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A pint of lager in front of beer taps in a pub

With tasty food and local ales,  friendly atmosphere, warm cosy fire and some dog-friendly, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting one of our many cosy pubs to hunker down and relax in.

We’ve handpicked some of our favourites in this guide. Keep reading to find out more…


The Masons Arms, Strawberry Bank, Cartmel Fell.

This is a classic country inn, with lots of cosy rooms, great views over the Lyth valley, and a classy menu. Quaint surroundings and log fires make this a popular destination all year round, with excellent local brews and delicious dinners.

Whether you prefer posh fish and chips or venison casserole, perhaps wild boar and damson sausages, all washed down with raspberry cider you’ll be delighted at the food and drink on offer.


Drunken Duck, Barngates, near Ambleside.

An external shot of the Drunken Duck Inn showing the sign and the whitewashed building

We reckon this is one of the best names for a cosy pub in the county.  Legend has it the landlady in Victorian times found a group of ‘dead’ ducks and started plucking them for dinner. However, they weren’t dead, but drunk and sleepy after enjoying a leaky beer barrel.

One of the region’s classic dining pubs with bar and restaurant. The bar is full of cosy charm and welcomes dogs. Close to the classic short circular walk around Tarn Hows. They serve ales from their own micro-brewery next door – Barngates, and excellent bar food, and a super restaurant menu.


The Punch Bowl, Crosthwaite, Lyth Valley.

This beautiful valley is famous for its orchards and damson trees. Another superb dining pub, offering delicious meals in the modern restaurant from the award-winning kitchen.  Sample the excellent local ales or damson gin in one of the cosy bar areas, and snuggle up by the fire and read the papers.


The Watermill Inn, Ings, between Kendal and Windermere.

The stonebuilt exterior of the Watermill Inn

With its own craft brewery on the premises, the 12+ real ales span a caramel-infused Ruff Justice to a citrusy Isle of Dogs and Collie-Wobble in between.

Think traditional cosy pub grub with large portions and a seasonal menu. Fires in various of the bars, and lots of outside space when the weather is kind.


The Kirkstone Pass Inn, Ambleside.

Perched on top of the Kirkstone Pass, this is the UK’s 4th highest pub, between Ambleside and Patterdale at the top of ‘The Struggle’ the notorious road from Ambleside.  It’s a remote, lonely spot which makes the inside feel even cosier, especially when the fire is roaring.  A great spot for  serve walkers and motorists alike with fantastic views down to Windermere beneath the cloud level.


The Badger Bar, between Grasmere and Rydal.

The traditional interior of the Badger Bar showing wooden beams bench seating and twinkle lights

On the A591, betwixt Grasmere and Rydal, this quirky cosy pub is steeped in history, with a fascinating bar with old pictures of the area in days gone by,  and the stone walls really bring the outside in…

They offer at least 4 locally brewed real ales, and some of the best pies in the area!  Great for a pit-stop on your walks around Rydal water and Grasmere or refreshment if you’re driving further north toward Keswick.


Crafty Baa, Windermere.

Two pints of beer on a table in front of a roaring open fire

A tiny, award-winning bar sits snugly on the main street in Windermere, with an incredible choice of craft beers and ales, along with sharing platters of meats and cheeses.

Locals and visitors enjoy it and once you’ve got a seat you can enjoy the cosy atmosphere and chat to your neighbours!


The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite Lake.

An ancient coaching inn, once a regular haunt of John Peel, the huntsman, and now has a couple of interesting bars and rooms and of course, a log fire in winter. You’ll enjoy fine dining and local ales.


Brown Horse, Winster, Windermere.

This traditional country bar has a roaring fire, its own micro brewery, and small farm producing much of the excellent meat and vegetables used. The traditional country bar is beamed and has a roaring fire to warm you through after a walk through the pretty Winster Valley.


These are just some of a small selection of cosy pubs in Cumbria, all with a warm Cumbrian welcome!

Fancy trying them out for yourself? Browse the range of wonderful cottages in the Lake District.