Throughout the year, Cumbria attracts visitors from far and wide to enjoy its spectacular scenery and breathtaking countryside. With mountains to climb, lakes to swim and woodland to wander, you will find plenty to see and do in this beautiful part of the UK.
After you have spent some time exploring Cumbria, you will no doubt have worked up an appetite for some good grub. Luckily for you, there are many incredible eateries across the county to meet a range of tastes.
Whether you’re seeking fine dining, authentic cosy pubs, quaint cafes or quick fish and chips, you will find it all in Cumbria. Keep reading to find out more about the best places to eat here, so you can enjoy the finest food whilst visiting this incredible part of the country.
The Old Stamp House
When searching for places to eat in Cumbria, The Old Stamp House should certainly be on your list. Situated in the stunning town of Ambleside, surrounded by quaint shops and cafes, you will find the ideal location to enjoy fine dining.
The Old Stamp House is located in the former office of William Wordsworth, providing somewhere worth visiting for its history alongside its cosy and intimate setting. Being a family-owned restaurant, the two brothers opened their doors in 2014 and have been welcoming locals and tourists ever since.
When visiting The Stamp House, you will find an incredible menu that is heavily influenced by its surroundings. The restaurant has celebrated multiple awards for its impressive menu, with the most significant being its first Michelin star in 2019.
If you’re seeking some of the best food that Cumbria has to offer, paired with fine wines, all in a beautiful setting, then The Old Stamp House is the place to be. It’s important to note that the restaurant is very popular, so it’s always best to book well in advance.
Askham Hall
Askham Hall is a stunning 13th-century house situated near Penrith, Cumbria. Its grand decor and beautiful gardens provide the perfect setting to relax whilst visiting the Lake District.
Its rural surroundings, fantastic menu and excellent service have earnt Askham Hall a Michelin Star, making it one of the best places to dine in Cumbria. The estate is family owned and with a farm on the grounds, you will find fresh produce delivered straight to your table.
If you’re seeking the ultimate fine dining experience, a visit to Askham Hall will do the trick. Its 6 course-tasting menu offers blends of pre-dinner nibbles, smoked trout, salad in sheep’s curd, truffle and duck sauce vinaigrette, Cumbrian lobster, BBQ’d Beet Shorthorn, fresh strawberries, British cheese, plus coffee and dinner treats to round it off. With so much to try, all in an idyllic setting, you will find yourself spoilt for choice when visiting Askham.
Pentonbridge Inn
Pentonbridge Inn is nestled away on the English – Scottish border, providing a cosy and authentic setting. The former 19th-century Coaching Inn offers fine dining in a relaxed environment, making it the perfect place if you’re looking for the best of both worlds.
Its welcoming decor, open fire and rustic feel provide the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day exploring Cumbria. The food at Pentonbridge Inn is locally sourced and straight to your table, offering the freshest food that money can buy.
The rural setting, surrounding greenery and mouth watering menu make it the place to be for those looking to truly de-stress in Cumbria. Try the 8-course tasting menu for a selection of fine food and excellent presentation. Alternatively, for a more relaxed meal, the 5-course lunch menu offers a range of delicious plates.
The Punch Bowl Inn
If you happen to visit Cumbria in search of casual dining, The Punch Bowl Inn is where to go. This cosy pub is situated in Crosthwaite and dates back to 1829. The former blacksmith shop has been transformed into a stunning bar and restaurant, with some of its old charm and decor remaining throughout.
The Punch Bowl Inn offers warm and friendly service, paired with award-winning food and drink, making it a great place for a break in the Lake District. If you’re visiting Cumbria in the summer, sit outside The Punch Bowl and soak up the incredible views over the Lyth Valley, all whilst enjoying excellent food and perhaps a drink or two.
Being only 15 minutes by car to Lake Windermere, you can spend your morning strolling around the water, with a stop off at The Punch Bowl Inn for some hearty grub. Its vast menu, stunning surroundings and ideal location make it the perfect place to go when seeking the best places to eat in Cumbria.
Hare & Hounds
With log burners, wooden beams, authentic decor and a cosy atmosphere, The Hare and Hounds is one of the best places in Kendal, Cumbria and the perfect place to go for fuss-free dining. You will find the pub located in the pretty village of Levens. The 16th-century coaching Inn is encompassed by rolling hills and breathtaking views, making it the ideal place to grab a bite to eat.
If you’re seeking somewhere full of character, filling dishes and an extensive drinks menu, then the Hare and Hounds is the place to be. After exploring the great outdoors, you can relax in this cosy setting, with kids, muddy boots and dogs all welcome.
Its extensive menu makes the Hare and Hounds the best option for even the fussiest of eaters. With fresh fish, pork belly, steaks from the grill, burgers, pizzas, vegetarian options and much more on offer, you will find something for everyone here.
