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Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

4.0 star property
Victorian inn in Ambleside with free breakfast

Choose dates to view prices

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
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$182
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Superior Double or Twin Room

Superior Double or Twin Room

Superior Double or Twin Room

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2023
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2023
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Double or Twin Room

Double or Twin Room

Double or Twin Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2023
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
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About the area

Map
Lake Road, Waterhead Bay, Ambleside, England, LA22 0ER

What's nearby

  • Lake Windermere - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Ambleside Pier - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Rydal Mount - 7 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Wray Castle - 8 min drive - 7.2 km

Getting around

  • Windermere Station - 7 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Upscale inn remodelled in 2023 and located near Lake Windermere
Located close to Ambleside Pier and Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre, Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn provides free English breakfast and a garden. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self-parking
  • Luggage storage, laundry services and smoke-free property
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn offer amenities, such as free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with baths or showers and hairdryers
  • 22-inch flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Wardrobes/cupboards, electric kettles and heating

Similar properties

Bar (on property)

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 322 reviews
The price is NZ$205
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
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 transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking

Food and drink

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

Conveniences

  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • 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
  • Renovated entire property - July 2023
  • Smoke-free property
  • 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

  • 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
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 are 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 on the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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 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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
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

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

As of 3 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn on 5 Nov 2025 start from NZ$181.52, 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 at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

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?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM. Late checkout 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 away from Lake Windermere and Ambleside Pier. Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre and World of Beatrix Potter are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Amenities
We enjoyed the excellent location and view from the hotel as well as the good quality breakfasts and on two nights evening meals in the Waterhead Inn bar which is part of the whole package.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really good hotel in great location. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

6/10 Okay

Delia

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

Overnight

We arrived early and waited until 3.00pm Staff friendly room was spacious and clean. Pillows were terrible and the room above ours they were moving furniture and walking about until 4.00 am Did tell two members of staff one apologised and the other said she wondered what was going on up there! Thought we had dinner , bed and breakfast for £279.00 but was told only bed and breakfast. All staff were friendly but very rushed.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

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

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

Lyndsey

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

Jody

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

Great Little Find

What a nice place! Note that this hotel is not directly on the water but just up the hill from the lake. The property was beautiful, the staff very friendly, the rooms clean and comfortable and the food excellent. Note that the check in is in the restaurant at the bottom of the hill and across the street. I would definitely stay at this property if in the area again.
View from the hotel parking lot at the top of the hill.
View from the hotel restaurant at the bottom of the hill.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly staff, lovely decor, tasty breakfast. However flies in bathroom (dead and alive) and a few cobwebs and dust in room. Nothing terrible but felt it could have been a bit cleaner for price.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The team here are wonderful people and do what they can for you. They really give top level service. They just need help from the company that owns the hotel to give it much needed renovations. I will return one day I hope :)
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Mark

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

6/10 Okay

Florina

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness
This was my second time staying at the Ambleside Lake House. I was absolutely delighted the first time around, less so this time. The pros: the room was lovely, staff is wonderful and the breakfast is excellent. The con:
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Ana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location in front off the lake is very conveniente. The rooms are nicely decored and equiped. We stayed at the lakehouse and the instructions for the reception location for the check in were not clear because it is inside they restaurant and there are no signs. Breakfast is good but one day they didnt have fruit. Restaurant for dinner Open until 9pm which is helpful. We ordered soup one night and it was extremely salty
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness
Basically a nice hotel. A few things could be improved: There is no storage space for things in the bathroom. Lack of hooks or bars to hang bathroom towels. The save was not functional. The room made a newly renovated impression, but unfortunately with the above missing details.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Very pretty place, very nearly great.

Good: Beautiful building and grounds, nicely decorated, amazing view from the window. Nice breakfast, friendly staff. Quiet. Got a good night's sleep. Not-so-good: There were several minor maintenance issues in the room (bulb not working, cupboard door loose). There was no safe in the room. We had a ground floor room but the windows were not very secure, which was a bit of a concern. Also, my stay was in summer but I suspect the single-glazed windows would be draughty and cold in the winter. Could have been excellent except for these minor niggles.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

2/10 Terrible

M adil

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Overly expensive, unprofessionally managed hotel

Overly expensive for the kind of property this is and how its managed. The staff is very rude and racist towards asians/ muslims. Very average hotel, not even a 3 star by any means and they classify themselves as 4. Doesnt even have a proper place to sit other than the 2 old chairs in the hallway. Old carpets and furniture, Low class old mattress and pillows. No change of linen or proper cleaning. Only one staff in the whole property which is clearly not how a hotel is managed. No trash cans on property and be prepared to be harassed and extorted for more money by the staff for any service u ask for. Only one good thing which i can mention is its location. Very less Walking distance from ambleside pier.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

YUICHI

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
レストランや本館は湖に面しており景色が良い　道路の反対側の別館は急坂の上にあり移動が大変な上にリフトもなく不便　部屋はあまり広くはない
チェックインはレストランのカウンター　店員さんは少なく忙しいので待たされます
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Heather

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

2/10 Terrible

Mei

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

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