TOP 5 SECRET BREWS WITH A VIEW
Top five hidden spots to enjoy a bite and a drink with breathtaking views of the lakes and fells … and the best bit? Hardly anyone really knows about them.
Yes, we have the mountains to scale and, yes, we have the dreamy lakes to admire – but let’s be honest among friends – one of the greatest joys of the Lake District is finding the perfect spot for a sit down. To soak in the wonder, sipping something delicious, nibbling something tasty with views that stretch for days … can life get any better?
The challenge, of course, is finding that perfect spot and when you have found that spot … finding a seat! If you think that quaint little pub on the main road to the fells looked like the perfect pit stop, the chances are, so did everyone else!
The trick? Stray just a little off the beaten track and there are loads of hidden (or at least less obvious) gems to be found. This Lazy Lass is devoted to enjoying the Lakes at leisure and first and foremost that means dodging the crowds and avoiding a scramble for the last remaining square inch of pub picnic bench.
Here are my favourite places to do just that. Sit, eat, drink and ponder at leisure.
Before we jump in, some notes to heed! These venues are awesome for walk in lunches, drinks and snacks. Evening dinners will probably require a booking. It also goes without saying that in the height of summer time even these low key gems are likely to be busy. Finally – if you attempt a visit to the Lakes on a Bank Holiday? God speed and on your head be it …
1. The Coledale Inn, Braithwaite
This wonderful, traditional country pub is truly a hidden gem, so much so that you really, really have to know where it is to find it. Tucked away up in a corner of the village of Braithwaite you won’t see it or pass it in the car unless you’re a local. The pub is mere minutes away from the main route to the Coledale valley and Whinlatter pass and only a five minute walk from the X5 bus stop.
The Coledale has (in my opinion) one of the best pub grub menus around (think Cumberland sausage, scampi and chips and hot baguettes and chips). It’s reasonably priced and the friendly service is heart warming.
The pub’s elevated position in the village offers panoramic views over the mighty Skiddaw Massif to the north and it’s immaculate beer garden is an absolute sun trap.
It does have a small car park but as it is a working Inn, this is usually pretty full. I would recommend just hopping on the bus from Keswick (5 minutes) having a leisurely wander up, enjoy the food, enjoy the views and the incredible chilled vibes. Get the bus back, or walk off your hearty meal with a gently meander back to Keswick.
2. armatwhaite hall, bassenthwaite
Located on the northern shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, Armathwaite Hall is a well known luxury destination hotel for weddings and spa weekends. Don’t be put off or intimidated by the stunning architecture and its fancy ambience though, Armathwaite is genuinely the most friendly and welcoming hotel around these parts. Whether you’re a staying guest or a passing visitor seeking solace after a long walk the staff will seat you with a smile, a giggle and exemplary service.
As popular as the hotel is for staying visitors, it’s hidden location, tucked away lucious woodland means it’s not an automatic ‘go to’ for the hoards of Lakeland day-trippers on a sunny day – meaning these beautiful grounds are always a pleasant sanctuary. It’s beautiful conservatory also guarantees dramatic views over the lake on stormy days too.
There are stunning views wherever you look at Armathwaite and drinks on the terrace on a sunny day is always special treat. The prices at the Hall are what you’d expect for a lux destination, but for this view and this service … go on, you’re worth it!
It’s super easy to get to Armathwaite Hall as it’s a 3 minute diversion by car from the A66, the National Cycle Route 10 and has it’s own dedicated bus stops serving the X4.
3. nicol end marina, portinscale
Nicol End Marina is an incredibly popular water adventure centre on the western shore of Derwentwater. It’s located at the north western end of the evergreen favourite circular walk around the lake (and the Cumbria Way), just as you emerge out of Fawe Park woods on the way to Portinscale. While in theory, it should be rammed with thirsty and hungry walkers at all hours of the day, its little stone terrace area is hidden around the corner of the main building and is usually, blissfully open and free to use.
The quality of the baked offerings in this humble little café are beyond description! All I can say, without exaggeration, is that the scones are the size of a brick (see picture for evidence)! Fluffy, creamy, bursting with cherries … oh my! (They will give you a bag to takeaway what you can’t eat)
The views from the terrace are enchanting. You can sit and while your time watching the sailors, the kayakers and the paddleboarders tentatively taking to the water under the benevolent gaze of Skiddaw, Latrigg and Blencathra to the east.
Whilst I’m including Nicol End Marina café as a little known gem, getting there in high season by any means other than boat, foot or cycle is a potentially a hopeless quest (it’s right slap bang on the route to Catbells). If I were you, I’d make a morning or an afternoon of it and include it as your destination of choice on a circular walk of the lake.
4. kirkstile inn, loweswater
The Kirkstile Inn – an institution for locals – is squirrelled away in the peaceful Loweswater valley; if you know, you know! Its beer garden is legendary — and rightly so, the shapely dome of Melbreak is practically sitting at the table with you.
This is classic Lake District pub territory: whitewashed walls, slate roofs, low beams, and hearty food. The pub food and beer selection is excellent here, and yes, this is the home of the famous Loweswater Gold!
Accessibility, however, is another matter. Unlike some of the spots dotted along well-trodden walking routes,. Public transport is virtually non-existent in this quiet valley making this treasured gem an even more special treat for those seeking a two wheel pit stop or a well deserved reward after a long days hiking in the nearby fells.
5. the lakeside restaurant and bar, ambleside
“Wait? … Ambleside? Secret?” I hear you wail. Bear with me.
The Lakeside Restaurant and Bar, located on the northern tip of Windermere and the southern tip of Ambleside is actually hidden away off the main road, waaaaaay south of the main town centre. As such, it’s not immediately obvious to the masses, and I regularly sit for hours here, with hardly anyone around, watching lake life in motion.
Officially this café bar (it’s really not a proper restaurant) is the dining facility of the Ambleside YHA and guess what this mean? It’s cheap as chips and as friendly and relaxed as they come!
It goes without saying that in high season the YHA is full and the place is bouncing, but if you venture here in any other month than June, July and August (these pictures were taken in May 2025) , you’ll be pretty much guaranteed to have a lakeside seat, all to yourself. Simply follow your nose down past the Windermere Steamers pier and locate this low key wonder behind the pier head.
