Ale Cottage

69 Customer Reviews

• "Perfect for our holiday."

  It's my second time staying at Ale Cottage. Everything we needed except oven gloves. I had to use my tea towel.

  Reviewed by Donna5.0★Jun 2025

• "Sadly Ale Cottage is in need of some TLC."

  Although we can see that it has been painted internally there are still some areas needing attention such as the cracked bath panel (it's been like this for a number of years), the gate is very difficult to open fully, the steps to the front door are very slippery in wet weather making them quite dangerous (I see a couple of comments in the visitor book to this effect too) and the garden is looking tired. On the plus side the cottage is clean and has pretty much all you need. The dogs enjoy their stay, particularly standing outside the patio doors on neighbourhood watch! Good to have your own parking space

  Reviewed by Dk3.4★May 2025

• "No milk left."

  Maintenance required..otherwise fine

  Reviewed by Audrey2.8★May 2025

• "The property is beautiful inside and out plenty of room in the garden for the dogs."

  It’s close to a lot of attractions and days out and of course mountain walks, lakes and beautiful scenery. The village the cottage in is very peaceful and we really did have the best Christmas here. The cottage had everything we needed and more even the logs and kindling was provided for us which was a bonus, will 100% book again loved it!

  Reviewed by Georgia5.0★Dec 2024

• "A lovely cottage in a quiet village ."

  Ideally placed for Northern Lakes . Comfortable and well appointed Next door to the pub but not disturbed by noise from it 15 minutes from Keswick

  Reviewed by Howard4.7★Oct 2024

• "Everything detailed about Ale Cottage in Ireby was absolutely correct."

  This cottage had everything we wanted having a King Size Bed in the downstairs bedroom with an on-suite shower room. Upstairs was a Twin Bedroom and a bathroom next door. The kitchen had everything we wanted to cook meals. The Lounge has Sky Television together with a Wood Burning Stove and it was lovely to relax after wonderful days out with our dogs. Visiting the Lake District in Keswick and some lovely places to walk our dogs in St Bees and secluded beaches and walking paths in Mawbray and Allonby.

  Reviewed by Susan5.0★Oct 2024

• "Lovely upside down cottage,great spot in village,handy for pub next door,the cottage garden could do with a make over,new back gate etc,to make more secure for dogs."

  Overall it’s in a fantastic area and would certainly go back.

  Reviewed by John4.1★Sep 2024

• "This is the best property we have stayed in and we holiday in the lakes twice a year."

  We wanted for nothing. 10/10

  Reviewed by Samantha5.0★Aug 2024

• "Oh,dear,rather smelly and damp,otherwise fine."

  Reviewed by Marjorie5.0★Aug 2024

• "The cottage is set in an idyllic setting."

  Beautiful little village. Keswick is 30 minutes away and Cockermouth is roughly the same two lovely places to visit. The cottage is very clean and having 2 bathrooms is great. The dog's loved the small garden. The only negative side was there was no welcome pack ie tea, coffee and milk, so we had to then go and find a supermarket has there is no shop in the village. The balcony is a lovely area but if you are there with children or dog's you have to be careful has there's no meshing on the bottom of the rails.... It's a beautiful place to stay and the views are amazing...

  Reviewed by Elaine5.0★Jul 2024

• "The cottage was great for my friend and I with the dogs, it was well equipped with a secure paved garden area."

  Perfect location for walking, nice peaceful village not far from Keswick. We all had a great time.

  Reviewed by Sandie5.0★Jun 2024

• "We enjoyed our stay my only feedback would be to update drinking glasses as there are only 3wine type glasses."

  Thank you for your feedback. We take all comments on board, and will pass it on to the relevant team. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner

  Reviewed by Carolynne5.0★Jun 2024

• "This was our 2nd stay at ale cottage the cottage is well equipped and very ..."

  This was our 2nd stay at ale cottage the cottage is well equipped and very comfortable an ideal base for our activities we hiked walla crag blueberry peak and scafell pike the pub next door was excellent for the service and food we will definitely be returning 5* thanks

  Reviewed by Paul5.0★Apr 2024

• "This is a fabulous place to stay!"

  Ale cottage had everything we needed. A fantastic base with some cracking walks on the doorstep!

  Reviewed by Sonia5.0★Apr 2024

• "The cottage was great, really comfortable and clean."

  Great location too. Only thing we missed was a freezer which was on the listing but wasn't actually one in the property. Would be useful to update the listing so it's clear.

  There is a freezer, it is in the garage. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Katie4.4★Mar 2024

• "The cottage was perfect very well equipped log burner was fantastic to come home ..."

