IN THE AREA
With so much beauty and hospitality, it isn’t hard to see why the Lake District remains the perfect place to explore and enjoy. But where do you start when planning your time here?
Whether you’re visiting the Lakes for a long weekend or planning a more substantial trip, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you’ve even begun. So we’ve come up with a guide to the best places to eat, the best walks in the area and some fun things to do, to give you a bit of a head start.
We’d strongly recommend booking restaurants and pubs in advance, as most places insist on bookings due to Covid regulations.

Hare & Hounds at Bowland Bridge
A newly renovated inn serving a selection of delicious food using local, seasonal ingredients. Recently featured in The Times newspaper.
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The Brown Horse Inn
Voted Pub Chef of the Year 2020, this traditional Lakeland pub offers great food, drinks and a play area for kids.
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Levens Hall
Near Kendal, is a magnificent Elizabethan mansion built around a 13th Century pele tower, which was expanded and rebuilt towards the end of the 16th Century. Beautiful Topiary gardens and cafe.
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Lake Road Kitchen
Created by one of the chefs from Noma, this multi-award winning restaurant in Ambleside offers 5, 8 and 12 course tasting menus.
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Homeground Cafe
Best for breakfast and lunch. They don't take bookings so go early or late for lunch to avoid queues.
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Henrock
Informally elegant restaurant by Simon Rogan located in the scenic grounds of Linthwaite House.
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Chesters by the River
A gorgeous riverside vegetarian cafe, shop and bakery in Ambleside. Lovely walks from the door of the restaurant.
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Beatrix Potter Hill Top
Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse, a time-capsule of her life, near Hawkshead.
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Lake View Garden Bar
Light meals and al fresco drinks, located facing the lake shore and now features their new pop up Tiki Bar.
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The World of Beatrix Potter
A vibrant family experience in Bowness, a short walk from The White House.
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Gummer's How
Minimum effort walk for maximum view reward. Takes about 20 minutes to walk up and offers views all the way down Lake Windermere.
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Tarn Hows
Near to Chesters by the River in Ambleside, this approx 45 minute walk around a beautiful tarn is nice and flat with stunning views.
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