Loved by The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group guests
lake view
comfortable beds
spacious rooms
lovely decor
excellent breakfast
"interior design, location, bedroom, staff service, and food quality at dinner were all excellent :-)"
Jeanette from United Kingdom
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"Our room was lovely, big bath,lots of hot water, good shower products."
Kay F from United Kingdom
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"The room had a view across the lake, all meals were excellent and the staff were very friendly and helpful."
Chris M from United Kingdom
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"Rooms were clean with nice decor and beds very comfortable."
tillymaem from United Kingdom
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"Great location, good car parking on site."
Malcolm from United Kingdom
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Pet-friendly inn on Lake Windermere with complimentary breakfast and Gin and Tonic
Amenities & Dining
The Waterhead Inn serves a complimentary breakfast each morning with diverse and locally sourced options. The on-site bar and grill offers British pub classics alongside local ales from the region. Guests receive a complimentary Gin and Tonic upon arrival, with flexible dining options available throughout the day.
Rooms & Accommodations
The hotel provides comfortable rooms with beautiful lake views and spacious bathrooms for guests. Free onsite parking is available, with spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The inn offers dog-friendly accommodations that welcome four-legged guests alongside their owners.
Family & Pet-Friendly
Families benefit from kid's meals and flexible dining options suited for younger guests. The hotel maintains high cleanliness standards to support guest satisfaction throughout the stay. Dogs are welcome in rooms and public areas, making the inn a pet-friendly base for the Lake District.
Location & Surroundings
The inn is located directly on the shore of Lake Windermere, a 15-minute walk from Ambleside town centre. Popular walking and cycling routes start from the doorstep, giving direct access to the Lake District fells. Free onsite parking is available, and the pier for boat trips is just across the road.
Nearby Attractions
Guests can take a boat from the adjacent pier to Bowness and other lakeside towns. Wray Castle and Zip World at Brockhole are a 10-minute drive away for historical and activity visits. The Grasmere Gingerbread shop is a short trip from the inn, offering a local culinary experience.
Highlights
Location: On Lake Windermere, 15 min walk to Ambleside
Rooms: Lake views, free onsite parking
Dining: Complimentary breakfast and Gin and Tonic
Pet Policy: Dog-friendly accommodations welcome pets
Family: Kids' meals and flexible dining
Activities: Hiking, cycling, and boat trips from the inn
“The Waterhead Inn stands out for its immediate proximity to Lake Windermere, a position that offers considerable charm without sacrificing tranquility, even with its convenient access to lake activities. Its well-appointed rooms and genuinely welcoming staff contribute to a stay where comfort and practicalities, like attentive service and the option for dog-friendly accommodation, are clearly prioritized. The dining experience, particularly breakfast, is noted for its quality and generous offering, making it a strong choice for those seeking a well-rounded Lake District base.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukcumbria
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
Twin Room
2 persons
26 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room
2 persons
23 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Room a View
2 persons
26 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
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Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
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
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
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Dining Onsite
At The Waterhead Inn, guests can indulge in a delightful array of British and local cuisines in a charming setting. From a hearty breakfast to an extensive dinner menu, the dining options celebrate authentic flavors while providing a warm, inviting atmosphere for all travelers.
Restaurant #1
British, Local, Grill/BBQ
Ambiance
A historic dining area adorned with eclectic Lakes memorabilia, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include braised blade of beef with horseradish mash and herb-crusted hake with chorizo and butterbean broth, alongside a breakfast buffet featuring fresh fruit salad, granola, pancakes, and the full works with Cumberland sausage and hash browns.
Reservation
Recommended
Serves breakfast and dinner; specific hours vary.
