A guide to Pooley Bridge

Pooley Bridge is a small Lake District village at the northernmost tip of Ullswater. It’s a popular location thanks to its easy access to the lake, the stunning countryside around it, and famous sights such as the highly photographable Duke of Portland Boathouse.

If you’re thinking of visiting this pretty village, or are already looking forward to a trip, then we’ve got the full guide to what’s at Pooley Bridge: what you can see, what you can do, and where to eat.

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‘Steamer’ trips in Pooley Bridge

Photo credit (right image): Deposit Photos

One of the best things to do in Pooley Bridge is take a boat trip on one of the famous Ullswater ‘Steamers’. Starting from Pooley Bridge Pier, these heritage vessels can be spotted tranquilly gliding across the beautiful lake throughout the year.

Running for over 160 years, the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ are one of the largest fleets of heritage boats in the world. They are fully equipped with covered outdoor seating, indoor saloons, toilet facilities and a bar. So you can truly travel in comfort!

Use the boats to visit other villages around Ullswater, reach the start of a linear walk, or simply cruise the lake and admire the incredible surroundings. Plus, the ‘Steamers’ are dog friendly.

Walking in Pooley Bridge

The area around Ullswater and Pooley Bridge boasts some of the most challenging and awe-inspiring walks in the Lake District, including Striding Edge on Helvellyn. There are plenty of gentle walks, too, so don’t feel you have to be an experienced mountaineer to explore the area on foot!

An easy mountain walk is Askham Fell, which is scattered with fascinating ancient monuments. This leads onto the popular Pooley Bridge to Lowther Castle walk, which takes in open fields, riverside strolls and tranquil woodland until you reach the impressive hollowed shell of Lowther Castle.

Other popular Pooley Bridge walks include High Street, a former Roman road that travels over the mountains between Penrith and Ambleside. Or, to stay at a lower altitude and close to the lake, head for the Ullswater Way. Though the full circular walk is 20 miles, you can combine a walk with a ‘Steamer’ trip or bus ride for a shorter option. Why not try a different section each day?

Restaurants and cafés in Pooley Bridge

Pooley Bridge’s restaurants and cafés are varied and plentiful for such a small village. The Secret Garden is a particular favourite: right by the River Eamont, it’s slightly hidden behind the Post Office and serves delicious homemade food in a cosy setting.

If you’d like some traditional fish and chips, see if you can catch The Chippie Van. This quirky mobile chip shop can be found in numerous villages of the area at different times. Check the schedule to find out when they’re in Pooley Bridge!

Other great eateries for you to select from include the award-winning fine dining restaurant 1863, the Crown Inn with its lakeside garden and the Pooley Bridge Inn with its characterful setting. Or we love feeling at home at Granny Dowbekins Tearooms, where you can get a sweet treat as easily as you can get a full and delicious meal. Other than 1863, all these excellent eateries are dog friendly.

Pubs in Pooley Bridge

There are three pubs in Pooley Bridge: The Pooley Bridge Inn, the Crown Inn and the Sun Inn. All within walking distance of one another, you can easily sample each to find your favourite! Each is pet-friendly and serves good food as well as drinks. You’ll find brilliant beer gardens too for a buzzing summer atmosphere.

If you’re out and about or are happy to travel a little further afield, stop by the Horse and Farrier in Dacre, which hosts regular pub quizzes and music nights. Or the Punchbowl in Askham is famous for its award-winning food and attached brewery.

Boat hire in Pooley Bridge

Thanks to its position right on the edge of Ullswater, boat hire at Pooley Bridge is dead easy. Lakeland Boat Hire is the place to go to hire motorboats (including a selection of luxury boats), Canadian canoes, and rowing boats. You can explore the whole lake via motorboat or take things a bit more gently and simply enjoy the scenery on one of the self-powered options.

Take a little walk further down the lake to Park Foot Holiday Park and you’ll also find Alfresco Adventures, which offers kayak, canoe and paddleboard hire. A number of the boats for hire are dog-friendly too, so none of your group has to miss out!

Shops in Pooley Bridge

Photo credit: Chestnut House

The most special and unique of Pooley Bridge’s shops is Chestnut House, which boasts a collection of over 400 gins for sale! You’ll also find scrumptious treats from local producers, loads of real ales, and food hampers to make your mouth water. This Pooley Bridge shop is a must-visit!

Amongst its select range of shops, Pooley Bridge also boasts a dreamy book shop, and a Post Office and general store for all your basics. For more retail therapy, you can head a short drive (or bus ride) away to Rheged, or continue on to Penrith for plenty of independent stores and high street names.

Canoe building in Pooley Bridge

Perhaps you love the water so much that you’d like to create your very own boat from scratch? ORCA Adventures runs canoe-building workshops throughout the year. Book well in advance to secure your place, and learn how to build a family-friendly boat from scratch. 

Once you’re done, you can launch it straight onto Ullswater for the ultimate test of your handiwork! ORCA Adventures is just a short walk away from the centre of Pooley Bridge.

Pony trekking in Pooley Bridge

Once you’ve gotten about by foot, boat, and bike, why not hop into the saddle with Pony Trekking Ullswater? This is a marvellous way to get out in the scenery, and a must for all animal lovers. There’s no road-riding – it’s all cross-country along dirt tracks and rugged landscapes. Admire the views of Ullswater from up high.

Ancient monuments in Pooley Bridge

A short 2-mile walk up Askham Fell will bring you to the famous Cockpit Stone Circle. This massive monument is thought to be an ancient meeting space on a hill that is also the site of an important Roman road.

In fact, this whole hillside is covered in mysterious rocks and cairns. Pull out your OS map and spend a day hunting out all the locations. Kids (and adults!) will love imagining what each ruin once was.

Adventure activities in Pooley Bridge

Photo credit: Ullswater Outdoor Adventures

With so much water and mountain scenery surrounding Pooley Bridge, you may feel the desire to get out on an adventure. Fortunately, you have plenty of options for that!

Tall Bloke Adventures runs kayaking tours around Ullswater from Glenridding, on the far end of the lake. Or Ullswater Outdoor Adventures has a range of activities ranging from cliff jumping and canoe coaching to the infamous Hell-Water Challenge!

Stately homes in Pooley Bridge

Step back in time and admire the beautiful artwork, architecture and gardens of the area’s stately homes. Dalemain is well known for its popular marmalade festival as well as the mansion itself and the historic gardens. Why not get involved with one of the monthly gardening days?

Next up on your tour of grand homes is Lowther Castle. Though the main building is now just a shell of its former self, it's still an impressive sight to spot from the surrounding countryside. Up close it’s even more spectacular. You’ll then step through the ruined halls into the magical grounds where you’ll find rose gardens, arboretums, summer houses, and a truly fabulous children’s playground. Continue your day on Lowther’s grounds by hiring a bike and exploring on two wheels.

Finally, take a tour of the magically named Hutton-in-the-Forest. The house is a wonderful mishmash of architectural styles that have been adapted and added to over hundreds of years. Outside are extensive gardens and woodland walks, as well as regular exciting outdoor events throughout the summer.

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