> The Waterhead Inn * Dog Friendly Lakeside Stay ✓ Free G&T

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The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Exterior photo

The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Macro Details photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER

Next to Lake Windermere

Great

8.2

8.7

/10

5.0

4.5

Loved by The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group guests

Well-kept rooms

Warm welcome

Delicious food

Perfect location

Dog-friendly areas

Attentive staff

"The location is superb being right on the lake front, the views were phenomenal."

Cheryl from United Kingdom

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"Views over Windermere are amazing."

Kevin from Canada

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"We had a room overlooking the lake and this was very pleasant the room was a nice size and the on suit bathroom was equipped with a bath and a shower."

Dave Mather from United Kingdom

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The smoke-free The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group offers 43 rooms with proximity to River Rothay, which is about 25 minutes' walk from the property. Stagshaw Garden is located right near this 4-star hotel, boasting a garden bar and lake views.

Location

The hotel is nestled in a rural area of Ambleside, 2.3 km from Borrans Park. The rope-bound Treetop Lake District is in the vicinity of Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group, while Hayes Garden Centre bus stop is a mere 10 minutes' walk away.

Visit Windermere, 2.5 km from this accommodation, and feel complete harmony with the nature of United Kingdom. The lake District Orrest Head Hill lies around 15 minutes' drive away.

Rooms

The rooms at The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group are allergy-free and include a seating area, as well as private bathrooms with comforts such as a hair dryer and towels. These rooms also come with carpeted floors. You'll find nice touches like a separate toilet and a shower/bath combination, along with a hairdryer and towels to enhance your stay.

Eat & Drink

The à la carte restaurant serves local cuisine. The Bar & Grill at Waterhead offers a variety of British delicacies and lies 3.6 km away.

“This Ambleside inn strikes me as an ideal base for exploring the Lake District, especially with pets. I was particularly drawn to the sounds of its locally-sourced menu and authentic ales after a long day of walking. The practical comforts, like free parking and that welcome gin and tonic, also make a strong impression.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningFry up!

Breakfast was amazing. A lovely fry up made fresh each morning. Evening meals were delicious too. The food quality was very good.

Oliver from England

Review on

Guest ParkingFree Parking

I found free parking a real bonus. We parked the car on arrival and didn't need to move it again. Bus stops are just outside.

Megan from Wales

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Room FeaturesLake View

My room was spacious and comfortable. The unexpected bonus was the beautiful view of the lake. The location is amazing.

Sophie from Canada

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BathroomFab Shower

The bathroom was very clean. There was a lovely bath, and the shower was fabulous. Plenty of hot water to enjoy, every day.

David from Scotland

Review on

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers

Classic Double or 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
Classic Double or Twin Room View
2 persons
26 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!

July 2026 - July 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable

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

Dining Onsite

Dine in comfort at The Waterhead Inn, where local flavors take center stage. From hearty breakfasts to delectable evening meals, the onsite options showcase the rich culinary heritage of British cuisine. Gather for a warm, inviting experience that embodies both authenticity and indulgence.

The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group Restaurant photo

Bar & Grill

British, Local, Grill/BBQ

Ambiance

A stylish setting infused with lakeside charm, the Bar & Grill offers both cozy indoor seating and inviting outdoor areas to relax and savor meals.

Key Offerings

A delightful menu featuring dishes like braised blade of beef with horseradish mash, herb-crusted hake paired with a chorizo and butterbean broth, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for casual dining or special occasions.

Reservation

Not needed.

Open daily from 07:30 to 21:00.

Location

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER

Explore Ambleside

Wray Castle

25 minutes' walk

A stunning Victorian castle by the shores of Lake Windermere, featuring picturesque grounds and family-friendly activities.

Brockhole on Windermere

25 minutes' walk

An outdoor adventure center with gardens, water sports, and a café. Great for families and offers stunning lakeside views.

Jenkin Crag

11 minutes' walk

A popular viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of Windermere and the surrounding mountains; perfect for photography.

Stock Ghyll Force

30 minutes' walk

A picturesque waterfall nestled in the woods, providing a tranquil escape and a beautiful walking route for nature lovers.

Ambleside Climbing Wall

10 minutes' walk

An indoor climbing venue suitable for all skill levels, offering lessons and rentals. Great for those seeking a thrilling workout.

Moss Eccles Tarn

15 minutes' walk

A serene tarn ideal for relaxation, walking, and picnicking, surrounded by lush woodlands and stunning scenery.

Local Markets

10 minutes' walk

Seasonal markets in Ambleside offer fresh produce, crafts, and local delicacies. Perfect for cultural immersion and shopping.

Four Seasons Terrace Cafe

16 minutes' walk

A cozy cafe overlooking the gardens at Hayes Garden World, serving seasonal dishes and homemade cakes. Vegetarian options available.

Fellinis Cinema

15 minutes' walk

A unique eatery and indie cinema serving vegetarian dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Perfect for movie lovers and foodies alike.

Old Courthouse Gallery

15 minutes' walk

Features local artwork and hosts exhibitions. An inspiring place for art lovers, with changing displays throughout the year.

