The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Nearby photoThe Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Exterior photoThe Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Exterior photo

The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group, Ambleside

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From$125 /night
Check-in
04Sept
Check-out
05Sept
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

4-star lakeside inn in Ambleside

Location

The Waterhead Inn sits directly opposite Waterhead Pier, providing easy access to Windermere, the UK's largest lake. Positioned within walking distance to Ambleside's center, guests experience proximity to local attractions while enjoying scenic views. Public transport links from the front door facilitate exploration of the Lake District without a car.

Rooms

The hotel offers a choice of comfortable accommodations, including double and twin rooms with views of the lake. Family rooms come equipped with a king-sized bed and sofa bed, designed to accommodate children. Dog-friendly options ensure that four-legged friends are welcomed without leaving them behind.

Dining

Guests can enjoy a hearty selection of home-cooked Cumbrian and British dishes at the on-site restaurant. The seasonal menu, crafted from locally sourced ingredients, offers daily changing specials that reflect the region's culinary heritage. Breakfast, available from 7:30 am to 11:00 am, features views of the surrounding landscape.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The Waterhead Inn provides specific dog-friendly rooms, allowing guests to bring their pets along for their stay. This policy enhances the experience for dog owners, ensuring that their canine companions feel welcome. Outdoor spaces accommodate pets, so they can enjoy the fresh air alongside their owners.

Activities

Surrounded by the Lake District's stunning scenery, guests at The Waterhead Inn have access to numerous hiking trails and outdoor adventures. Local attractions include historic sites, gardens, and scenic viewpoints located just a short drive away. Ambleside's vibrant options for exploration guarantee an engaging stay.

Highlights

Location: Waterhead Pier directly opposite the inn

Rooms: Family-friendly with dog-friendly options

Dining: Seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients

Activities: Access to hiking trails and attractions

“In my opinion, this lakeside inn makes the most of its prime location, with comfortable rooms offering superb lake views. The recent renovations have clearly enhanced the dining and bar areas, now catering to both diners and drinkers, including those with dogs. I think it's a particularly strong choice for families wanting to explore the Lake District, thanks to its proximity to attractions and dog-friendly policy.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Select your room type

The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • 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

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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

  • 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

Dining Onsite

At The Waterhead Inn, culinary delights flourish in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Bar & Grill showcases locally inspired British cuisine, while the eclectic dining area, adorned with Lakes memorabilia, enhances the experience of every meal. Whether savoring breakfast or an indulgent dinner, each bite reflects the heart of the region.
  • Bar & Grill

    British, Local, Grill/BBQ
    Ambiance
    Bright and stylish restaurant featuring an eclectic mix of Lakes memorabilia.
    Key Offerings
    Enjoy a seasonal brasserie-style menu, including braised blade of beef with horseradish mash and herb-crusted hake with chorizo and butterbean broth.
    Reservation
    Not needed.
    Open daily from 07:30 to 21:00.

The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Location

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER
Explore Ambleside
Explore Local Gems
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Jenkin Crag
Jenkin Crag
10 minutes' walk
Stunning viewpoints of Windermere, ideal for photography. The scenic trails cater to all fitness levels.
Bridge House
Bridge House
25 minutes' walk
Historic 17th-century building on the river, a charming photo spot with picturesque gardens.
Brockhole on Windermere
Brockhole on Windermere
5 minutes' drive
Interactive visitor center with outdoor activities, gardens, and a café, perfect for family fun.
Wray Castle
Wray Castle
5 minutes' drive
Fairytale castle offering guided tours and exhibitions, surrounded by beautiful parkland.
Ambleside Climbing Wall
Ambleside Climbing Wall
10 minutes' walk
Indoor climbing wall suitable for all levels. Equipment rental available on-site.
Moss Eccles Tarn
Moss Eccles Tarn
15 minutes' walk
Peaceful walking trails around a serene tarn, ideal for relaxation and picnics.
Four Seasons Terrace Cafe
16 minutes' walk
Delightful café with lake views, serving local dishes and cozy atmosphere, great for casual dining.
Fellinis Cinema
15 minutes' walk
Vegetarian cinema with a café vibe, showcasing films and serving dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
Fellinis Cinema
15 minutes' walk
A unique cinema offering indie films and a charming café menu, perfect for a fun evening.
Old Courthouse Gallery
Old Courthouse Gallery
15 minutes' walk
Art gallery featuring local artists, hosts exhibitions and workshops for all ages.
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
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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

