Brathay Hall - Brathay Trust

My recent family stay at Brathay Hall, operated by Brathay Trust, was unfortunately far from what I expected. Upon arrival, we were informed that there was an event happening, and no food would be available for us. This was especially frustrating considering the location is at least a 5-minute drive to the nearest restaurants. Not only was finding somewhere to eat an unexpected challenge, but parking in the busy area was also a nightmare. After driving around for ages, we finally found parking, but it added additional costs on top of an already overpriced stay. We were especially disappointed with the sleeping arrangement for our child. They provided what could only be described as a campsite bed with springs holding it together. For the price we paid, we expected a proper single bed, not something as flimsy and bendy as a hammock. The bed looked like it was about to break, and I have photos to show how unsuitable it was. Brathay Hall also offered a £6 per person charge for a pre-ordered breakfast consisting of cereal and bread – not exactly what I expected for the price. One of the main reasons we chose this place was for its discreet location and the promise of onsite food, which was clearly not available. Had I known, I would have opted for better accommodation closer to Ambleside, where more dining options are available. Other issues included a damp, sweaty smell coming from the wardrobe, and to make matters worse, one of the towels had blood on it! I have photos to back this up, which is completely unacceptable. On the plus side, the location is peaceful, and it’s a nice spot if you're traveling with dogs. However, parking was a real challenge – the spaces were extremely limited, small, and very tight. Would I stay again? No. Not for the price, and definitely not with the dismissive attitude of the staff. The lack of customer service was disappointing, and we can't even comment on the food because it wasn't available during our stay.

A quick visit with wifey and hounds. We stayed for three nights in one of the scafell rooms. The accommodation was excellent nicely appointed clean and with a great view down the length of Windermere. Ambleside, which is a great little Lake District town, is a twenty minute walk away or if you drive the nearest car park is probably less than five minutes away. Access to the lake is via a short walk of maybe three or four hundred meters to a nice sheltered bit of the lake where we wild swam, chilly but damn fine. Overall, would we stay again, absolutely.

Stayed in the chalet stlye cabins, clean, warm with a great view. Our HQ for ‘The Lap’ ultra marathon and couldn’t fault it. Would of loved a bath instead of a shower but thats just personal preference. Staff very helpful in leaving us access to the microwave for the pre event porridge. Good comms prior to the event dealing with Sanjay. Would definitely return.

Room lovely, clean & lots of space.would have been perfect But Tv not working- tried to upload channels bur failed to search for any, water cloudy so unable to make a drink, shower plug blocked so couldn’t stay in too long or would have over flowed & view a little bit of a let down.

Excellent service. Staff and rooms were tidy with excellent facilities and shower. Couldn’t fault it. 25 mins walk into town and ideal for exploring. Especially parking the car and walking. If you continue out of the entrance you’re next to the start of the path to the top of Loughrigg fell. Excellent starting location for walks and hiking. Take a touch for walks home at night.

I couldn't recommend this place more! We went for a superior room, one of the lodges and the view was incredible, the setting was so peaceful looking out onto the hills and Windermere lake. Breakfast was a full English and continental which was brilliant. We loved the views, peace, huge room, great, friendly staff, can't find another setting quite like this in the dales for such a reasonable price and for such a good cause. Can't wait to return! Don't hesitate booking one of the superior room lodges they're beautiful! Plus, the location was absolutely amazing, just a 25 ISH minute walk or three minute drive into Ambleside, great central location for lots of popular places.

Enjoyed a one night stay in a Helvellyn room. Room was clean and cosy with a super comfy bed and en-suite shower. Staff were very friendly. Beautiful view of the lake Feel good factor from knowing that a stay here supports charity work with young people.

I don't think I have ever stayed in such a hideous place in all my life. Looks ok from the outside and it does have the view of the top of Lake Windermere, but there was no one on reception when we arrived at 5pm and you can't check in until 4pm. Finally a grumpy bloke came along and there was no lift or porter to help with our luggage. The room was so small you couldn't swing a cat and nowhere to put anything. If you have one suitcase on the floor, you will be tripping over it and the other person cannot use theirs at the same time. It is worse than my daughters dorm at University There is no bar, no where to get any food, no water, no one working there apart from the one grumpy bloke who disappears after 10.30. It's super weird and it's not cheap.......I cried myself to sleep. I think it caters for weird groups of youths doing weird things, it's not for a family or for couples. . I didn't even want to rate it as a one but you have to click on something or it wouldn't work. Couldn't even open a window. I have no idea who these people are that left good reviews, perhaps they don't leave their houses much. The food is only for the weird groups in this hideous looking new build canteen room on the side of the building but no breakfasts for the B&B people staying. Couldn't even get a bottle of water and Brathay Hall is not close to any shops so you can't just pop out. There is also no room service. I later found out it's a trust running a charity to help youths. So it's not a hotel and shouldn't be advertised as one. To top things off the fire alarm went off at 11.30pm......one of those kids playing a prank plus they start shouting early in the morning and playing music well into the night so no sleep to be had. This should not be advertised as a hotel. It should not be on *********** as It's a youth hostel with no amenities and they want poor unsuspecting people to come and stay to support the youth groups that come. Definitely THE worst place to stay in the Lake District. Highly recommend you body swerve it.