The best pubs in the Lake District

There are so many wonderful options, that it’s a challenge to pick out the best pubs in the Lake District. 

You’ll find crooked inns that are hundreds of years old and still retain their original wonky beams and cosy fireplaces. And then there are the modern options with a lively atmosphere and craft beers.

For food, drink, or both, this pick of the best Lake District pubs takes us to each corner of the national park. Let’s see if we can find you a favourite holiday “local”!

Best dog-friendly pub in the Lake District: The Dog and Gun, Keswick

It’s all in the name! The Dog and Gun in Keswick is one of the most dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District, and you’ll often find more pooches here than people! Settle down for some of their world-famous goulash and see if you can grab your pup a spot by the open fire. 

Sitting right in the heart of the town, The Dog and Gun is easy to reach, whether you’ve enjoyed time pottering around the shops or scaling the impressive mountainous landscape.

Best family-friendly pub in the Lake District: The Boot Inn, Eskdale

With a small outside play area, games inside, and a kid-approved children’s menu, The Boot Inn is an excellent family-friendly pub in the heart of Eskdale. The chicken nuggets are a particular favourite, while the fresh air and space to run around will ensure your kids are tired out in time for bed. 

Make sure to combine a visit with a ride on the La’al Ratty miniature steam train for a truly spectacular family day out.

Best historic pub in the Lake District: Hole in t' Wall, Bowness-on-Windermere

Dating back to 1612, Hole in t’ Wall boasts the title of the oldest pub in Bowness, and is also one of the oldest in the Lake District. 

It has a long and fascinating history, and is proud to have changed very little over the centuries. Brimming with charm, you’ll find a lovely selection of beers, plenty of space, and yummy food.

Best traditional pub in the Lake District: The Golden Rule, Ambleside

The Golden Rule does pub culture in the traditional sense and stepping through the door is like reaching back in time. The cosy “wet” pub (drinks only - no food) in Ambleside is a place to really catch up with friends and family. 

There’s no overhead music to prevent you from having a conversation, and both locals and visitors gather for a laid-back pint and a natter. Although it’s in one of the most popular places in the Lake District, its position tucked up a hill makes it an excellent place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Best pub in the Lake District for getting off the beaten track: The Old Posting House, Deanscales

Take a step just outside the national park’s boundaries and you’ll find a plethora of great pubs that, though popular with locals, remain relatively undiscovered by visitors. 

The Old Posting House is just such a pub: a few short miles outside Cockermouth, it offers a warm welcome with plenty of beers and wines, including several created locally.

Best pub in the Lake District for live music: The Sun Inn, Hawkshead

Image credit: The Sun Inn

The popular Sun Inn is one of just a couple of pubs in Hawkshead – a tiny village in the South Lakes – and you can catch live music up to three nights a week. The pub welcomes a number of regular local musicians and one-off guests from further afield. 

Sit back and enjoy the strumming of guitars, the tinkling of piano keys, and the dulcet tones of some amazing singers. You can hear everything from rock to pop, and funk to disco. Put on your glad rags and gear up for a great evening out!

Best pub in the Lake District for Michelin-star food: The Dog and Gun, Skelton

Image credit: The Dog and Gun

Awarded one Michelin star, the Dog and Gun brings together a cosy pub atmosphere and top-quality fine dining. 

The Michelin Guide praised chef-owner Ben Queen-Fryer for his laid-back style and flavoursome, unpretentious cuisine. This is an excellent Lake District food pub to visit if you want to sample the finest food without the formalities of a fancy restaurant.

Best pub in the Lake District with a microbrewery: Ennerdale Brewery Tap, Ennerdale

Image credit: Ennerdale Brewery Tap

Your pints will be as fresh as they come when you stop off at the Ennerdale Brewery Tap. With a well-loved microbrewery attached to the pub, you can enjoy a tour before sitting back to sample a pint or two. 

This family-run pub in Ennerdale also serves up delicious food and has an online shop if you want to take some of your new favourite drinks home with you.

Best gastropub in the Lake District: The Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates

Sat on a crossroads in the beating heart of the national park, the Drunken Duck Inn near Ambleside serves some of the best pub food in the Lake District! Booking is essential, and you’ll find out why when you get there. 

The delicious food will leave your mouth watering and includes such delectable delights as gin-cured salmon and venison bourguignon suet pudding. This is a stop for the foodie pub lovers out there.

Best walkers’ pub in the Lake District: The Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater

Surrounded by the gorgeous scenery of Loweswater and Buttermere, The Kirkstile Inn is a welcoming retreat for walkers after a long hike in the fells or around the lakes. 

There are roaring fires, characterful features, a beer garden by the river, and plenty of beer on tap. Sup on a pint of famous Loweswater Gold, which was originally brewed in an outbuilding behind the pub.

Lake District holiday cottages

Whether you’ve indulged in one too many tipples or have enjoyed a hearty pub meal at one of the best pubs in the Lake District, you can be sure to have an excellent cottage to return to afterwards. Browse our self-catering cottages close to these Lake District pubs.