Pubs and Bars

The Lake District has a wealth of historic pubs and inns to explore, some of which date back centuries. Roaring fires and low ceilings are still very much the norm, and many pubs offer their own range of home-brewed ales.

And after a brisk day on the fells, there’s no better place to relax than in one of the Lake District’s numerous pubs and inns. Many have a history stretching back centuries and are full of character, with stout beams, flagstone floors and crackling log fires. There’s a growing focus on food and drink, too: craft ales, beer festivals and microbreweries abound, and many places serve food that’s closer to fine dining than pub grub.

The Lake District and Cumbria is considered by many to be the best county in the UK for the choices of traditional Pubs, Bars & Inns. Many of the pubs have won various accolades in the eating out guides and the national press. The Michelin Pub Guide has awarded its 'Pub of the Year' title to Lake District pubs and inns on several occasions in recent years. Despite their size, some of the smaller towns and villages offer the best choice with Kirkby Lonsdale and Cartmel springing to mind, with both hosting award-winning hostelries.