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Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

4.0 star property
4-star Victorian inn near Lake Windermere

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Photo gallery for Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Garden
Boating
Superior Double or Twin Room | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets
Terrace/patio
Lake

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Lake Road, Waterhead Bay, Ambleside, England, LA22 0ER
  • Place, Lake Windermere
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Ambleside Pier
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 183 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Superior Double or Twin Room

Superior Double or Twin Room | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Double or Twin Room

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double or Twin Room

Double or Twin Room | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double or Twin Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)
  • 161 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Ambleside

In historical district.With a stay at this Ambleside inn, you'll be steps from Ambleside Pier and a 5-minute walk from Lake Windermere. Also, Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre is within 2 miles (3 km) and World of Beatrix Potter is within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Inns in AmblesideOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Windermere - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Ambleside Pier - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre - 4 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Rydal Mount - 7 min drive - 2.9 miles
  • Wray Castle - 8 min drive - 4.5 miles

Getting around

  • Windermere Station - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wateredge Inn - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The White Lion - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Waterhead Hotel - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Royal Oak - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Freshers’ Cafe - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

4-star Victorian inn near Lake Windermere
Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A complete renovation of Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn was completed in July 2023.

This Victorian Ambleside inn is smoke free.

  • 23 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • Built in 1880
  • English breakfast (free)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn offers 23 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. 22-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Bar (on property)

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 315 reviews
$129 nightly
The price is $155
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

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 parking

Food and drink

  • Free English breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 22-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Desk
  • Heating

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

Access methods

Private entrance

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 15 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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 major 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, and Eurocard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

House Lake
Lake House Ambleside
Lake House House
Lake House Ambleside, Lake District
Lake House Hotel Ambleside
Lake Ambleside
Lake House Ambleside District
Ambleside Lake House Guesthouse
Ambleside House Guesthouse
Ambleside Lake House
Lakehouse At The Waterhead
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn Inn
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn Ambleside
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn Inn Ambleside
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn The Inn Collection Group

Frequently asked questions

Does Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn.

How much does it cost to stay at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

As of Sep 26, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn on Oct 9, 2025 start from $117.69, excluding 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.

Does Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn offer free breakfast?

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn offers free English breakfast every day from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

No, there is no casino at this inn.

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 costs GBP 25 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

This inn offers free self parking.

Does Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn have a pool?

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn does not have a pool.

Does Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this inn.

How close is Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn to downtown Ambleside?

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn is 0.1 mi away from Waterhead.

Reviews

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 333 out of 506 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 132 out of 506 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 506 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 506 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 506 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Mark

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

A tale of two rooms

We arrived after a long day and parked the car in the last available car park place. We waited for a while at reception and then had to write down our name, vehicle reg and contact details. We were then told our room was across the road up an incline in The Lakehouse so we got back in the car and went to the room. Again we got the last car park space. The room was accessed by a door where a car was parked right in front of it. The carpet was dirty as we went in. Upstairs the room was very tired and the bathroom was of a poor standard. We aren't complainers and went for a drink to think it over. We decided to go back and ask if they had a room in the main hotel as we had stayed there before and really liked it. We were given a new room and from then on everything was great. Nice smallish room, clean and modern. Breakfast was great and check out very straightforward. 1 out of 5 for Lakehouse. 5 out of 5 for Waterhead Inn would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hui Yann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Peter

Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

gregory

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lyndsey

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

Lovely rooms and welcoming staff

The inn is ideally positioned between Ambleside and Windermere with views of the lake from the restaurant. We had a room without a view but it was quiet and very clean. The room had tea and coffee facilities as well as heating you could adjust yourself if needed. The beds were very comfortable and bathroom spotless. My only issue was the smoke alarm on the ceiling flashed throughout the night meaning the room lit up blue which was very annoying but I’m unsure how you could stop this. The breakfast was fantastic with a wide variety of choices and served until 10am. Staff are what makes the inn so welcoming as all spoke to us which was lovely. I would recommend the inn to anyone wanting a very comfortable and welcoming place to stay at a great price
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John Duncan

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

Lovely hotel in great location

Modern upto date decor. Very clean and tidy. Delicious breakfast and friendly staff. The only gripe was that I used the 'contact the hotel' on Hotels.com app asking whether we could park the car in the morning before 3pm check in. No reply received. I sent a second message. No reply. I filled in an on line check in, including car registration number but still had to do the same form again at the hotel
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Mei

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Reception is in the bar, not convenient. The staff for check in is not friendly
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

S M

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Mohammed

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Worst service and very poorly managed , would never recommend
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sachin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, comfy hotel rooms. Lots to do around.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Veronica Clare

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

Olivia

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
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

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and tidy and within easy walking distance to the restaurant and bar (Lakeside). The staff were warm and friendly, prompt and professional whilst serving. Highly recommended to visitors. I woul recommend however that the aged or disabled go for Accomodation at the lakeside hotel as there is a 100 yard climb to the lake houses from the restaurant.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Madeline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay, not much parking available
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

June

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Did not like the look out of the windows the park and a brick wall. Waited to long to be served for a cooked breakfast ( half an hour) then had to go and chase them on both mornings.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Cliff

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel in an impeccable location. However people should be aware there is an extremely steep hill to climb between the accommodation and thr main hotel where you check in and have breakfast or other meals. We managed this fine and the upside is amazing views, but you won't be taking your car to breakfast so less agile people should bear this in mind. Also, check in is at the main hotel next to the water, notbthe Lakehouse. Its very dispiriting if you're not in a car to drag yourself up there only to find a sign to tell you to go back down and drag the cases up again once you've done the needful. Beyond that we can't fault it. The service was friendly, always efficient and the hotel is thoughtfully presented and well maintained.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024