The Hotel Guru
The 12 Best Pubs with Rooms in the Lake District

The 12 Best Pubs with Rooms in the Lake District

The Lake District is the UK's most popular national park and it's not hard to see why. With craggy hilltops, rolling fells, and vast lakes this is an outdoor enthusiast's ideal landscape. Whether you are here to hike, bike, climb or sail — choosing to stay in one of the area's many pubs offers an atmospheric and authentic base. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best pubs with rooms in the Lake District selected on their location, character, food (and ales). Whether you like your pub to be more of the gastropub variety or you prefer something a little more traditional, there is something for most tastes and budgets here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next break in the great outdoors?

For a traditional stay

The Queen’s Head is a traditional country inn just outside Windermere. The atmosphere is smart but relaxed and the decor includes both original features and modern craftsmanship. There are twelve stylish bedrooms and the food is generously portioned. A cosy stay.
The Hare and Hounds is a historic and homely 16th-century country inn. Rooms are individually designed with lots of character. The beds are king-size and very comfortable. The restaurant is superb and the bar has a cosy fireplace and atmosphere. The wide range of cask ales on offer makes this an unforgettable Cumbrian inn.
The Queen's Head Askham is a snug, beamed 17th-century village pub with a smart but understated contemporary country feel that still retains its atmosphere. You'll find big comfortable bedrooms with occasional antiques and confident, robust cooking using ingredients from the local Lowther estates.

For walkers

Eltermere Inn's name is a bit misleading, as this is a small relaxed, 18th-century country house (originally a farmhouse) that’s been given a careful, contemporary update. Menus comprise delicious, unfussy, homecooked meals. Set close to the mighty fells of Langdale — this is perfect walking country.
The Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge is a 17th-century coaching inn situated in a charming village by Ullswater Lake. Expect a friendly atmosphere and a large beer garden with gorgeous views. Smart rooms are cosy and comfortable. An easygoing base surrounded by superb walking country.
The Kirkstile Inn is a charming Lake District inn set in a quiet village with walking and cycling opportunities aplenty. Cottagey rooms are simple and traditional and most offer lovely views. The pub is a popular spot with a selection of good ales and elevated pub fare — ideal to return to after a day outdoors.
If you’re into hill walking you might already have heard of the Wasdale Head Inn, spectacularly located just below Scafell Pike. The views are stunning, and the hearty pub fare is good, but the offerings in the wood-panelled dining room are better. There are twelve simple, comfortable rooms.

For foodies

The Pheasant Inn is an old remote coaching inn with an acclaimed bistro that uses locally sourced produce. Friendly and welcoming with well-kept gardens and a cosy lounge with a fireplace. Enjoy country walks and fishing in the nearby Lake Bassenthwaite.
Another good option for foodies is the Drunken Duck Inn. Set in the pretty village of Ambleside and surrounded by the Southern Lowland Fells the position is a real lure. Built-in the 18th-century, this is one of the Lake District’s best-known gastro pubs.

For couples

The Punch Bowl Inn is a quaint 18th-century inn with sweeping valley views. Interiors have been well-renovated keeping the building's original features but feeling fresh and luxurious; the best have his and hers tubs for romantic evenings. With a popular restaurant and bar, this is the complete package.

For families

Awash with traditional charm, The Masons Arms is a delightful hotel in the Lake District. Featuring excellent food in the restaurant, a wide range of ales and comfortable rooms. The pub's cottages which sleep up to six, make it a great option for families or groups.

For great value

The Royal Oak is right in the heart of Keswick. Its fourteen rooms are smart, and there's an excellent restaurant and atmospheric bar.

Still not sure where to book?

