1 / 8The Waterhead Inn
Ambleside, Westmorland and Furness
Yes. Dogs can stay overnight, up to 2 dogs per room.
An inn on the shores of Lake Windermere opposite Waterhead Pier, where water bowls and treats wait for dogs and they have their own areas of the pub.
Directly opposite Waterhead Pier, on the shores of Lake Windermere, The Waterhead Inn brings together the character of a traditional pub with rooms, a short stroll from the centre of Ambleside village. It has dog owners in mind as much as couples and families, and as a dog friendly inn on the waterfront it keeps the lake, the pub and your bed all in one place.
Up to two dogs can share your room. They can't be left unattended in bedrooms during the stay. Water bowls and treats are ready and waiting for dogs. Which rooms are open to dogs the inn doesn't say, so mention yours when you book. The rooms come with a large double or king sized bed, a desk area and an en-suite bathroom, and some of the classic doubles and twins come with a view of the lake.
Dogs are welcome in the designated dog friendly areas of the pub and its dining space. You don't have to be staying, either, to come in for a meal with your four-legged friend. The kitchen serves freshly prepared Cumbrian and British pub classics all day, every day, from hearty pies and fresh fish to a full Cumbrian breakfast to start the morning.
Lake Windermere is right outside for boat trips and watersports, and the beer garden is there for a drink in the open air. When your dog needs a proper outing, Wansfell Pike via Stockghyll Force is a Wildpack walk 0.9 miles away, and Grasmere to Rydal Water is 2.3 miles away.
Facts checked October 2026 from the hotel's own website. Details can change, so please confirm anything important, especially the dog rules, with the hotel before you book.
At a Glance: Dogs
- Rooms for dogs
- The hotel doesn't say
- Dogs per room
- Up to 2
- Size or breed limits
- The hotel doesn't say
- Dog fee
- £15 per night
- Left alone in the room
- Not allowed
- In the bar
- Welcome
- In the lounge
- The hotel doesn't say
- Eating with your dog
- In a dog friendly dining area
- In the grounds
- The hotel doesn't say
- Dog extras
- Bowls and treats
- Walks from the door
- The hotel doesn't say
- Nearest dog friendly beach
- Silverdale Cove, 17.9 miles
Where the hotel doesn't say, check with the hotel when you book.
Book your stay
The Waterhead Inn is booked through Booking.com. Tell the hotel you are bringing your dog when you book.
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For You
- Eating and drinking
- All day dining
- Views
- Lake views
- Parking
- Free parking
- Children
- Children welcome
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Waterhead Inn dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs can stay overnight, up to 2 dogs per room. This comes from The Waterhead Inn's own website. Details can change, so check with the hotel when you book.
How many dogs can I bring to The Waterhead Inn?
Up to 2 dogs per room.
Is there a charge for dogs at The Waterhead Inn?
£15 per night.
Can I eat with my dog at The Waterhead Inn?
You can eat with your dog in a dog friendly dining area. Dogs are welcome in the bar.
Can I leave my dog in the room at The Waterhead Inn?
No. The hotel says dogs must not be left alone in the room.
Are there dog walks near The Waterhead Inn?
Dog friendly walks on Wildpack within 5 miles include Wansfell Pike via Stockghyll Force (0.9 miles), Loughrigg Fell (Ambleside) (1.3 miles) and Wansfell Pike (Ambleside) (1.3 miles).
Is there a dog friendly beach near The Waterhead Inn?
The nearest dog friendly beach on Wildpack is Silverdale Cove, 17.9 miles away. Check its page for any seasonal dog restrictions before you go.
Check dates and availability for The Waterhead Inn
Book now with Booking.comWhat’s Nearby?
Walk0.9 mi awayWansfell Pike via Stockghyll Force
Cumbria
A waterfall, a town favourite and a fine little summit above Windermere, a dog friendly half-day loop straight out of Ambleside.
Walk1.3 mi awayLoughrigg Fell (Ambleside)
Cumbria
Open fell, a tarn for swimming and good off-lead potential across the upper sections make this a strong choice; loses a point for boggy ground and enclosed farmland on the lower approaches.
Walk1.3 mi awayWansfell Pike (Ambleside)
Cumbria
Good open fell walking and off-lead potential on the upper sections, but sheep on the Troutbeck descent and steep rocky ground make this less straightforward than the rating might suggest.
Walk2.1 mi awayFairfield Horseshoe from Rydal
Cumbria
A perfect Lakeland skyline with Wordsworth country at its feet, a classic dog friendly ridge loop for strong hill walkers.
Walk2.3 mi awayGrasmere to Rydal Water
Cumbria
Varied and scenic with good water access, but livestock near Rydal and busy paths in summer mean leads are needed regularly.
Walk3 mi awayElterwater to Skelwith Bridge (Langdale Valley)
Cumbria
Excellent riverside access, relaxed off-lead potential and a dog-friendly café at the finish make this one of the most enjoyable easy walks in the Lakes.
Dog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to The Waterhead Inn. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
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All dog friendly hotels in Westmorland and Furness