A wooden pier extending into calm water, with a sailboat in the distance and hills in the background.

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Check prices for these dates

Tonight
5 Oct - 6 Oct
Tomorrow
6 Oct - 7 Oct
This weekend
9 Oct - 11 Oct
Next weekend
16 Oct - 18 Oct

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Our top choices for Waterhead hotels

1. Quaysiders Lakes Resort

Quaysiders Lakes Resort
Ambleside
United Kingdom
Hajara
AU$261
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Quaysiders Lakes Resort

2. Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn
Ambleside
Canada
Trusha
AU$169
includes taxes & fees
8 Oct - 9 Oct
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

3. Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn

Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn
Ambleside
United Kingdom
Colin
AU$188
includes taxes & fees
8 Oct - 9 Oct
Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn

4. Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group

Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group
Ambleside
United States
Jennifer
AU$238
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group

5. The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group
Ambleside
United Kingdom
Lina
AU$207
includes taxes & fees
8 Oct - 9 Oct
The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

6. Hideaway Suite

Hideaway Suite
Ambleside
AU$281
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Hideaway Suite

7. YHA Ambleside - Hostel

YHA Ambleside - Hostel
Ambleside
United Kingdom
Sarah
AU$70
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
YHA Ambleside - Hostel

8. Waterhead Retreat

Waterhead Retreat
Ambleside
United Kingdom
Josephine
AU$961
includes taxes & fees
16 Oct - 17 Oct
Waterhead Retreat

9. High Borrans

High Borrans
Ambleside
AU$825
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
High Borrans

10. Waterhead Cottage

Waterhead Cottage
Ambleside
AU$1,237
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Waterhead Cottage

11. The Bay Cottage

The Bay Cottage
Ambleside
AU$1,136
includes taxes & fees
10 Oct - 11 Oct
The Bay Cottage

12. Romney 17

Romney 17
Ambleside
AU$1,268
includes taxes & fees
31 Oct - 1 Nov
Romney 17

13. Betamere

Betamere
Ambleside
AU$1,334
includes taxes & fees
24 Oct - 25 Oct
Betamere

14. Sethera

Sethera
Ambleside
United Kingdom
Stuart
AU$1,072
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Sethera

15. No 7

No 7
Ambleside
AU$1,788
includes taxes & fees
23 Oct - 24 Oct
No 7

16. Beckfoot

Beckfoot
Ambleside
AU$2,017
includes taxes & fees
8 Oct - 9 Oct
Beckfoot

17. Rothay Garth

Rothay Garth
Ambleside
United Kingdom
Tony
AU$117
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Rothay Garth

18. The Temperance Inn, Ambleside. The Inn Collection Group

The Temperance Inn, Ambleside. The Inn Collection Group
Ambleside Town Centre
United Kingdom
Ian
AU$175
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
The Temperance Inn, Ambleside. The Inn Collection Group

19. Rydal Hall Christian Retreat

Rydal Hall Christian Retreat
Ambleside
United States
Genady
AU$154
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Rydal Hall Christian Retreat

20. Rothay Manor Hotel

Rothay Manor Hotel
Ambleside
United Kingdom
Karen
AU$647
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Rothay Manor Hotel
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Stay near popular Waterhead attractions

Borrans Park

Explore the great outdoors at Borrans Park, a lovely green space in Lakes.
See properties

Ambleside Roman Fort

After visiting Ambleside Roman Fort, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Waterhead. Stroll along the lakeside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.
See properties

Learn more about Waterhead

Escape to relaxing Waterhead! Enjoy its lake views and dining.

See all hotels in Waterhead
A riverside view of a white building with a sign reading "Wateredge Inn" and a mountain in the background.
Photo by David Dixon

Top Waterhead Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in Waterhead

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

8/10 Good
"Room was spotless and spacious. Large group in at breakfast time but staff coped very well. No towels in Spa so had to get some from room. Parking is overpriced considering room costs, only negative for us. Have been a few times now, and will return."
Lorraine 1-night trip
Posted less than an hour ago
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
Woodlands Guest House Windermere

Woodlands Guest House Windermere

10/10 Excellent
"This was a nice hotel to stay at for our visit to the Lake District. It was very walkable and the breakfast was good."
David 1-night trip
Posted 7 hours ago
Woodlands Guest House Windermere
Riverside Hotel

Riverside Hotel

8/10 Good
"Room was alright for a one night stay. Was just about able to get a parking space. We didn’t have the breakfast but the view from the room was nice - of the river."
Margaret 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Riverside Hotel
Keswick Country House Hotel

