The Waterhead Inn

A map marker Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER

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With Waterhead Pier handily opposite and an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, The Waterhead Inn, and the Lake House, is an ideal springboard into the magnificent Lake District and gives many an option, whether you’re stopping off for a relaxing drink, enjoying a spot of good, home-cooked food with superb views to match or winding down with a pub stay away.

With plenty to explore and experience in Ambleside, The Waterhead Inn is an ideal base, whilst excellent public transport links direct from the front door open up the wider attractions of the Lakes without the need of a car.
Serving delicious pub fayre and well-kept drinks all day, every day, the warm and friendly team will make sure you’ll fit right inn as you relax in wonderful surroundings.

Property Amenities

  • An amenity icon Bar/Lounge
  • An amenity icon Beer Garden
  • An amenity icon Dog/Pet Friendly
  • An amenity icon Free parking
  • An amenity icon Free Wifi
  • An amenity icon Hiking

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Guests
For large bookings, please call us on 0344 211 4874
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Lowest Price Guarantee

We beat any price found on travel websites if you book direct

An icon of bed Rooms

An icon of a door Check in from 3pm

The Inn Collection Group aims to combine real beer, great food, and comfortable rooms within each of its venues across the north of England, which is why we put such a focus on combining all three at our establishments. Our experience suggests that the best way to relax and unwind is to stay at a convenient inn where you can eat, drink, and sleep without having to travel to and from different places; everything you need is in one convenient location, so travelling is minimised and your enjoyment is maximised.

This popular country inn sits just off of Windermere, the UK’s largest lake, which makes for the ideal place to soak in some natural scenery and relax, unwind, and forget about your busy life back in the city for the weekend.

There is parking available at both the Waterhead rooms and the Lakehouse rooms (located opposite The Waterhead Inn), please note that there is a slight incline to access the Lakehouse rooms so may not be suitable for people with mobility constraints.

Our dog friendly rooms extend a warm welcome to four-legged friends too, meaning you’ll never have to leave your canine behind! Simply add this option during the booking process and enjoy a wonderful stay with your dog by your side (£15 per dog per night).

Please note, images showcase room types as accurately as possible, however rooms do slightly vary. Contact our central reservations team on 0191 5803610 for more information.

Waterhead: Double Rooms An icon of a person An icon of a person

Waterhead: Double Rooms

Cosy and comfortable rooms with a double bed and an en-suite bathroom.

  • An amenity icon 2 people
  • An amenity icon Coffee and tea
  • An amenity icon Free Wifi
  • An amenity icon Hairdryer
  • An amenity icon TV

Our double rooms located in The Waterhead Inn are cosy and comfortable, furnished with a large double bed, desk area and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival.

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Lakehouse: Double or Twin Room An icon of a person An icon of a person

Lakehouse: Double or Twin Room

Spacious and comfortable rooms with a king sized bed or two singles and an en-suite bathroom.

  • An amenity icon 2 people
  • An amenity icon Coffee and tea
  • An amenity icon Free Wifi
  • An amenity icon Hairdryer
  • An amenity icon TV

Our double or twin rooms located in the Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn are spacious and tastefully decorated. Furnished with a king sized bed (twinned upon request), a desk and seating area and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Check-in and dining are located at The Waterhead Inn which is across the road from the Lakehouse rooms. Please note that there is a slight incline to access these rooms so may not be suitable for people with mobility constraints. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival.

Book a Room

Waterhead: Classic Double or Twin Room An icon of a person An icon of a person

Waterhead: Classic Double or Twin Room

Spacious and comfortable rooms with a king sized bed or two singles and an en-suite bathroom.

  • An amenity icon 2 people
  • An amenity icon Coffee and tea
  • An amenity icon Free Wifi
  • An amenity icon Hairdryer
  • An amenity icon TV

Our classic double or twin Rooms are located within The Waterhead Inn. They offer a King sized bed or two singles upon request, a desk area and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Please contact us prior to booking to request a twin bedroom as these are subject to availability. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival.

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Waterhead: Classic Double or Twin Room with View An icon of a person An icon of a person

Waterhead: Classic Double or Twin Room with View

Spacious and comfortable rooms with a view over the lake, furnished with a king sized bed or two single and an en-suite bathroom.

