Kirkstile Inn

from £114
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Exterior and Setting
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Exterior and Setting
“A traditional Lakeland inn, tucked away near Loweswater, the Kirkstile offers terrific food, own-brew beers and smartly comfortable cottage bedrooms. The views are invigorating plus there are walks from the doorstep, and a popular beer garden to recover in on your return.”

Hotel review

Tucked away near quiet Loweswater in the north-western Lakes, you could easily miss this inn. But those who know it – walkers, cyclists and those who seek out peaceful settings – are fiercely loyal to it. A typical 17th-century Lakeland inn, it has all the right ingredients: low-beamed rooms, slate-flagged floors, toasty fires, scrubbed tables, and a smattering of horse brasses and old farming equipment hung on walls. And there’s always someone with whom to strike up a conversation about what you’ve done today, or plan to do tomorrow, whether fell-walking, cycling or gentle walks around nearby Loweswater and Crummock Water.

Food is designed to replenish after a good day out; hearty pub classics but with a smart spin, perhaps smoked trout fillet with horseradish and chive pannacotta, pork tenderloin with chorizo and goats’ cheese, as well as the traditional fish and chips, and steak and ale pie. Leave room for pudding; the fruit crumble is one of the best. Beers include their popular own-brew ales from Loweswater brewery.

Bedrooms (three in neighbouring buildings) have a smart country-cottage style with chunky oak or pine furniture, bright-coloured throws and feature wallpapers, and well-designed bathrooms with plenty of piping-hot water. Rooms are nicely uncluttered and most have stunning views of the majestic Melbreak fell opposite. And – a nice touch – none of the pub rooms have televisions, so no chance of being disturbed. Just enjoy the peace and views!

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

Recommended for

  • 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

  • Cycling

    • The mountain passes of Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter provide challenging and scenic trails for serious cyclists

  • Sights nearby

    • Head to nearby Cockermouth to visit the National Trust's Wordsworth House

  • Other Activities

    • Lake District Wildlife Park is a fun destination for family days out

  • Restaurant

    • Elevated pub classics are served in the popular restaurant

  • Full of character

  • Lakeside

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Family Suites

  • Quiet

  • Secluded setting

  • Intimate

  • Charming

  • Traditional

  • Child friendly

  • Inn

  • Historic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    10 rooms in this hotel

  • Restaurant

    Elevated pub classics are served in the popular restaurant

  • Outdoor dining

    Beer garden

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Bar

  • Family Suites

  • Parking

  • Wifi

  • Child friendly

  • Garden

Activities

  • Great walks

    • There are many wonderful walks directly from Kirkstile itself, around Buttermere and in the Northern Lake District generally

  • Cycling

    • The mountain passes of Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter provide challenging and scenic trails for serious cyclists

  • Sights nearby

    • Head to nearby Cockermouth to visit the National Trust's Wordsworth House

  • Other Activities

    • Lake District Wildlife Park is a fun destination for family days out

Map & Location

Other reviews

Kirkstile Inn

A 17th-century Lakeland inn, away from the honeypots, with a deserved reputation for its food, own-brew ales and genuine welcome.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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