Feedback about The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Waterhead Inn is known for its spacious and comfortable rooms, many offering beautiful lake views, and well-appointed, clean bathrooms equipped with heated towel dryers. Guests appreciate the wide selection available at the buffet-style breakfast, including a full English breakfast and additional dishes. The hotel is conveniently located near the lake, with a short walk to Ambleside town, however, some guests have found parking limited and potentially stressful. The spacious bar and restaurant areas are particularly appealing, providing a great space for enjoying meals.
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Review score
Based on 916 verified reviews
8.4 /10
Great
87 %
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Staff
8.7/10
Free WiFi
7.8/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Excellent location
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Cons
No soundproofing
Guest reviews
based on 916 reviews
8.4/10
based on 2002 reviews
8.2/10
Jade from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 15, 2026
7/10
friendly staff helpful advice delicious breakfast poor direction hard road separate building
I found the room gorgeous. the breakfast each morning was delicious (i really enjoyed the pastries). staff were really friendly. They gave advice on where i should go hike.
it's across the road from the main hotel. the road to drive up the building itself is very hard.
0 Helpful
Mia from Germany
Couple
Classic Double or Twin Room View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 06, 2026
9/10
helpful staff breakfast options
The room was spacious and clean. Breakfast had many options and the staff were very friendly AND helpful.
The parking WAS a bit limited.
0 Helpful
Georgia from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 02, 2025
7/10

generally positive stay

excellent location delicious breakfast pleasant staff broken towel chipped paint poor maintenance
the location is excellent, right on the lake. i had a delicious breakfast. pleasant staff were very helpful and attentive.
the towel rail in the bathroom did not work. i reported this to the cleaner but it was not fixed. the paint on the doors and skirting boards was chipped. this is poor maintenance.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group
Are dogs allowed to stay in the guest rooms during our visit?
12 September 2024
Yes, dogs are welcome in all rooms at the hotel. The only area where dogs are not permitted is the main restaurant.
Can guests enjoy a dining package that includes both breakfast and dinner?
25 November 2024
Dinner service is available at the Waterhead. Guests can explore the menu options offered at the Waterhead Bar and Grill.
Is the car park free for hotel guests, and is it specifically for their use?
3 January 2025
The car park is exclusively for hotel residents and available at no charge. Look for signage indicating 'Guest Car Park' when entering.
Are pets allowed in all areas of the hotel, including guest rooms?
19 February 2025
Yes, pets are allowed throughout the hotel, including all rooms. However, they are not permitted in the main restaurant.
Are there gluten-free options available for meals during our stay?
15 March 2025
Gluten-free choices are provided for both breakfast and dinner at the hotel.
Is the hotel equipped to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or mobility challenges?
8 April 2025
There are two ground floor rooms that are wheelchair accessible, featuring a low level bath with grab rails and a shower above. However, there are no walk-in showers.
What dining options are available for vegan guests?
29 April 2025
Vegan breakfast options include plant-based milk, vegan spread, fruit salad, veggie grill with plant-based sausage, toast, and cereal.
Can cars be parked in the hotel lot before official check-in times?
10 May 2025
Yes, guests can park in the car park before check-in. Just make sure to register your car license plate at Reception.
What are the designated check-in and check-out times at the hotel?
21 June 2025
Check-in is available from 15:00 onwards, while check-out is required by 10:30.
Are toiletries provided for guests during their stay?
16 July 2025
Full-size toiletries are provided and available for use during the stay. Guests can purchase them at Reception if they wish to take them home.

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