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in the Lake District.
Consider our Guru’s recommendations for the 10 Most Romantic Hotels in the Lake District.
Expand your search to include the best pubs with rooms in the Midlands.
Alternatively, you might like to contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- The Queen's Head Cumbria 10 rooms from AU$257
  
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  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
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel, CN Traveller
  
  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. See More
  
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- The Royal Oak, Keswick Keswick 18 rooms from AU$220
  
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  Local exploring  -  A great base for exploring Keswick and the surrounding Lake District.
  Sights nearby  -  Keswick Pencil Museum; Castlerigg Stone Circle, The Lakes Distillery at head of Bassenthwaite Lake
  Great walks  -  The surrounding countryside is full of wonderful walking routes.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  
  A dog-friendly historic inn in a plum position in the centre of Keswick, one of the Lake District’s friendliest market towns. Carefully modernised so as not to lose its original charm, the bedrooms are cosy while the food is just the ticket for a day on the fells. See More
  
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- Wasdale Head Inn Wasdale Head, Cumbria 12 rooms from AU$225
  
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  Great walks  -  Miles from anywhere, this Inn has some of the most unspoilt walking in England.
  Views  -  All bedrooms have stunning views of Wasdale
  Climbing  -  At the foot of England's highest mountain
  Sights nearby  -  The Smallest Church in England, St Olaf's at Wasdale Head.
  
  Famous climbing inn at the head of Wasdale, spectacularly sited below Scafell Pike with magnificent views. Satisfy your stomach with hearty pub food or enjoy the finer things in the wood-panelled Dining Room. Rooms are simple but extremely comfortable and all boast breathtaking views. See More
  
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- Drunken Duck Inn Cumbria 13 rooms from AU$329
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, former homes of poet William Wordsworth
  Great walks  -  Traverse the Southern Lowland Fells
  Full of character
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller
  
  In the little village of Ambleside, nestled amongst the Southern Lowland Fells lies this 18th century inn. A landmark Lake District pub as famous for its smart food as its own-brew beer and with an attractive contemporary-country style. Comfortably inviting rooms are stylish yet uncluttered. See More
  
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- Eltermere Inn Cumbria 12 rooms from AU$280
  
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  Great walks  -  The Langdales are great for walkers - book a day with Mike Wood, the hotel's recommended guide
  Sights nearby  -  The Wordsworth Museum, Beatrix Potter's house, Ruskin's house are all close by
  Hideaway  -  Get away from it all in this beautiful Lakelands inn
  Spa  -  Guests have complimentary access to Langdale Spa
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Good Hotel Guide
  
  Relaxed and luxurious, country-house-style hotel with an elegant, contemporary style. On the edge of pretty Elterwater village, with views over the lake, it’s ideally placed for both walking in Langdale or Ambleside’s shops and Windermere lakeshore. Complimentary entry to Lansdale Spa. See More
  
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- The Masons Arms Bowland Bridge, Cumbria 7 rooms from AU$160
  
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  Families  -  With lovely cottages that sleep up to six people, it's a great option for a family holiday.
  Great walks  -  The surrounding countryside is full of beautiful walking routes.
  Sights nearby  -  Take a trip to the wonderful nearby Holker Hall & Gardens.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  Awash with traditional charm, The Masons Arms is a delightful hotel in the Lake District. Featuring excellent food in the restaurant, a wide range of ales and comfortable rooms. The pub's cottages, that sleep up to six, make it a great option for families or groups. See More
  
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- The Hare and Hounds Kendal, Cumbria 5 rooms from AU$225
  
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  Active Holiday  -  Everything the Lake District has to offer is on the doorstep from superb hiking to a plethora of watersports
  Great walks  -  Nearby Whitbarrow Scar & Gummer’s How are both easy climbs with fantastic 360° panoramic views
  Country Escape  -  As traditional and rustic as an inn could be! Set in Cumbria's stunning landscape
  Local exploring  -  Just 4 miles from Kendal, this is an ideal base for exploring the Lake District
  
  Historic and homely 16th-century country inn. Rooms are individually designed with lots of character. Beds are king-size and very comfortable. The restaurant serves excellent pub grub and the bar serves great cocktails and local ales. A typical Cumbrian pub with a touch of metropolitan pizzazz. See More
  
