Top Lake District Pub with Log Fires

Top Lake District Pubs with log fires

There’s nothing better than relaxing next to the crackle of a log fire after a day out walking the fells in the winter, right? We have so many cosy pubs with log fires, great food, and atmosphere.

Here’s a few of our favourites, in no particular order, for you to try on your next trip to the Lake District.

The Britannia, Elterwater

Known locally as ‘The Brit’ is a traditional pub in the heart of Elterwater, close to Grasmere & Langdale.

Great for refreshment mid-walk, or a good rest at the end of your hike, serving great pub-grub, local ales, and friendly service with a smile. A great place to finish up after your day on the fells and enjoy a pint and a story or two. Drunken Duck, Barngates, near Ambleside

The Kirkstone Pass Inn

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 walkers and motorists alike with fantastic views down to Windermere beneath the cloud level.

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.

We reckon this is one of the best names for a 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 Badger Bar, located between Grasmere and Rydal

This quirky pub is steeped in history, with a cosy bar where old pictures of the area in days gone by, and characterful tables and bar stools are scattered around, and the stone walls 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

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 Mortal Man, Troutbeck

Perched high above the Kirkstone Valley with a super beer garden, this traditional pub has plenty of room to meet up with fellow walkers, perhaps when you’ve come down off Wansfell or any of the fabulous walks around the valley.

The Golden Rule, Ambleside

This is what you would call a proper pub. There’s no food served here, (you might get some nuts and crisps) but it’s just a good, old-fashioned, drinking pub with a warm hearth and good company. There’s no background music, no noisy games machines, and no big screen television. Just a roaring fire and a great atmosphere.

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.

The Punch Bowl, Crosthwaite, Lyth Valley

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

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 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.