  The cottage was perfect very well equipped log burner was fantastic to come home to after our long walks perfect base for what we wanted highly recommend and will definately book again thanks for a wonderful stay xx

  Reviewed by Paul5.0★Nov 2023

• "We enjoyed our stay in your cottage."

  There were lots of extras not listed, tea towel, wash liquid etc which was a pleasant surprise. Just a couple of grumbles. The shower cubicle in the en suite leaks quite a bit and there were some big old cobwebs downstairs too. The top set of steps in the garden are a bit slippery.

  Reviewed by Georgina4.4★Oct 2023

• "A lovely, spacious property with everything you need for your stay."

  Loads of information available on places to visit and things to do. Well placed for the Northern Lakes and all they have to offer. A great place to return to and relax in after a day of walking. The garden was an ideal secure space for our spaniel to snuffle around.

  Reviewed by Jeremy5.0★Sep 2023

• "The property is in a great area with northern lakes and towns easy to get to."

  It was cleaned ok but there is a problem with the double room and en-suite which were downstairs - it smelt and felt very damp and the bathroom had a very unpleasant odor. We slept downstairs but used the shower upstairs. It did get bit better towards the end of the week once the heaters had been on and after I brought air fresheners. The garden was pretty secure but one of our spaniels worked out how she could get out but luckily we caught her in time. Overall it was well equipped and had plenty of maps, books etc.

  Reviewed by Clare3.4★Sep 2023

• "Comfortable very well equipped cottage with a secure garden for the dog."

  Reviewed by Anthony4.4★Sep 2023

• "We had a lovely stay all week."

  There was everything we could possibly need except the BBQ. Nowhere to be found. Single bed by window collaped. Several rungs came loose. The patio slabs needs attention as tripped a couple of times. Also with the chippings, it was quite difficult to clean up after our fur babies. Would highly recommend.

  Thank you for your feedback. There is however no BBQ and I have checked the property description and there is not one advertised. I will advise my caretakers regarding the bed - this is part of their requirements to ensure all ok. I will also look at the patio area on my visit next month and see what can be done to rectify this going forward. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Paula5.0★Aug 2023

• "This cottage has everything for every season!"

  !! Enjoyed our stay, nice dog friendly pub next door, tasty meals and just lovely chatting to local people about the history of the village and surrounding areas. Quite central not far to travel for local lake and Keswick district with stunning views and the good weather made it fab.

  Reviewed by Gail5.0★Aug 2023

• "Ale Cottage is in a great village location, with good views and handy for visiting Keswick and Buttermere."

  There was a cosy log stove we used a couple of evenings. Everything for a week of self catering was thoughtfully provided. The patio area could do with a jet wash to clean it up.

  Reviewed by David4.4★Aug 2023

• "Absolutely loved our week in Ale Cottage!"

  ! It's the most well equipped cottage we've stayed in, clean and comfortable. I imagine it would be super cozy with the fire on but we didn't need it in July. Dogs loved having the patio doors open to pop in and out of. Great location for getting out and about and the village of Ireby is lovely and peaceful. We didn't try the pub as we were just too busy. Only downside for me was the garden furniture is really uncomfortable to sit on and as we had some lovely weather I wanted to sit out and admire the view but even sitting on a cushion it was not good. But heyho it didn't spoil a thing. Hats off to the owner for being so dog friendly as well!!

  Reviewed by Lorraine5.0★Jul 2023

• "Great property and location."

  Only slight issue was that our party found the mattresses too soft.

  Reviewed by Pam5.0★Jul 2023

• "We loved our stay in Ale Cottage, would highly recommend staying there, ideal for looking around northern Lakes lovely little pub next door."

  Jeff and Sue

  Thank you. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Susan5.0★Jul 2023

• "Ale cottage is lovely well appointed and stocked cottage, there is everything you could possibly need whilst you stay there."

  The garden is well fenced so your pets are safe outside ( but could do with a gardener to tidy it up a bit). The pub next door serves nice food and ales. All in all we would not think twice about staying there again as we had a very great time exploring the many places to go too around where we was with the use of a load of information and maps that the cottage has at your disposable . S again we found this cottage excellent.

  Hi Thank you for your feedback, I should have a gardener and it has highlighted the need to contact him so thank you very much for this comment! So glad you enjoyed your stay. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Paul4.7★Jun 2023

• "Very comfortable stay , cottage was very clean and well equipped."

  Just needs a few light bulbs replacing throughout. But overall first class holiday cottage

  Reviewed by Susan4.7★May 2023

• "A beautiful cottage in an ideal location for the north lakes."

