The Waterhead Inn

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER

With Waterhead Pier handily opposite and an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, The Waterhead Inn, and the Lake House, is an ideal springboard into the magnificent Lake District and gives many an option, whether you’re stopping off for a relaxing drink, enjoying a spot of good, home-cooked food with superb views to match or winding down with a pub stay away.

With plenty to explore and experience in Ambleside, The Waterhead Inn is an ideal base, whilst excellent public transport links direct from the front door open up the wider attractions of the Lakes without the need of a car.

Serving delicious pub fayre and well-kept drinks all day, every day, the warm and friendly team will make sure you’ll fit right inn as you relax in wonderful surroundings.

Property Amenities

Bar/Lounge
Beer Garden
Dog/Pet Friendly
Free parking
Free Wifi
Hiking

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Lowest Price Guarantee

We beat any price found on travel websites if you book direct

Rooms

Check in from 3pm

The Inn Collection Group aims to combine real beer, great food, and comfortable rooms within each of its venues across the north of England, which is why we put such a focus on combining all three at our establishments. Our experience suggests that the best way to relax and unwind is to stay at a convenient inn where you can eat, drink, and sleep without having to travel to and from different places; everything you need is in one convenient location, so travelling is minimised and your enjoyment is maximised.

This popular country inn sits just off of Windermere, the UK’s largest lake, which makes for the ideal place to soak in some natural scenery and relax, unwind, and forget about your busy life back in the city for the weekend.

There is parking available at both the Waterhead rooms and the Lakehouse rooms (located opposite The Waterhead Inn), please note that there is a slight incline to access the Lakehouse rooms so may not be suitable for people with mobility constraints.

Our dog friendly rooms extend a warm welcome to four-legged friends too, meaning you’ll never have to leave your canine behind! Simply add this option during the booking process and enjoy a wonderful stay with your dog by your side (£15 per dog per night).

Please note, images showcase room types as accurately as possible, however rooms do slightly vary. Contact our central reservations team on 0191 5803610 for more information.

2 people
Coffee and tea
Free Wifi
Hairdryer
TV

Our double rooms located in The Waterhead Inn are cosy and comfortable, furnished with a large double bed, desk area and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival.

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2 people
Coffee and tea
Free Wifi
Hairdryer
TV

Our double or twin rooms located in the Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn are spacious and tastefully decorated. Furnished with a king sized bed (twinned upon request), a desk and seating area and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Check-in and dining are located at The Waterhead Inn which is across the road from the Lakehouse rooms. Please note that there is a slight incline to access these rooms so may not be suitable for people with mobility constraints. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival.

Book a Room

2 people
Coffee and tea
Free Wifi
Hairdryer
TV

Our classic double or twin Rooms are located within The Waterhead Inn. They offer a King sized bed or two singles upon request, a desk area and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Please contact us prior to booking to request a twin bedroom as these are subject to availability. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival.

Book a Room

2 people
Coffee and tea
Free Wifi
Hairdryer
TV

Our classic double or twin rooms with a fantastic view of the lake are located within The Waterhead Inn. They are beautifully furnished with a king sized bed or two singles upon request, a desk area and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Please contact us prior to booking to request a twin bedroom as these are subject to availability. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival.

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3 people
Coffee and tea
Free Wifi
Hairdryer
TV

Our Lakehouse family rooms are larger more spacious rooms located in only moments from The Waterhead Inn. Guest Check-in, breakfast and evening dining is at The Waterhead Inn. These rooms are furnished with a king sized bed or two singles upon request, a comfortable sofa bed perfect for children and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. The Lakehouse Rooms are located up a slight incline and there are stairs within the building so may not be suitable for guests with mobility constraints.

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2 people
Coffee and tea
Free Wifi
Hairdryer
TV

These superior double or twin rooms located in The Waterhead Inn are the perfect place to relax & enjoy the views! They offer a king sized bed that can be twinned on request, a desk area, an en-suite bathroom and a spectacular view across the lake. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. We do have certain rooms within this category that are accessible. Please contact us prior to booking to check the availability and request one of these bedrooms if required. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival. The images provided are a representation of each individual room type – room specifics do vary. Please call us directly for any specific room requests.

