Hotel
 The Waterhead Inn

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER, United Kingdom – Excellent location – show map

Excellent location – rated 9.5/10! (score from 1117 reviews)

Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions

8.5
Very Good
1,117 reviews

The location was excellent. The room was clean, large, and comfortable. The restaurant was nice and the staff was very pleasant.

Kurpal United States of America

excellent choice at breakfast, evening meals equally good. Excellent staff always welcoming with a smile and a friendly word.

Christopher United Kingdom

Nice hotel in a great location by the lake side. Clean, well appointed rooms and friendly helpful staff.

Graeme United Kingdom

Location was wonderful. We had a room with a view overlooking the lake. The food in the restaurant was excellent as was the breakfast. The staff were helpful, friendly and welcoming.

Gareth Germany

location was good with ample parking spaces. staff very friendly and attentive. breakfast was comprehensive.

Poh United Kingdom

Excellent Location on the waterfront, close to all Boat rides, and close to Ambleside town.. above all great Pet friendly Hotel

Ashish United Kingdom

The breakfast was outstanding with lots of choice. We tried the lunch menu as well which was good value for money. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the area.

Mark United Kingdom

We received a very warm welcome from the staff on arrival after a rather long journey due to poor traffic on the M6. The rooms, bar and hotel were very accommodating for our two dogs. The room was very clean, the view was excellent and the bed was huge! Providing a lovely peaceful place to retreat. The restaurant food was delicious in the evening and the breakfast was wonderful. Parking was available and an excellent lakeside location.

Kerry United Kingdom

Without doubt, we knew we made the right choice when we made the booking. From registering at reception, throughout our stay and up to when we left, the hotel, the staff, the food, the ambience of the hotel was outstanding. Staff we simply amazing, The General Manager was super cool, and so nice to see a few of his family members being employed. This whole family feel with staff added to the stay.

Simon United Kingdom

Thoroughly enjoyed short breakaway at the Waterhead Inn

John United Kingdom
8.5
Very Good
1,117 reviews
  • What guests loved the most:
  • “The location was excellent. The room was clean, large, and comfortable. The restaurant was nice and the staff was very pleasant.”
    Kurpal Kurpal United States of America United States of America
  • “excellent choice at breakfast, evening meals equally good. Excellent staff always welcoming with a smile and a friendly word.”
    Christopher Christopher United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “Nice hotel in a great location by the lake side. Clean, well appointed rooms and friendly helpful staff.”
    Graeme Graeme United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “Location was wonderful. We had a room with a view overlooking the lake. The food in the restaurant was excellent as was the breakfast. The staff were helpful, friendly and welcoming.”
    Gareth Gareth Germany Germany
  • “location was good with ample parking spaces. staff very friendly and attentive. breakfast was comprehensive.”
    Poh Poh United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “Excellent Location on the waterfront, close to all Boat rides, and close to Ambleside town.. above all great Pet friendly Hotel”
    Ashish Ashish United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “The breakfast was outstanding with lots of choice. We tried the lunch menu as well which was good value for money. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the area.”
    Mark Mark United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “We received a very warm welcome from the staff on arrival after a rather long journey due to poor traffic on the M6. The rooms, bar and hotel were very accommodating for our two dogs.”
    Kerry Kerry United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “Without doubt, we knew we made the right choice when we made the booking.”
    Simon Simon United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “Thoroughly enjoyed short breakaway at the Waterhead Inn”
    John John United Kingdom United Kingdom

Categories:

  • Staff9.1
  • Facilities8.5
  • Cleanliness9.1
  • Comfort9.1
  • Value for money7.6
  • Location9.5
  • Free WiFi7.6


Next to Lake Windermere, the stylish Waterhead Inn offers an onsite restaurant/bar and comfortable rooms, many of which have lake views. Ambleside is just a 10-minute walk away.

The spacious rooms each have a flat-screen TV, desk, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi.

With colorful art and mood lighting, the onsite restaurant serves a creative British menu and traditional cooked breakfasts. There is also a garden terrace for al fresco dining.

Waterhead Inn is surrounded by the Lake District's popular walking and cycling routes. On site parking is available and Wray Castle and Windermere are just a 10-minute drive away.

This is our guests' favorite part of Ambleside, according to independent reviews.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.

The Waterhead Inn has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Jul 10, 2007

Show me more

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly
Free parking
Free WiFi
Restaurant
Non-smoking rooms
Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Bar

Property Highlights

Located in the best-rated area in Ambleside, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.5

Great Food: Meals here are highly recommended!