  There was everything that you needed for a very comfortable stay. The garden was perfect for our dog's and us to sit out in when it wasn't raining. The owner has thought of everything to make our stay a happy one

  Reviewed by Donna5.0★Mar 2023

• "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Ale Cottage, it is clean, cosy and very well equipped."

  Everything has been thought of and the furnishings are a good standard. The only thing I would suggest is providing a 'proper' hairdrier rather than a travel one, but no big deal. The location is lovely, and the pub next door is worth a visit for a friendly, warm welcome. The garden was safe for our dogs (one is an escape artist but she didn't get out!). We would definitely return.

  Reviewed by Julie5.0★Jan 2023

• "Brilliant place to stay my husband and I have had a very recent tragedy and it give us the space we needed to recharge."

  We will be back

  Reviewed by Jayne5.0★Nov 2022

• "This is one of the nicest dog friendly holiday cottages we’ve ever stayed in."

  It’s clean, comfortable and well equipped. I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone.

  Thank you! Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sandra5.0★Nov 2022

• "We had a wonderful week in Ale Cottage."

  It was clean, well equipped and very comfortable. The only small problem we had was the cottage was very cold when we arrived but we soon had the burner going and it couldn't have been cosier and once we sussed out the storage heaters we had a a lovely warm cottage to return to after a day's walking on the fells. We would love to return in the summer and be able to sit out in the garden on an evening and enjoy the beautiful views. The cottage also had the added bonus of being next door to the Black Lion...a great little pub.

  Reviewed by Helen5.0★Sep 2022

• "We had a great stay really nice cottage"

  Reviewed by Alan5.0★Aug 2022

• "Very well equipped cottage."

  Comfortable accommodation in a quiet village. Had a really great break. I highly recommend this cottage.

  Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Jul 2022

• "Second time at Ale Cottage for us and our three dogs,the locals are extremely friendly and the village is in a very quiet location but not too far away from places to visit with a Supermarket within a 10 minute drive."

  The Cottage itself is very comfortable and well furnished with very good facilities such as a washing machine and tumble drier based in the garage which can be accessed from inside the property, I would highly recommend this property.

  Reviewed by Thomas5.0★Jun 2022

• "Lovely comfy cottage, extremely well equipped and clean, and in a most peaceful and relaxing location."

  Us and our dogs loved our stay, and would definitely return to Ale Cottage again ;)

  Reviewed by Heather5.0★Jun 2022

• "Fantastic cottage well equipped comfortable and clean."

  Well situated to explore the surrounding area.

  Reviewed by Christopher5.0★May 2022

• "A couple of disappointments for us."

  There was no milk in the fridge (we’d read reviews and others seemed to have had some so we didn’t take any). I tried to ring the contact number when we arrived as I had a couple of queries but couldn’t get an answer. Tbf I did get a call later. We were also surprised to have a gardener arrive one evening, restricting our use of the garden and upsetting our dog - I think it would be better if he did his work on handover day.

  Reviewed by Martin3.8★May 2022

• "Very very clean and comfortable stay"

  Reviewed by Rowan5.0★Apr 2022

• "Absolutely everything you would need down to spices in the cupboard."

  Every pot, pan, cup, saucer and glasses (probably courtesy of the Black Lion next door). SkyQ in the double and the lounge was a bonus. Real fire was welcoming when the weather turned cold. Great central location to explore Cumbria and the Lakes. Would love to go back

  Reviewed by Kevin5.0★Apr 2022

• "Lovely cottage, very well equipped."

  Very comfortable bed. Nice location as a base to explore. Extremely easy check in. No fuss holiday!

  Reviewed by Sian4.4★Feb 2022

• "Lovely place to stay really enjoyed it the log burner needs looking at tried to have a fire one night after a days walking and it started leaking smoke out of the chimney other than that excellent."

  Reviewed by Richard4.4★Dec 2021

• "Beautiful little cottage."

  We had a lovely stay and would definitely return again in the future. Thank you so much!

  Reviewed by Kirsty4.7★Nov 2021

• "Had a good time."

  The cottage was cosy and comfortable, also very safe for the dogsFood next door was good, perhaps could do with an update on the information leaflets.Suggest more toilet rolls

  Reviewed by Carolynne1.9★Sep 2021

• "Lovely cottage had everything we needed and more."

  Very quiet village, pub next door was very handy! Well placed for getting out and about.

  Reviewed by Ursula4.7★Sep 2021

• "Had a lovely time."

