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

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Our top choices for Waterhead hotels

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group
4.0 star property
Ambleside
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (357 reviews)
"We had a fabulous room overlooking the river. The amenities were great, and the breakfast was substantial."
Australia
Megan
The price is AU$268
includes taxes & fees
15 July - 16 July
The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn
4.0 star property
Ambleside
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (530 reviews)
"Breakfast was perfect, freshly cooked self serve at the water head across the road, great service and very helpful."
United Kingdom
Michael
The price is AU$248
includes taxes & fees
19 July - 20 July
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group

Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group
4.0 star property
Ambleside
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (309 reviews)
"Lovely room, great location with easy parking & a great full breakfast!"
United Kingdom
Jade
The price is AU$279
includes taxes & fees
19 July - 20 July
Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group

Hideaway Suite

Hideaway Suite
2.0 star property
Ambleside
The price is AU$345
includes taxes & fees
12 July - 13 July
Hideaway Suite

Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn

Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn
4.0 star property
Ambleside
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (430 reviews)
"Our room in the block across from the main inn was really good, clean and comfortable. It was very quiet and the breakfast was excellent."
United Kingdom
Colin
The price is AU$279
includes taxes & fees
30 July - 31 July
Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn

Waterhead Cottage

Waterhead Cottage
3.0 star property
Ambleside
Waterhead Cottage

YHA Ambleside - Hostel

YHA Ambleside - Hostel
4.0 star property
Ambleside
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (201 reviews)
"Clean room, great amenities, lovely bar."
United Kingdom
Sarah
The price is AU$131
includes taxes & fees
23 July - 24 July
YHA Ambleside - Hostel

Betamere

Betamere
2.5 star property
Ambleside
The price is AU$881
includes taxes & fees
10 July - 11 July
Betamere

High Borrans

High Borrans
2.5 star property
Ambleside
The price is AU$834
includes taxes & fees
11 July - 12 July
High Borrans

Sethera

Sethera
3.5 star property
Ambleside
The price is AU$961
includes taxes & fees
3 Aug - 4 Aug
Sethera

The Bay Cottage

The Bay Cottage
3.0 star property
Ambleside
The Bay Cottage

Waterhead Retreat

Waterhead Retreat
2.5 star property
Ambleside
The price is AU$1,265
includes taxes & fees
20 July - 21 July
Waterhead Retreat

Highfold

Highfold
3.0 star property
Ambleside
Highfold

Romney 17

Romney 17
2.5 star property
Ambleside
The price is AU$2,354
includes taxes & fees
20 July - 21 July
Romney 17

Mary Mount Hotel

Mary Mount Hotel
3.0 star property
Keswick
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (27 reviews)
"Wonderful staff, nice spacious room, lovely terrace and outlook of the hotel. "
United Kingdom
Jane
The price is AU$254
includes taxes & fees
12 July - 13 July
Mary Mount Hotel

Another Place The Lake

Another Place The Lake
2.5 star property
Penrith
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (4 reviews)
"Very nice for a quiet getaway in the North Lakes"
United Kingdom
David
The price is AU$585
includes taxes & fees
21 July - 22 July
Another Place The Lake

George and Dragon Clifton

George and Dragon Clifton
3.0 star property
Penrith
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (81 reviews)
"Lovely staff, very good accommodation & food"
United Kingdom
Elizabeth
The price is AU$234
includes taxes & fees
4 Aug - 5 Aug
George and Dragon Clifton

The George Hotel

The George Hotel
3.0 star property
Penrith
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (199 reviews)
"Very nive rooms with great views, staff were extremely good and catered for our every need"
United Kingdom
Pete
The price is AU$298
includes taxes & fees
11 July - 12 July
The George Hotel

New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel

New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
3.0 star property
Ambleside
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (274 reviews)
"Lovely location; great room"
United Kingdom
Christopher
The price is AU$208
includes taxes & fees
13 July - 14 July
New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel

Westmorland Hotel Tebay

Westmorland Hotel Tebay
3.0 star property
Penrith
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (889 reviews)
"Great staff, food was excellent as always and very comparable room for 1 night."
United Kingdom
John
The price is AU$266
includes taxes & fees
21 July - 22 July
Westmorland Hotel Tebay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Stay near popular Waterhead attractions

Learn more about Waterhead

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

A wooden pier extending into calm water, with a sailboat in the distance and hills in the background.
Photo by Chris Anderson
Open Photo by Chris Anderson

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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 Keyā„¢ — Expedia's free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to perks and Member Prices on Waterhead hotels. Plus, you'll earn OneKeyCashā„¢* 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$98 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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