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The Waterhead, The Lake District

The Waterhead

The Lake District, The UK

The Waterhead

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The Waterhead is a sophisticated hotel on the shore of Lake Windermere. Every detail of the boutique property’s 41 contemporary guest rooms has been carefully designed to offer a relaxed, intimate atmosphere and the staff’s attentive, award-winning service will make you feel right at home. 

The beautifully lit restaurant offers a contemporary dining experience, putting a modern twist on traditional dishes. The hotel’s Lounge Bar offers an all-day menu within a relaxed environment, focused around local ingredients. Afternoon tea is also served daily and is further enhanced when enjoyed from the hotel’s elegant lakeside garden and terrace.

OUR OPINION:

With its prime position on the shore of Lake Windermere and close proximity to Ambleside and Grasmere, the Waterhead Hotel is perfectly situated for exploring the Lake District.

OUR RATING: First Class

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TrustScore 4.8 | 3205 reviews

Photos of The Waterhead

  • Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside
    Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside
  • Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside
    Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside
  • Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside
    Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside
  • Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside
    Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside
  • Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside
    Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside

Rooms

The Waterhead Hotel offers guests three room categories to choose from. All 41 generously-sized, contemporary designed guest rooms feature white walls adorned with bold, modern artwork, well-lit bathrooms and tea and coffee facilities. House rooms provide guests with everything they would need for an enjoyable stay. Classic rooms offer the same amenities as the House rooms but also feature spectacular views over Lake Windermere. Luxury Lake View rooms have extra special touches to enhance your stay. These extra amenities include luxurious bathrobes and complimentary beverages and snacks such as Nespresso coffee pods and locally distilled Bedrock Gins.

Location

The boutique Waterhead Hotel has a waterfront location next to scenic Lake Windermere and lakeside walks can be enjoyed right from the hotel’s front door. Ambleside with its numerous shops, activities, and restaurants is just north from the property.

Food and drink

The Waterhead’s restaurant offers an intimate dining experience and a diverse menu that puts a fresh twist on regional dishes. The stylish restaurant also serves a traditional afternoon tea, which can be enjoyed on the hotel lawn. Additionally, the bar is the perfect place to enjoy a morning latte, evening wine, or one of the 40 gin infusions on offer.

Families

Every child receives a goody bag when they arrive at the Waterhead Hotel. The property’s dining facilities welcome children and offer a separate children’s menu. High chairs and booster seats are also available. Additionally, children aged five to ten years old can join Sam's Club, an activity club run by the hotel group.

Facilities and activities

Guests at the Waterhead Hotel receive complimentary access to the Low Wood Bay Leisure Club, where facilities include an indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna, gym, squash court and a beauty salon. The seasonal Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre is also discounted and offers a wide range of instructional courses such as kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as boat hires.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

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    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

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    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

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