  Very comfy cottage. Especially the bed. Really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend if you are going with your 4 legged friend. We have 3 dogs and there was plenty of room for 2 adults, 2 teenagers and 3 dogs.

  Reviewed by Rebecca5.0★Jul 2021

• "Great place in the quiet village of Ireby, everything we needed for a ..."

  Great place in the quiet village of Ireby, everything we needed for a comfortable stay with my 3 dogs Booked already for next year

  Reviewed by John5.0★Jun 2021

• "Fantastic cottage heather has thought of everything information facilitys you ..."

  Fantastic cottage heather has thought of everything information facilitys you couldn't wish for a better cottage , if any of your other customers go there , it wont disappoint,

  Reviewed by Donna5.0★Jun 2021

• "This beautiful cottage couldn’t have been lovelier or better equipped the owners had thought of everything and for the first time since staying in cottages around Cumbria we haven’t had to buy coal or kindling for the fire."

  The kitchen was extremely well equipped and the lounge area very comfortable and cosy. The village of Ireby is friendly and welcoming and we loved the farm shop with honesty box this was a real touch of the country. The pub serving food was open when we arrived but due to lockdown closed again. It’s a great base to visits lots of places and walk our lively dogs. We had a great time and will definitely return in the future.

  Reviewed by Jacqui5.0★Oct 2020

• "Lovely, clean, well equipped cottage."

  Really helpful, friendly owner who dealt with our questions promptly. Located slightly outside the normal Lakes Hub, but within easy reach of the northern Lakes. Situated in a small village with friendly pub next door, which serves food daily. The food is good and they serve handpulled bitters too. The cottage is well equipped, every kitchen utensil you can think of, it has it. Pasta, rice, tea, coffee are lovely touches, especially as we forgot the pasta. The kids loved having a fire at night. Garage is great if you take bikes, kayaks etc. Lovely garden for summer months. The dog enjoyed people watching from the French doors and from the garden.

  Reviewed by A5.0★Oct 2020

• "We recently stayed at Ale Cottage for 5 days with our 3 beagles."

  We couldn’t have asked for more. We did so much exploring and sightseeing from where we were and the surrounding areas are stunning. The cottage is warm, comfortable and has everything you need. We will definitely be returning. Karen & Alan Redfern

  Reviewed by Karen4.7★Oct 2020

• "A tastefully renovated property in a quiet village located in the North Western fells of the Lake District."

  Equally convenient for the City of Carlisle, the Solway Coast and the Northern Lake District, there are plenty of places to visit. Tastefully modernised, this stone cottage is comfortable and clean with ample provision of appliances and extras. We were surprised at the volume of cleaning products left for our use. We brought our own alcohol-based cleaners but these were only used initially since the obvious cleanliness gave us the confidence and comfort that we feared may not be evident. Whilst over and above our expectations in many aspects, there are some minor issues which are easily overcome...bring a torch for the dark nights as the steps up to the cottage are dark and would benefit from, say, solar lighting. If you struggle with steps, there are 17 to contend with to gain entry and the top 5 can be slippery when wet. The property Information Book is comprehensive and a ‘must read’ when you arrive (in the cabinet drawer in the lounge). Maybe the bedding duvets could be a higher tog rating or hadn’t been changed from Summer rating when we arrived in early October although we weren’t too cold and never felt the need to use the wood burner. Previous mentions re the sofas are correct...not that comfortable but, nevertheless, functional Overall, nothing would dissuade us from a return visit should the opportunity arise and we have no hesitation in recommending this cottage to others.

  Reviewed by Stuart4.7★Oct 2020

• "The cottage has everything you could need and a lovely private garden."

  Beautiful quiet spot within easy travel distance to Keswick - perfect base with dogs, thank you

  Reviewed by Steph5.0★Sep 2020

• "The cottage overall was very comfortable, great amenities and very clean."

  Reviewed by Elizabeth4.7★Sep 2020

• "A very nice, comfortable and well equipped cottage."

  Reviewed by David5.0★Sep 2020

• "After reading a previous guests feedback from August, I was a little anxious in case the cottage wasn’t clean but it was generally in good order."

