-
4 Guests
-
2 Bedrooms
-
1 Bathroom
-
Pets No
Features
- Garden / Patio
- Cot available
- Highchair available
- Pub/shop < 1 mile
- Dishwasher
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
30 Customer Reviews
-
"Great location Damp and dirty Not fit for letting out"
Thank you for taking the time to leave your comments. We are so glad that you found the location of Top Notch to be great. If you had let us know about any issues you had, we would have gladly dealt with them at the beginning of your holiday, we are sorry this was not the case. Thank you The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
-
"This apartment is definitely not squeaky clean or well cared for, quite the opposite."
As soon as you enter there is a smell of damp that goes throughout the whole apartment. The entrance/“conservatory” leaks so if you happen to leave your shoes in it, they may well be wet the next day! The apartment itself is tatty and tired. There are stains on the furniture and there was even a blood spot on one of the pillows. There is dust and dirt in many places including next to where you sleep. It’s the worst place I’ve ever stayed in and struggle to understand the claims of previous reviews. The toilet seat doesn’t sit on the base correctly so slides each times it’s used. When we arrived, there was no soap or anything you could use to wash your hands, small things but when added together really made us question the justification of the price and advert! I took lots of photos and sent to Sykes. Lake lovers in the town offered to come and clean but it would take a lot more to bring the place up to standard, also why wasn’t it already clean? I have spoken to Sykes who said they would pass the photos on to housekeeping for future guests! We just stayed out as much as we could otherwise we would have lost our holiday in lovely Ambleside. Really disappointed with Sykes who are normally great.
Thank you for taking the time to leave your comments. We are sorry to hear of the issues that you found during your stay. We take all comments on board. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
-
"Top Notch is a squeaky clean, comfortable apartment in a great central location in Ambleside."
It also has wonderful views. Would have given it five stars for everything had the shower been working. Seems it hasn't worked for a little while looking back at other reviews so owners must be aware. Other than that it was a lovely little place.
-
"A lovely little apartment with great views, added extras to entertain the kids."
Great television choice. So close to the town with everything on your doorstep. The steps down to the town are very steep and so many. The car parking is very tight, we did struggle to get in. The shower wasn’t working, a plumber came out but it still didn’t work. Luckily it wasn’t an issue for us we had baths. We would definitely return to this apartment.
-
"We enjoyed our stay in this very cosy cottage with picturesque views from the living and kitchen areas."
The cottage was well equipped and has been clearly cared for. The kitchen had everything needed for cooking, the bedrooms were comfortable and it was a quiet place. We would not hesitate to book here again if returning to Ambleside.
-
"Great central location."
Very clean and tidy. Everything we needed, from leaving wet walking gear in the entrance conservatory, to relaxing on the balcony. Gorgeous views at the front. Small dark bedrooms at the back, but very quiet. Parking a tight squeeze with a Mini, but just about okay. Best to get the bus for day trips.
Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. We are pleased that you enjoyed your stay, and found it clean and tidy. Thank you The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
-
"Parking is extremely tight and would be a problem for an inexperienced driver or a nervous driver."
Impossible to fill all parking spaces if all apartments occupied. Shower did work, apparently waiting for a part, we were disappointed with this. Location good if you grab a parking space first!
-
"We enjoyed a lovely week at Top Notch with wonderful views over Ambleside and towards Loughrigg from the balcony A perfect position in Ambleside What can I say about the parking?"
Even with a small car it was difficult to manoeuvre in and out of the allocated space even though the little park was never full There was a very large car parked along by the wall and we were barley able to drive past it on our last day We could not find the hairdryer but could have brought our own one if we’d known this so a minor problem I emailed and phoned the office on arrival day on Friday but by Tuesday I haven’t heard anything back so went to the office in Ambleside where the very pleasant Steve gave me a new one for the apartment The internet then went down for nearly 18 hours but miraculously reappeared at around 0400 hours! We would definitely like to stay here again Bridget
-
"I really enjoyed my stay at Top Notch."
It's in a ideal location, is very accessible (either by road or steps straight down to Lake Road) and has everything you need for a short stay close to the town. The panoramic view over Ambleside from Loughrigg to the Red Screes is stunning. My only minor criticism is the bed was really uneven and uncomfortable and the headboard needs affixing properly but, apart from that, I'd highly recommend Top Notch to anyone.
-
"We’ve stayed at Top Notch on 4 other occasions and it’s ideal due to its location."
My only frustration is the parking can be very difficult due to having many spaces at the bottom and down the side. Flat 3s space makes it hard to manoeuvre into the corner when there’s a car there.