The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Location
Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER,
Map view
City landmarks
Castle
Wray Castle
2.23 km
Landmark
Brockhole on Windermere
2.45 km
Landmark
Jenkin Crag
880 m
Bridge
Bridge House
2.18 km
Landmark
Hayes Garden World Ambleside
1.25 km
Landmark
Stock Ghyll Force
2.6 km
Gallery
Old Courthouse Gallery
1.23 km
Cinema
Fellinis Cinema
1.1 km
Landmark
Jenkyn's Crag
720 m
Landmark
High Close Estate
740 m
Landmark
Ambleside Roman Fort
3.28 km
Landmark
Ambleside Climbing Wall
760 m
Garden
Rydal Mount
3.4 km
Landmark
Church Of St Mary
1.18 km
Landmark
The National Trust
810 m
Landmark
Moss Eccles Tarn
1.27 km
Landmark
Mater Amabilis
820 m
Landmark
Adventure Peaks
980 m
Landmark
The Gilded Lily Bar in Ambleside
1.02 km
Landmark
The Homes Of Football At Ambleside
1.03 km
Landmark
Rothay Park
2.46 km
Landmark
Lake District Paddle Boarding
2.43 km
Landmark
Windermere Lake Cruises
2.46 km
Landmark
Ambleside Waterhead
2.62 km
Garden
Stagshaw Garden
5.2 km
Landmark
Main Gate
3.27 km
Harbour
Ambleside Pier
3.7 km
Landmark
Borrans Park
4.74 km
Museum
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
5.47 km
Nearby
Jenkin Crag
880 m
Loughrigg
High Close Estate
2.94 km
The Hollens
The National Trust
810 m
Cylinders Langdale
Merz Barn
1.08 km
Church
St Mary's Church
1.18 km
Restaurants
Table 22 Restaurant
3.48 km
Waterhead Bay Regent Hotel
Four Seasons Terrace Cafe Hayes Garden World
1.26 km
Lake Road Ambleside
Explore Ambleside
Explore Ambleside
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Jenkin Crag
11 minutes' walk
Spectacular views of Windermere and the surrounding hills. A tranquil spot perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Brockhole on Windermere
25 minutes' walk
A lakeside visitor center with gardens, adventure activities, and boat hire. Great for families looking for fun and leisure.
Ambleside Roman Fort
40 minutes' walk
Ancient ruins showcasing Roman history in the Lake District. Offers educational displays and beautiful landscape views.
Stock Ghyll Force
30 minutes' walk
Spectacular waterfall surrounded by stunning woodland trails. A serene spot for a hike and nature photography.
Lake District Paddle Boarding
30 minutes' walk
An exhilarating paddle boarding experience on Windermere. Rentals available, perfect for thrill-seekers and adventure lovers.
Rydal Hall Gardens
35 minutes' walk
Beautiful gardens ideal for a peaceful stroll and relaxation. Enjoy seasonal blooms and well-maintained landscapes.
Four Seasons Terrace Cafe
16 minutes' walk
Casual dining with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy delightful views and hearty signature dishes.
Table 22 Restaurant
40 minutes' walk
Modern British cuisine with a cozy atmosphere. Reservations are recommended for its exquisite tasting menu.
Fellinis Cinema
15 minutes' walk
An independent cinema showing a range of films, including blockbusters and indie flicks. Elegant dining options available.
The Gilded Lily Bar
15 minutes' walk
A vibrant bar offering live music. The perfect spot to unwind with friends while enjoying creative cocktails.
Getting around
City Centre
Ambleside 11 min · 900 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 115 min · 76.4 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 158 min · 104.9 km
Bus
Bus stop 14 min · 1.1 km
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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:
38
Former name
Waterhead
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.5/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
8.7/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Spacious rooms
Friendly staff
Good location
Beautiful views
Cons
Maintenance issues
Noise disturbance
Room cleanliness
Reduced menu
Guest reviews
based on 1952 reviews
8.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group
Is there a fee for parking on-site, especially for those with a disabled badge?
10 December 2024
There is no fee for both disabled badge holders and non-badge holders. Just provide your registration plate upon arrival.
What are the breakfast hours at The Waterhead Inn?
15 January 2025
Breakfast is served from 07:30 to 10:30.
Are pets allowed in the restaurant area?
20 November 2024
Yes, the restaurant is dog friendly, so pets are welcome.
Can wheelchair users access ground floor rooms?
5 March 2025
Ground floor rooms are available, subject to availability.
Is parking available nearby with reasonable charges?
22 February 2025
Yes, there is a pay & display car park next door and limited free on-street parking nearby.
Are there any balconies in the lake view rooms?
30 March 2025
Only one Lake View room has a balcony available.
Is there an elevator in the property for guest use?
8 April 2025
Yes, there is a lift that goes to the first floor, but it does not access all rooms on that floor.
Does the breakfast menu include vegan options?
18 May 2025
Yes, vegan options are available, including plant-based milk and vegetarian dishes.
Are there any dog-friendly rooms that are located on the ground floor?
14 August 2024
Yes, there are ground floor rooms that are pet-friendly.
What time is the check-in and check-out process?
1 June 2025
Check-in is from 15:00 until 23:00, and check-out is by 10:30.