The Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge

There are good reasons why this 17th-century coaching inn is one of the most popular inns in the Lake District: it's in a cracking location at the bottom of Lake Ullswater; the all-day food is robust and generous; and its riverside terraces are perfect for lazy summer days and post-walk pints. Plus, an imaginative refurbishment after being taken over by the Lancashire-based, family-owned House of Daniel Thwaites has given it a modern rustic look while not losing its character. Bedrooms make good use of natural materials - timber headboards, wool throws, tongue-and groove panelling - while big bathrooms have powerful showers (often baths, too) and fat heated towel rails; just the ticket after a day's walking. Be aware, some rooms above the bar may be noisy. The open-plan bar and dining areas with their stripped-wood or tiled floors, mis-matched chairs and tartan banquettes, offer lots of different corners so it feels buzzy rather than cramped. In the summer, you'll want a table on the terrace. Menus offer crowd-pleasing dishes from steaks to tagines – the puff-pastry topped ale pies are excellent for re-fuelling - while there’s a good range of cocktails and wines by the glass as well, of course, as cask ales.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Satellite / Cable TV
• Wifi
• Views
• Family Suites
• Bar
• Fireplace
• Outdoor dining

• Sit-out Terrace
• Disabled access
• Child friendly
• Pet friendly
• Garden
• Restaurant

• 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
• Trekking
• Take on England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike

• Sights nearby
• Visit the ruins of Penrith Castle
• Wildlife Area

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Great location right on the lake, cosy rooms and hearty food and ale.

What is there to do in the area? Pooley Bridge is at the northern end of Ullswater – the second largest lake in the Lake District – and is surrounded by mountains and countryside. Visitors to the Crown Inn have a wealth of options when it comes to activities and days out. Those who are feeling adventurous can get out on to the lake in a motorboat or do a spot of rowing or canoeing. Guests can explore the lake on the famous Ullswater Steamers, or bring a pair of hiking boots to climb Helvellyn. For a more leisurely hike, start off in Thirlmere, which is just half an hour from Pooley Bridge. Fifteen minutes outside of the village is the market town of Penrith with its bustling shopping and sights, such as the ruins of Penrith Castle, which are located on the southern edge of the town.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Breakfast is served from 7.30 am - 10.00 am every day. The Crown Inn offers both continental and cooked breakfasts. Choose from muesli, freshly baked croissants and creamy porridge with a continental breakfast, or the cooked breakfast menu features the ‘Full Cumbrian Grill’ which will satisfy even the largest of appetites and includes free range eggs (cooked whichever way you like), grilled back bacon, pork sausages, hash browns and grilled tomatoes. Another popular breakfast dish is the kippers with fresh lemon on granary toast.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? The Crown Inn has a full menu of delicious starters, mains and desserts – mains include specialities like slow cooked lamb shank cooked with red wine, celeriac and pearl barley broth accompanied by carrot and swede mash or the delicious aubergine, pumpkin, kale and chickpea tagine served with Middle Eastern spiced cous cous, grilled flat bread and lemon yoghurt. Desserts include warm treacle tart with clotted cream ice cream.

There are many options for eating out within the village, as well as two more pubs there is a fine dining restaurant called 1863 and a lovely tea room called Granny Dowbekins. All are within walking distance from The Crown Inn and all offer something different.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Room 17 is one of our feature rooms and is one of the most popular because of its 360 degree views of Pooley bridge including lake Ullswater, the riverbank and the village.

The barn is also popular for night owls as it’s separate from the hotel.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? The Crown Inn offers travel cots, highchairs, a children’s menu and colouring pencils and sheets. There is plenty to do in the village with the lake being right on our doorstep - fishing, plodging, walking and the Ullswater steamers. Regards extra beds, we have four rooms with sofa beds and can fit z-beds into most rooms.