Just returned from a lovely week with our two boys at Gillbank House. The cottage was perfect for us as a family with young children wishing to explore the Lake District. The house is in a lovely tranquil location yet within easy access of lake Windermere, Esthwaite and Coniston Water, as well as attractions such as Go Ape, Wray Castle and Hill Top (Beatrix Potter's home). The house itself is kept to a very high standard, it is warm, comfortable and well equipped. The kitchen was stocked with a great assortment of cooking equipment (including a slow cooker, microwave and all sorts of utensils you rarely find in a holiday cottage). Additionally we made good use of the supply of maps, and books of walks of the area etc. We particularly enjoyed having use of the wood burning stove after returning from a day in the outdoors. The cottage also has a great garden which our boys loved playing football in. Geoff (the owner) was there to meet us in person when we arrived. He was very welcoming, providing us with great explanations as to how everything worked and good suggestions of places to visit, walks to take and recommendations of good places to eat nearby. He also left a greatly appreciated welcome pack for us (the boys were particularly pleased with sweets- which sustained them on many a long walk!). He had clearly thought a lot about us, providing things that were suitable our children and suggesting walks that would be manageable for them. All in all a great place and somewhere we would definitely go back to. Thanks

My husband and I have just got back from a weeks stay in this lovely cottage with our 2 young children. The whole place was fabulous, beautifully decorated with great facilities, including everything we needed for our 4 month old (when we asked if there was a baby bath, Geoff even bought one for us to use!). Our 4 year old loved looking out to see if she could see dear each morning and waving to the friendly milkman. It was amazingly peaceful, but also only a short drive to Ambleside and the amenities there. There was plenty to do for a young family, with easy local walks and also a really great national trust play area beside the nearby Wray castle.
Geoff was great and we had a very detailed tour round the cottage which was useful to know how everything worked. He also had lots of suggestions on what to do locally which was a big help.
We hope to get back (although may try and avoid bank holiday traffic in the future!!).

My wife and I enjoyed 10 days at this enchanting cottage. We were blown away by the owner's hospitality and efforts to make sure our stay was as lovely as possible. My wife and I both highly recommend this cottage to anyone traveling to the Lake District of Cumbria. Not only is the cottage just terrific, but the village of Hawkshead and the surrounding areas are breathtakingly beautiful and the people are so very welcoming. If you are even slightly considering this cottage as a holiday rental - do it! You will NOT regret it!!!

My wife and I along with our 2 young children had the most perfect getaway at this beautiful cottage at the end of September for my 30th Birthday. Geoff was the perfect host, he showed us how everything worked and gave us some great ideas for what to do in and around the area. The cottage is located in a perfect spot, its so quiet and peaceful at night and it's only a 10 minute drive to the center of Ambleside. The cottage is equipped with everything you could possibly imagine and more, the log burner was amazing at night for keeping us all cosy, it practically kept the whole house heated. If you are looking for a quiet spot to explore the lakes as a couple or a family then this is the perfect place! We will most definitely be back. Thanks again Geoff!!

We have just got back from a wonderful week in the lakes. Gillbank is a great house in a great location. Far enough from the nearest town ( hawkshead) for perfect tranquility, but near enough to walk back from the pub.
The hill behind the house (latterbarrow) is a perfect choice for a first walk and after that the options are endless. After days walking the fells, coming back to gillbank and lighting a real fire was a much appreciated luxury. We adored the place and would love to come back soon.

My partner and I went on a last minute escape to the country and stayed in Gilbank cottage. Geoff was nothing but accommodating and even came to meet and greet us all the way from Yorkshire. He made sure we settled in properly and was a fountain of knowledge about the local area. The cottage was beautifully situated within a stunning landscape, but wasn't too far from local amenities for convenience.
There was an array of things to see and do - much more than we could try to fit into 4 days - and Geoff had prepared the cottage for every eventuality (torches, maps, wood for the fire etc).
The local village of Hawkshead was lovely and perfect for pubs, afternoon teas and gift shopping, but Windermere and Ambleside were only a short drive away for eating out and exploring.
The cottage allowed us to completely immerse ourselves in the beautiful countryside, and gave us a home from home experience. We look forward to going back again in the future and couldn't recommend it strongly enough.