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Photo of The Waterhead Inn

“A stylish bolthole amongst the rugged scenery of the Lake District, with views of Windermere lake. With sleek and airy rooms, a lively bistro-style restaurant and free access to a nearby leisure centre, it’s a place to relax and recharge. There is a jazzy bistro restaurant and good wine selection.”

“A stylish bolthole amongst the rugged scenery of the Lake District, with views of Windermere lake. With sleek and airy rooms, a lively bistro-style restaurant and free access to a nearby leisure centre, it’s a place to relax and recharge. There is a jazzy bistro restaurant and good wine selection.”

Hotel Review

This hotel brings a touch of metropolitan-cool to an area of the country better known for rather bijou, rather hearty or rather grand country-house hotels. The Lake District is, indeed, a lovely and rightly popular area of England, but, until The Waterhead opened in 2004, it didn’t have many hotels aimed at people who want a smart, city-bolthole type of place for a relaxing weekend break. As it sits in a plum position overlooking the head of Windermere (hence the name), it adds glorious views, too. Inside the traditional Lakeland-slate building you’ll find light, airy spaces of sleek wood floors, battered leather sofas, striking chandeliers and a background of cool electronic music. Striking local photography and bold abstract artworks add a sense of place. Bag a room with a lake-view, although all rooms are generous in size and have the same quality style and fittings with soft carpets, super-king beds, white walls and pops of colour in lilac or coppery-gold. The top rooms offer a complimentary local-distilled gin - and you’ll find over 40 more gins in the bar, as well as craft beers. The bright and stylish restaurant offers a smart, bistro-style menu while the outdoor pizza oven is popular at lunchtimes. If it’s sunny, eat outside on the grassy terrace with views over the lake. Ambleside is a pleasant 15-minute stroll, lake cruises are on your doorstep, there’s free access to a nearby hotel leisure centre or just relax over a glass of wine. A stylish bolthole.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

Recommended For

  • Country Escape
  • Lakeside property with ringside view of Windemere and the beauty of Cumbria
  • Sights nearby
  • Both Wordsworth's and Beatrix Potter's former houses are under 10kms
  • Sailing
  • Take a boat out on the famous Lake Windemere
  • Great walks
  • Up 'The Old Man of Coniston'
  • Pet friendly
  • Charges are applicable
  • Views
  • Free wifi
  • Child friendly
  • Village
  • Restaurant
  • Lakeside

Facilities

  • Pet friendly
  • Charges are applicable
  • Free wifi
  • Bicycle hire
  • Cots available
  • Meeting Room
  • Outdoor dining
  • Parking
  • Safe
  • Business Centre
  • Views
  • Wifi
  • In room music system
  • Concierge
  • Child friendly
  • Garden
  • Restaurant

Activities

  • Sights nearby
  • Both Wordsworth's and Beatrix Potter's former houses are under 10kms
  • Sailing
  • Take a boat out on the famous Lake Windemere
  • Great walks
  • Up 'The Old Man of Coniston'

Map & Location

What's Nearby