Content Team
11 February 2020
Beer gardens are a big part of the Lake District experience for many. There’s nothing like a refreshing pint after a long day on the fells, a tasty glass of wine with your meal on a sunny evening, or somewhere to enjoy the fresh air and buzz that comes with a good pub. Thankfully, the Lake District has plenty of amazing beer gardens to enjoy and here are just some of the best that you can enjoy.
The Wasdale Head Inn
In the remote valley of Wasdale, there are hardly any buildings, but one of them is the amazing Wasdale Head Inn. Over 200 years old, the birthplace of The World’s Biggest Liar Competition, and with a fascinating climbing heritage, this pub is full of character and history. It also has the advantage of being surrounded by breath-taking scenery and there’s no better place to enjoy that than in the beer garden!
Enjoy Wasdale from one of our cottages in the valley.
The Kirkstone Pass Inn
The Kirkstone Pass Inn is the most elevated garden on our list! At 1,500ft up on the Lake District’s highest road pass, it offers unrivalled views towards Ambleside in one direction and Ullswater in the other. Enjoy home-cooked meals and kick back to enjoy the scenery.
Wateredge Inn, Ambleside
As the name suggests, The Wateredge Inn sits right on the shores of Windermere lake. With its own jetty, you can pull up to the beer garden by boat, swim up to the edge, or visit the more traditional way by foot! Whatever your mode of transport, the lapping of the water and the general buzz here makes this one of the best beer gardens in the Lakes. Find your own haven close to the water at our Ambleside cottages.
Image: Dave Willis
The Inn at Ravenglass
Picture this, you’ve spent the day exploring the scenery of the lakes, you’re tired but happy, and you fancy enjoying a gorgeous view with an evening refreshment in the Lake District’s only coastal village. The Inn at Ravenglass ties up this idyllic picture with a beer garden that looks over the coast and enjoys spectacular fiery sunsets! Enjoy the show from one of our Ravenglass cottages too!
The Crown Inn, Pooley Bridge
Sitting right on the river that runs into Ullswater, just a short distance from the lake itself is The Crown Inn in Pooley Bridge. The beer garden here is huge, with a choice of seating either on the patio in front of the river or on the raised terrace with views to the lake. There’s plenty of space for the kids to have a runaround, too. Browse our self-catering cottages around Ullswater.
The Sun, Coniston
The Sun sits on a hill above Coniston village, at the start of a popular route up The Old Man of Coniston, so it’s a great end place if you’re doing that hike. Even if not, this beer garden is well worth a dedicated visit. With a large lawned area, shrubs, views, and even a play area, everyone can enjoy their time here! Take a look at our holiday homes in Coniston.
The Swinside Inn, Newlands Valley
You’ll feel like you’re in heaven at the beer garden at The Swinside Inn thanks to its stupendous views over the Newlands Valley. They might even distract you from the food and drink on offer, which is also excellent! Ducks can often be seen pottering about near the tables, adding an extra level of charm to this traditional Lakeland inn. Plan your staycation in the Newlands Valley.
The Strands Inn, Wasdale
The Strands Inn in Wasdale is a friendly pub with a very pleasant beer garden. Backed by the famous Wasdale Screes in the distance, it’s a peaceful haven of grass and flowers that still has an atmospheric buzz to it, particularly in the summer. Why not sample their home-brewed ales from the attached microbrewery?
Image: Tony West
The Mary Mount Hotel, Borrowdale
On the edge of Derwentwater is the Mary Mount Hotel and its amazing terrace beer garden. The Keswick Launch stops at the Lodore landing stage just 100 yards away, so you can even leave your car at your cottage and sail to the hotel in style! Once you’re there, you won’t want to leave: the tranquil setting and lake views are just perfect. Find your ideal cottage in Borrowdale.
The Bower House Inn, Eskdale
The Bower House Inn in EskdaleWith five pubs in the relatively small valley of Eskdale, you’re spoiled for choice! The Bower House in particular has a fantastic beer garden: spacious with a play area and views of Muncaster Fell. Enjoy one of the amazing walks in the area, then sit back at the pub and look out on the scenery to pick where you’ll be hiking tomorrow! Stay close by at one of our Eskdale cottages.
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Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in the Lake District
So there you have our guide to 10 great pub gardens in the Lake District. Are you excited to explore and discover a new one? Or perhaps you have a long-standing favourite that you return to again and again? Either way, you can use our cottage search to find your perfect nearby holiday cottage. Before you set off on your holiday, take a look at our range of self-catering holiday cottages throughout the Lake District. Search our collection today.
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.