  Just a little attention needed to cleaning the washing machine drawer and windowsills but there were plenty antibacterial sprays and cleaning materials around the cottage. The kitchen has every utensil you could possibly need but I would bin the rice and HP sauce left by previous visitors, as they look past their sell by date and not hygienic. Great views from the living room across the hills and the village is very peaceful. We didn’t use the log burner as the storage heaters were pre set to take the chill off the cottage. My only gripes were that the sofas are in desperate need of having new foam in the base cushions and are very uncomfortable to sit on. I had to get my pillows from the bedroom to use. Also the WIFI was an issue. It’s a restricted monthly supply of 60GB and renewed the week after our stay , so by Tuesday morning we were without Broadband! The pub next door is small and characterful and Mark and his assistant are superb hosts. But I would recommend reserving a table if you want to eat there , or you may not get a table. They take food orders until 7.30pm and the pub generally closes around 9.30pm depending on how full it is. All in all, an enjoyable break but a few adjustments to the facilities would make all the difference.

  Reviewed by Dawn3.4★Sep 2020

• "The cottage was well equipped but sub standard."

  There were stains on the double mattress which we discovered just before we left which were disgusting. Dog poo stain on doormat. Dirty oven trays in oven. My dogs were professionally groomed the dsy before we left. They are now scratching constantly. I felt itchy the whole time. Garden full of weeds. Kitchen table sticky. The settees were old and uncomfortable and I'm not sure if they were fire certificated. Our holiday was ruined and we left early. Definitely not wirth the money and we should be offered compensation.

  Reviewed by Julie2.2★Aug 2020

• "The cottage in Ireby Cumbria was excellent and exceptionally clean, the owner contacted us the day before were due to start our holiday stay there informing us of some minor issues in the property in hope that it did not spoil our stay ( it did not) There were lots of places to visit within driving distance and next door to the cottage we had the local pub which served good home made food."

  In all we had a great holiday.

  Reviewed by Thomas5.0★Aug 2019

• "Fantastic place and we'll placed to explore the Lake District, it has everything you would want."

  We have two dogs and one jumped off an unfenced 6 ft drop wall so I would say not entirely secure just something to make you aware of and when we first got to the property we went in to make sure the dogs were secure then unwittingly just shut the door to get luggage when we returned we could not get in, panic ensued then went to the local pub next door to cut it short 2 lovely men did the phoning for us (because phones were left in property) but nobody was answering we were informed that when you close the doors they lock, it took 2 hours to sort out not good at all I'm telling you this so you're informed I later found out that the information about the door's is on the well come pack to late it's happened to a few people I was informed .But saying all that it was a lovely holiday and we enjoyed it.

  Reviewed by Diane4.4★Jul 2019

• "Ale Cottage is a lovely comfortable cottage situated in the friendly village of Ireby and is the ideal central location to visit some great Lakes locations."

  The property has all the home comforts you would need and the garden has some great views towards Skiddaw The people in the village are really friendly and the pub is literally next door to the cottage with a warm welcome and great food. We'll definitely be back

  Reviewed by Lesley5.0★Jun 2019

• "Great cottage with a friendly pub next dootr"

  Reviewed by Judy5.0★Jun 2019

• "Absolutely fantastic cottage."

  Everything you need. A total home from home. Took us a few days to get used to no phone service but just added to the peace and quiet in the end.

  Reviewed by Michelle5.0★Jun 2019

• "Everything was as stated in information details."

  Facilities were excellent.

  Reviewed by Graham5.0★May 2019

• "I would definitely recommend this dog friendly cottage and location."

  We had a lucky week with glorious weather and spent a lot of time in the garden, which was safe for our dogs. The cottage was well equipped and cosy, but we had the windows and doors open most of the time to enjoy all that fresh air. The views from the cottage are beautiful and there were some good walks where we could safely let our dogs off the lead away from cars and livestock, with pretty streams where they could have a paddle to cool down. The pub next door was a handy bonus, but we only ate there once. The village of Caldbeck a few miles away was perfect for walks and ice creams and a look round in the local craft galleries. We slept in the upstairs bedroom where it was cooler and the beds were very comfortable.

  Reviewed by Valerie4.4★May 2019

• "Excellent, well maintained and very cozy."

  Reviewed by Charles Ian5.0★Apr 2019

• "Very well equipped cottage in a peaceful village off the main tourist track yet well within reach of all that you could want."

  The cottage is dog friendly although there are some sections of the boundary of the garden that aren't fenced, however as it is raised above the road this will be fine for some but maybe not all dogs - ours enjoyed watching the world go by from their vantage point!

  Reviewed by Dk3.8★Mar 2019

• "Excellent cottage, it a loverly location."

  Sykes description was spot on. Would defiantly use Sykes again.

  Reviewed by Jane5.0★Sep 2018

• "Great little cottage with everything there that you could need."

  Pub next door so great to pop in after a day out. Would not hesitate to book this cottage again.

  Reviewed by Sarah5.0★Sep 2018

• There are no reviews featuring this term Show all reviews