Want a great night's sleep? This hotel was highly-rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast Info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Buffet

Free private parking available at the hotel

Saved to 2402 lists

Availability

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4 reasons to choose The Waterhead Inn

  • Prices you can't beat!
  • Booking is safe
  • Manage your bookings online
  • The staff speaks English

Guest reviews

8.5
Very Good · 1,117 reviews
Read all reviews
Categories:
  • Staff9.1
  • Facilities8.5
  • Cleanliness9.1
  • Comfort9.1
  • Value for money7.6
  • Location9.5
  • Free WiFi7.6

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Kurpal
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “The location was excellent. The room was clean, large, and comfortable. The restaurant was nice and the staff was very pleasant.”
  • Christopher
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “excellent choice at breakfast, evening meals equally good. Excellent staff always welcoming with a smile and a friendly word.”
  • G
    Graeme
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “Nice hotel in a great location by the lake side. Clean, well appointed rooms and friendly helpful staff.”
  • Gareth
    GermanyGermany
    “Location was wonderful. We had a room with a view overlooking the lake. The food in the restaurant was excellent as was the breakfast. The staff were helpful, friendly and welcoming.”
  • Poh
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “location was good with ample parking spaces. staff very friendly and attentive. breakfast was comprehensive.”
  • Ashish
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “Excellent Location on the waterfront, close to all Boat rides, and close to Ambleside town.. above all great Pet friendly Hotel”
  • Mark
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “The breakfast was outstanding with lots of choice. We tried the lunch menu as well which was good value for money. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the area.”
  • Kerry
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “We received a very warm welcome from the staff on arrival after a rather long journey due to poor traffic on the M6. The rooms, bar and hotel were very accommodating for our two dogs. The room was very clean, the view was excellent and the bed was...”
  • Simon
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “Without doubt, we knew we made the right choice when we made the booking. From registering at reception, throughout our stay and up to when we left, the hotel, the staff, the food, the ambience of the hotel was outstanding. Staff we simply amazing,...”
  • John
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “Thoroughly enjoyed short breakaway at the Waterhead Inn”
Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property

The property usually replies within a few days

  • Can our dog stay in the room?
    We are a dog friendly hotel throughout. The only public area where dogs are not allowed is the main restaurant.
    Asked about: Classic Lake View Room • Answered on October 12, 2021
  • Is a dog allowed in luxury double bedroom?
    All of our rooms are dog friendly.
    Asked about: Luxury Lake View Room • Answered on January 30, 2021
  • Do you offer a package? i.e. Bed, breakfast and evening meal?
    Dinner is available at the Waterhead. Check out our menus in the Waterhead - Waterhead Bar and Grill
    Answered on March 3, 2020
  • Hi there, is the car park just for residents and free, or is it for everyone and pay & display? We are staying with you this weekend and want to park in the correct place?
    Our carpark is exclusively for hotel residents and is free of charge. The entrance to the car park is sign posted reading " Guest Carr Park ".
    Answered on March 3, 2020
  • Are pets allowed in all rooms or confined to certain rooms?
    We are a pet friendly hotel throughout and pets are allowed in all rooms and public areas except for the main restaurant.
    Answered on October 12, 2021

  • Still looking?

    Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

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Hotel surroundings *
Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!
Excellent location – show map
What's nearby
  • Rydal Mount & Gardens
    2.1 miles
  • Rydal Water
    2.3 miles
  • Grizedale Forest
    3.6 miles
  • Lake Windermere
    3.8 miles
  • World of Beatrix Potter
    4.2 miles
  • Hill Top
    4.7 miles
  • Tarn Hows
    4.8 miles
  • Coniston Water
    6.8 miles
  • Lakes Aqaurium
    9.8 miles
  • Scafell Pike
    10.2 miles
Restaurants & cafes
  • Cafe/Bar Waterhead
    0 miles
Top attractions
  • Kendal Castle
    11.2 miles
Natural Beauty
  • Lake WINDERMERE
    0 miles
* All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
Missing some information? Yes / No
Great! Thanks for your response.
Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.
1 Restaurant On Site

    Bar & Grill

    Food: British, Local, Grill/BBQ

    Menu: À la carte

Amenities of The Waterhead Inn

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly
Free parking
Free WiFi
Restaurant
Non-smoking rooms
Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Bar
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Pets
Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.
Activities
  • Cycling Off-site
  • Hiking Off-site
  • Canoeing Off-site Additional charge
  • Fishing Off-site Additional charge
Food & Drink
  • Fruit Additional charge
  • Wine/Champagne Additional charge
  • Kids' meals Additional charge
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
  • Secure parking
Services
  • Daily housekeeping
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key card access
  • Key access
General
  • Smoke-free property
  • Heating
  • Non-smoking rooms
Languages Spoken
  • English
Missing some information? Yes / No
Great! Thanks for your response.
Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

House rules The Waterhead Inn takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

3:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Check-out

7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 13 and above are considered adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets

Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.

Maestro Mastercard Visa Switch American Express The Waterhead Inn accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

Please note that special terms apply for group bookings of 4 or more rooms.

Please note rooms accommodating pets may be limited. Guests who wish to travel with pets are advised to inform the property in advance. There is a GBP 10 per pet, per night extra charge.

When booking more than four rooms, our group terms and conditions will be applied - for further details contact us directly.

FAQs about The Waterhead Inn

  • The Waterhead Inn has 1 restaurant:

    • Bar & Grill

  • The prices at The Waterhead Inn may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • Guests staying at The Waterhead Inn can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 8.9).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Continental
    • Full English/Irish
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    • Gluten-free
    • Buffet
    • À la carte

  • The Waterhead Inn offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Cycling
    • Hiking
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing

  • The Waterhead Inn is 0.7 miles from the center of Ambleside.

  • Room options at The Waterhead Inn include:

    • Double
    • Suite

  • From the nearest airport, you can get to The Waterhead Inn by:

    • Car 2h

  • Check-in at The Waterhead Inn is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:30 AM.