Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

4.0 star property
Victorian inn in Ambleside with free breakfast

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Photo gallery for Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

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

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

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

Family Room

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

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

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn is adjacent to popular attractions such as Lake Windermere and Ambleside Pier. This 23-room, 4-star inn has free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

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
  • ‪Freshers’ Cafe - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Waterhead Hotel - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Royal Oak - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Victorian inn in Ambleside with free breakfast
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn features free WiFi in public areas and a garden. If you drive, put free parking to good use. Friendly staff can provide luggage storage, and also offer advice about sightseeing.
22-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Coffee makers, hair dryers, and desks are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

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

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
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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 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

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 15 per pet, per night
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total pets
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Certain rooms only
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • 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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:30 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts major credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • 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 free cancellation available at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see near Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

This inn is located in Ambleside, just steps from Lake Windermere and Ambleside Pier, and within a short walk of Borrans Park. You'll also find Ambleside Climbing Wall and White Platts Recreation Ground less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the inn.

Does Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn include a casino on the premises?

No, Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this inn.

What do couples enjoy most about Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

Couples staying at this inn will appreciate amenities like free breakfast and a garden plus some guestrooms include partial lake views.

Are there hot tubs at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

No, this inn doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn offers free English breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Will Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn for a fee of GBP 15 per pet, per night.

Are there connecting rooms at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

No, this inn doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn.

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

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 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