    Dear John Thank you for embracing the squeaky stairs, and also for appreciating the new kitchen, which had just been put in when you stayed at the property. I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday at Chapel How, Ambleside is such a special little place, with great walks, shops, cafes and cinemas on the doorstep. I hope you are able to return again in the near future! With best wishes, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by John5.0Sep 2022

  • "Only issue was the bench outside is very old and needs replacing"

    Dear Denise Thank you very much for your constructive feedback about Chapel How. You were absolutely right about the old bench, and we have replaced it with 3 new iron benches, that will not deteriorate in the weather. We have put one at the front of the property and 2 along the side, where the old one used to stand. In addition, since your stay in August, a tree has been removed (it had died), so the view over Ambleside is now uninterrupted. I'm glad you had no other issues during your stay and I hope you enjoyed your holiday in the Lakes. With best wishes, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Denise5.0Aug 2022

  • "Property is well kept."

    Stairs very cheeky. The kitchen is ok, cupboard space limited, not suited if eight staying. The settee is quite low so found if difficult to get up and one member had a bad knee and found this challenging. The bedrooms where great comfortable and good sizes. We did have an infant with us and was advised when I asked that a high chair and cot where not available at this site. But upon arrival we noted a cot and high chair where on site. The WiFi connection to the TV was poor for the first three days but when the WiFi box was resited in the kitchen signal became more constant and programs selected didn't buffer.... Our stay was good, comfort adequate, but will think more carefully about selecting this property again....Thank you...Hope to book soon for next year....

    Dear Andrew Thank you very much for your review of Chapel How. Since your stay we have had a new kitchen fitted and I'm sorry you were not able to benefit from this change. After consideration, we decided not to supply a high chair and cot at the property for hygiene reasons. Having had young children ourselves, we know that babies and toddlers tend to dribble over everything, and we thought guests were more likely to want supply their own portable baby chairs and cots, for this reason. Occasionally however, we find that guests leave portable cots and high chairs behind and don't want them returned, so they sometimes turn up in the property. This must have happened in your case and I apologise for this anomaly. It sounds like you had a good holiday generally and enjoyed lovely Ambleside, and I'm glad about that. With kind regards, Alex (owner) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Andrew4.1Aug 2022

  • "Great location we loved every minute."

    Oven temperature gauge was very helpful and someone coming to mend the toilet so quickly. Was too. It would be useful to have some Pyrex cooking dishes or similar. We had nothing to put the lasagna in !

    Reviewed by Judith5.0Apr 2022

  • "Really enjoyed our stay."

    Lovely place, great location. Would thoroughly recommend!

    Reviewed by Nicholas5.0Mar 2022

  • "We loved the accommodation."

    It had great character, was really nicely decorated and was very cosy. Great location too as it was very close to the town centre but was nice and quiet. The only complaint I have is over the cooker, which I know has been reported before. The main oven is next to useless which was problematic when cooking the roast Christmas dinner and did cause a little bit of stress for the chef :) The oven never got to the right temperature and was only hot at the top. Other than that, we would definitely stay again

    Thank you for your feedback Mr Atkinson, we are pleased you enjoyed your stay at Chapel How. The owner is aware of the oven and we are awaiting a replacement as soon as possible, this has been delayed due to supplies. We hope it didn't cause too much stress to the chef and you all enjoyed Christmas dinner. Thanks once again for your feedback and we hope to see you again in the near future. Thank you the Lakelovers team Property Owner

    Reviewed by David4.7Dec 2021

  • "Great location and very comfortable cottage."

    Some issues with cleanliness of the cooker and some cooking utensils . Dishwasher was full when we arrived. Shower in first floor en suite room didnt drain very well.

    Thank you very much for your comments Mr Turvey. Customer feedback is very important to help us continually improve our standards. Please accept our apologies, Lakelovers look after the cleaning and maintenance for Chapel How and we are sorry to hear about the issues you encountered at the property, unfortunately we weren't aware of any of the issues you had as we could have resolved them to make your stay more comfortable, however these have now been dealt with. We will keep an eye on cleanliness moving forward, thank you for bringing this to our attention. Regarding the dishwasher, since Covid to avoid cross contamination our cleaners leave the clean dishes ready for guests to use on arrival. We do hope this hasn't deterred you from returning to Chapel How again in the future, regards the Lakelovers team Property Owner

    Reviewed by Neil3.4Sep 2021

  • "The property was not as clean as we would have wished cobwebs, dust, cup marks on tables but the worst issue was the noisy stairs and top floor floor boards."

    The top floor bed room also had a strong smell of either burning or creosote which made for an unpleasant sleep.

