The Waterhead Inn sits by a peaceful lake, offering a tranquil retreat. The garden has stunning views, and the on-site bar and restaurant serve drinks and meals all day. Travelers appreciate practical amenities like luggage storage and high-speed WiFi that enhance their stay.
Reviews
8.88.8 out of 10
Excellent
Popular amenities
Pet friendly
Parking included
Free WiFi
Bar
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You can look forward to a terrace, a garden, and a bar at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group. In addition to a restaurant, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
Free self parking
English breakfast (surcharge), smoke-free premises, and luggage storage
Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group feature comforts such as free WiFi and safes.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
Bathrooms with eco-friendly toiletries and shower/tub combinations
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:30 AM
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets allowed for an extra charge of GBP 15 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Fee for English breakfast: approximately GBP 14.50 per person
Pet fee: GBP 15 per pet, per night
Service animals are exempt from fees
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)
Frequently asked questions
Is The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 15 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?
As of May 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group on May 31, 2026 start from $173, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.
What time is check-out at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?
Check-out is at 10:30 AM.
Where is The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group located?
Situated on a lake, this hotel is steps from Ambleside Pier and Lake Windermere. Borrans Park and Ambleside Climbing Wall are also within 10 minutes.
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Parking space, food available all day, lake across the road, walking distance to the village, excellent helpful staff.
Trevanna
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
Susan
Jan 20, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Very friendly staff, room was spotless. Nice place to stay for a day or two.
Susan
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Ronald
May 21, 2026
Disliked: Amenities
A Pub with rooms not a Hotel .. no amenities .. no reception just a woman behind the bar … no porter and not lift had to drag cases up and down 3 flights of stars .. restaurant was bun grub Room very basic bathroom was clean .the room smelt of dogs maybe allocate rooms for dogs only. nothing in the area terrible chip shop .. not worth £100et alone £185 … one highlight good breakfast 👍definitely wouldn’t sty there again or recommend it
Ronald
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sophie
Dec 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, friendly staff and close to the lake with great views.
The hotel room was lovely. Couldn’t fault it. Hotel its self is lovely. Nice chilled atmosphere. Where it lets itself down is food. Dinner on first evening was terrible. Chips hard and overcooked. Onion rings hard and dripping in fat. Mussels overcooked and way too salty.
Breakfast next morning was lukewarm.
DEBORAH
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified
6/10 Okay
Steven
Jan 6, 2026
Hospitality was very good. The bar and food was very good the bar and surrounding area was very nice and well presented. How ever the room we stayed in was very poor was not cleaned properly the whole area up stairs neadered a good clean cleaned
The breakfast was superb. We tried the evening menu special which was a Pheasant breast.It wasn't the best I've tasted, it was nicely presented but it was rather salty and dry.
The bed mattress provided a good nights sleep and the room was spacious and clean. Well worth the 5 stars
Beautiful inn with lots to do close by. The rooms were large and quiet. Breakfast was very good. We would highly recommend this place for a stay in Ambleside.
Lovely hotel in a beautiful location overlooking the lake, with onsite parking. Comfortable, clean rooms, cosy atmosphere and very dog friendly. The staff were also very helpful and pleasant The breakfast was always piping hot and plentiful, with a small selection of cereals, yoghurt, fruit and muffins. The only small issue was that the hot water seemed to be a bit hit and miss. The shower was always hot but the bathroom sink was usually cold, which was the same in our other family member's room too. This didn't detract from our enjoment though, we'd definitely stay here again.
Great Hotel, really friendly staff, meal choices good. Parking is a bit restricted and tight albeit there is a public car park next door, whicjh I didn't need to use.Chris when serving us was outstanding. Will use again, highly recommended
Nice room (39) comfy bed, old-fashioned but beautiful armoire and dressing table. Coal effect fire, but central heating was excellent so didn't need it. Fitted bathroom with underfloor heating was really cosy.
Really clean. Good breakfast and bar food was excellent . Highly recommended
The hotel was perfect for a family week of rambling in a rain soaked week. Our puppy was welcomed and kids enjoyed the food.
The room itself a little cramped with the sofa bed in use but but it was very comfy