mason arms pub in the lake district

6 of the Best Country Pubs in the Lake District

2 January 2020 Local area

Sample some of the finest local ales, traditional dishes and a warm Cumbria welcome at one of the Lake Districts famed country pubs.

Just a short drive from our 5-star holiday park on the shores of Lake Windermere, you will find a range of cosy countryside pubs serving a delicious array of expertly cooked dishes and local ales.

Here’s our pick of country pubs near our Lake District holiday park.

 

Masons Arms, Cartmel Fell

Country pubs don’t come better than the Masons Arms in Cartmel. Set in an idyllic hillside position with stunning views over Winster Valley, this cosy pub has an excellent reputation and consistently receives rave reviews. The chefs serve an extensive menu of traditional Lakeland classics, including game, Cartmel lamb and damson infused dishes. You’re guaranteed generous portions, especially if you order their famous rack of ribs!

The pubs interior is a delightful mix of old and new, creating a cosy space to relax and refuel. Mismatched furniture, low beamed ceilings, flagstone floors, and quirky secluded seating areas all add to the charm.

Many guests choose to walk to the Masons Arms from our Lake District Holiday Park. On a chilly day, it’s the perfect pit stop to sample some local ale and warm up in front of the roaring fire, before making the trek back to Park Cliffe.

 

The Hare and Hounds, Bowland Bridge

The Hare and Hounds at Bowland Bridge is a quintessential country pub with a rich and interesting history. Once a 17th century coaching inn, this popular lake district pub has been sympathetically refurbished and boasts an interesting mix of modern fittings to compliment the period features. From the terrace patrons can enjoy striking views of the fells and surrounding Lakeland countryside. Inside, a mix of slate and polished oak help create an inviting atmosphere, where you’ll feel at home.

The team of experienced chefs are passionate about food and advocates of ‘farm to table’ dining. They endeavour to use local produce wherever possible, which means the specials board is constantly changing to make use of seasonal ingredients. All dishes are cooked to order to ensure your meal is fresh and tasty. We highly recommend the Sunday roast with all the trimmings and of course, one of the 15 gins on offer!

 

Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite

The Punch Bowl Inn is set in the beautiful Lake District village of Crosthwaite, just moments from St Mary’s Church. With an idyllic rural location and stunning views across Lyth Valley, it’s not difficult to see how this Lakeland pub has earnt an excellent reputation.

Savour a delightful menu off classic dishes with a contemporary twist, lovingly prepared by the Punch Bowls acclaimed Head Chef. Many of the dishes have been inspired by the culinary team’s world travels and their training under the guidance of Michelin star chefs.

 

Hole in t’Wall, Bowness

The Hole in t’Wall is the oldest pub in Bowness and was regularly frequented by Tolkien and Dickins. According to local legend, it gained its name after a brick was removed from the interior wall, so that the blacksmiths next door could be served whilst they worked. The hole has since been filled, but little has changed in this grade II listed building over the years and this Lakeland pub retains much of its period charm and character.

Today, The Hole in t’Wall is a popular haunt for visitors and locals alike, thanks to its great food and welcoming atmosphere. The friendly landlady and her team serve award-winning Robinsons cask ales, over 20 gins and wide selection of rum. Traditional pub grub is a staple here, so you’re guaranteed to find something to fill a hole after a busy day exploring The Lakes.

 

Brown Horse Inn, Winster

The Brown Horse Inn is popular with guests at Park Cliffe Holiday Park, particularly in the colder months when the weathers taken a turn for the worst. With a traditional country bar, solid beams and roaring fire to warm the cockles, it’s an idyllic spot to visit during your winter holiday in The Lakes.

The chefs take great pride in their dishes and work hard to source local and seasonal ingredients. The vast majority of meats and vegetables are grown on the Brown Horse Estate and cask ales are supplied by local breweries. The Brown Horse Inn even has its own ale to sample during your visit

The Brown Horse Inn team have taken great care to ensure they cater to all members of the family. Not only are they dog friendly, they have a dedicated dog menu, so your four-legged friend doesn’t have to go hungry during your visit. They can enjoy a wide selection of tasty ‘bar snack’s’ or a delicious main of cottage pie, lamb hot pot or chicken and turkey casserole!

 

Park Cliffe Bar and Restaurant

If you’re feeling peckish during your stay, but don’t want to travel far, why not try the bar and breakfast restaurant in the grounds of our Lake district camping and caravan site. Guests at Park Cliffe Holiday Park can enjoy a home cooked breakfast.

The Park Cliffe Pop-Up street food crew all serve home cooked food using great quality local ingredients.

Our opening days and times vary throughout the year, which we’ve explained here, but do contact us for more information.

As a general guide, the Fellside Bar & Breakfasts is open at weekends and in peak holiday periods for drinks and breakfast although Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually remain closed. If you want to eat in the comfort of your caravantent, or camping pod, we also do a takeaway breakfast menu and of course the takeaway Pop-Up street food.

 

Header photo credit: Dave Willis, Cumbria Media Library