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Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

4.0 star property
History meets hospitality at this restored gem in the historical district, where staff earn rave reviews and modern comforts enhance the traditional charm.

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Photo gallery for Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

A coastal town with a marina, houses, and green hills in the background. - Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn (Ambleside)
A hotel room with a bed, two patterned armchairs, a small table with two cups, and a view of greenery through large windows. - Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn (Ambleside)
A stone building with a small patio area featuring a table and two chairs. - Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn (Ambleside)
A ferry docked at a harbor with a mountainous backdrop. - Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn (Ambleside)
A large stone house with a well-maintained garden and a green gazebo. - Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn (Ambleside)
Travelers step into the warmth of Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn, an upscale restored property blending historical charm with modern needs. Enjoy an English breakfast, luggage storage, laundry services, and free WiFi for a seamless stay.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Superior Double or Twin Room

A neatly made bed with white linens, a television on a wooden stand, and a window with curtains.

Superior Double or Twin Room

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Room

A bedroom with a bed, a gray sofa, a nightstand, and a wall with floral wallpaper.

Family Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 17 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double or Twin Room

A hotel room with a large bed, a bedside table with a lamp, a dresser, a mirror, and a door leading to a bathroom.

Double or Twin Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(18 reviews)
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Ambleside, Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn is in the historical district and in the mountains. Ambleside Pier and Lakeside Windermere Ferry Landing are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Windermere and Coniston Water. Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre and World of Beatrix Potter are two other places to visit that come recommended. Kayaking and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking nearby. Visit our Ambleside travel guide
View more Inns in Ambleside
Map
Lake Road, Waterhead Bay, Ambleside, England, LA22 0ER

What's nearby

  • A coastal town with a marina, green fields, and a river.
    Lake Windermere
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A lakeside dock with wooden boats and a large ferry.
    Ambleside Pier
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Ambleside Climbing Wall
    12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Stock Ghyll Force
    4 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Wray Castle
    13 min drive - 4.7 miles

Getting around

  • Windermere Station
    7 min drive

Restaurants

  • Lakes Brew Co Tap
    20 min walk
  • Zeffirellis
    18 min walk
  • The Temperance Inn
    16 min walk
  • The Royal Oak
    16 min walk
  • Rothay Manor Hotel
    15 min walk

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

Food and drink

  • Daily English breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: GBP 14.50 per person

Conveniences

  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • In the mountains

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1880
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Non-plastic coffee stirrers available
  • Non-plastic drinking straws available
  • Renovated entire property - July 2023
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 22-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Heating
  • LED lighting
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: GBP 25
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: GBP 25

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [The Waterhead Inn]
Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Private entrance

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of GBP 15 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only; 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
  • Early check-in fee: GBP 25 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: GBP 25 (subject to availability)

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; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

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 Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn pet-friendly?

Yes, Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn allows dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 15 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM. Early check-in is available for a fee of GBP 25 (subject to availability). After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM. Late check-out is available for GBP 25 (subject to availability).

Where is Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn located?

Situated in the historical district, this inn is steps from Lake Windermere and Ambleside Pier. Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre and World of Beatrix Potter are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

9.2

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 342 out of 530 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 143 out of 530 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 530 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 530 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 530 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Wincy

Liked: Staff & service
Great friendly staffs, good choice of breakfast Good location Room is small for a room with 2 medium size dogs and two adults Small table fan provided for warm weather but it was dusty and noisy when turned on It would be nice to have a mini fridge in the room
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely room with lakeside view; beware it is uphill to walk up to the Lakehouse, this didn't bother us however. Easy to check in at the Waterhead Inn which is just accross the road. Breakfast was your standard fare but tasty. Helpful staff. Stayed 2 nights.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room friendly staff great foof
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property with lake views, interesting walk down to main hotel for meals but do have to be careful crossing the road, main route so quite busy
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The breakfast was great value for money. Hotel is handy for both boats on the lake and buses to town or further afield. Access to and from the Lakehouse could be tricky if the weather is bad.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We absolutely love this hotel as it has fantastic views to the lake, lovely comfortable rooms and excellent food. The staff are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them making the whole stay a real pleasure. We would have no hesitation recommending this hotel as a great place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and spacious with lovely views of the lake, the food was delicious especially the buffet breakfasts and the staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. Overall it was a really enjoyable 4 night break and we will definitely be returning.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff was welcoming and helpful. We loved our room and the restaurant. Only wish it was a longer stay. One night was definitely not enough and we would love to come again and stay longer.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jenny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I booked Double but upon check in, I was given a family room instead. Room was very spacious but shower and toilet was smaller, but clean and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfy and clean room, food was amazing and staff really friendly
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice and clean rooms

Nice and clean rooms in a good area, good value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely Hotel

Very nice room with a terrace outside. Clean and fresh with excellent service. Wonderful breakfast and decent meals on the menu. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Malcolm

Our room was in the attic, low ceilings and up 3 flights of stairs. Room was clean and bed comfortable. Many people waiting to check in at 3.00 but rooms not ready a few minutes before. Breakfast on the second day was chaotic with hot food in short supply, the serving staff worked hard obviously a kitchen problem. Wouldn’t stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Graeme

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent location, although access a bit awkward and parking a bit tight. Cleanliness exceptional in all areas. Food is very good and portions are a good size. Staff helpful when required and attentive. A very enjoyable stay, despite the weather, and look forward to a return visit.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful stay

We loved this hotel. We had a wonderful stay. The staff are brilliant, the food is excellent and the view from our room was amazing. We’re already looking forward to going back x
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Amenities
Location was good and position was ideal for our purposes. Parking could be a challenge
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Zoe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location with good parking facilities. Staff helpful and friendly. Plenty of food choice on the menu.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property, staff, room and amenities were wonderful. We loved being able to walk uptown and even catch a trail behind the lake house. Breakfast looking out on the lake was great. The food was pretty good as well.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely super dog friendly stay, staff were all lovely and made us feel really welcome, dinner and breakfast were an excellent standard. We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Lake District Stay

Fantastic view at a wonderful facility. The included breakfast was very good. While continental only, it had many choices.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent Hotel

The staff went out of their way to help us 🤗
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly, polite and helpful staff who out of their way to ensure you enjoy your stay. The food was good and served promptly, in a nice relaxing environment. My wife and I will definitely be staying again. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Shaun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quiet location on the outskirts

Nice location, lake view ( just ) and parking, unless you were the last person there at night. Big room, hot water, excellent bed, Very good breakfast, very quiet at night so excellent sleep. 15 minute walk from the centre of the town.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Noah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great staff, great location

Great location, really friendly staff - just super helpful and welcoming… made us feel right at home! Only reason for not perfect score was quite a few spiders in the room - to be expected but would be an issue for some people
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Superb

Our 3rd or 4th stay at Lakehouse and we’ll be back again … Nice accommodation and all staff are extremely helpful and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024