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Winter warmers: the cosiest fireside pubs in Grasmere and Hawkshead

From ancient hearths crackling with Cumbrian logs to intimate dining nooks serving world-class local fare, these beloved pubs offer the perfect refuge after a bracing winter fell walk.

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants in the Lake District - Our Complete Guide

Things To Do

Ambleside After Dark: The Local's Guide to Evening Entertainment and Late-Night Eats

Walks & Views

Coniston's Hidden Gems: Secret Walks Around England's Third Largest Lake

Food & Drink

Cockermouth's Independent Breweries: The Craft Beer Trail Taking Over West Cumbria

Editors' Picks

Traditional PubLocal Legend

Hole in t' Wall

££·Bowness

This legendary 17th century pub squeezes into the tiniest of spaces between buildings in Bowness, earning its quirky name. Local ales flow freely while hearty Cumberland sausage and proper pub grub satisfy hungry fell walkers.

Country HotelHistoric Charm

The Swan Hotel

££·Grasmere

This 17th-century coaching inn sits right in the heart of Wordsworth country, where literary pilgrims and fell walkers converge. Stone walls, oak beams, and roaring fires create the perfect base for exploring the central fells. The Swan's traditional charm feels authentic rather than contrived, with locals propping up the bar alongside visiting ramblers.

Traditional PubDog Friendly

The King's Head Inn

££·Keswick

A wonderfully weathered coaching inn where muddy boots are welcomed and local ales flow freely. The perfect post-fell refuge with crackling fires and hearty Cumberland fare.

Mountain WalkHighest Peak

Scafell Pike via Wasdale Head

£·Keswick

England's highest mountain at 978 metres offers the ultimate Lakeland challenge. This classic route from Wasdale Head rewards hardy walkers with jaw-dropping views across the entire Lake District. The rocky scramble to the summit is tough but utterly rewarding.

Fine DiningTwo Michelin Stars

L'Enclume

££££·Cartmel·Grange-over-Sands

Simon Rogan's two-Michelin-starred restaurant in a converted smithy is one of the finest dining experiences in the UK. The multi-course tasting menu is a love letter to Cumbrian terroir, with much of the produce from Rogan's own farm.

Modern BritishMichelin Star

The Old Stamp House

£££·Ambleside·Windermere

Ryan Blackburn's Michelin-starred restaurant in Wordsworth's former office serves creative modern British food with a Cumbrian soul. The tasting menu is outstanding value, and the Lakeland ingredients shine.

GastropubOwn Brewery

The Drunken Duck Inn

£££·Barngates·Barngates

Fell-top inn brewing its own Barngates ales with jaw-dropping views across to the Langdale Pikes. A Lakes institution.

Boat TripsMust Do

Windermere Lake Cruises

££·Windermere·Windermere

England's largest lake seen from the water is a different beast entirely. The full-length cruise from Ambleside to Lakeside is magnificent.

Luxury HotelRelais & Chateaux

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

££££·Windermere·Windermere

A Relais & Chateaux retreat offering garden suites, a private lake house and some of the finest hotel dining in the north of England.

HeritageFree Entry

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Keswick·Keswick

A 5,000-year-old stone circle set against a natural amphitheatre of fells. Free to visit, impossible to forget.

Indian Fine DiningLake District Indian

Hrishi at Gilpin

£££·Windermere·Windermere

Fine dining Indian cuisine in the luxurious Gilpin Hotel. The dishes are refined and creative, using Cumbrian ingredients through an Indian lens - a unique combination that works beautifully.

HeritageNational Trust

Hill Top - Beatrix Potter

££·Near Sawrey·Near Sawrey

Beatrix Potter's beloved farmhouse preserved exactly as she left it, with her garden still blooming. Pure Lake District charm.

IndianLocal Favourite

Hrishikesh

££·Ambleside·Ambleside

Bold, modern Indian cooking that has earned a serious cult following in Ambleside. The tasting menu is a revelation.

Latest Articles

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Food & Drink

Winter warmers: the cosiest fireside pubs in Grasmere and Hawkshead

From ancient hearths crackling with Cumbrian logs to intimate dining nooks serving world-class local fare, these beloved pubs offer the perfect refuge after a bracing winter fell walk.

4 March 2026·4 min read

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants in the Lake District - Our Complete Guide

From cosy village pubs serving locally-sourced fell lamb to award-winning fine dining establishments, discover the Lake District's finest culinary gems with our insider guide to the region's best restaurants.

26 February 2026·4 min read

Things To Do

Ambleside After Dark: The Local's Guide to Evening Entertainment and Late-Night Eats

From cosy lakeside pubs to late-night pizza spots, discover how Ambleside transforms after sunset with authentic local venues that keep the good times rolling.

20 March 2026·4 min read

Walks & Views

Coniston's Hidden Gems: Secret Walks Around England's Third Largest Lake

Discover the quieter paths and secret corners around Coniston Water, where dramatic fells meet peaceful woodlands and hidden tarns reward those who venture beyond the beaten track.

19 March 2026·4 min read

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