The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Nature photoThe Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Exterior photoThe Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Room photo

Welcome to The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group – Ambleside

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From$125 /night
Check-in
19Sept
Check-out
20Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER
-
Next to Lake Windermere
Great
8.2
8.7
/10
5.0
4.5
/5

3-star lakeside inn in Ambleside

Location

The Waterhead Inn is positioned directly opposite Waterhead Pier and a short walk from Ambleside town center. It provides convenient access to the scenic majesty of the Lake District National Park. Excellent public transport options are available from the front door, allowing guests to explore local attractions without a car.

Dining

Dining options at The Waterhead Inn include a menu filled with freshly prepared Cumbrian and British pub classics. Daily changing specials highlight local seasonal ingredients, allowing guests to enjoy authentic flavors. Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 am to 11:00 am, offering hearty portions while taking in stunning lake views.

Rooms

The hotel features a variety of room types, including cozy double and spacious family rooms designed for comfort. Many rooms at The Waterhead Inn offer picturesque views over the lake. A selection of dog-friendly rooms is available, welcoming four-legged companions to join their owners.

Activities

Guests can partake in numerous outdoor activities, from hiking in the surrounding hills to leisurely strolls around Windermere, the UK's largest lake. Ancillary local attractions include Wray Castle and Rydal Mount, both offering rich cultural insights. The inn serves as a launch point for numerous adventures across the Lake District.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The Waterhead Inn accommodates dogs in specific rooms, ensuring that guests do not have to leave their pets behind. The location provides ample outdoor space for walks and activities with four-legged friends. It emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere for both guests and their pets.

Highlights

Location: Directly opposite Waterhead Pier

Dining: Freshly prepared Cumbrian and British pub classics

Activities: Hiking and cultural attractions

Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly rooms available

Must-do experiences

  • Hike up to Loughrigg Fell for stunning views of the lakes.
  • Savor a traditional Cumberland sausage at The Stockghyll.
  • Visit the Armitt Museum for local art and history insights.
  • Take a scenic cruise on Lake Windermere for serene lake views.
  • Explore the charming shops at Ambleside's local market on weekends.

Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
  • Classic Double or Twin Room
    2 persons
    26 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    23 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Classic Double or Twin Room View
    2 persons
    26 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • Pets allowed
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Private parking is possible on site for free.

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

The Waterhead Inn offers a delightful blend of British and local cuisine in a charming setting, perfect for those seeking a true taste of the region. From hearty breakfasts to elegant dinner offerings, guests can indulge in a variety of comforting dishes with an authentic twist.
  • Bar & Grill

    British, Local, Grill/BBQ
    Ambiance
    Set in a historic dining area adorned with an eclectic mix of Lakes memorabilia, the Bar & Grill combines a vibrant atmosphere with a stylish brasserie feel.
    Key Offerings
    Signature dishes include braised blade of beef with horseradish mash and herb-crusted hake with chorizo and butterbean broth, served within an inviting setting that welcomes pets with complimentary dog treats.
    Reservation
    Not needed.
    Open daily from 07:30 to 21:00.

Location

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER
Explore Ambleside
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Wray Castle
Wray Castle
25 minutes walking
A stunning mock-Gothic castle on the shores of Windermere, offering guided tours and lovely grounds for picnics.
Brockhole on Windermere
Brockhole on Windermere
25 minutes walking
An engaging visitor center with gardens, outdoor activities, and boat rentals right by the lake.
Jenkin Crag
Jenkin Crag
11 minutes walking
A popular viewpoint on the way to the lake, ideal for panoramic views and a short hike.
Bridge House
Bridge House
25 minutes walking
An iconic 17th-century house perched over a river, representing local architecture and heritage.
Hiking at Jenkin Crag
11 minutes walking
Enjoy exhilarating hikes with stunning views of Lake Windermere. Perfect for all experience levels.
Kayaking on Windermere
25 minutes walking
Kayak rentals available at nearby locations for a fun day out on the water. Great for thrill-seekers.
Yoga at Rydal Hall Gardens
35 minutes walking
Relax with outdoor yoga classes set within tranquil gardens. Check seasonal schedules for classes.
Four Seasons Terrace Cafe Hayes Garden World
16 minutes walking
A delightful cafe offering baked goods and light meals in a charming garden setting.
Fellinis Cinema
15 minutes walking
A unique cinema serving delicious vegetarian dishes, combined with a cozy movie experience.
Table 22 Restaurant
40 minutes walking
Contemporary dishes made with local ingredients in an elegant setting. Reservations recommended.
Fellinis Cinema
15 minutes walking
Enjoy first-run films and unique vegetarian cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a night out.
Ambleside Climbing Wall
Ambleside Climbing Wall
10 minutes walking
An indoor climbing wall suitable for all levels, with classes and open climbing sessions available.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Ambleside 11 min  ·  3000 ft
  • Airports
    Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 115 min  ·  47.5 mi
    Blackpool International (BLK) 158 min  ·  65.2 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 14 min  ·  3700 ft
Looking for special rates when booking early?
Explore them with us!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group serves a full breakfast for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
43
Former name
Waterhead

