Waterhead Hotel Ambleside

One of the most stylish hotels in the Lake District, the Waterhead Hotel in Ambleside has it all. Luxury accommodation, a superb location, and a contemporary and glamourous restaurant. The hotel is situated at the southern end of Ambleside, where the A591 meets with the shore of Windermere.

The Waterhead jetty for the Windermere Lake Cruises is just across the road, whilst nearby attractions include Wray Castle, a National Trust property that is perfect for children, and Brockhole, the Lake District National Park Authority’s visitor centre where you can try a plethora of outdoor activities.

Accommodation

Don’t be fooled by the traditional Lakeland slate exterior of the Waterhead Hotel, as there is nothing traditional about the inside. Instead, you will find 41 sophisticated and chic rooms with all the modern comforts you desire. House Rooms come with king or twin beds, and benefit from an LCD television with DVD player and a selection of DVDs, a hospitality tray that includes local favourite Grasmere Gingerbread, and luxury en-suite facilities with baths, showers, and complimentary toiletries from the White Company.

Classic Lake View rooms include all of the above, and are slightly larger with views of lake Windermere. For an extra indulgent stay, check into one of the Luxury Lake View rooms and enjoy silk bed linen, a Nespresso coffee machine, bottled water, Bedrock Gin with Fever Tree tonic, sweets and other snacks, and a newspaper.

Restaurants & Bars

The Bar and Grill restaurant inside the Waterhead Hotel is open to residents and non-residents alike and successfully combines glamourous interiors with a casual and relaxed atmosphere. The menu consists of modern European cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced produce, and there are options available for those with special dietary needs, including gluten free. Children are well catered for with a pick and mix menu available.

In the lounge bar, you can enjoy hot and cold sandwiches, other light bites and classic pub mains, as well as a great selection of pizzas throughout the day. The lounge bar has an extensive selection of hot beverages, and afternoon tea is also served here.

If gin is your thing, then you will certainly want to check out the hotel’s gin collection that includes over 60 different premium gins, including those brewed in the Lake District and all around the world. The wine and spirit list is also extensive, and you can also sample locally brewed ale here.

Additional Facilities & Services

The Waterhead Hotel is part of a small chain of Lake District hotels that includes Low Wood Bay. Guests of the Waterhead Hotel can enjoy complimentary use of the newly refurbished health club facilities that include a pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and gym. Low Wood Bay is one-mile from the Waterhead Hotel with a lake shore walk between the two taking approximately 20-minutes.

The hotel can accommodate weddings and conferences for up to 80 guests and the hotel even has its own charging point for electric vehicles.

Celebrations at the Waterhead Hotel

The hotel is a wonderful place to celebrate the New Year, with three and four night packages available. Begin on the 29th December with a tasting menu for dinner, followed by entertainment in the bar. On the 30th December, you can enjoy a four-course dinner and casino in the evening, with additional entertainment available during the day.

On New Year’s Eve, you can join a guided walk, or take a complimentary lake cruise, followed by an afternoon tea. In the evening, there is a six-course black tie dinner and disco counting down until midnight. New Year’s Day starts late with brunch, and then the option to take another walk, and a buffet lunch. A gin and tonic reception precedes the dinner, which is followed by a quiz.

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