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- Punch Bowl Inn, Cumbria Crosthwaite (Cumbria) 9 rooms from AU$244
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Ideal for a romantic weekend away, with his and hers tubs, candlelit dinners and sweeping views of the countryside
  Active Holiday  -  Some of the best walking in the British Isles is right on your doorstep, be sure to bring your hiking boots!
  Foodies  -  Chef Scott Fairweather never fails to impress, with local ingredients and inventive combinations
  Great walks  -  With something for every level of commitment, from full day hikes to an afternoon stroll
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  A smart country pub tucked away in the Lake District's Lyth Valley. There's a boutique vibe throughout — rooms exude comfort with fresh country styling and boast roll-top baths as standard. Popular lunch food for locals and great dinner menu. Good base for local exploring but a car is needed. See More
  
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- The Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge Cumbria 17 rooms from AU$197
  
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  Local exploring  -  A great base for exploring the stunning Lake District
  Great walks  -  For a challenging hike head up Helvellyn mountain, or for a gentler walk start off in Thirlmere
  Local markets  -  Head to Penrith, once the capital of Cumbria, and explore its traditional shops and arcades
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the ruins of Penrith Castle
  
  17th century coaching inn situated in a charming village by Ullswater Lake. Expect a friendly atmosphere and a great beer garden with gorgeous views. Smart rooms are cosy and comfortable, some featuring statement walls or matching furnishings. An easygoing base for exploring the stunning region. See More
  
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- Kirkstile Inn Loweswater, Cumbria 10 rooms from AU$214
  
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  Families  -  With family rooms, a laidback feel, and plenty of outdoorsy activities nearby — this is a good choice for active families
  Active Holiday  -  This is the perfect destination for walking or cycling holidays with endless routes to explore each day
  Great walks  -  There are many wonderful walks directly from Kirkstile itself, around Buttermere and in the Northern Lake District generally
  Sights nearby  -  Head to nearby Cockermouth to visit the National Trust's Wordsworth House
  
  A charming Lake District inn set in a quiet village with walking and cycling opportunities aplenty. Cottagey rooms are simple and traditional and most offer lovely views. The pub is a popular spot with a selection of good ales and elevated pub fare — ideal to return to after a day outdoors. See More
  
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- The Queen’s Head, Askham Cumbria 6 rooms from AU$244
  
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  Foodies  -  The pub restaurant serves superb British cuisine, with a contemporary twist, using produce from the neighbouring estate
  Country Escape  -  With fireplaces, local ales, hearty cuisine, and lovely walks this is the perfect country escape
  Sights nearby  -  Visit Lowther Castle and stroll through its wild gardens while the kids play in the adventure playground
  Great walks  -  Set out straight from the property on scenic walks through the Cumbrian countryside
  
  A snug, beamed 17th-century village pub with a smart but understated contemporary country feel that still retains its atmosphere. Big comfortable bedrooms with occasional antiques and confident, robust cooking using ingredients from the local Lowther estates. See More
  
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- The Pheasant Inn, Cumbria Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria 15 rooms from AU$263
  
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  Foodies  -  Enjoy locally sourced produce at this acclaimed casual Bistro- think wholesome food, fine wines and craft ales.
  Country Escape  -  Make the most of your surroundings at this charming coaching inn just meters from the Bassenthwaite Lake.
  Sights nearby  -  Head to Dalemain House and Gardens and explore the historic house and it's beautiful gardens.
  Great walks  -  Sale Fell is on your doorstep, and for the more adventurous Skiddaw range 10 mins away.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  
  An old, remote coaching inn, with fine dining and bistro. Friendly and welcoming with well kept gardens and a cosy lounge with fireplace. Enjoy country walks and fishing in the nearby Lake Bassenthwaite. A country retreat with access to local spa and pool. See More
  
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