We stayed for 2 nights and would recommend it for friendliness,location,cleanliness and tasty breakfast. We stayed in a double room whch had flat screen telly, tea/coffee making facilities and a comfatable bed. Our friend stayed in the single room which not en suite but shower and toilet within a few steps away and a dressing gown is provided. The single room was cosy and warm, the double a little chilly especially the bathroom as no heating in there but we adjusted (southerners!).There is a T.V lounge with gas flame fire to relax in. Bowness shops are at end of the road -a minutes walk.There is some limited free on the road parking outside but you may have to park in the next road,Beresford road, you can pull over just to unload suitcases and then find somewhere to park which is easier after 5pm.

I stayed in the twin room with my 14 yr old niece in the busy period of August and whilst we were only looking for somewhere basic and close to the Lake to use as a base for a couple of days exploring we could not have been made more welcoming and have to say we both thoroughly enjoyed the delicious cooked breakfast that was always served with a smile - they were so filling we didnt eat again until early evening! and that is saying something with a teenager in tow!
The two brothers who run this B&B are welcoming and very accomodating & the rooms are kept very clean and airy - all with tea & coffee facilities complete with biscuits! I would have happily stayed longer than the 2 days and will definitely book again to return, the only downside would be parking can be difficult in busy times.

Friendly welcome on arrival and for duration of stay. I stayed there for five nights and enjoyed my visit to Melbourne cottage very much. Breakfast was cooked perfectly, really big and excellent with choices of cereals. The only downside was that the single room was not ensuite unfortunately. The shower and the toilet are in separate rooms, down the corridor close enough to the bedroom- that didn't affect my stay. However, I was pleasantly surprised to have a slightly larger bed than a single bed size. The bed was comfortable and the tea making facilities with its biscuit was a nice addition after a long day sightseeing and walking. The room was looking at the back (not the front street) so very quiet.
The large lounge for guest use was nice too.
The location was superb!!! only 5-7 minutes walk to bowness town centre and lake Windermere. It is in a very quiet street and only 2-3 minutes walk up the street, there is a viewpoint called Biskey Howe viewpoint with magnificent views of lake Windermere. There is a cinema just outside the house as well which was very handy for the rainy evenings.
I would definitely recommend Melbourne cottage and would use it again in the future.

If you're looking for a basic place to rest your head and a good full English then this place will probably suit you. The rooms are small and a little dated but the guys who run it are very friendly and they provide a good breakfast. The centre of Bowness and Lake Windermere are only 5-10 mins walk away so it's a great central location. There is no car park but you can usually find a space to park on the road.