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
01Sept
Check-out
02Sept
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, situated across from Waterhead Pier, offers quick access to Lake Windermere. Guests can easily stroll into Ambleside town center, just a short distance away. Excellent public transport links connect visitors to various attractions throughout the Lake District.

Rooms

The hotel provides a variety of room types, including spacious classic double and twin rooms with lake views. Each room is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and select rooms come with comfortable sofa beds for families. The Lakehouse accommodations feature king-sized beds or two singles, offering versatile options for guests.

Dining

The Waterhead Inn serves a seasonal menu of Cumbrian and British pub classics, emphasizing local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a hearty full Cumbrian breakfast to fuel their day, available from 7:30 am to 11:00 am. For evening meals, dinner service runs from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, offering a cozy dining experience.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The Waterhead Inn accommodates pets, allowing guests to bring their dogs to select rooms. This option ensures that four-legged companions do not miss out on the adventure to the Lake District. The friendly staff welcomes pets warmly, making it a comfortable stay for guests traveling with their animals.

Exploration Opportunities

Situated in the scenic Lake District, the hotel is a gateway to various outdoor activities and attractions. Guests can enjoy hiking nearby trails, visiting historical landmarks, or relaxing by the lakes. Family-friendly adventures and local exploration can begin right at the doorstep of The Waterhead Inn.

Highlights

Location: Waterhead Pier across from hotel

Rooms: Lakehouse rooms with en-suite bathrooms

Dining: Seasonal menu with local ingredients

Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly accommodations

Must-do experiences

  • Savor freshly-baked scones at The Apple Pie Café by the lake.
  • Hike up Loughrigg Fell for breathtaking views of Windermere.
  • Visit the quirky Museum of Lakeland Life for local culture.
  • Explore Rydal Mount, the former home of poet William Wordsworth.
  • Don't miss the popular Ambleside Market on Saturdays for local goods.

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
  • 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

The Waterhead Inn boasts an inviting Bar & Grill that captures the essence of British cuisine with a delightful grill and barbecue twist. Guests can enjoy their meals in a charming historic setting adorned with Lakes memorabilia, creating a cozy atmosphere for both casual and refined dining experiences.
  • Bar & Grill

    British, Local, Grill/BBQ
    Ambiance
    Stylish restaurant featuring an eclectic mix of Lakes memorabilia in a historic dining area.
    Key Offerings
    Highlights include braised blade of beef with horseradish mash and herb-crusted hake with chorizo and butterbean broth. A breakfast buffet with fresh fruit salad and cooked options such as pancakes, smoked haddock, and a hearty full English breakfast make for a delightful start to the day.
    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 the Surroundings
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Jenkin Crag
Jenkin Crag
10 minutes' walk
Panoramic views of Windermere and the surrounding hills. Ideal for walking and photography.
The National Trust
10 minutes' walk
A hub for local conservation with beautiful gardens and walking paths, showcasing the area's natural beauty.
Stock Ghyll Force
Stock Ghyll Force
30 minutes' walk
A stunning waterfall set in a tranquil backdrop. Accessible via scenic walking trails.
Moss Eccles Tarn
Moss Eccles Tarn
15 minutes' walk
A serene tarn perfect for picnics and relaxation, with walking paths around its picturesque shores.
Ambleside Climbing Wall
Ambleside Climbing Wall
10 minutes' walk
Indoor climbing suited for all levels. Equipment rental available; ideal for thrill-seekers and families.
Brockhole on Windermere
Brockhole on Windermere
5 minutes' drive
Outdoor activities and adventure centre, including mini-golf and zip-lining. Seasonal reservations recommended.
Yoga and Wellness Retreats
5 minutes' drive
Local yoga studios offering classes for relaxation and rejuvenation. Great for solo travelers seeking tranquility.
Four Seasons Terrace Café
16 minutes' walk
Charming café with a menu centered on local ingredients. Perfect for light meals and afternoon tea.
Fellinis Cinema
15 minutes' walk
Dine in a unique cinema setting serving Italian cuisine. Reservations recommended; ideal for a cozy date night.
Fellinis Cinema
15 minutes' walk
Cinema with a café serving meals during films. Family-friendly, showcasing the latest releases and classics.
Ambleside Roman Fort
Ambleside Roman Fort
40 minutes' walk
Historical site with ruins and interpretative signs. Engaging for families and history enthusiasts alike.
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 score
Based on 916 verified reviews
8.4 /10
Great
87 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.5/10
Cleanliness
8.5/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Free WiFi
7.8/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Staff
8.7/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Guest reviews
based on 916 reviews
8.4/10
based on 2010 reviews
8.2/10
Mark from United Kingdom
Family with children
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 08, 2026
6/10
kitchen exhaust unacceptable noise
The location was good. On-site car parking was available.
My room window faced the kitchen exhaust. The noise was unacceptable until 10:30 PM. It disrupted my relaxation during my vacation. It ruined the experience, despite other aspects of the hotel being fine.
0 Helpful
Theodore from United States
Single
classic double or twin room view
4 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 29, 2025
9/10

fantastic stay!!!

