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Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

4.0 star property
Victorian inn in Ambleside with free parking

Photo gallery for Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Garden
Superior Double or Twin Room
Boating
Lake
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$159
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
Lake Road, Waterhead Bay, Ambleside, England, LA22 0ER
  • Place, Lake Windermere
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Ambleside Pier
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Borrans Park
    ‪5 min walk‬

Room options

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 Single 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 - double
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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 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 Single Beds

About the area

Ambleside

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn places you steps from Ambleside Pier and within a short 5-minute stroll of Lake Windermere. Highlights at this Victorian inn include free in-room WiFi. .This pet-friendly inn offers free WiFi in public areas, a garden and luggage storage. English breakfast is available daily between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this 4-property class Ambleside inn include Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre and World of Beatrix Potter.
View more Inns in AmblesideOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Windermere - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Ambleside Pier - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Borrans Park - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Ambleside Climbing Wall - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Rothay Park - 18 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • Windermere Station - 7 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Victorian inn in Ambleside with free parking
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn offers its guests a garden. 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
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn offers 23 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. 22-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include baths or showers. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Bar (on property)
The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 327 reviews
The price is AU$199
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
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 self parking

Food and drink

  • Daily English breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: GBP 15 per person

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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.

  • Fee for English breakfast: from approximately GBP 15 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)

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 all 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

What is the cancellation policy at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 28 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn on 4 Jan 2026 start from AU$158.77, 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.

Is parking available at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

Yep, Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited.

Does Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn serve breakfast?

Sure does, English brekkie is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

No, Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:30 AM.

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 337 out of 514 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 135 out of 514 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 514 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 514 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 514 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

8/10 Good

Susan

Travelled with family
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

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

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Good location. However, multiple things that could be better. I had informed the hotel it was our wedding anniversary but this was not acknowledged and nothing done to make it feel special. Difficult driveway access to the lakehouse parking and also very limited. Didn't realise that check in was at the pub opposite the road (busy road to cross). Long, slow moving line to check in. Room small but had all amenities. Cleanliness could be better due to lots of dust and dead flies on windowsills. Lots of noise from other guests in the early hours of the morning that could be heard. Breakfast good with vegetarian options. Overall okay but could have been better.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Travelled with partner
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

6/10 Okay

Alistair

It's fine.

It is very confusing when you first arrive. It isn't clear that you need to go down the hill, over the road and into the pub to check in. Once you've managed that then it's OK but if the weather is bad there isn't a lounge to relax in.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

K C B

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

The room is a bit too warm.

The room is a bit too warm. We were not able to switch off the towel rack heating in the bathroom. It seems the ventilation fan inside the bathroom is not working.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

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

Very Good!

Excellent location. Pleasant staff at most times. Check out wasn’t asked if we had enjoyed our stay, or thanks for staying or anything. Breakfast very good value and tasty
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Saying it was up an incline was deceiving.It was up a steep hill but food and room excellent
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with family
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

Christine

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Roger

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

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

6/10 Okay

Mark

Business traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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