Guests recommend The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group
Complimentary gin provisions
Outdoor pizza oven
Ferry pier location
Customized mocktails
Festive arrival touches
"Our room was a premium view of the lake and it was perfect with such a beautiful view."
Misba from United Kingdom
read full review
"The location was AMAZING, right on Lake Windermere with breathtaking views from the restaurant and beer garden."
Holmac from United Kingdom
read full review
"Lovely clean hotel that's recently been refurbished to a good standard."
Giles from United Kingdom
read full review
"Staff, amazing, atmosphere welcoming, very dog friendly, great location, clean with comfy beds and clean rooms."
David from United Kingdom
read full review
"The scrambled eggs were hot and tasty as they were cooked on request."
Carole from United Kingdom
read full review
4-star lakefront inn on Lake Windermere with dog-friendly rooms
Location
The Waterhead Inn sits on the shore of Lake Windermere, directly opposite the ferry jetty with boat trips to Windermere. Ambleside town centre is a 20-minute stroll along the lake, while Wray Castle and Zip World at Brockhole are a 10-minute drive. The hotel is at the start of Lake District walking and cycling routes, with Grasmere Gingerbread offering a local culinary experience.
Rooms
The Waterhead Inn has classic double rooms, superior double or twin rooms with lake views, and a family room with a sofa bed. Rooms include private bathrooms, allergy-free options, and daily housekeeping, with some lake-view rooms in the Lakehouse annex. Free on-site parking is available subject to availability, with key card access to all rooms.
Dining
The Waterhead Inn's bar and grill serves British pub classics and seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The bar pours authentic local ales, and guests receive a complimentary Gin and Tonic on arrival. Breakfast is included and includes local options, while the restaurant offers kids' meals and a selection of wines and champagne.
Pet-Friendly
The Waterhead Inn welcomes dogs in rooms and public areas, with staff offering dog treats and a breakfast sausage to canine guests. The lakeside position gives direct access to walking and cycling routes with a dog. Dogs are allowed in the bar and restaurant during meals.
Family & Activities
The Waterhead Inn has family rooms and provides kids' meals in the restaurant. Nearby, Lake Windermere has water activities, while Wray Castle and Zip World at Brockhole are a 10-minute drive. The hotel's garden and terrace have outdoor furniture for family use after visiting Grasmere Gingerbread.
Highlights
Location: On Lake Windermere, 20-minute walk to Ambleside
Dining: British pub classics and locally sourced ingredients
Pet-Friendly: Dog treats and a breakfast sausage for canine guests
Rooms: Superior double or twin rooms with lake views
Extras: Complimentary Gin and Tonic on arrival
Must-do experiences
Stroll through the stunning Stagshaw Garden for beautiful views.
Try the famous Herdwick lamb at the nearby The Old Stamp House.
Visit the Armitt Museum for local history and stunning art exhibits.
Explore the ruins of Ambleside's Roman Fort, a hidden historical site.
Take a lakeside walk to Waterhead and enjoy local cafés along the way.
Select your room type
The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
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
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
Facilities
The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
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
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
The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group: Location in England
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
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Jenkin Crag
10 minutes' walk
A scenic viewpoint offering stunning views over Ambleside and Lake Windermere. Ideal for photography and short hikes.
Wray Castle
25 minutes' walk
A Victorian gothic castle on the shores of Windermere with beautiful grounds. Features guided tours and special events.
Brockhole on Windermere
25 minutes' walk
An adventure park with activities like zip-lining and kayaking. Great for families, with scenic trails and gardens.
Bridge House
25 minutes' walk
An iconic, historic house that straddles the River Rothay. A charming spot for photography, with nearby cafes.
Lake District Paddle Boarding
30 minutes walking
Experience paddle boarding on Windermere. Rental services available, suitable for all skill levels and great for thrill-seekers.
Ambleside Climbing Wall
10 minutes' walk
Indoor climbing wall suitable for all ages. Great for families looking for fun and fitness in a safe environment.
Adventure Peaks
15 minutes' walk
Rock climbing and outdoor adventure experiences offered. Booking in advance is recommended for guided tours.
Rydal Hall Gardens
35 minutes' walk
Relaxing gardens with beautiful landscaping. A tranquil spot for picnics and strolls, perfect for unwinding.
Four Seasons Terrace Cafe
16 minutes' walk
Casual cafe with hearty British meals and homemade cakes. Ideal for families and caters to dietary needs.
Table 22 Restaurant
40 minutes' walk
Upscale dining featuring local and seasonal dishes. Reservations recommended for this intimate and stylish atmosphere.
The Gilded Lily Bar
15 minutes' walk
Charming bar with a wide selection of drinks and pub food. Relaxed vibe, perfect for evening unwinding and socializing.
Fellinis Cinema Bar
15 minutes' walk
Unique cinema offering food and drinks alongside films. Fun for families and couples looking for a casual night out.
Fellinis Cinema
15 minutes' walk
An independent cinema screening a range of films. Offers a cozy atmosphere and a cafe, popular among locals and visitors.
The Gilded Lily Bar
15 minutes' walk
A lively bar featuring regular live music events. Great ambiance for enjoying drinks and making memories.
Ambleside Roman Fort
40 minutes' walk
Remains of a Roman fort with informative boards. Offers insight into local history and a space for quiet exploration.
Getting around England
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
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Find exclusive rates for stays across England now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
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
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group.
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
Comfortable beds
Scenic lake views
Family-friendly atmosphere
Cons
Heating issues
Slow restaurant service
Guest reviews
based on 1949 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.
Open reviews
Show more reviews
Questions of the users
About The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group
Is there a fee for disabled badge holders when parking on site, or do all visitors pay the same amount?
18 January 2025
There is no charge for both disabled badge holders and non-badge holders. Please provide your registration plate upon arrival.
What are the hours for breakfast service?
22 February 2025
Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
Can I bring my dog to dine in the restaurant?
30 March 2025
Yes, the restaurant is dog-friendly.
Are there ground floor accommodations available for wheelchair users?
10 April 2025
There are ground floor rooms available, subject to availability.
Is parking available nearby, and what are the costs?
15 May 2025
There is a pay & display car park next door and limited free on-street parking nearby.
Do any lake view rooms feature a balcony?
8 June 2024
There is one Lake View room that comes with a balcony.
Is there a lift in the property for guests?
24 July 2024
There is a lift, but it only goes to the first floor, and not all rooms on that floor are accessible by lift.
Are there vegan options available for breakfast?
12 August 2024
Yes, there are vegan options like plant-based milk, vegan spread, fruits, and cereals.
Can cats stay at the inn along with dogs?
9 September 2024
Yes, cats are also welcome guests at the inn.
What times are check-in and check-out?
17 October 2024
Check-in is from 3 PM to 11 PM and check-out is until 10:30 AM.
Are gluten-free options available for meals throughout the day?
4 November 2024
Yes, gluten-free options are provided at both breakfast and during evening meals.
Are there any pet-free rooms available for guests with allergies?
5 December 2024
Pet-free rooms are available, and guests with allergies can be accommodated.
Is there an airport shuttle service offered for guests at the inn?
23 January 2025
An airport shuttle service is not available at this property.
Are there any family-friendly rooms specifically designed for larger groups?
14 February 2025
Family rooms are available that can accommodate more guests with appropriate bedding arrangements.
What types of dining options are available on-site?
27 March 2025
The inn features a restaurant serving home-cooked food and a bar for refreshments.