Book a Room

2 people
Coffee and tea
Free Wifi
Hairdryer
TV

Our Lakehouse superior double or twin rooms are located only moments from The Waterhead Inn. These rooms feature a king sized bed that can be twinned upon request, a desk and seating area and an en-suite bathroom. With a wide range of facilities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. The Lakehouse Superior rooms can be located on various floors and are varying in size including some that feature lower ceilings due to the design of the room. These rooms often offer lake views too, depending on the time of the year. Check in and dining are located at The Waterhead Inn which is across the road from The Lakehouse Rooms. The Lakehouse Rooms are accessed via a slight incline so may not be suitable for guests with mobility constraints. Requests for twin beds need to be confirmed by a member of the team before arrival.

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Food & Drink

Food service: 7:30am – 9:00pm daily

Whether you’re getting ready for a day’s hiking or have worked up an appetite after wandering lonely as a cloud, you’ll appreciate The Waterhead Inn’s hearty helpings of delicious home-cooked fare.

Offering freshly prepared and cooked Cumbrian and British pub classics, look forward to mouth-watering dishes, full of local provenance at every bite, while you look on to one of the best views in the Lakes.

Fuel up for an action-packed day, or simply take your time relaxing into the day with a full Cumbrian breakfast while you enjoy the views. The Waterhead Inn breakfasts can be enjoyed whether you’re staying with us or you’re popping in for a great breakfast and the best lake views.

Drop by for brunches and lunches, while evening meals including sublime puddings at The Waterhead Inn as the sun sets over the lake are not be missed.

Seasonal Menu - Available 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Set in the heart of the Lakes and surrounded by a larder of superb local produce, look out for daily changing specials made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

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Breakfast Menu - Available 7:30am - 11:00am

Looking for the best way to kick start your day or simply a delicious breakfast? Our Breakfast menu is perfect for you.

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Drinks Menu

Whether you're craving a refreshing start to your morning or just in need of a delightful pick-me-up, our drink menu has something for everyone.

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Allergy Advice

Allergen advice is available for all our main menu meals, click the link below to find out more. Ask our team when you visit about our daily special's allergens.

More Information

Special Offers

Golf-INN Getaways

Dinner, bed and breakfast stays for golfing breaks, with a 15% saving!
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Walk-Inn Breaks

Book your getaway! A two-night bed and breakfast stay with SO MANY additional extras too.
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New Year Getaway

Welcome in 2026 in style with a fantastic 2-night bed & breakfast getaway, including 2 evening meals and New Year's Eve entertainment!
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Christmas Staycations

Make Christmas this year extra special by enjoy a relaxing, cosy 3-night break at one of our picturesque inns.
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Winter Breaks

One night bed and breakfast breaks with dinner included, from just £54.50 per person*.
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FAQs

Do you have on site parking available?

There is free car parking available on site at The Waterhead Inn and Lake House.
What time is Check in and Check out?

Check in at The Waterhead Inn is from 3pm and check out is 10:30am.
Is there disabled access and accessible rooms at the inn?

There is disabled access into The Waterhead Inn from the restaurant doors. There is one accessible room however there are a few steps to and from the room. Please note the total height of the bed and the mattress approximately 70cm. For further accessibility information please call our reservations team.
Are you dog-friendly?

Your dogs are more than welcome at The Waterhead Inn! We have designated dog-friendly areas of the pub and restaurant, with water bowls and treats available – including our selection of Sir Woofchester’s dog food range.

We also offer pet-friendly hotel rooms in a select number of rooms across our inn. Please let us know whether you will be bringing a pet at the time of booking to ensure availability, and so we can allocate you accordingly. Your four-legged friend can be added to your booking for £15 per pet, per night.

For more information on our pet-friendly accommodation, please contact our central reservations team on 0191 580 3610.
What facilities are provided?

