The Queen's Head

from €165
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“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: 26/02/2024

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

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