Thank you for your feedback. The owner will be able to see this feedback and can take it to the building management if it's possible for the parking to be adjusted. We are glad that you enjoyed your return visit to the property. Lakelovers Owner Team Property Owner
-
"Excellent location, parking is very narrow, not an issue for us but larger cars may struggle."
Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased that you enjoyed the location. The listing does state that there is parking for one small car, however we take all comments on board. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
-
"What a beautiful apartment, very clean and beautifully decorated, comfy sofa and soft towels and bedding and pillows were to a very high standard, I’ve stayed in plenty of Sykes cottages over the past 20 years, I can easily say this one has been the best, very sad to leave, will definitely return."
-
"This is our second time this year we have stayed at Top Notch."
It was sad to see that 2 of the windows have been damaged but this wouldn’t stop us from coming back! The property is in a lovely location looking over the roof tops of Ambleside and is within easy access of Windermere, Thirlmere and Ullswater. We stayed as a family and would stay again.
-
"The lack of household items was poor,could do with handles on the bath ,toilet seat not stable."
Tv not receiving a signal and parking space difficult to access also building work being done at the entrance to the property apart from that it has lovely views and is convenient for the town.
Thank you for your comments. We are pleased that you enjoyed the views, and the location of the property. We are sorry to hear of the issues that you experienced, during your stay. We will look into the issues raised. The Heart of the Lakes Owner Relations Team Property Owner
-
"Great little apartment for a family of 4."
The balcony views are fantastic - better than the photos.
Thank you for your kind comments, we are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay, and the views! We hope to welcome you again. The Heart of the Lakes Owner Relations Team Property Owner
-
"A lovely apartment with a balcony with fantastic views of fells around Ambleside."
The self check-in is nice and easy and the private parking is very handy. It was spotlessly clean and plenty of room for storage. The beds are comfy, kitchen well equipped (oven & hob worked well), good TV and a comfortable sofa. We really enjoyed our week in Top Notch.
Thank you for your comments. It is lovely to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Top Notch, and the views! We hope to welcome you back. Property Owner
-
"Getting a little dated now."
The mattress on the double bed was uncomfortable and had seen better days.The skirting boards in the 2nd bedroom were thick with dust (not been cleaned for a while).To finish on a good note it’s position was ideal for our use.We try to be out and about all day most days and also use the local buses which can be caught minutes away.The living room and kitchen are always clean which we used a number of days.
Thank you for your comments. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We find the mattresses are down to personal preference. We take all comments on board. We hope to welcome you back again. Property Owner
-
"Top Notch has everything you could want."
We loved the balcony and the views. We arrived by public transport and got a ‘Hello Fresh’ recipe box and a Waitrose wine delivery for provisions - highly recommend! When not cooking we ate at Sheila’s Cottage, the Tap Yard and Chester’s, which are all worth a Google. Thanks to HofTL and the owner(s) for a great week.
-
"The parking spaces are too small, as is the room for turning the car around."
It would be impossible for a car like a landrover discovery to fit in the parking space.
-
"Ideal location and the little balcony really made the difference to this little apartment."
Facilities were very basic, but all we needed. Had to go & buy bleach and cleaning products before we could use anything which is annoying. Could really do with an update and the bedrooms were grim to say the least, dark and dated ( think frosted glass and dark brown curtains). Wouldn't take much to really make this lovely. Take heed of the "small car" warning. We were lucky no-one else was there, but it's v tight. A basic stay with amazing views would sum it up.
-
"Excellent apartment which had everything you needed for a comfortable stay."
Will book again. Perfect for us as a couple.
-
"A small,conveniently located flat with good facilities."
Stunning view from the balcony. My only criticism would be the parking-if you drive anything other than a small car it’s very tricky! We really enjoyed our week here!
-
"Disappointed that there was no DVD player - even though one was listed."
Looks like someone had damaged the connection so also unable to use your own DVD player. No light above bathroom sink. Various lightbulbs not working or missing. Water leaks in the conservatory.
-
"Superb property in an excellent location close to all amenities."
The view from the balcony is superb. The beds are comfortable. Parking - which is normally hard to come by - is a breeze. Handy for wet days - the accommodation has Netflix ! For colder days, in addition to central heating, there is a gas fire. Would thoroughly recommend this property and would look to book again in the future. Shout out to Sykes and the property owner who were able to accommodate some flexibility to allow the booking to go ahead. Well done all round.
-
"Dear Team, having spent a thoroughly enjoyable week in "Top Notch" the only niggle was that the cable from the Dvd player had been damaged and parted company with the T."
