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8.5

1,478 reviews

The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group

The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER, United Kingdom

Choose dates to view prices

Restaurant

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Bar

Parking On Site

Terrace

Lake view

Non-smoking rooms

The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group

Welcome to The Waterhead Inn, a charming 4-star inn situated in Ambleside, United Kingdom. Located just 0.8mi from the city center, this inn is the perfect base for exploring all that Ambleside has to offer. The inn offers a delicious breakfast to start your day off right and has received rave reviews from 1478 guests.

As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a beautiful lake view, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere. The inn offers a range of amenities to make your stay even more enjoyable, including free private parking, complimentary WiFi, and a bar and restaurant where you can indulge in delicious meals and drinks. The terrace and garden provide the perfect setting to unwind and take in the stunning surroundings.

The Waterhead Inn offers a variety of comfortable and well-appointed non-smoking rooms, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. Each room comes with a private bathroom, free toiletries, and modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee maker, and hairdryer. Whether you're exploring the nearby hiking and cycling trails, or simply relaxing by the lake, The Waterhead Inn is the ideal choice for your stay in Ambleside.

Please note that prices start from $161, and the inn is pet-friendly with additional charges. Book your stay at The Waterhead Inn today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Ambleside.

When you stay at The Waterhead Inn, not only will you be treated to a comfortable and well-appointed room, but you'll also have the opportunity to indulge in delicious meals at the on-site Bar & Grill. Whether you're craving British classics or local specialties, this restaurant has something for everyone. From mouthwatering grills to BBQ favorites, you'll be sure to satisfy your taste buds during your stay. So sit back, relax, and let the talented chefs at the Bar & Grill take you on a culinary journey.

At The Waterhead Inn, we want to make your stay as convenient as possible. That's why we accept a range of payment methods, including Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Maestro. So whether you prefer to pay with your credit card or debit card, you can rest assured that your transaction will be hassle-free. Please note that we do not accept cash payments, ensuring a seamless and secure experience for our guests.

In addition to our fantastic amenities and comfortable rooms, The Waterhead Inn is proud to be a pet-friendly establishment. We understand that your furry friends are part of the family, and we want to make sure they have a great vacation too. Please note that there may be additional charges for bringing your pets. So why not bring your four-legged companion along and enjoy everything that Ambleside has to offer together?

Closest airports

Blackpool Airport

45mi

Durham Tees Valley Airport

61.9mi

Most popular amenities

Restaurant

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Bar

Parking On Site

Terrace

Lake view

Non-smoking rooms

Garden

Free toiletries

Rooms

Show 7 photos

Superior, Double, View

1 Double Bed

300 sqft

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Experience breathtaking lake views from the comfort of your spacious and stylish Superior Double or Twin Room, complete with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee maker. Unwind and indulge in the serene surroundings, with ample space for 2 adults to relax and rejuvenate.

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Classic, Double, View

1 Double Bed

280 sqft

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Experience a classic double or twin room with a stunning view of the lake, equipped with all the amenities to make your stay comfortable, including a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee maker. Enjoy the spaciousness of this 280 sqft room, perfect for 2 adults and a child, with a queen size bed and two twin beds.

Classic

1 Double Bed

x4

+

x3

More details

Our Classic Double or Twin Room is a spacious 280 sqft retreat, perfect for 2 adults. Featuring comfortable beds, a private bathroom, and modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee maker, it offers everything you need for a relaxing stay. Smoking is not allowed in this room.

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Family

280 sqft

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Offering free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The family room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, as well as an electric kettle. The unit has 2 beds.

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Standard Room

250 sqft

Flat-screen TV

x4

+

x3

More details

The Double or Twin Rooms are located within The Waterhead Inn. They feature a fully equipped private bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities, WIFI and TV.

Family Room - single occupancy in The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group

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Family, Single Use

1 Sofa Bed

1 Queen Size Bed

280 sqft

Private Bathroom

Flat-screen TV

Shower

Free toiletries

x3

+

More details

Show 10 photos

Superior, Doubleortwin, View

1 Double Bed

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Show 8 photos

Classic, Doubleortwin, View

1 Double Bed

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

House

1 King Size Bed

x8

+

x4

More details

House King Size Bed

King Room

1 King Size Bed

x6

+

x3

More details

King Size Bed

Queen Room

1 Queen Size Bed

x6

+

x3

More details

Queen Size Bed

Classic, Queen Size

1 Queen Size Bed

x4

+

x3

More details

Classic Queen Bed

Guest reviews

8.5

1,478 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Breakfast

Featured reviews:

🇬🇧

Julie

8.2

June 2025

Location was lovely, breakfast very good and plenty of choice. ‘Most’ of the staff were very friendly, some not quite so friendly, the checking in staff could do with some re-training.