Reviews and Ratings

Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Waterhead Inn is often described as a lovely hotel in a stunning location right on the edge of Lake Windermere, offering spectacular views and easy access to Ambleside town center. Rooms are frequently praised for being big, clean, and well-equipped, with comfortable beds, though some guests have noted that the parking area can feel a little tight. Guests appreciate the varied and decent quality breakfast, as well as the availability of car parking on site.
Show more
Review score
Based on 1117 verified reviews
8.3 /10
Great
84 %
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Staff
8.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.8/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Great location
Clean rooms
On-site bar
Friendly staff
Good breakfast
Cons
Overpriced meals
Limited options
Poor continental
Disappointing dinner
Guest reviews
based on 1117 reviews
8.3/10
based on 1982 reviews
8.2/10
david from united kingdom
Single
double room
4 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: July 19, 2026
7/10

balanced stay

great location large room helpful staff rain shower no lift toilet repair
i loved the location, it is right on the lake edge. my room was large, nice and neat. the super nice team and friendly. breakfast was great and served to the table. i prefer this to the buffet style.
i asked for a room with a shower, but i got an over-bath rain shower. i could not get to my room by lift. the staff were helpful with luggage though. some repairs were needed to the toilet.
0 Helpful
Stella from United States
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 13, 2026
6/10

Acceptable location, some disappointments

slow breakfast road noise
The location was great, a feature I found convenient for accessing nearby areas.
I was disappointed with the breakfast. It took an excessively long time to arrive one morning. The staff said a chef was ill, but such situations should be anticipated in a hotel. Our room had noticeable noise from the adjacent road, which impacted sleep quality.
0 Helpful
Basil from Greece
Single
Classic Double or Twin Room View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 07, 2026
9/10
cordial staff vegetarian option
the staff was so helpful and cordial. the breakfast was fine and had vegetarian options that suited me well.
the choice of pillows were not great at all.
0 Helpful
Molly from United Kingdom
Couple
Superior Double or Twin Room View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 02, 2026
9.7/10

lovely lake views

great size good bathroom helpful staff
the rooms had a great size. the bathroom offered very good shower facilities. staff members were friendly and helpful to all guests.
parking felt very tight. i worry about larger vehicles needing space.
Location
10/10
the location is very nice on the shore of lake windermere. open views across to the langdales are visible. it is a short walk to the centre of town.
Facilities
9/10
the restaurant and bar look quite new. they also look beautiful, with comfortable furnishings. i saw that rooms on the water side get a beautiful view.
Service
10/10
the staff always acted helpful. they seemed helpful when checking guests in. their service also extended to the bar and during breakfast.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Harper from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
2 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 25, 2025
9.0/10

relaxing stay near the lake

comfortable bed good shower amazing location helpful staff
I liked the room. It had a comfortable bed and very good shower. the location felt amazing. staff were lovely and so helpful. breakfast offered many tasty choices.
The hotel lacks a dedicated reception area. Interactions happened at the bar, and this felt little inconvenient.
Rooms
9/10
the room included a comfortable double bed. a shower with good water pressure. towels felt new and were fluffy. climate control worked well, maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Service
9/10
Staff members were helpful and friendly . the breakfast service was efficient, with a variety of choices available. requests received prompt attention. It felt really good.
0 Helpful
|
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Theodore from United States
Couple
Classic Double or Twin Room View
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 07, 2025
9.5/10

a lovely stay it has been

cute bar lovely decoration spacious room good breakfast
i found a cute bar area, lovely decorated. tables are plentiful. breakfast was a delight with spacious rooms. bathrooms felt nice. the location felt fantastic. our room was comfortable and well appointed. the restaurant and bar were lovely. breakfast selection was fantastic. they made it to order also.
the choice of pillows was not good, i see. five identical pillows sat in the room. only one felt different, hidden away in the wardrobe. it made for a poor first night.
Facilities
9/10
the inn has a hide-away car park, very helpful. staff members were excellent and friendly, so cute. the entire area felt very clean throughout. they welcome dogs if needed, such a bonus.
Rooms
10/10
i see very large rooms with a balcony. a lift takes you easily to your floor. staff interacted well with all customers. our room was very clean and roomy, so comfortable.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group
What is the distance from The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group to Windermere?
The hotel is located 1 km from Windermere.
How far is The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group from Ambleside Town Centre?
Ambleside Town Centre is approximately a 5-minute stroll from the hotel.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
Check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Is parking available at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
Private parking is available on-site free of charge, subject to availability.
What dining options are offered at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar serving locally sourced meals and refreshments.
Which popular attractions are near The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
Nearby attractions include Wray Castle (3 km) and Brockhole on Windermere (2 km).
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, and climate control.
Does The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group offer breakfast?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £15.
Are there facilities for fitness at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
Guests have access to a fitness studio at the hotel.

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