Waterwheel Guesthouse is a guest house set in Ambleside, 2.2 km from Rydal Mount & Gardens. The Grade II listed building is around 350 years old and facing the Stockghyll stream and waterwheel. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom and a Victorian-style iron bed. A flat screen TV, welcome tray with a selection of teas and coffees, as well as a hairdryer and alarm clock is also provided in the rooms. High speed WiFi is provided throughout the property. Waterwheel Guesthouse also provides information on local walks, restaurants, country pubs and things to do. Rydal Water is 2.7 km from Waterwheel Guesthouse.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Situated in the best rated area in Ambleside, this property has an excellent location score of 9.9

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

FREE parking!


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.9
Facilities
9.7
Cleanliness
9.9
Comfort
9.8
Value for money
9.6
Location
9.9
Free WiFi
8.8
High score for Ambleside
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Guests who stayed here loved

  • Laurie
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    The Waterwheel is in a fantastic location, right in the centre of Ambleside. However there’s no noise at night and the rooms are really peaceful. The breakfast was cooked to perfection, Debbie and Paul are a lovely couple who are very attentive...
  • Carolyn
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Excellent guesthouse, we were made to feel very welcome by the lovely owners. Will definitely stay there again.
  • Glover
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Beautiful, quaint setting, glorious old building, incredibly convenient location. Hosts provided parking pass for a carpark that was very nearby, and helped with our luggage when we dropped it off before parking. Hosts were very friendly and...
  • Lee
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Very quaint property with lots on charterer and history
  • Alan
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Well appointed, comfortable and a warm welcome. Excellent amenities and tasty vegetarian breakfast. Freindly and helpful hosts.
  • Samantha
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Debbie & Paul made us feel instantly welcome. They were down to earth,chatty & helpful.Our room had everything we needed & the little touches like homemade flapjack & bath & body products to use were a treat.
  • Diana
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Great central location, very comfortable and spacious room. Lovely hosts and great breakfast!
  • Philippa
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Very central location but quiet too. Very characterful Paul and Deb went out of their way to make us feel welcome, and the little extra touches and vegan treats were especially nice.
  • Julian
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Wonderfully central, delightful guest house tucked off the main roads. Compact and cute in every way. Debbie and Paul are super friendly and helpful hosts. The rooms are appointed lovingly and no request is too much trouble.
  • Michael
    Malaysia Malaysia
    Fantastic breakfast and a perfect setting right in the middle of Ambleside. Perfect hosts Debbie and Paul also gave us some great tips of where to go, and what to do in the area.

Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property
The property usually replies within a few hours

  • Hello. Do you have free parking available?

    Yes, We have a pass that can be used in 30 of the local car parks whilst you are here. The nearest is 100 yards away and there are another 2 within 1/4 mile.
    Answered on 7 February 2021
  • Hi is the parking on site?

    No. We are a 350 year old cottage, off the road, down a pedestrian cobbled pathway. We have a parking permit that you can use in 30 car parks across South Lakeland. The closest is at Rydal Rd 80 yards away
    Answered on 8 May 2022
  • Hi we need to book accommodation… can you provide a twin room?

    Hi, We only have three rooms and they are all doubles - sorry. Best Regards, Debbie and Paul
    Answered on 23 November 2022

Host Information

9.9
9.9
Host review score
Host review score
Our enchanting guesthouse, in Ambleside, has three beautifully furnished bedrooms, each with its own bathroom; perfect for a luxury or romantic break in the Lakes. The Grade II listed building is around 350 years old and nestles in an idyllic village-like area of old Ambleside, facing the Stockghyll stream and waterwheel. Set in one of the most picturesque towns in the Lake District, The Waterwheel Guesthouse is just a short walk from a great selection of shops and boutiques, and also many restaurants and hostelries. If you feel like venturing a little farther afield, the nearby Kirkstone Pass offers a spectacular drive to one of the highest points above the Lake District where the views over Windermere and the Lakes are truly stunning. Ambleside is also centrally placed if you would like to visit the historic market towns of Kendal or Keswick. A break in the Lake District, at the Waterwheel Guesthouse, offers many opportunities for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. Windermere is just 5 minutes away, by car, and has opportunities for sailing and windsurfing and of course some wonderful walks along the shores of the great lake. For those who prefer more adventurous walking opportunities, Scafell Pike and Striding Edge offer a challenge to even the most hardenend of walkers.
Located within the centre of Ambleside, yet in it's own village-like setting, the Guesthouse is convenient for local shops, restaurants and public houses. The nearest restaurant is within 50 metres, as is the nearest public house. Rattlegill cafe is next door to us. A cobbled pathway leads from our front door, through a tunnel, and on to the main road between Grasmere and Windermere. We are 1 mile from Waterhead and Lake Windermere, 4 miles from Grasmere and 5 miles from Windermere.
Language spoken: English

Property surroundings

Facilities of Waterwheel Guesthouse
Great facilities! Review score, 9.7

Most popular facilities
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Alarm clock
View
  • View
Room Amenities
  • Socket near the bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Hiking
    Off-site
Living Area
  • Desk
Media & Technology
  • Streaming service (like Netflix)
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Cable channels
  • Satellite channels
  • TV
Food & Drink
  • Tea/Coffee maker
Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not possible).
    Services
    • Luggage storage
    • Wake-up service
    • Wake up service/Alarm clock
    General
    • Adult only
    • Non-smoking throughout
    • Carpeted
    • Heating
    • Fan
    • Ironing facilities
    • Non-smoking rooms
    Accessibility
    • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
    Languages spoken
    • English

    House rules
    Waterwheel Guesthouse takes special requests - add in the next step!

    Check-in
    From 16:00 to 19:00
    You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
    Check-out
    Until 10:30
    Cancellation/ prepayment
    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
    Children and beds

    Child policies

    Children are not allowed.

    Cot and extra bed policies

    Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

    No age restriction
    There is no age requirement for check-in
    Pets
    Pets are not allowed.
    Accepted payment methods
    VisaMastercardCash
    Smoking
    Smoking is not allowed.
    Parties
    Parties/events are not allowed

    The fine print
    Need-to-know information for guests at this property

    Please inform Waterwheel Guesthouse in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

    This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

    In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

    FAQs about Waterwheel Guesthouse

    • Waterwheel Guesthouse offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

      • Hiking

    • Guests staying at Waterwheel Guesthouse can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 10.0).

      Breakfast option(s) include:

      • Continental
      • Full English/Irish
      • Vegetarian
      • Vegan
      • Gluten-free

    • Room options at Waterwheel Guesthouse include:

      • Double

    • Check-in at Waterwheel Guesthouse is from 16:00, and check-out is until 10:30.

    • The prices at Waterwheel Guesthouse may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

    • Waterwheel Guesthouse is 200 yards from the centre of Ambleside. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.