The Lake Edge Restaurant
If you’re seeking incredible food, lakeside views, an extensive menu and a beautiful environment, then look no further as The Lake Edge Restaurant has it all. Located in the renowned Bowness-on-Windermere, this is the perfect place to go in Cumbria for excellent food after a day wandering around the pretty town.
Appearing close enough to touch the water, The Lake Edge Restaurant boasts some of the best lakeside views that Cumbria has to offer. Its locally sourced ingredients provide the freshest of dishes straight to your table, pairing its magnificent setting with some of the finest food you could wish for.
Whether you’re looking for authentic British cuisine, vegetarian or vegan options plus much more, you will find something for all at The Lake Edge Restaurant. Being in the heart of the Lake District does however mean that the restaurant gets quite busy, so bookings ahead of time are advised.
Tebay Services
With people travelling from all over the country to Cumbria, it only makes sense that you can find a service station in the Lake District that offers incredible food for all. Tebay Services is situated in Penrith and is far from your usual motorway service station.
As you pull off the busy motorway, you will find a hidden gem surrounded by stunning woodland, huge ponds and vast greenery. Not only does Tebay provide an unparalleled setting to that of the busy road nearby, but the food here is to die for.
You will find a fresh farm shop, an idyllic cafe and hot food all at Tebay. Whether you’re seeking an authentic hearty dish or just a light bite, there is something for everyone here. After filling your stomach, wander through the shops where you will find stunning handmade gifts and more.
The Cottage in the Wood
Nestled away in the Whinlatter Forest near Keswick is the stunning Cottage in the woods. This Michelin-listed restaurant provides an ultimately relaxing setting with a warm atmosphere, delicious food and friendly service.
Encompassed by beautiful woodland, vast countryside and neverending greenery, this is the perfect place to go for those seeking some peace, serenity and great food. The Cottage in the Wood takes locally sourced ingredients and transforms them into a creative and exciting menu, providing an excellent way to try new things when in Cumbria.
As the season’s change, so does the menu at The Cottage in the Wood, this allows their food to reflect the changing weather and scenery. You will find a cosy and intimate setting here, paired with fine dining and a great location to explore.
Lacu Restaurant
Lacu Restaurant can be found in the popular town of Bowness-on-Windermere. Situated in this bustling part of Cumbria makes it the place to go for those looking for a vibrant atmosphere and excellent food.
The modern decor sits in contrast to the cobblestone streets outside. Lacu prides itself on its relaxed and informal environment where people can come straight from the busy town to enjoy some fresh, locally sourced food.
With the cosy setting and extensive menu, this is the perfect place to go for those seeking where to eat in Cumbria. Offering fish, lamb, steak, and beef burgers, plus many vegetarian options, there is something for the whole clan at Lacu Restaurant.
Angel Lane Chippie
If you happen to be visiting Penrith, Cumbria you must make a stop at Angel Lane Chippie. This is the perfect place for those seeking a quick and filling meal when in the Lake District. After hiking, biking or any other physical activity, there is no better way to refuel than a hearty plate of fish and chips.
Not only did Angel Lane Chippie win Young Fish Frier in 2010, but this fish and chip shop delivers great food and exceptional service. Being a child-friendly restaurant, with casual dining, this makes for the best place to go in Cumbria if you’re visiting with the whole family.
Rothay Manor Restaurant
Rothay Manor boasts 3AA rosettes alongside a Michelin Plate, making it the ideal location for those seeking a little luxury in Cumbria. Offering tasting menus, a la carte and vegetarian options, you will find something here to suit all.
Situated just outside of Ambleside, this stunning manor house is a short walk from the town centre. After exploring the area, or perhaps strolling around Lake Windermere, a stop-off at Rothay will provide you with the ultimate fine dining experience.
With unique mixes of flavours and fresh ingredients, you will find a great selection of food to choose from – all beautifully presented. This is the best place in the Lake District for those looking for some elegance or a fancy evening out.
The Beer Hall
The Beer Hall combines a boho setting with excellent grub and of course lots of beer! This is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat for those seeking a casual environment and relaxed atmosphere.
Situated between Kendal and Windermere, The Beer Hall is the ideal location for those hoping to explore the best of Cumbria. Dogs are welcome and there are no reservations required, making it an easy and convenient place to stop off.
With a wide selection of food and cuisines, you can get anything from nachos to cheese boards and other tasty nibbles at The Beer Hall. Pair this with a beer from the brewery and you have yourself a perfect afternoon in the Lake District.
Summary
We hope that after reading our guide to the best places to eat in Cumbria, you can now visit with all these in mind to choose the best option for you. Wherever you go, you will find restaurants surrounded by stunning countryside vistas, rural cosy pubs and quaint lakeside cafes, allowing for the perfect setting to enjoy some tasty dishes.
After you have sought some of the best places to eat in Cumbria, you’re likely looking for somewhere to cosy up and stay the night. Independent Cottages offer a significant selection of stunning rental properties around the Lake District. Choose your favourite place to relax and unwind whilst visiting this beautiful part of the UK.