  • An amenity icon 2 people
  • An amenity icon Coffee and tea
  • An amenity icon Free Wifi
  • An amenity icon Hairdryer
  • An amenity icon TV

Our classic double or twin rooms with a fantastic view of the lake are located within The Waterhead Inn. They are beautifully furnished with a king sized bed or two singles upon request, a desk area and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Please contact us prior to booking to request a twin bedroom as these are subject to availability. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival.

Book a Room

Lakehouse: Family Room with Sofa bed An icon of a person An icon of a person An icon of a person

Lakehouse: Family Room with Sofa bed

Spacious family rooms with a king sized bed, an en-suite bathroom and a sofa bed perfect for children.

  • An amenity icon 3 people
  • An amenity icon Coffee and tea
  • An amenity icon Free Wifi
  • An amenity icon Hairdryer
  • An amenity icon TV

Our Lakehouse family rooms are larger more spacious rooms located in only moments from The Waterhead Inn. Guest Check-in, breakfast and evening dining is at The Waterhead Inn. These rooms are furnished with a king sized bed or two singles upon request, a comfortable sofa bed perfect for children and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. The Lakehouse Rooms are located up a slight incline and there are stairs within the building so may not be suitable for guests with mobility constraints.

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Waterhead: Superior Double/Twin with View An icon of a person An icon of a person

Waterhead: Superior Double/Twin with View

Spacious and welcoming rooms with a king sized bed or two singles, a spectacular lake view and an en-suite bathroom.

  • An amenity icon 2 people
  • An amenity icon Coffee and tea
  • An amenity icon Free Wifi
  • An amenity icon Hairdryer
  • An amenity icon TV

These superior double or twin rooms located in The Waterhead Inn are the perfect place to relax & enjoy the views! They offer a king sized bed that can be twinned on request, a desk area, an en-suite bathroom and a spectacular view across the lake. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. We do have certain rooms within this category that are accessible. Please contact us prior to booking to check the availability and request one of these bedrooms if required. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival. The images provided are a representation of each individual room type – room specifics do vary. Please call us directly for any specific room requests.

Book a Room

Lakehouse: Superior Double/Twin with View An icon of a person An icon of a person

Lakehouse: Superior Double/Twin with View

Lakehouse rooms are welcoming and spacious, with a king sized bed or two singles, a spectacular lake view and an en-suite bathroom.

  • An amenity icon 2 people
  • An amenity icon Coffee and tea
  • An amenity icon Free Wifi
  • An amenity icon Hairdryer
  • An amenity icon TV

Our Lakehouse superior double or twin rooms with a view are located only moments from The Waterhead Inn. These rooms feature a king sized bed that can be twinned upon request, a desk and seating area and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. The Lakehouse Superior rooms can be located on various floors and are varying in size including some that feature lower ceilings due to the design of the room. Check in and dining are located at The Waterhead Inn which is across the road from The Lakehouse Rooms. The Lakehouse Rooms are accessed via a slight incline so may not be suitable for guests with mobility constraints. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival.

Book a Room

An icon of a plate with a knife and fork Food & Drink

An icon of a cloche Food service: 7:30am – 9:00pm daily

Whether you’re getting ready for a day’s hiking or have worked up an appetite after wandering lonely as a cloud, you’ll appreciate The Waterhead Inn’s hearty helpings of delicious home-cooked fare.

Offering freshly prepared and cooked Cumbrian and British pub classics, look forward to mouth-watering dishes, full of local provenance at every bite, while you look on to one of the best views in the Lakes.

Fuel up for an action-packed day, or simply take your time relaxing into the day with a full Cumbrian breakfast while you enjoy the views. The Waterhead Inn breakfasts can be enjoyed whether you’re staying with us or you’re popping in for a great breakfast and the best lake views.

Drop by for brunches and lunches, while evening meals including sublime puddings at The Waterhead Inn as the sun sets over the lake are not be missed.

An icon of a mountain Explore

Hidden in the heart of ancient Cumbria in North West England lies a National Park known the world over. The Lake District boasts stone circles, glacial lakes, magnificent views, and a history dating back to the Neolithic Period - all waiting for you to discover.

