"The room was very comfortable and the bath in the bathroom was exceptional."
Carol from United Kingdom
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"Lovely little touches like home made flapjack, free parking pass and port to end your day."
Andrew from United Kingdom
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"Perfect room,we both slept sooo well,nice little touches in the room,home made flapjacks,port to drink."
peter h from United Kingdom
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"Our stay in The Waterwheel was exceptionally wonderful on so many fronts."
Jeremy H from United Kingdom
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4-star adults-only guesthouse in Ambleside with 3 individually styled rooms
The Guesthouse
Waterwheel Guesthouse is a 4-star bed and breakfast offering only three individually styled guest rooms. An adults-only policy ensures a tranquil environment for relaxation. The historic building dates back to the 17th century and features a unique curved staircase reflecting its character.
Rooms & Amenities
Each room includes a private bathroom with baths, showers, and free toiletries. Guests find bathrobes and fireplaces in the rooms, along with garden and mountain views. In-room amenities include tea and coffee making facilities, homemade flapjacks, and a decanter of port.
Breakfast & Dining
A variety of breakfast options are available, including continental, full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Breakfast uses locally sourced produce, including sausages, bacon, and eggs. Guests choose from local jams, fresh fruit, and yogurt.
Location
The guesthouse is located within walking distance of restaurants and shops in central Ambleside. Nearby attractions include Windermere Lake for boat trips, Rydal Mount and Gardens for historical exploration, and Scafell Pike for hiking. Complimentary parking permits are provided for a nearby car park, valid at several other car parks in the area.
Highlights
Rooms: 3 individually styled en-suite bedrooms
Breakfast: Locally sourced produce with vegan and gluten-free options
Parking: Complimentary permit for multiple car parks
Location: Central Ambleside, walking distance to shops and restaurants
Extras: Homemade flapjacks and port in each room
Policy: Adults-only guarantee
Must-do experiences
Hike to Stock Ghyll Force for stunning waterfall views nearby.
Taste the famous Grasmere Gingerbread at Sarah Nelson's shop.
Discover the historic Armitt Museum, showcasing local heritage.
Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Windermere for breathtaking sights.
Visit the local farmer's market on Thursdays for fresh produce.
Choose your room category
Waterwheel Guesthouse offers double, family, and suite rooms throughout the Lake District, all including breakfast, free cancellation, and seasonal deals
Superior Double Room
2 persons
11 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Fireplace
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
11 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Deluxe Double Room Bath
2 persons
11 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Room Rates & Availability Calendar
See current rates and availability for the Lake District now!
Amenities
Waterwheel Guesthouse provides amenities designed for a relaxing stay and memorable moments
Facilities: Perfect
9.8/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
No pets allowed
Adults only
Luggage storage
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Room features
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Where to Find Waterwheel Guesthouse
3 Bridge Street, Ambleside, LA22 9DU,
Map view
City landmarks
Garden
Rydal Mount
2.21 km
Landmark
Borrans Park
1.25 km
Landmark
High Close Estate
610 m
Landmark
Rydal Water
2.72 km
Landmark
Stock Ghyll Force
3.08 km
Landmark
Wansfell Pike
1.78 km
Landmark
Lily Tarn
1.59 km
Garden
Rydal Hall Gardens
2.05 km
Landmark
Dora's Field
2.07 km
Bridge
Bridge House
3.82 km
Landmark
Rydal Hall Sculpture Path
2.23 km
Landmark
High Sweden Bridge
2.21 km
Castle
Wray Castle
3.56 km
Landmark
Loughrigg Fell
3.03 km
Cave
Rydal Cave
2.51 km
Gallery
Old Courthouse Gallery
3.59 km
Landmark
Wansfell
2.7 km
Landmark
Brockhole on Windermere
3.67 km
Camping
Skelwith Fold
2.99 km
Landmark
Ambleside Roman Fort
4.92 km
Landmark
Hayes Garden World Ambleside
4.16 km
Landmark
Jenkin Crag
4.87 km
Landmark
The National Trust
3.82 km
Landmark
Rothay Park
4.1 km
Church
St Mary's Church
3.94 km
Landmark
Merz Barn
3.98 km
Nearby
Garden
Stagshaw Garden
50 m
Museum
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
500 m
Moss Eccles Tarn
50 m
AmblesideEngland
Copt Howe
50 m
Restaurants
The Unicorn Inn
30 m
North Road
The Apple Pie Cafe
3.89 km
Rydal Road Located Behind Our Bakery Shop
Sheila's Cottage Restaurant
3.64 km
The Slack
Queen's Hotel Kitchen and Restaurant
50 m
Market Place Queens Hotel
Zeffirelli's
3.77 km
Compston Road
The Sour Dough Pizza Company
50 m
Old Lake Road
The Ambleside Inn
3.62 km
Market Place
The Fulling Mill
3.9 km
Rydal Road
Explore Ambleside
Explore Ambleside
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
High Close Estate
10 minutes' walk
High Close Estate offers scenic gardens and walks, perfect for a peaceful stroll and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
7 minutes' walk
The Armitt houses collections of local history, art, and literature, showcasing the cultural heritage of Ambleside and the Lake District.
Borrans Park
15 minutes' walk
Borrans Park is a beautiful green space ideal for picnics, with playgrounds and spacious fields, perfect for families and outdoor activities.
Rydal Mount
25 minutes' walk
Rydal Mount, the former home of poet William Wordsworth, features lovely gardens and guided tours that highlight its literary significance.
Hiking at Wansfell Pike
20 minutes' walk
Wansfell Pike presents a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views, suitable for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Relaxation at Stock Ghyll Force
40 minutes' walk
Stock Ghyll Force features a stunning waterfall and serene walking paths, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking relaxation in nature.
The Unicorn Inn
1 minute' walk
The Unicorn Inn provides a cozy atmosphere with classic British fare, featuring hearty pies and locally sourced ingredients.
Queen's Hotel Kitchen and Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Queen's Hotel offers an elegant dining experience with a menu emphasizing local dishes, perfect for a refined dinner outing.
Zefferelli's
45 minutes' walk
Zefferelli's features live music and film screenings in a lively atmosphere, delightful for couples and friends looking for a fun night out.
The Old Courthouse Gallery
45 minutes' walk
The Old Courthouse Gallery showcases local artwork and hosts events, offering family-friendly activities and an artistic vibe.
Local transport options
City Centre
Ambleside 6 min · 500 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 112 min · 74.6 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 160 min · 106.3 km
Bus
Bus stop 5 min · 400 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-19:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Guest Reviews & Ratings
Read what past guests have said about their stay at Waterwheel Guesthouse
Cleanliness
9.9/10
Comfort
9.9/10
Facilities
9.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Location
9.8/10
Staff
9.6/10
Value for money
9.7/10
Pros
Really good hosts
High cleanliness standard
Varied breakfast options
Comfortable room decor
Cons
Pillows could be improved
No on-site parking
Guest reviews
based on 117 reviews
9.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.