Cosy Pubs in The Lake District - 16 Cosy Pubs to Shelter in this Winter
The Lake District isn’t short of lots of things; mountains, water, views, outdoor shops, mint cake and pubs. I’ve listed the best cosy pubs in The Lake District. There’s something for everyone including families, groups, couples and friends. Think Warm Fires, Mulled Wine and Bowls of Chips. The perfect post-walk hideaway.
Crafty Baa - Keswick & Windermere
Some of the most unique bars I’ve ever been in. This pub in The Lake District is situated in Windermere and Keswick and provides an amazing choice and beers with a great vibe to go along with it.
You’ll notice their decor is created from second-hand items hung from every patch of the walls and ceiling. Each space has a different theme and every time you visit you will see something different. The food is bar-style platters with plenty of great options for everyone. You can even catch live music most weeks.
There are plenty of walks for all abilities from Keswick and Windermere, The Crafty Baa are great bars to spend some time in after a walk, whatever the weather.
The Pocket - Keswick
The home of live music and Belgian beers in Keswick. You can catch open mic on a Monday, folk nights, local artists, quiz nights and more. The bar was taken over by Kerry in 2022 and has become a popular place for locals and visitors. On busy nights there will only be standing room.
The windows are steamed up in the winter with a bar full of happy folks.
Pizza is served 7 days a week and I’m sure The Pocket will continue to be a popular place for all, I know it’s one of my favourite places to head for a drink on a winter’s day.
The Kirkstile Inn - Loweswater
One of the most iconic pubs in The Lake District. A classic hideaway from poor weather or a refuge at the end of a walk.
The walking around Loweswater is beautiful with ancient woodland, wild hills and a remote lake, right on the northwest tip of the national park. Dogs are welcome during the daytime and inside the pub, you can grab a bite to eat with a pint of Loweswater Gold, a classic.
There are rooms upstairs so you can spend a whole weekend soaking up the atmosphere of the beautiful pub and its surroundings.
The Kirkstile Inn say ‘Our charming inn boasts low beamed ceilings, a roaring open fire and oodles of character. We’re loved by locals and tourists alike, whether they’re looking for a pint of award-winning beer from our own brewery, or a hearty meal using seasonal, local produce.’
The Kirkstile Inn has an open fire and a friendly atmosphere, a classic pub in the heart of beautiful Lake District scenery.
The Pheasant Inn - Bassenthwaite
A 17th-century coaching Inn, The Pheasant Inn is one of the oldest pubs in the Lake District and reopened in October 2021 following an extensive refurbishment by The Inn Collection Group.
The inn’s original listed bar, with its red velvet banquettes, oak-panelled walls and eclectic collection of curios remains the same, preserving The Pheasant’s venerable heritage as one of the Lake District’s oldest inns. The cosy atmosphere is perfect for families, couples or friends to hide away in the corner, next to an open fire with a drink and warm plate of food.
The Pheasant Inn was also a finalist at the 2022 Great British Pub awards in the Best Pub for Dogs category, with its dog-dedicated areas, fresh water and complimentary treats, and a range of meals and even beers seeing it earn a place in the shortlist of six venues.
Tweedies - Grasmere
Grasmere isn’t short of options for places to eat, drink and get cosy. However, you can’t go far wrong with Tweedies. There are 17 craft beers and perries on offer and are there for beer enthusiasts. Tweedies is home to the popular Grasmere Guzzler attended by locals and visitors alike.
You are also not short of walks to complete from Grasmere. One of my favourites is Helm Crag and Easdale Tarn. Then for your post-walk pint, you can huddle up in front of the fire with whatever tipple you desire.
Queens Head - Askham
The Queens Head say ‘Part of the esteemed Askham Collection, The Queen’s Head is a cosy 17th-century village pub with bedrooms ideally located in the pretty village of Askham in the Lake District.’ It has been Lovingly renovated to the Askham Hall standard by the Lowther family. You can discover seasonal ‘super-posh’ pub food made with produce reared, foraged and grown on our farms, hedgerows and kitchen gardens.
This is a great balance between high-class food and a cosy atmosphere that keeps the pub full of tired, happy adventurers. We have had some fantastic nights in the pub and will always go back for the food and service.
The Britannia Inn - Elterwater
A popular put for locals and visitors, The Britannia Inn is right in the heart of The Langdale Valley full of character and surrounded by breathtaking views. This pub was a favourite of my grandparents when they visited over 60 years ago and is one of mine today.
There’s an open fire, and cosy nooks and all walkers, bikers and adventurers are welcome. There’s a great selection of local beers and ales plus you can book a room and have a cosy getaway.
Kirkstone Pass Inn - Kirkstone Pass
This iconic pub – and the third highest in England – is currently closed. The owners have retired and as of September 2022, the pub is for sale.
Take a look online to see if you can spare the tidy 1.2 million for the sale to reopen this iconic building. The foundations of the Inn are believed to be linked to an ancient monastery at an intersection of Roman roads including High Street. This is also a popular stop for walkers, cyclists and visitors alike.
