Ambleside, Lake District · Wild · In the hills

Skelwith
Fold.

A luxury dog-friendly park on the edge of the former Skelwith Fold Manor estate, near Ambleside. Two stone cottages sleeping six to eight, with private hot tubs, woodland walks from the door and Lake Windermere within reach. Two dogs welcome.

6–8 guests 2 dogs 3 bedrooms Hot tub Woodland walks
Sleeps
6 or 8
Dogs
2
Private
Hot tub
Woodland
From the door
Windermere
Walk away
Two
Cottages
The cottages

Two stone cottages on a woodland estate near Ambleside.

Both dog-friendly. Both with private hot tubs. Woodland walks from the door.

Skelwith Fold sits on the edge of the former Lakeland estate of Skelwith Fold Manor, just outside Ambleside. Two of the three stone cottages on site are dog-friendly — Cottage One and Cottage Three. Both sit within the woodland grounds with direct access to estate walking trails; both have private hot tubs and gardens; both welcome up to two dogs. A dog wash on site handles muddy paws on return.

The setting makes the argument for itself. Miles of woodland paths through the estate. Lake Windermere within walking distance for lakeside strolls and quiet spots where dogs can paddle. The wider Ambleside area — fells, valleys, village paths — is the Lake District at its most accessible without being crowded. The park team can provide walking maps and local recommendations.

Cottage One — sleeps up to 8+

Cottage One is a traditional stone three-bedroom cottage recently upgraded to sleep up to eight guests with the addition of a fourth double bedroom on the ground floor, which overlooks the garden and sits separately from the main bedroom cluster upstairs. Families with young children may want to consider this layout before booking — the separation works for some groups and not others.

The main living space is warm and well-proportioned, with a private hot tub in the garden. The cottage has a comfortable, characterful feel rather than a corporate-holiday-park feel — stone walls, considered furnishings, the kind of interior that suits a week in the hills rather than a weekend city break.

Cottage Three — sleeps 6+

Cottage Three sleeps six across three generously sized double bedrooms — two with full en-suite bathrooms, the third located opposite the main bathroom. The kitchen and dining space downstairs is large; the open living room on the first floor is bright, airy and quietly good for evenings when the weather doesn't allow much outdoor time.

Like Cottage One, Cottage Three has a private hot tub in the garden, far-reaching fell views, and direct access to the estate walking routes. Dog-friendly throughout — the same dog crate, bowl, basket and towel are provided.

A few more moments

A closer look at Skelwith Fold.

The lounge at Skelwith Fold
Skelwith Fold cottage exterior in the woodland estate
The hot tub at Skelwith Fold
The sunroom at Skelwith Fold
What to know before you arrive

A short guide to Skelwith Fold, Ambleside and the central Lakes.

The park itself is the first walk — miles of woodland paths through the estate, with a large playing field that works well for dogs on a long lead who need a gentle run before the day starts. Lake Windermere is within walking distance for lakeside strolls; the reception team keeps a supply of local walking maps and can suggest routes to match most ability levels and dog temperaments.

Ambleside, immediately adjacent, is one of the most well-serviced walking towns in the Lake District — gear shops, cafes, dog-friendly pubs, and straightforward access to the fells directly from the town centre. The Langdale Valley is ten minutes by car for longer, wilder days. Grasmere, Rydal Water and Elterwater are all within easy reach on foot or by car.

Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. There are dog-friendly stretches on the western shore in particular — the quieter side of the lake, with fewer tourist facilities but more room. Boat trips run from Ambleside Pier and from Bowness, which is four miles south.

Worth being clear about the site: Skelwith Fold is a holiday park with touring pitches and glamping alongside the cottages. The cottages themselves are removed from the busier areas of the park and feel suitably private. The park management is attentive, which counts for more than it sounds.

Browse all Wild collection cottages →
Frequently asked

Common questions.

Are the Skelwith Fold cottages dog-friendly?+

Yes. Both Cottage One and Cottage Three welcome up to two dogs. A small charge applies per dog per stay. A dog crate, bowl, basket and towel are provided in both cottages. Dogs may not be left unattended on the park at any time.

What is the difference between Cottage One and Cottage Three?+

Cottage One is the larger, recently upgraded to sleep up to eight across four double bedrooms — the new fourth is on the ground floor. Cottage Three sleeps six across three generously sized double bedrooms, two with en-suites. Both have private hot tubs and gardens with fell views.

Are there walks from Skelwith Fold?+

Yes — miles of woodland paths through the estate from the door. Lake Windermere is within walking distance. The wider Ambleside area has routes across fells, through woodland and along the lakeside to suit all abilities and dog temperaments.

What facilities are on site at Skelwith Fold?+

A dog wash for muddy paws after walks. A large playing field. Estate woodland paths. The reception team can provide local walking maps and suggestions. Note Skelwith Fold is a working holiday park with touring pitches and glamping accommodation alongside the cottages.

How close is Skelwith Fold to Ambleside?+

Just outside Ambleside — dog-friendly pubs, cafes, walking gear shops and fell access are all within easy reach. Grasmere, Rydal Water, Elterwater and the Langdale Valley are all nearby.

Book Skelwith Fold

Now, the easy part.

Book direct with the owner

Check live availability and book Cottage One or Cottage Three directly with the Skelwith Fold team. They'll help you choose the right cottage for your group and answer any questions about the park, the dogs and the surrounding Lakes.

Check availability & book → Booking terms

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