Clare Willcocks
20 February 2021
When people book into our self-catering Lake District cottages, one of the most popular questions is ‘where is the nearest pub?’ So, whether you're looking for a welcoming stop on a Lake District walk, or hunting for the perfect establishment to spend an evening enjoying a delicious local meal, take a look at our insider's guide to the best places to eat in Bassenthwaite.
A great choice for lunch, the Sun Inn offers a good selection of lunchtime sandwiches and evening meals. Formerly a 17th-century farmhouse and now a charming pub, the Sun is always busy with locals and visitors alike and is dog friendly.
Mae’s Tearoom in Uldale is under 4 miles from Bassenthwaite and worth venturing out to. The tearoom is in the old Victorian schoolroom and also hosts a popular art gallery. The owners are passionate about home cooking and serve up delicious dishes every day, including evening meals on Friday and Saturday nights, and traditional Sunday lunches.
The attractive, grand frontage of Ravenstone Manor and its wonderful setting at the foot of Ullock Pike make it a great choice if you're looking to enjoy scenic surroundings while you eat. Non-residents are welcome in the cosy traditional bar, the pleasant lounge or for dinner in the restaurant. The pretty garden is a lovely spot for afternoon tea. The after- dinner cheese board is particularly good.
Directly across the road is Ravenstone Lodge. The lodge has a lovely bistro bar in its old stable block serving good value meals and snacks. The restaurant has lovely views towards Bassenthwaite Lake where you can often see the Ospreys between April and September.
The Embleton Spa Hotel is open to non-residents for light snacks and bar meals. It has lovely views across to Sale Fell and Wythop Woods and a roaring fire in the winter.
Lyzzick Hall is a 19th-century country house now operating as a hotel with a reputation for fine dining, lovely views and an impressive wine list featuring some rare and unusual vintages.
The Castle Inn is just outside Bassenthwaite Village and is also open to non-residents. The Castle Inn Tavern is a relaxed setting with an open fire for winter, and landscaped gardens to enjoy in warmer weather.
The Craggs on the Bassenthwaite Road near Bothel looks most unassuming from the road, but you can be assured of really lovely, homely food once inside. The menu is unfussy: simple food prepared to a high standard but you will need to book for their popular Sunday lunch to save disappointment. The cakes are simply divine and most importantly, available to purchase whole to take home!
At the foot of Dodd Wood, the Sawmill is a charming little wooden cabin with an impressive array of former machinery, photos and local information inside. A wood burner keeps the place warm in the colder months and the cakes are heavenly! This place is a real gem with friendly staff and generous portions of their homemade hot and cold menu.
In Wythop Mill, on the opposite side of the lake, is the Pheasant Inn, a former coaching inn dating back to the 17th century, full of history and character. Choose from a variety of dining options in the bistro and restaurant. It is handy to note that you can hire the private dining room that caters for groups of up to 16. The characterful bar houses a unique mix and match collection of decor and furnishings. They have a seriously impressive gin selection, not to mention over 50 different single malts.
See our selection of self-catering cottages in Bassenthwaite.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.