V. also an internittant problem with the ariel coax. Other than that everything was "Top Notch". A really great little property.
-
"Great position 5 minutes from restaurants/pubs/shopping but still quiet"
-
"The accommodation was fine, our only comments would be to say that there was no WiFi available during our stay."
I hunted high and low for the Hub to reboot it, but couldn't find it anywhere. Also we thought the utensils were not up to 4 star rating, minor observation but worth noting as they should be updated. Finally, just as other tenants have mentioned the parking is a problem, especially for us as we have a large family saloon. Luckily the space next to ours was empty so we had room to reverse out.... Just. We've stayed in this area of Ambleside a few times before so we understand the difficulties with parking. All in all we had a lovely time.
-
"The parking was the biggest flaw when staying at Top Notch."
You really need a compact car but then so do all the owners and guests of the other apartments! The apartment could do with a bit of an upgrade and there are areas that could be cleaned more thoroughly (towel rail in the bathroom, behind furniture, previous guests dishes...) Certainly not as good as any other 4* property we have stayed at.
-
"This is an excelent appartment with great views from the Baclony and Kitchen."
The description given is accurate, however I would empashise the following. The parking is difficult to access and only suitable for a (very) small car. If larger cars are in adjacent spots parking could become almost impossible. Luckily the parking slot next to us was empty all week. The steps down to the town are steep and uneven - care is needed. To walk arround only adds about 5mins and then you are right into the shopd.
-
"We booked this cottage as a last minute stay as we were in the Lake District already and had decided to extend our stay."
The description of the cottage mentioned :"Perfect for a small family", which is not appropriate, and here is why : - the carpet was filled with very long blond hair, that my son kept picking up from the floor to show us... is this family friendly ? - there is absolutely no baby facilities in this cottage (no high chair, or cot. We had, however, requested one at booking, which after being initially forgotten, had been brought to us) - the living room is very small - the bathroom as mould on the seal around the tub - the bed in the main bedroom is not a king bed, as written in the description. - the overall place was far from being clean. The price / night for this cottage was at 220£, which was equivalent to a night in 4* hotels in the same area. The only problem is that this was far from being a 4* stay, or from bringing the peace of mind of a 4* stay, despite the view, which is, indeed, incredible.
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, Lakelovers are sure to have a property to meet your needs.
Summary
- Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin
- Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
- Kitchen
- Living/dining room with gas fire
- Gas central heating with gas fire
- Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, Smart TV, Fuel and power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Off-road parking for one car
- Balcony with seating
- Sorry, no pets and no smoking
- Wifi
- Please note that between 4th November 2024 and 28th February 2025 parking will not be available outside the apartment
- Parking is available at local car parks and owner will reimburse the permit paid for one car
The property
Enjoying a superb position close to the bustling town centre of Ambleside, with panoramic views to Loughrigg Fell and the Fairfield Horseshoe, is this delightful apartment, Top Notch.
Perfect for a small family in pursuit of an action-packed break to the Lake District National Park or a group of four seeking a peaceful retreat in these breath-taking landscapes, this delightful abode has something for everyone!
Head up to the apartment and relax into your evening within the living/dining room, featuring a plush sofa, wall-mounted TV and a gas fire for those cold winter nights.
Open the full height patio door out to the balcony and enjoy this south-westerly aspect catching plenty of sun and providing a charming spot to indulge in a well-deserved glass of wine at the end of your day.
When you’re not dining at one of the many fine restaurants within the village, the fitted galley kitchen has been well-appointed with all the essential appliances for preparing delicious home-cooked meals.
A small flight of stairs will lead you up to the bedrooms, including a king-size and twin, both of which feature ample storage space for housing all your belongings.
Finishing the interior is the spacious bathroom where you can prepare for the day with a brisk shower or grab a soothing bath upon return to the cottage.
Immerse yourself in your local surroundings by strolling into the centre of Ambleside, where you will be spoilt for choice by the excellent selection of shops and eateries that are awaiting to be explored.
Head to the shores of Lake Windermere, home to a plethora of viewpoints offering panoramic views of the surroundings mountains or climb onboard an iconic steamer to enjoy a circular voyage of lake, considered to be most popular attraction in the National Park.
Other attractions in the area includes Borrans Park, Lakeside Aquarium and the National Trust owned Hill Top, which was the former farmhouse of Beatrix Potter.
Uncover breath-taking vistas on hikes through the Green Gable or see the enchanting waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force on a walk along the Grasmere Waterfall Walkways.
With plenty to fill your sightseeing itinerary, a stay at Top Notch promises a memorable retreat.
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.
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
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Last minute