The Queen's Head

from AU$267
Check availability on Booking.com Check availability on Expedia
Photo of The Queen's Head
Exterior
1 / 13
Guest Room
Exterior
“The Queen's Head is a traditional country inn with a smart but relaxed, contemporary style, close to Windermere but away from the crowds. Original features and modern craftsmanship create a bright and welcoming atmosphere plus stylish bedrooms and generous food.”

Hotel review

For a classic Lakeland coaching inn with classic Lakeland views, and with a smart-but-not-fancy interior, you can’t do much better than here. With its slate-and-white-washed exterior, the 17th-century Queens Head, in a lofty position in the Troutbeck Valley just above Windermere, is a Lakeland landmark. After a disastrous fire in 2014 it reopened in early 2017 following a classy but reassuringly pubby restoration: oak floors and furnishings, exposed beams and stone walls, plus colourful plaids and the odd flying duck and stuffed fish. The 10 bedrooms are seriously-above-average for a pub, with a meticulous attention to detail. Floors and furniture are bespoke light oak, walls and curtains are smudgy Lakeland colours, splashes of velvet add luxury while open beams and exposed-stone walls remind of the building's age. Food is generous yet unpretentious, and if it’s warm, you need to bag a table on the terrace to savour the views. A great place if you want to do some serious walking - Helvellyn or High Street are close - or just enjoy the honeypots of Windermere and Ambleside.

Helen Pickles
Helen Pickles Review published: 02/26/2024

Recommended for

  • Sailing

    • There are plenty of companies who will take you out sailing on Lake Windemere if you fancy a bit of an adventure!

  • Sights nearby

    • Head over to Beatrix Potter's house near Sawrey, Holehird Gardens or William Wordsworth's homes at Dove Cottage

  • Great walks

    • Take a leisurely stroll through the valley or test yourself with higher fells such as Helvellyn

  • Foodies

    • Long walks together, good pub lunches and a peaceful setting-what more could you ask for?

  • Active Holiday

    • Make the most out of your surroundings to enjoy some superb walks around the area

  • Designer Shopping

    • There are some lovely local shops dotted around Ambleside and Bowness

  • Pet friendly

    • Pets allowed upon request, may however incur extra charges

  • Country Escape

    • Forget about all your worries at this peaceful rural spot

  • Restaurant

  • Full of character

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Historic

  • Quiet

  • Views

  • Hills & mountains

  • Inn

  • Chic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    10 rooms in this hotel

  • Parking

    Free public parking possible on site, reservation not possible

  • Pet friendly

    Pets allowed upon request, may however incur extra charges

  • Safe

  • Restaurant

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Bar

  • Views

  • Wifi

  • Garden

Activities

  • Sailing

    • There are plenty of companies who will take you out sailing on Lake Windemere if you fancy a bit of an adventure!

  • Sights nearby

    • Head over to Beatrix Potter's house near Sawrey, Holehird Gardens or William Wordsworth's homes at Dove Cottage

  • Great walks

    • Take a leisurely stroll through the valley or test yourself with higher fells such as Helvellyn

  • Designer Shopping

    • There are some lovely local shops dotted around Ambleside and Bowness

Map & Location

Other reviews

The Queen's Head Review

Originally published by The Guardian

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.

Check availability on Booking.com