lake front delicious breakfast
the location sits right on the lake front, providing amazing views. i barely used my car . breakfast was delicious!!!
0 Helpful
Warren from United States
Family with children
Classic Double or Twin Room View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 19, 2025
9/10
lake view clean room dog welcome
The lake-facing room provided very nice views. our large room was clean. dogs received a warm welcome. It was a beautiful experience for them!!!
the room lacked a mini fridge, it would have been useful.
0 Helpful
Mia from Australia
Family with children
Family Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 14, 2025
9/10

Wonderful Stay!

helpful staff good meal perfect location
I found the staff very helpful. Staff members were friendly! The meal choices were good. I will definitely use this place again because of this and I highly recommended it. The hotel's location is also perfect.
The parking is a bit restricted. I found it tight, even though there is a public car park next door.
Dining
9/10
I enjoyed the modern interior of the restaurant. The beer taps offered a great selection. The food tasted very high quality and fresh which enhanced the dining experience. It was quite satisfying.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Peter from United Kingdom
Couple
superior double or twin room view
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 26, 2025
9.7/10

super stay!

smooth check-in friendly staff beautiful room
check-in was smooth, i even got shown to my room! staff were so helpful and friendly. the room was excellent too, it was beautiful when i arrived, i can't thank the hotel beauticians enough. i will return, i'm already planning my next visit!
The hotel parking was a little haphazard around the back. I noticed a dog poo.
Dining
9/10
breakfast had plenty of choice, i loved it! i ate in the restaurant each evening, the food all round was excellent. i also appreciate that the hotel is very dog friendly.
Rooms
10/10
My room was lovely, very comfortable, and much larger than expected. it had everything i needed. the bed was huge and comfortable, and the towels were large and fluffy. the decor was lovely. My room was clean.
Location
10/10
the hotel is literally on the lake edge! the location is great for views, it's a beautiful place, so i enjoyed seeing it. the area is amazing in its beauty. i highly recommend it.
0 Helpful
|
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James from United Kingdom
Single
Classic Double or Twin Room View
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 14, 2025
6/10

adequate stay with issues

inconsistent temperature disruptive noise
i found a few things amiss . the bathroom lacked basic amenities. the shower temperature was inconsistent. it fluctuated between scalding hot and lukewarm, quite unpleasant! it started early each morning and continued throughout the day. these issues detracted from an otherwise acceptable experience.
0 Helpful
Jason from Canada
Single
Superior Double or Twin Room View
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: August 17, 2025
9.0/10

Lakeside Solace

warm staff delicious breakfast easy access
The staff greeted me warmly. My mornings began with delicious breakfasts, setting the stage for serene days. I relished the ease of access to the lake and nearby trails, ideal for quiet strolls. The comfortable bed guaranteed restful nights.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast included a good selection of hot and cold items, also the bar provides a pleasant setting with various drink options. I enjoyed the fish and chips. It was lovely and perfectly complemented with good service.
Facilities
8/10
Parking is available, yet spaces can be tight when the inn is busy. The inn provides drink vouchers in exchange for opting out of daily housekeeping. These vouchers can be used at the bar.
Location
10/10
The inn sits right on the water, and amazing views become accessible. There are boat trips to Bowness directly from the inn. The area has bus stops nearby.
Rooms
9/10
The room had a comfortable bed, also it was of good size. Each room includes all required amenities. The lake views from the rooms are beautiful. The windows provide that.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
How far is the nearest airport from The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
The hotel is approximately 80 km from Carlisle Lake District Airport.
What nearby attractions can be visited from The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
Notable nearby attractions include Lake Windermere (1 km) and Wray Castle (3 km).
What dining options are available at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant offering a children's menu and local cuisine.
Does The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group offer free Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What room amenities are provided at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, and climate control.
How far is Ambleside Town Centre from The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
Ambleside Town Centre is just a short stroll away, approximately 0.5 km from the hotel.
Are there facilities for activities like hiking or cycling at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?
The hotel is surrounded by popular walking and cycling routes in the Lake District.

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