Things you may like to know
High Gale
Parking
High Gale is a private road and so we own the area of road outside our cottage. Our parking space is clearly marked and is solely for the use of us and our guests. If visitors bring a second car we suggest that they should park it at the other end of the Gale or on the road leading up to it (approx 25yrds). We do ask that guests are sensitive to the needs and concerns of the residents at all times.
Access For those, like us, who are no longer as agile as they once were it might be helpful to know the following. There are 5 steps up to the front door of Holly Howe and three down to the back. There are also 6 leading up to the back garden which is on a moderate slope. The stairs giving access to the 1st and 2nd floors are moderately steep as are the steps leading down to the cellar. The bathroom, which includes the toilet, is situated on the first floor together with the kingsized bedded room. We have added a grab rail and two extra bannisters on the stairs, and we have installed a bath with handles. If you would like to read our full Access Statement please click here.
Children at Holly Howe
Children are always welcome at Holly Howe and we provide the following items to make life a little easier for parents: cot, high chair, booster seat for dining chair, stair gate, lock on kitchen cleaning cupboard, fire guard, washing machine, tumble dryer, clothes airers, outdoor clothes line, television, video, DVD player/recorder, books, jigsaws and games.
There is plenty of space in the bathroom and the hot water is on a demand system so bathing sessions don't have to be planned ahead. There is a wall mounted fan heater to boost the room temperature quickly if need be.
The back garden is fenced together with the garden belonging to No.4. However, this would only slow down a determined escapee and so we don't recommend that small children be left in the garden unattended. We, of course, hope that guests will have a relaxing and trouble free stay, but we have taken the precaution of writing the number of the Ambleside doctors on the telephone from which guests are welcome to make local calls. Our little grandsons have tried them out on several occasions and found them to be very satisfactory.
Guests will find details in the cottage of exciting and interesting places to take children of all ages. The cinema in Ambleside screens films suitable for children particularly during school holidays. There is an adventure play park for small children behind the church and boat trips running regularly from the top of the lake from Easter to October. There are plenty of places to visit for children who are Beatrix Potter or Arthur Ransome enthusiasts. The Tourist Information Centre in Ambleside will give help if the literature in the cottage doesn't answer the case.
Archie
Pets
We ourselves have two golden retrievers and we are happy for guests to bring one or two well behaved dogs with them on their holiday. There are, of course, conditions and we ask as a courtesy to all that they are strictly observed.
Telephone
There is a land line to the cottage which accepts all incoming calls and allows outgoing local calls. It is also possible to make long distance telephone calls with a BT charge card.
In cases of illness The telephone number of Ambleside Health Centre is also on the front of the house phone. We have always found them friendly and helpful.
Celebrations
A number of our guests have celebrated important occasions at Holly Howe including engagements, wedding anniversaries, graduations and special birthdays. There is plenty of matching china, glass and cutlery to lay the table for a celebratory meal. The village supports numerous takeaways if guests don't want to cook, or Lucy's of Ambleside will cook and supply something more elaborate.
Outdoor Eating
In the back garden there is a terrace with benches and a summer house with a small folding table and chairs. The terrace is a convenient height above the grass for cooking on a disposable barbeque (to be found in the cellar). The summer house at the top of the garden is insulated and has good views. It is ideal for chilly days.
Groups
Although we are primarily set up to cater for families we are happy to accept bookings from groups. We do however reserve the right for our managers to ask guests to leave if the conditions are not observed. A copy of the booking conditions can be read here.
Buttermere
Places to visit by car
Ambleside is a very convenient centre from which to travel around the Lake District.
There is information provided in the cottage so that guests will be able to plan activities according to the time of year and the weather. For those who cannot walk very high or far there is still a great variety of magnificent countryside to enjoy.