  • An icon of a car

    10 minutes drive to Wray Castle

  • An icon of a car

    15 minute drive to Grassmere Gingerbread

  • An icon of a car

    20 minute drive to Coniston

  • Attractions
  • Transport
  • Nearby Inns
  • Stagshaw Gardens
    0.4 Mile
    11 Minutes
    1 Minute
  • Rydal Mount and Gardens
    2.5 Miles
    50 Minute
    10 Minute
  • Wray Castle
    4 Miles
    1 Hour 20 Minutes
    10 Minute
  • Wansfell Pike
    6 Miles
    50 Minutes
    15 Minutes
  • Coniston
    8 Miles
    20 Minute
  • Kendal Train Station
    13 Miles
    30 Minute

Things to do

  • Coniston Water

    Things To Do In Coniston

    For those of you planning a trip to the Lake District, we’ve got you covered – we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the top things to do in Coniston, covering everything from the quaint streets of Coniston Village to boat rides, family days out, and more!

    Explore A plus icon
  • Windermere

    Things to do in Windermere

    From summit-scaling hikes and relaxing sailing across the water to historical landmarks and quaint villages – no matter what you enjoy, you’re sure to find it in the lakes.

    Explore A plus icon
See all things to do

Nearby inns

  • The Wateredge Inn

    Ambleside, Lake District

    The prime spot on Windermere sits The Wateredge Inn - a fantastic inn perfect for Lake District getaways.

  • The Swan, Grasmere

    Grasmere, Lake District

    Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, The Swan in Grasmere is the perfect location to explore one of the UK's most scenic locations.

  • The Ambleside Inn

    Ambleside, Lake District

    In the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland inn is ideal for exploring Windermere and the southern Lakes.

See all inns

Book a Winter Break today!

Book this unbeatable offer and enjoy a dinner, bed and breakfast stay from just £99* per night, based on two sharing* with code WINTER24

Book a room at The Waterhead Inn

Guests
For large bookings, please call us on 0344 211 4874
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Special Offers

FAQs

  • Do you have on site parking available?

    There is free car parking available on site at The Waterhead Inn and Lake House.

  • What time is Check in and Check out?

    Check in at The Waterhead Inn is from 3pm and check out is 10:30am.

  • Is there disabled access and accessible rooms at the inn?

    There is disabled access into The Waterhead Inn from the restaurant doors. There is one accessible room however there are a few steps to and from the room. For further accessibility information please call our reservations team.

  • Are you dog-friendly?

    We are dog friendly at The Waterhead Inn and have dog friendly rooms available. Your four-legged friend can stay over night for only £15 per night, per dog.

  • What facilities are provided?

    All rooms at The Ullswater Inn provide complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and tea & coffee making facilities. Please note, we do not provide travel cots. If you plan on bringing your own, we recommend speaking with our reservations team on 0191 580 3610 to ensure the room you’re booking will comfortably accommodate one.

  • What is the cancellation policy?

    Our standard cancellation policy is as follows:
    You may cancel your booking without any payment to us at any point before 3pm on the day that is two days before the day your booking starts. After this deadline, the whole booking becomes fully non-refundable. If you try to cancel after this deadline (or if you don’t arrive for your booking), you will still be charged the full price for your booking (including any meals or extras).

    Our Advance Purchase Rate cancellation policy is as follows: All bookings on an advance purchase rate are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled by you. If you try to cancel a booking on an advance purchase rate (or if you don’t arrive for your booking), you will still be charged the full price for your booking (including any meals or extras).

    Our special offers/promotions cancellation policy is as follows: The cancellation rights for bookings offered on a special offer will be stated during the booking process and in your booking confirmation. Where we do not state any cancellation rights for a special offer, the advance purchase rate cancellation terms (above) will apply.

  • Do you have any on site bike storage?

    There is no bike storage available on site at The Waterhead Inn.

  • How do I make a large group booking?

    For booking 5 or more rooms at The Waterhead Inn please email groups@inncollectiongroup.com

  • Do you take table bookings?

    We only accept bookings for a table of 8 and more at The Waterhead Inn. To book please email info@thewaterheadinn.com

  • Are you family friendly?

    We are family friendly here at The Waterhead Inn and offer a delicious children’s food menu.

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