Eat and drink · Gastropub
The Watermill Inn
Ings, near Windermere
Local Legend
## Mill Magic
Set in a beautifully converted 17th-century watermill, this atmospheric gastropub lets you dine to the gentle sound of the working water wheel. The Watermill Inn has transformed from grain grinding to craft brewing, creating their own exceptional ales while serving some of the finest pub food in the southern Lakes.
## Brew and Bite
Their on-site brewery produces outstanding ales including the smooth Collie Wobbles and hoppy A Bit'er Ruff. The kitchen matches this quality with dishes like slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, or the famous Watermill fish pie loaded with fresh Morecambe Bay catch. Vegetarians rave about the wild mushroom risotto.
## Timing Your Visit
Summer evenings on the terrace are magical, with the mill race babbling alongside. Winter transforms the interior into a cozy haven of flickering candles and warming comfort food. Brewery tours run weekend afternoons, perfect for beer enthusiasts.
## Getting In
Bookings essential for weekend dining, especially during summer months. The bar area welcomes walk-ins for drinks and lighter bites. Parking can be challenging during peak times, so consider the scenic walk from Windermere village.
Nearby

The Eagle and Child
Gastropub, Staveley££££
A stylishly refurbished Staveley inn that balances contemporary comfort with the soul of a proper village pub.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Luxury Hotel, Windermere, dogs welcome££££
A Relais & Chateaux retreat offering garden suites, a private lake house and some of the finest hotel dining in the north of England.
Francines
French Bistro, Penrith££££
A long-serving, family-run bistro and coffee house on Windermere's Main Road, loved for its seafood, homely cooking and cakes. Evening tables go quickly, so plan ahead.
Walks nearby
Easy · 2.5 km · 108 m up
Orrest Head from Windermere station
About 30 minutes
A short climb straight from Windermere station through woodland to Orrest Head, a 360 degree viewpoint over Windermere and the central fells.
Easy · 5.6 km · 175 m up
Brant Fell from Bowness
About 1 hour 30 minutes
A short loop from Bowness over Post Knott to the rocky top of Brant Fell, with one of the best views over Windermere, returning on the Dales Way.
Hard · 21.2 km · 1157 m up
The Kentmere Horseshoe
About 6 hours
A long, classic round of nine Wainwrights from Kentmere: up the Garburn Road to Yoke and Ill Bell, over High Street, and home by Harter Fell and Shipman Knotts.