Fellinis Cinema

15 minutes' walk

Offers not just films but also a vibrant dining scene. Enjoy weekly events including themed movie nights and discussions.

Local transport and travel tips

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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Check Rates

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:

Former name

Waterhead

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Waterhead Inn is favored for its location right by the lake, providing guests with stunning views and easy access to lovely walks. The breakfast receives high praise for its delicious options and fresh preparation, and the on-site restaurant is appreciated. While some guests have mentioned that the rooms can get warm, many find the bedrooms gorgeous, spacious and clean.

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Review score

Based on 902 verified reviews

8.4 /10

Great

87 %

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Comfort

8.7/10

Free WiFi

7.8/10

Value for money

7.9/10

Pros

Lakeside location

Clean rooms

Helpful staff

Excellent food

Cons

Slow breakfast service

Cold breakfast plates

Dog-friendly bar

Flat beer

David from United Kingdom

Single

Classic Double or Twin Room

3 nights in December 2025

Reviewed: March 01, 2026

9/10

spacious room hotel location amazing breakfast

THE room was spacious and clean. The hotel location is great. The breakfast was amazing , it included many choices.

i was charged more than expected for a coffee.

0 Helpful

Thomas from United Kingdom

Couple

Classic Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 16, 2026

9.0/10

a return visit delight

friendly staff lovely setup filling breakfast

the staff greeted us in a friendly manner.. isabelle was especially polite. she. the room provided a lovely setup with a lake view from room 7. the bathroom was spacious and clean, equipped with a fabulous sized shower. a comfortable night was followed by a fresh and filling breakfast.

Rooms

8/10

the spacious bedroom included a comfortable bed alongside useful amenities. a carrier bag with opened crisps from a previous guest was found in one drawer, indicating a need for closer inspection during cleaning.

Location

9/10

the location offers an unobstructed view of the lake, visible from both indoor and outdoor bar and dining areas. moored sailboats add to the scenic views. it provided a short walk into the town.

Facilities

10/10

breakfast offered many choices. the communal areas are beautifully decorated, offering comfortable seating. i noticed the staff was friendly throughout the inn.

0 Helpful

William from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 10, 2026

9.3/10

Excellent Stay, Great Location

easy parking spacious bedroom delicious food

The hotel offers easy parking behind the building. My room included a spacious bedroom and bathroom, both very clean. The staff was friendly and helpful throughout my stay. Breakfast provided many choices and the food tasted delicious.

Location

9/10

The hotel sits directly on the shore of the lake. I walked easily into the town center. The location offers convenient access to both natural scenery and local amenities.

Service

10/10

The staff was polite and accommodating. They greeted me warmly upon arrival. They addressed every request I made promptly. I felt very welcome throughout my stay.

Rooms

9/10

The room was quite spacious. It came equipped with comfortable furniture. The bathroom was clean and well-kept. I found everything I needed for a comfortable visit.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast included various fresh options. The hot buffet was constantly replenished. I enjoyed the high-quality ingredients. The dining area was clean and inviting.

0 Helpful

Hugh from United Kingdom

Couple

Classic Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 28, 2025

9.5/10

fantastic stay!

comfy bed spacious room hot egg

the beds were super comfy and the rooms were surprisingly spacious! breakfast had such a great selection, i especially loved the hot scrambled eggs, they cooked them just how i like. checking in was quick and easy too! i got complimentary drinks for opting out of daily cleaning, such a bonus!

parking felt a little tight, i had to maneuver quite a bit to get my car into a space.

Service

10/10

The staff was great, the service was excellent. it was really good. The welcome drink was lovely! the complimentary drinks was a treat and the team worked so hard!

Location

9/10

The location is great. It is near the town centre! the hotel is also situated near a lake, providing great views! it also near lake cruises, so convenient for short excursions.

0 Helpful

Thomas from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 18, 2025

5/10

average stay with some issues

long queue difficult entrance

the location was superb..

Check-in lacked convenience, as i waited a full hour. long queues at the bar doubled as the reception. senior citizens, like myself, were placed on the third floor with stairs. It took us 30 minutes to locate the room, and no one offered assistance. the entrance to the room was difficult to access

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group

What is the distance from the The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group to Ambleside city centre?

Ambleside city centre is reachable within a 10-minute walk from the The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group.

Can we park our car at the 4-star The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group?

Yes, the 4-star The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group offers a car park on site.

What is the earliest I can check-in at the 4-star The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group?

At the 4-star The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group, you can check in from 15:00 till 23:00 on the day of arrival.

What is the earliest and the latest I can check-out at the Ambleside hotel?

At the Ambleside hotel, you can check out from 07:00 till 10:00.

How much does a room at the hotel cost?

The price for a room in the hotel starts at £125.

What payment methods are available in the The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group?

At the The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group, guests can pay using Visa, American Express, and Solo as well as other payment methods.

What are the room types offered by the 4-star The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group?

The 4-star The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside- The Inn Collection Group provides such room types as Family Room, Double Room, and Superior Room.

Which facilities does the Ambleside hotel provide?

Top locations of the Ambleside hotel include a restaurant, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with a safety deposit box.