All rooms at The Ullswater Inn provide complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and tea & coffee making facilities. Please note, we do not provide travel cots. If you plan on bringing your own, we recommend speaking with our reservations team on 0191 580 3610 to ensure the room you’re booking will comfortably accommodate one.
What is the cancellation policy?

Our standard cancellation policy is as follows:
You may cancel your booking without any payment to us at any point before 3pm on the day that is two days before the day your booking starts. After this deadline, the whole booking becomes fully non-refundable. If you try to cancel after this deadline (or if you don’t arrive for your booking), you will still be charged the full price for your booking (including any meals or extras).

Our Advance Purchase Rate cancellation policy is as follows: All bookings on an advance purchase rate are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled by you. If you try to cancel a booking on an advance purchase rate (or if you don’t arrive for your booking), you will still be charged the full price for your booking (including any meals or extras).

Our special offers/promotions cancellation policy is as follows: The cancellation rights for bookings offered on a special offer will be stated during the booking process and in your booking confirmation. Where we do not state any cancellation rights for a special offer, the advance purchase rate cancellation terms (above) will apply.
Do you have any on site bike storage?

There is no bike storage available on site at The Waterhead Inn.
How do I make a large group booking?

For booking 5 or more rooms at The Waterhead Inn please email groups@inncollectiongroup.com
Do you take table bookings?

We only accept bookings for a table of 8 and more at The Waterhead Inn. To book please email info@thewaterheadinn.com
Are you family friendly?

We are family friendly here at The Waterhead Inn and offer a delicious children’s food menu.
Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers are sold on our website and on-site at our inns. They are typically valid for 12 months after issue date, unless otherwise specified on purchasing. All discounted vouchers have reduced expiry. Vouchers will be void once expiry date has elapsed. If you would like to register your on-site voucher to be reminded of validity and balance, please do so here: Register Your Card

Voucher not exchangeable for monetary alternative. All vouchers are non-refundable once purchased.

To check your balance at any time, please follow this link: Check your gift card balance

Explore

Hidden in the heart of ancient Cumbria in North West England lies a National Park known the world over. The Lake District boasts stone circles, glacial lakes, magnificent views, and a history dating back to the Neolithic Period - all waiting for you to discover.

10 minutes drive to Wray Castle
15 minute drive to Grassmere Gingerbread
20 minute drive to Coniston

Attractions
Transport
Nearby Inns

Stagshaw Gardens

0.4 Mile

11 Minutes

1 Minute
Rydal Mount and Gardens

2.5 Miles

50 Minute

10 Minute
Wray Castle

4 Miles

1 Hour 20 Minutes

10 Minute
Wansfell Pike

6 Miles

50 Minutes

15 Minutes
Coniston

8 Miles

20 Minute

Kendal Train Station

13 Miles

30 Minute

The Wateredge Inn

0.3km

1 Minute

1 Minute

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The Temperance Inn

1 Miles

5 Minutes

1 Minute

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The Ambleside Inn

1.3km

15 Minute

5 Minutes

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The Swan, Grasmere

5 Miles

15 Minute

View Rooms

Things to do

15 Things to Do in the Lake District

As you’d expect, the Lake District is famous for, well, its lakes! During your visit, you’ll truly be spoilt for choice for which breathtaking view to relax before.
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Things To Do In Coniston

For those of you planning a trip to the Lake District, we’ve got you covered – we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the top things to do in Coniston, covering everything from the quaint streets of Coniston Village to boat rides, family days out, and more!
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Things to do in Windermere

From summit-scaling hikes and relaxing sailing across the water to historical landmarks and quaint villages – no matter what you enjoy, you’re sure to find it in the lakes.
Explore

See all things to do

Nearby inns

The Wateredge Inn

Ambleside, Lake District

The prime spot on Windermere sits The Wateredge Inn - a fantastic inn perfect for Lake District getaways.

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The Swan, Grasmere

Grasmere, Lake District

Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, The Swan in Grasmere is the perfect location to explore one of the UK's most scenic locations.

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The Ambleside Inn

Ambleside, Lake District

In the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland inn is ideal for exploring Windermere and the southern Lakes.

View Inn