When I booked I thought I was booking into the actual hotel, not the Lakeside annex which was across a main road and up a bit of a steep incline, also there was only a few parking spaces up there. I booked a double room and nowhere on my confirmation did it mention the annexe, however, it was very nice and our room was fairly spacious. We ate in the hotel the first night only, a very average meal and service quite slow.

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Ernest

8.2

July 2025

Room: spacious and comfortable. Quiet. Very comfortable bed. Good in-room coffee and tea facilities. Well appointed and clean bathroom. Nice towels and a heated towel drier appreciated. Wide bath with a flat bottom and a non-slip surface appreciated. Parking available but although conveniently located is of limited numbers. Could be a tight squeeze in some spots. Staff very pleasant and helpful. Very spacious bar and restaurant area. Breakfast very nice. Good filter coffee.

I am quite infirm on my legs, so I always like to find a fitted security handle on the shower wall to aid getting in and out. I asked in advance for a rubber non-slip mat for the shower (provided). The hotel is a rabbit warren of corridors and stairs. There is a lift up to the first floor but we were on the top floor; quite a struggle to carry bags up to the top floor. In room no air con nor a fan. No mini-fridge to store soft drinks ; would be an issue in hot weather.

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Janet

9.1

March 2024

The deco throughout the Hotel. All meals where good. Comfy bed and pillows. Very helpfull and pleasant staff.

Car parking spaces - not enough for the number of rooms in the Hotel, had to park at the Windermere Rooms and walk back and forth in the rain each day, would be ok in the summer but not good at this time of year.

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Kim

10

May 2025

Everything from the staff, to the rooms, to the service and the hotel in general was fantastic. All staff including maintenance were friendly, polite and extremely welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. The room we had was a perfect view of the lake, it was extremely spacious and very well maintained. All the little extras in the room such as the ironing board, the fan, hairdryer etc were all brilliant. The location of the hotel was perfect and great transport links into surrounding areas. We dined in the hotel on our first evening and the food was absolutely delicious, our breakfast each morning was spot on and plenty of choice, it definitely set us up for the day. We had fantastic weather whilst there so it definitely helped us to enjoy the grounds more, This was my first trip to the lake district and this hotel made it a fantastic first experience, I will definitely be returning Thank you to all at The Waterhead and keep up the great work you all do

Having to leave and come home to rainy Manchester 😔

🇬🇧

Richard

9.1

October 2024

The hotel was in a good location. The hotel was lovely, with good size room and bathroom. It was extremely clean and comfortable. The breakfasts were really good and the evening meals were really tasty with a good choice of mains and desserts. The staff were all really nice and helpful. The views from the room were lovely across the lake.

Dog barking in room next door to us. When heading back to our room the guests and their dog were coming through the door in the corridor and the dog really barked and growled at us. The dog owners had to take the dog back into their room so we could get by to our room.

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Cheryl

10

April 2025

We booked the Waterhead Inn for two reasons - the first for location and the second because they are dog friendly. The location is superb being right on the lake front, the views were phenomenal. We barely used our car once there. We found a quick 15 minute walk into the centre of Ambleside through Borrans Park, used the vast and ever reliable bus service into Grasmere and took a boat ride to Bowness from the pier right outside the hotel. The room was a good size and comfortable. We took advantage of the bonus offer....if you choose not to have your room serviced, you can claim a free drink for each guest instead, so a nice glass of wine for my husband and I each night, whilst being able to ask for fresh towels etc as needed. Our dog Charlie was made very welcome by all staff. He enjoyed lots of fuss, treats and a sausage for breakfast. Our breakfasts were equally delicious!! We enjoyed our four night stay and will hopefully be back soon!

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Elizabeth

8.2

January 2024

Nice new decor, very pleasant atmosphere. Lovely friendly staff who all seemed to like each other and work well as a team.

No complaints. A little noise from next door, soundproofing could be better but it's not a late night place so didn't keep us awake.