    UPDATE JULY 22 We have now resealed the wooden beams in the top floor bedroom, this has eliminated the smell of the original treatment used on the beams Thank you for your feedback. Please accept our apologies, Lakelovers look after the cleaning for this property and these matters have been reported to the Housekeeping Manager, as this falls well below our expected standards. However if we had known during your stay we would have reattended immediately to rectify and also help address the smell you mentioned in the bedroom. Regarding the creaking stairs which is mentioned in the listing. 'Dating back to 1550, the property retains its period features; arched church windows, exposed beams, an original church pew in the dining area and squeaky floorboards on both sets of original oak stairs!' The owner has taken on board your comments and is awaiting a local wood tradesman to fix the creaks. Thank you once again for your feedback and we do hope to see you again in the future. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Ian2.5Jun 2021

  • "Lovely holiday home with super comfortable beds."

    The bench outside was great for enjoying the morning sun and having a coffee from the nespresso kitchen aid machine.

    Reviewed by Gillian5.0Jun 2021

  • "Location perfect for walking and getting to lake and getting to town."

    Standard of property very good. Excellent accommodation. Everything you need. Friendly helpful owners.

    PalowskiNov -0001

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This property is part of the Lakelovers collection.
We have properties to suit every occasion throughout the southern and central Lake District including; Ambleside Cottages, Bowness Cottages, Coniston Cottages, Grasmere Cottages, Hawkshead Cottages, Lakeside Cottages, Langdale Cottages, Troutbeck Cottages, Ulswater Cottages, Windermere Cottages and smaller hamlets between, which although seldom heard of are none the less equally wonderful. With hundreds of properties available, all of which are inspected and graded by the English Tourism Council, Lakelovers are sure to have a property to meet your needs.

Summary

  • Highly Commended for a four star property
  • Sleeps 6 1 Superking (or twin) 1 king, 1 double
  • 3 bathrooms, 1 with power shower, one ensuite with open plan bedroom featuring a roll top bath, 1 ensuite
  • Comfortable living & dining areas: log effect fire
  • Shared outside space with seating
  • Parking for 1 car only
  • Gas central heating, electric log affect fire in feature fireplace
  • Well equipped kitchen with range effect cooker, halogen hob, under counter fridge & freezer, washer/dryer/ dishwasher
  • Roll top open plan bathroom in the attic 'Belfry' suite, 2 other bathrooms both with power shower
  • Walking distance to village centre pubs and restaurants
  • Fabulous views.

The property

"This unique and historical Lake District character property forms part of a converted Grade II listed chapel, in the peaceful conservation area.

Dating back to 1550, this romantic property retains its period features; arched church windows, striking exposed beams and a feature church pew in the dining area.

You'll find arched windows, oak staircase and gothic-style doors, all beautifully renovated.

Three decadent bedroom suites, including the truly special 'Belfry' bedroom finish off this unique place.

The unique combination of original church architecture and contemporary luxury really has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.

Nestled in Ambleside's historic conservation area, this luxurious cottage is just far enough from the crowds to be blissfully peaceful and quiet, but the within walking distance of several excellent Ambleside restaurants and traditional Lakeland pubs, shops, cafes and even a cinema and jazz club.

A few minutes from the village is the shore of Lake Windermere at Waterhead, with lakeshore pubs and cafes, stunning lake views and of course the opportunity for a cruise on Lake Windermere - a great way to explore Bowness or Lakeside without taking your car.

Ambleside is a great base for your day trips throughout the must-see areas of the Lake District.

Head north past Rydal Water to historic Grasmere; a world-famous Lake District village surrounded by the poet William Wordsworth's favourite landscapes.

Visit his former home at Dove Cottage,and explore Beatrix Potter's farmhouse at Hill Top."

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

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About the location

AMBLESIDE

Grasmere 4.4 miles; Windermere 4.7 miles; Keswick 16.7 miles.

Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants and pubs in the village to suit all tastes. On the lakeside at Waterhead, the parkland offers lovely views down the lake and a short stretch of beach, whilst a walk in the other direction, following Stock Ghyll through woodland, will bring you to the entrancing waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Along with the Lake and the great walking on offer, Ambleside is also famous for its annual rushbearing ceremony and the diminutive 17th century “Bridge House” - one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and now the National Trust Information Centre.

View more holiday cottages in Ambleside

Please note this property has a zip link bed. This will be made as a Super King by default. Please contact the call center should you wish it to be a Twin.

Parking for 1 car only, on street parking available outside the church (first come first served basis) or in the main public car park in the village, 1,3 or 7 day passes can be purchased at the machine

This property offers the following short breaks:

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