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

Save money—book now
up to 10%
lower than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From125US$ /night
Check-in
10Sept2025Select date
Check-out
11Sept2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Lake Road, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 0ER

The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group is a refreshingly metropolitan-style 4-star hotel amid the traditional offerings of the Lake District's central honey-pots, with Waterhead Pier handily opposite and an easy stroll from Ambleside centre.

Comfortable Room Options

These generously sized twin rooms are perfect to share with two single beds and a wide range of facilities with lake or fell view options. The Waterhead Inn rooms feature fully equipped en-suite bathrooms, complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Brasserie-Style Dining

Serving delicious pub fayre and well-kept drinks all day, every day, the restaurant offers an above-average, brasserie-style menu. Guests look forward to relaxing with one of fine hand-pulled house and guest ales in the cosy bar or on the sunny terrace in summer time.

Ideal Exploration Base

The Inn Collection Group aims to combine real beer, great food, and comfortable rooms within each of its venues across the north of England. With plenty to explore in Ambleside, the hotel is an ideal base, while excellent public transport links direct from the front door open up the wider attractions of the Lakes without the need of a car.

Lakeside Location

This popular country inn sits just off of Windermere, the UK's largest lake, 80 km from Carlisle Lake District. Nearby attractions include Wray Castle (10 minutes drive), Grassmere Gingerbread (15 minute drive), and Coniston (20 minute drive).

View all

Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
Classic Double or Twin Room
Max:
2 persons
26 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Check Prices
Double Room
Max:
2 persons
23 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Check Prices
Classic Double or Twin Room View
Max:
2 persons
26 m² 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Check Prices
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

A guide to all available transportation options

City Centre
Ambleside900 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 76.4 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 104.9 km
Bus
Bus stop 1.1 km

Facilities

Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 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

  • Electric kettle

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

Location

Lake Road, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 0ER
Map view
Lake Road, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 0ER
Nearby
Jenkin Crag
880 m
Loughrigg
High Close Estate
2.9 km
The Hollens
The National Trust
810 m
Cylinders Langdale
Merz Barn
1.1 km
Church
St Mary's Church
1.2 km
Restaurants
Table 22 Restaurant
3.5 km
Waterhead Bay Regent Hotel
Four Seasons Terrace Cafe Hayes Garden World
1.3 km
Lake Road Ambleside

Reviews and Ratings

Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
90%
said they enjoyed their stay and plan to return.
clean
great location
expensive dining
small rooms
9.0/10
Perfect
Rooms
8.0
Location
9.3
Service
7.8
Dining
7.0
Guest reviews
9.0/10
based on 4 reviews
8.4
8.4/10 based on 1475 reviews
E.
United States, December  2023
7.0/10

I had a mixed experience at the hotel. The rooms were great and very clean, but they seemed smaller and more expensive than expected. The service was friendly but just okay for the cost. The location was amazing, overlooking the water and near Ambleside, although a bit of a walk to the center. The dining was extremely poor and expensive, so be cautious if not on Room Only.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped with Wi-Fi and TV, kept very clean.
Service
6.0
The service was friendly but not exceptional considering the price.
Location
9.0
The location is amazing, overlooking the water, near Ambleside, with shops and transport nearby.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was very poor with bad quality and high prices, particularly if not on Room Only.
Facilities
6.0
Facilities were average in line with the price.
clean
expensive dining
Reg
United Kingdom, October  2023
9.0/10

I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The room I had was fabulous with a view of the lake, and the small packet of ground coffee for the coffee press was a nice touch. The service was top-notch, with excellent attentive staff, particularly in the dining room. The location was perfect, right on the lakeside and close to Ambleside. The dining options were varied, and the hotel's facilities were great.

Rooms
9.0
My room was great with a view of the lake, and the small packet of ground coffee for the coffee press was a nice touch.
Service
9.0
The service was excellent, with attentive and efficient staff, especially in the dining room.
Location
10.0
The location was absolutely perfect, right on the edge of the lake and a short walk into Ambleside.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was fine with plenty of choice and accommodating special requests.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel's facilities were top-notch and added to the overall great stay.
Geoff
United Kingdom, September  2023
9.4/10

I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel. The room was perfect for us with 2 dogs, offering private access and a stunning lake view. While the rooms aren't soundproof, they were lovely, with a comfortable bed, a beautiful bathroom, and delightful little touches like Grasmere gingerbread. I appreciated the tea and hot chocolate facilities and the onsite filtered water in sealed bottles.

Rooms
9.0
The room was comfortable and beautifully designed, perfect for us with our furry friends.
Service
9.0
The service was exceptional despite a small language barrier. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. A special surprise display for my boyfriend's birthday was a heartwarming touch.
Location
10.0
The location was superb, ideal for local walks and offered a serene environment. Being right on the water with convenient local facilities and boat trips nearby was a highlight.
Dining
9.0
The dining experience in the restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed the varied menu options, and the fact that even my dog could join us at the table, receiving her own special bowl of bacon and sausages.
Facilities
10.0
The hotel provided excellent facilities that enhanced our stay. Everything we needed was readily available.
Mario
United States, June  2023
7.6/10

I had a mixed experience at the hotel. The room was a bit pricey for a solo traveler and lacked some of the listed items. However, the tropical feel at night and the charming view of the lake with local gingerbread were delightful.

Rooms
7.0
The room was slightly overpriced for a single guest and was missing some specified amenities. Yet, the tropical ambiance in the evening and the picturesque lake view, accompanied by local gingerbread, were truly enjoyable.
Service
7.0
However, the rushed pace of serving the courses left us feeling a bit hurried, preventing us from fully savoring the food.
Location
8.0
The location was truly stunning, right by the water offering a lovely view. However, some areas were not as clean possibly due to a delivery truck early in the morning. The proximity to the water and ferry departure point was convenient.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was delightful, especially with the selection of Gluten-Free breakfast options and delicious muffins. However, some areas appeared unclean and may have affected the overall dining atmosphere.
Facilities
7.0
Overall, the facilities were satisfactory, providing a good dining experience with a variety of options.
Looking for special rates when booking early?
Explore them with us!
Check Rates
Check-in
10Sept2025Select date
Check-out
11Sept2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room