Blog

Six of The Best Pubs

There is certainly no shortage of pubs in the Lake District but, for those who are looking for a little more than simply a pie and a pint, we have put together our favourites for you to explore.

Eltermere Inn, Elterwater

Eltermere Inn, Elterwater - Best Pubs in the Lake District

Nestling in the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, this is a great place to relax and enjoy some stunning Lakeland scenery.  There are several wonderful walks that you can enjoy near the Eltermere, including the Loughrigg terraces, Lingmoor Fell or Coniston Old Man.  There is a bar and a terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens where you can enjoy delicious food made from locally sourced ingredients.

www.eltermere.co.uk

Drunken Duck, Ambleside

The Drunken Duck Inn - Best Pubs in the Lake District

So called because of the legend that the landlady in Victorian times found her ducks lying apparently dead in the road and so started to pluck them.  It turned out that a beer barrel in the cellar had broken and the beer had flowed into the ducks’ feeding ditch leaving them all drunk.  She felt so guilty about plucking her drunken ducks that she knitted them each a waistcoat to keep them warm until their feathers grew back. You can enjoy delicious food and a range of local beers here while enjoying the dramatic views over the fells.

drunkenduckinn.co.uk

Woolpack Inn, Hardknott

The Woolpack Inn - Best Pubs in the Lake District

This family-friendly pub is in a truly wonderful location at the top of the stunning Eskdale Valley and at the foot of the road up to the infamous Hardknott Pass. The pub also takes pride in promoting local artists and so it is a great opportunity to absorb some local culture. Food here includes indulgent cakes and pastries, as well as wood-fired pizzas.

www.woolpack.co.uk

Mason’s Arms, Cartmell Fell

Mason's Arms, Cartmell Fell - Best Pubs in the Lake District

Overlooking the Winster Valley, the Mason’s is a quaint and delightful pub full of quirky furniture and roaring log fires.  There are also heated outdoor terraces so you can make the most of the views, regardless of how chilly it might get.  The food here really is delicious and the Mason’s Arms has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best dining pubs in the area.

www.masonsarmsstrawberrybank.co.uk/masons

Cuckoo Brow Inn, Far Sawrey

Cuckoo Brow Inn, Far Sawrey - Best Pubs in the Lake District

Within walking distance of Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, this is a proper pub.  With log fires, good food and real ales (including many supplied by Cumbrian Legendary Ales and brewed on Graythwaite) this is an ideal spot to relax after exploring nearby Hawkshead.  You can also sit outside in the Cuckoo Brow’s garden and enjoy the views of the surrounding Fells.

www.cuckoobrow.co.uk

Punchbowl Inn,  Crosthwaite

Punchbowl Inn, Crosthwaite - Best Pubs in the Lake District

Cited again and again as one of the best pubs in Cumbria, the Punchbowl deserves its reputation.  Lying in the heart of the unspoiled Lyth Valley, the Punchbowl combines the cosiness of a traditional pub with contemporary elegance and food of a very high standard. The menu is based on classic flavour combinations using modern techniques and is updated to meet seasonal availability.

www.the-punchbowl.co.uk

We hope that you find something that suits you from the list above and please, if you discover a gem of a pub do let us know!