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Tracy

8.2

March 2025

Have previously stayed here as it's in an excellent location. Modern, clean and comfortable rooms. Public areas - bar and restaurant - lots of tables and seating areas which allow space when it's busy as you don't feel hemmed in. Food and drinks are reasonably priced. Do the best breakfast. Staff are lovely and friendly. Was nice to see the same staff as per our last visit. Says a lot about a business when they have the same staff over a prolonged period of time. Looking forward to our next stay.

On this occasion we had an issue with the central heating in our room. This was highlighted on several occasions to staff. Unfortunately this wasn't rectified during our stay. There was a separate electric heater within the room but it was really noisy, so disturbed sleep. Although there was this issue it would not deter us from coming back again.

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Janette

8.2

September 2023

Location is amazing. Staff were all very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was lovely. Room very comfortable.

No outside lights at the front overlooking the lake. Could have been dangerous because of the steps.. Breakfast orange on two mornings was just diluted orange. Hotel has been refurbished since last visit and has lost its character unfortunately.

🇬🇧

Louis

8.2

January 2025

Overall, a lovely stay and the location is superb as expected. The staff were all very friendly & helpful, and the room was clean & quiet, with a very comfortable bed. We had a few issues in the room once we had checked in but these were all resolved very quickly once they were raised. Breakfast is very good and nicely filling before a days walk.

The beer selection on the bar is truly terrible. A couple of decent flat ales but terrible lagers, awful non-alcoholic selection and nothing in the way of any fizzy IPA's/Pale Ales or craft beers. Not a problem for many people, but pretty unusual in a pub in this day & age and just mentioned as a warning to those for whom it does matter! A couple of small issues with the room but as above these were fixed quickly & efficiently.

Points of Interest Around The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group

Attractions

Wray Castle

1.4mi

Rydal Water

2.1mi

Grasmere

3.1mi

Beatrix Potter Gallery and Hawkshead

3.5mi

Wrynose Pass

5.6mi

Hardknott Roman Fort (Mediobogdum)

9.9mi

Ullswater

12.6mi

Castlerigg Stone Circle

13.7mi

Borrowdale Valley

14mi

Wastwater

14.1mi

Derwentwater

14.1mi

Crummock Water

16.9mi

Muncaster Castle 

17.5mi

Bassenthwaite Lake

20.7mi

Buttermere Valley

23.3mi

Restaurants

Bar & Grill

Cuisines

  • British
  • Local
  • GrillBbq

Amenities of The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group

Restaurant

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Bar

Parking On Site

Terrace

Lake view

Non-smoking rooms

Garden

Free toiletries

Stay rules - The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group

Does The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group allow guests to stay with pets?

Yes, you can stay with your pet at The Waterhead Inn. They allow pets, although there may be some charges for bringing your furry friend along.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?

Please note, when staying at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group, the check-in times are from 03:00 PM up to 11:00 PM and check-out should be completed by 10:30 AM.

Does The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group offer complimentary parking?

Yes, The Waterhead Inn offers free private on-site parking for its guests. However, it is important to note that parking reservations are not possible.

What's the nightly rate at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?

For The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group, room prices kick off at $161. Remember, prices can fluctuate depending on room type and availability dates. Input your dates for definitive prices.

What are the room types available at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?

The Waterhead Inn offers a variety of rooms including Superior Double or Twin Rooms with a view, Classic Double or Twin Rooms, Classic Double or Twin Rooms with a view, and Double or Twin Rooms. All rooms are non-smoking and accommodate 2 adults, with some rooms able to accommodate 1 child. Bed sizes range from Queen size to King size, with additional twin beds available in each room type. Room sizes range from 248 to 301 sqft.

What is there to do in The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?

Guests at The Waterhead Inn can make the most of their time by enjoying the various leisure amenities offered by the hotel. They can relax and socialize at the on-site Bar, which is a featured amenity of the hotel. Additionally, guests can engage in outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, canoeing, and fishing, providing them with opportunities to explore the natural surroundings and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

When it comes to dining options, guests have the convenience of an on-site restaurant called Bar & Grill. This restaurant offers a range of cuisines including British, Local, and Grill BBQ. Guests can indulge in delicious meals and satisfy their culinary cravings without having to leave the hotel premises. With these leisure amenities and dining options, guests can truly make the most of their time at The Waterhead Inn.

Is there an in-house restaurant at The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?

Yes, the hotel does have a restaurant on site called the Bar & Grill. It offers British, local, and grill/barbecue cuisine.

Which payment methods are supported by The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group?

The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group accepts payment methods such as Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Maestro. Cash is not accepted.