Adults-only B&B in a Grade II listed 17th-century cottage beside Stock Ghyll in central Ambleside, with three en-suite rooms.
What's nearby
- F.W. Garside Butchers next door
- Ambleside Post Office next door
- The Unicorn Ambleside next door
- RockShop next door
- Greggs next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Waterwheel Guesthouse
The Waterwheel occupies a Grade II listed seventeenth-century cottage on Bridge Street in the middle of Ambleside, directly beside Stock Ghyll. The beck runs past the building, and the sound of it is audible from most of the house, which is either the main charm or something to check before booking depending on how you sleep. The interior has been carefully brought up to date without stripping out the beams, thick walls and low doorways.
There are just three en-suite bedrooms, which keeps the whole thing personal. The Classic and Deluxe rooms sit on the second floor and are reached by a narrow winding staircase typical of a building of this age, so they are not suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties or a great deal of luggage. Rooms are well equipped for their size, with good showers, proper bedding and hospitality trays, and the standard of housekeeping is consistently praised.
The house is adults only and does not accept children or pets. Breakfast is cooked fresh to order and served in the small dining room, with Cumbrian produce and vegetarian options; the owners take orders the night before. There is no bar or evening food, but Ambleside has a wide choice of pubs and restaurants within a two-minute walk, so this is not a limitation in practice.
The location is about as central as Ambleside gets. The Bridge House, the cinema, the outdoor shops and the bus stops are all within a few hundred metres, and the walk up to Stock Ghyll Force starts at the end of the street. Waterhead pier on Windermere is a fifteen-minute stroll. Parking is the one difficulty, as with anywhere in central Ambleside, and the owners advise on the nearest public car parks. It suits couples on a walking break who want a quiet, well-run base in town.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We had a wonderful stay at Waterwheel Guesthouse. Debbie and Paul were fantastic hosts -warm, welcoming, and always happy to help with recommendations. The room was stylish, spotlessly clean, and very comfortable, making it easy to relax after a day exploring the Lake District. Breakfast was excellent, with a great selection and high-quality ingredients. The location is perfect too: right at the centre of Ambleside while still being peaceful and quiet. We'd happily stay here again and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
3 weeks ago · via Google
The perfect place to stay if you’re visiting the Lake District. It was mine and my partners first time and Paul and Debbie made us feel so welcome and gave us lots of recommendations and advice! They make delicious breakfasts and baked goods and provide a really incredible service. It’s close to lots of great local restaurants and bars and is in the heart of Ambleside, which is just such a beautiful base for a trip to the Lakes. We will for sure be back, could not recommend enough!
2 weeks ago · via Google
If I could give the Waterwheel 6 stars, I would! My partner and I spent a lovely 3 nights here. Debbie and Paul made us feel so welcomed and cared for. Our room was clean and cozy, with so many little touches that made it extra nice (we were really loving the homemade flapjacks every day, thank you Debbie!). Breakfast every day was delicious and set us up for our long days exploring. Paul and Debbie are also very knowledgeable about the area, and gave very helpful recommendations every morning alongside some local history. We can’t wait to come back!
a month ago · via Google
Beautiful room and lovely attention to detail. Flapjacks each day and fully stocked tea, coffee and hot chocolate too. Love the bathroom amenities too. Lovely couple who run the B&B too were happy to recommend places to go and had a very good breakfast options, even as a pescatarian.
2 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this guesthouse offers meticulously clean and comfortable rooms with thoughtful touches, including homemade flapjacks and quality amenities. They also highlight the delicious, locally sourced breakfasts and the convenient central location with provided parking permits. Visitors appreciate the friendly, welcoming staff who offer excellent local knowledge and recommendations.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 3 Bridge Street, Ambleside, LA22 9DU Get directions
- Property type
- B&B
- Location
- Bridge Street, Ambleside
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 9.4 / 10 (420 reviews)
- Prices from
- £115 per night
- Good for children
- No
- Destination
- Lake District