Book The Best Hotels in Waterhead for 2026 from CA $91 - Fully Refundable Options

Our top choices for Waterhead hotels

Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group

Ambleside

Jade

CA $233 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 30 - Jul 1

Hideaway Suite

Ambleside

CA $300 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 17 - Jun 18

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

Ambleside

Megan

CA $241 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 21 - Jun 22

Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn

Ambleside

Colin

CA $215 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 30 - Jul 1

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Ambleside

Michael

CA $185 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 21 - Jun 22

Waterhead Cottage

Ambleside

CA $1,209 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 15 - Jun 16

YHA Ambleside - Hostel

Ambleside

Sarah

CA $110 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 22 - Jun 23

Sethera

Ambleside

CA $930 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 22 - Jun 23

Waterhead Retreat

Ambleside

CA $951 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 23 - Jun 24

Highfold

Ambleside

CA $988 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 24 - Jun 25

The Bay Cottage

Ambleside

CA $1,113 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 21 - Jun 22

Betamere

Ambleside

CA $986 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 9 - Jul 10

Beckfoot

Ambleside

Mary Mount Hotel

Keswick

Jane

CA $181 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 24 - Jun 25

Another Place The Lake

Penrith

David

CA $625 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 22 - Jun 23

Queens Head Inn

Penrith

Neil

CA $210 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 28 - Jun 29

Hare & Hounds

Kendal

Robert

CA $221 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 29 - Jun 30

The Bridge Inn

Holmrook

darren

CA $199 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 18 - Jun 19

Beech Hill Hotel & Spa

Windermere

Harvey

CA $205 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 24 - Jun 25

The Inn at Ravenglass

Ravenglass

Howard

CA $221 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 1 - Jul 2

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Stay near popular Waterhead attractions

Ambleside Pier

4.6/5 (155 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Waterhead with a trip to Ambleside Pier. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

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Learn more about Waterhead

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

See all hotels in Waterhead

Top Waterhead Hotel Reviews

The Belsfield Hotel

8/10 Good

"It was great to see this grand hotel being invested in. The outside looks amazing and our room 38 (double lake view) had just been refurbished and was tastefully decorated with just the best views of the lake and pier. All the staff we encountered from Persia at check in, to Joy in the restaurant & Nick & Moses in the bar were warm and friendly. Not all was perfect unfortunately and the Belsfield is still “work in progress”. On checking in we were told that room service was “on request” (we requested it for our 3 night stay) but this surely should be standard at a 4* hotel. There was also a sign in the room that stated no bottled water is provided unless specifically required and then a visit to reception would be needed. Again, a surprise omission which along with the need to request the room service left us feeling just minutes from arriving that the Belsfield aim wasn’t to do everything possible to ensure we enjoyed our stay. Breakfast, was a buffet and no additional orders such as an omelette was available. All the breakfast offerings to include tea & coffee was crammed into a small corner of what was a large room making for a rather chaotic experience. A small à la carte option of omelette’s, poached eggs, eggs Benedict etc would have been welcomed and would also have taken a little pressure away from the buffet. Despite these aspects, we had a lovely time and would return again knowing some issues will be addressed."

Damson Dene Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Great welcome to the hotel from the gentleman on reception, very friendly and helpful, even understanding when we over slept our check out time. Room was very spacious and looked like we were in a new part of the hotel room 51, 51 had a great view over the garden where ducks and ducklings were swimming and playing. The garden to the rear of the property was beautifully kept, and the little bridge over the water and small village make of slate made the garden really standout. Service at the bar was quick and the bar man was super helpful. Breakfast in the morning was a buffet, so you helped yourself which I prefer. The room was well decorated, and had all the features you would expect in a hotel room. Bathroom looked new and the shower was amazing with a raindrop shower head, bed was comfortable and pillows fresh. 1 thing to mention, don't push the button on the side of the toilet. (You have been warned 😉) Great stay and I would stay there again if travelling to the Lakes. Hotel is about 10 minutes drive from Barrow but far enough out not to hear any excess noise from the number of pubs in the town. Full marks for all. 👍"

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Top quality hotel in a brilliant location, absolutely loved it here. We didn’t find a better bar to have a drink in or a better restaurant to eat in, all perfect… with a wonderful view over the lake too! The leisure facilities really helped too, the pool was a proper pool you could actually swim in! My only (very slight) observation might be that it did look a bit tired in places, with a bit of paint peeling off here and there."

Shap Wells Hotel

8/10 Good

"The hotel is in a beautiful spot famous for red squirrels. It was once a spa hotel therefore has a grand and historic reception area. The staff throughout the hotel were very welcoming and helpful. The hotel was very clean as was the room however our room needed some minor repairs to the decor etc. Our Sat Nav took us on an 'interesting' route to the hotel which was a track through fields of sheep! There is a much easier route from the M6 so just be aware."

More cheap stays in Waterhead

YHA Helvellyn - Hostel

Greenside, Glenridding Penrith England

CA $76

CA $91 total

Jun 21 - Jun 22

includes taxes & fees

8.8/10 Excellent! (53 reviews)

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 canceled 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 Waterhead hotel booking with Expedia?

Members always get our best prices. Find our best Waterhead hotel deals by joining Expedia's free travel rewards program today. As a member, you can unlock instant savings and member perks when you're logged in to your account. Another tip is to book your hotel and flights together on Expedia, where bundling can result in significant savings.

How much is the nightly rate at a Waterhead hotel?

Prices for hotels in Waterhead often vary, but you can find a great deal from CA $91 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 the cheapest rate.

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Our top choices for Waterhead hotels

Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group

Hideaway Suite

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn

Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Waterhead Cottage

YHA Ambleside - Hostel

Sethera

Waterhead Retreat

Highfold

The Bay Cottage

Betamere

Beckfoot

Mary Mount Hotel

Another Place The Lake

Queens Head Inn

Hare & Hounds

The Bridge Inn

Beech Hill Hotel & Spa

The Inn at Ravenglass

Stay near popular Waterhead attractions

Ambleside Pier

Learn more about Waterhead

Top Waterhead Hotel Reviews

The Belsfield Hotel

More cheap stays in Waterhead

YHA Helvellyn - Hostel

Frequently asked questions

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