Keswick Country House Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"The food in the restaurant was first class and the staff were friendly and always helpful"
Geoff 4-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Keswick Country House Hotel
The Belsfield Hotel

The Belsfield Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"It wouldn't really be right to single out just one aspect of this hotel as being superb. The truth is that every feature you would want to be top quality in an outstanding hotel was exactly that during our stay! Friendly, helpful and polite staff made for a relaxing stay. The breakfasts were very special; tasty food matched by the superb views!"
Nigel 4-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
The Belsfield Hotel
Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group

Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group

10/10 Excellent
"Great staff, room was clean, breakfast was good."
Jennifer 2-night trip
Posted 6 days ago
Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group
Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn

Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn

10/10 Excellent
"Really good place for a relaxing little break would highly recommend"
John 1-night trip
Posted 7 days ago
Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn
Aphrodites Group

Aphrodites Group

10/10 Excellent
"In easy reach of Bowness, lovely private location, ample free parking. Rooms very clean and great in room facilities. Just think room service breakfast could have ended a little later especially if paid for a late check out"
nick 1-night trip
Posted 7 days ago
Aphrodites Group
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

10/10 Excellent
"Great location. Our room was on the top (2nd) floor so beware if you have heavy cases"
Tony 3-night trip
Posted 8 days ago
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

More cheap accommodation in Waterhead

The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel

Dockray, Ullswater Dockray England
AU$131
6 Oct - 7 Oct
includes taxes & fees
9.4/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
The Royal Hotel
Rydal Hall Christian Retreat

Rydal Hall Christian Retreat

Rydal Ambleside England
AU$154
4 Nov - 5 Nov
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
Rydal Hall Christian Retreat
Bowness Guest House

Bowness Guest House

80 Craig Walk Windermere England
AU$168
8 Oct - 9 Oct
includes taxes & fees
9.6/10 Exceptional! (301 reviews)
Bowness Guest House
The Gateway Hotel

The Gateway Hotel

Crook Rd Kendal England
AU$171
6 Oct - 7 Oct
includes taxes & fees
9.4/10 Exceptional! (192 reviews)
The Gateway Hotel
The Governance Apartments

The Governance Apartments

Holly Rd Windermere England
AU$285
6 Oct - 7 Oct
includes taxes & fees
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
The Governance Apartments
Another Place The Lake

Another Place The Lake

Lake District National Park Penrith England
AU$468
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Another Place The Lake

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Waterhead?
The best area to stay in Waterhead is right along the shores of Windermere, particularly around the main landing stage and the area leading up to Ambleside.This area is the heart of Waterhead, offering direct access to the lake and its activities. You'll find a selection of hotels and guesthouses clustered near the Windermere Lake Cruises pier, from which you can embark on boat trips across the lake. The main road, Borrans Road, runs parallel to the lake, connecting Waterhead directly to Ambleside town centre, which is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk away. There are also several pubs and eateries within easy reach.For couples looking for a romantic escape, staying close to the lake offers stunning views and easy access to leisurely strolls along the shore. Many accommodations here cater to a relaxed pace, with some offering rooms with lake views or balconies, superb for enjoying the scenery. The proximity to boat trips makes it easy to explore other parts of the Lake District without needing a car every day.Families will also find this area convenient due to the direct access to lake activities. Children often enjoy the boat trips, and there are gentle walking paths nearby.
When is the best time to go to Waterhead?
The best time to go to Waterhead is typically from late spring to early autumn, specifically May through September, when the weather is generally mild and ideal for outdoor activities.During these months, you'll find the longest daylight hours, making it great for exploring the Lake District's fells, lakes, and attractions. The weather is usually warm enough for boat trips on Windermere, hiking, and enjoying the many walking paths around Waterhead and nearby Ambleside. While summer (July and August) can be busier with tourists, the longer days offer more opportunities to experience everything the area has to offer.For those who prefer fewer crowds and don't mind slightly cooler temperatures, May, June, and September are excellent choices. The landscape is particularly beautiful in May and June with spring blooms, and in September, the autumn colours begin to emerge, creating stunning scenery.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Waterhead.
How can I save on a hotel booking in Waterhead with Expedia?
One Key™—Expedia's free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Waterhead hotels. Plus, you'll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Waterhead?
Prices for hotels in Waterhead often vary, but you can find a great deal from AU$70 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

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