The White Horse Inn and Bunkhouse - Blencathra, Scales
A perfect location to get out on adventures, and access to the Nothern, Eastern and Western Lake District. You’re at the base of Blencathra, one of the tallest and most impressive peaks in The Lake District.
There’s nothing better than getting back from a wet and windy walk to get back into a pub that’s warm and cosy. The White Horse Inn doesn’t fall short of cosy factor and charm. Open fires, cosy corners to sit in, and friendly staff are all you would need to warm up and relax after a great adventure on Blencathra.
The White Lion Inn - Patterdale
Patterdale is a lovely Villigae well known for its location and quaint feel. The White Lion is an iconic building full of history and character. The open fire, wooden bar and cosy seating all make it a great place to hunker down in bad weather when exploring the local area.
This traditional pub is open year-round but I think it comes into its own in the winter. You could spend an afternoon or evening cosied up in here, planning your adventures for the next day.
The Mortal Man - Troutbeck
The Mortal Man in Toutbeck isn’t always well known for being one of the top cosy pubs in The Lake District. It has a spectacular pub garden with a fantastic view down the valley and the fells. Often the pub is bypassed for a seat outside.
However, in the winter The Mortal Man is a perfect pit stop on a walk to enjoy the cosy pub. My favourite way to get there is walking over Wansfell to grab a drink and wake up then making your way back to Ambleside.
This pub is full of character and a wonderfully cosy atmosphere. The food is lovely and the friendly staff and drinks help too. There are rooms upstairs where you can really escape for a few days in a beautiful valley.
The Coledale Inn - Braithwaite
Braithwaite is just off the A66 and not far from Keswick, with many options for walking and biking. The Coledale Inn is a traditional-style pub and hotel with big windows, open fires and local beer and food to go along with it. The views over the valley are perfect for people or close watching on a rainy day.
This pub sits at the foot of The Whinlatter Pass where you can head up to the forest for a day of fun for the whole family. Whether you are into biking, walking, exploring The Gruffalo trails or throwing yourself into Go Ape, there’s an adventure for you. Some of their trails are accessible and great for the whole family!
Stop off at The Coledale Inn after your adventure in Whinlatter Forest and warm up next to the open fire, with a drink and bowl of chips.
Sticklbarn - The Langdales
The Langdale Valley is known for its towering peaks, beautiful valley and views in all directions. Blea Tarn and The Langdale Pikes are some of my favourite views in The Lake District and there are walks for all abilities in the valley.
The Stickle Barn is perfectly situated next to the start for lots of walks and is a National Trust car park so you can stay all day for free if you have a membership. The bar is snug and full of charm. The National Trust run events all year round so you can make the most of the space. This is a great place to come with the whole family, with a menu that caters to everyone and plenty of selection of local and seasonal drinks.
Horse and Farrier, Dacre
The oldest pub in The Lake District, The Horse and Farrier have been serving drinks to weary travellers since the 18th Century. This is a charming pub that provides not only a place to sit in and shelter with a drink and some home-cooked, locally sourced food.
Nearby you can head out to Dacre Castle, The Dalemain Estate and Ullswater. The traditional building really shines through and you are always met with a friendly reception. The food is homely but delicious and is fantastic after a day adventuring around Dacre and Ullswater.
The Farmers Arms is a historic inn for the 21st Century. It’s a space that was revived by Grizedale Arts and the local community. It went from being empty and cold to now being a warm local hub where folks from the community and visitors alike can come along and spend time in the space together.
The Stable bar is open Thursday to Sunday where you can come to shelter with friends, family or on your own and you will always be welcome.
The Farmers Arms has got 6 acres of farmland around the inn and there are continuing plans for that to become more a part of the community with projects and events for everyone, all advertised on their website.
They aim to reach net zero emissions by 2030 and are already retrofitting energy-saving features wherever they can. They are currently seeking funding to support the sizeable investments needed to renovate our fossil-fuel-based heating and cooking facilities and to better insulate this listed building.
The Farmers Arms - Ulverston
Bridge Hotel - Buttermere
The Bridge Hotel in Buttermere is right in the heart of the village and has been a staple to village life for many years. The bar is open from lunch until late and there are plenty of corners to pitch up in for the afternoon, or just pop in for a quick drink.
They are dog friendly so you can bring in your little (or big) 4-legged friend. The food portions are generous and there’s plenty of range on the menu for everyone. The bar has been recently renovated and the modern decoration has been a great addition to the already cosy space.
From The Bridge Hotel, you can walk in every direction. Some are more challenging, like the walk along Haystacks or up to Red Pike, some of Alfred Wainwrights’ favourite fells. Alternatively, the walk around Buttermere is a beautiful afternoon spent outside proving that you don’t need to go up high to get an incredible view.
I love spending time in The Bridge Hotel in Buttermere and it is one of my favourite cosy pubs in The Lake District.
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