The Lodge in the Vale

We drove here with our dog, and it was a fantastic stay! The hotel is about a 10-minute drive from the town centre, but the scenery is stunning, and both breakfast and dinner were absolutely delicious. The room was small but cosy, and they allow dogs for a very small extra fee, which was great. Every member of staff was incredibly friendly, and the food at the partner restaurant really impressed me—it even made me fall in love with British food all over again! For the price and experience, this trip felt absolutely perfect. I loved every moment of it!

“After a crash I asked for a safe spot. The only thing locked up was kindness.” So let me share with you a Wednesday morning story. I was happily cycling along the lane which passes this establishment when mechanical failure resulted in me sliding down the road. Neither the bike nor I was in good shape. I realised that I had to get back to Ambleside and knew the local bus would not allow a bike on board, broken or not. What to do? I spied a cafe not far up the road. Perhaps they might have somewhere secluded round the back where I can lock and stash my previously trusty steed, whilst I catch the bus back to my car. I hobble into the empty reception. I have blood running down my leg and mud up my side. I pose that very question. The receptionist half looked at me and said matter-of-factly 'we don't offer that service here'. That was it. In my adrenaline fueled shell-shocked state I didn't know what to say and was like 'oh ok thanks' and retreated slowly out through the cafe. Clearly there is tonnes of space where I could have locked it up out back, I just felt more polite in asking. Afterall, that's what an English man does. I'm sure the food and beds here are lovely and everything but the Lodge in the Vale is evidently not a place I would recommend for cyclists. Or humans in need.

The Lodge in the Vale is a lovely place - everything worked really well for us and I'm very happy to recommend! Best points: Easy parking, great location, good value friendly reception staff, super clean and fresh room, comfy bed, quiet rooms, terrific continental breakfast and even a TV that works properly (they don't always in Lake District hotels!!) Less good points: Nothing really. Although I'd have preferred it if dogs hadn't been allowed in the buffet breakfast room for hygiene reasons. It was a bit of a disappointment stepping over Fido to get to my toast.