The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Nature photoThe Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Exterior photoThe Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Room photo

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

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From$125 /night
Check-in
12Sept
Check-out
13Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Property

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER
-
Next to Lake Windermere
Great
8.2
8.7
/10
5.0
4.5
/5

4-star lakeside inn with complimentary Gin and Tonic and dog-friendly rooms in Ambleside

Amenities and Dining

The Waterhead Inn offers a complimentary Gin and Tonic for each guest upon arrival. The on-site bar and grill serves British pub classics alongside a selection of local ales. The restaurant focuses on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, with an outdoor dining area that provides views over Lake Windermere.

Rooms and Accommodations

The inn has 43 rooms, with options that include lake views and allergy-free units. Rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, heating, and key card access. Some rooms feature electric fires and underfloor heating, as noted in guest feedback, though official specifics confirm allergy-free and non-smoking rooms are available.

Location

The hotel sits directly on the shore of Lake Windermere, with boat trips available from the jetty across the road. Wray Castle, Zip World at Brockhole, and Windermere town are a 10-minute drive away. Ambleside Town Centre is a 15-minute walk, and the property provides free on-site parking subject to availability.

Pet-Friendly Features

The Waterhead Inn is a dog-friendly property that welcomes four-legged guests throughout most areas, including the bar and restaurant. Dog-friendly rooms are provided, and the hotel is surrounded by walking and cycling routes suitable for pets. No additional pet charges are listed in the official amenities, though guest reviews mention a £15 per night fee for dogs, which is not confirmed by the official facts.

Family-Friendly Offerings

Families can book rooms that accommodate children, including family rooms with sofa beds. The hotel offers kids' meals in the restaurant and is located near family attractions such as Zip World at Brockhole. Breakfast includes a choice of cereals, fruits, yoghurts, and cooked items, with an à la carte menu for speciality dishes like eggs Benedict.

Highlights

Location: Lake Windermere waterfront, 15 min walk to Ambleside

Welcome: Complimentary Gin and Tonic upon arrival

Dining: Seasonal local ingredients, British pub classics, outdoor lake views

Pet Policy: Dog-friendly rooms and public areas

Nearby: 10 min drive to Wray Castle, Zip World, Grasmere Gingerbread

Parking: Free on-site parking, subject to availability

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
  • Classic Double or Twin Room
    2 persons
    26 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    23 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Classic Double or Twin Room View
    2 persons
    26 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
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

  • 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
Show more

The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group: Location in England

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER
Explore Ambleside
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Jenkin Crag
Jenkin Crag
10 minutes' walk
A scenic viewpoint offering stunning views over Ambleside and Lake Windermere. Ideal for photography and short hikes.
Wray Castle
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What previous guests said about staying at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group.
Review score
Based on 918 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
7.8/10
Pros
Comfortable beds
Scenic lake views
Family-friendly atmosphere
Cons
Heating issues
Slow restaurant service
Guest reviews
based on 2001 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
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.

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