The Watermill Inn at Ings

We'll start just a couple of miles down the A591 in the village of Ings. The Watermill Inn is a multi-award winning, family run pub and brewery located on a peaceful lane just off the A591, surrounded by glorious countryside. 

The pub is renowned for brewing its own beers, twelve in total, and many of them have some sort of canine reference in the name, such as Golden Retriever, a Bit'er Ruff or Collie Wobbles, a nod to the dog-friendly nature of the pub.

The Watermill Inn offers all day, casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere, rather than restaurant dining. The main menu features seasonal dishes, as well as chef's specials. This is hearty dining. The beef and collie wobbles ale pie is definitely worth tucking into.

The Punchbowl Inn, Crosthwaite

Just under twenty minutes by car from Windermere is The Punchbowl Inn in Crosthwaite, a charming and rustic seventeenth century pub in the heart of the Lyth Valley.

The Punchbowl has earned quite a reputation for fantastic food, earning two well-deserved AA rosettes in the process. It offers an extensive menu, available at lunchtime from Monday to Saturday (12.00 - 3pm) and every evening between 5.30pm and 8.30pm (Saturday and Sunday 6pm - 8.30pm). The Sunday Lunch menu changes on a weekly basis and is served from 12pm - 3pm. There is a traditional bar, formal and informal restaurants and a terrace for those warm, summer evenings.

The bar serves a selection of locally brewed ale, as well as an extensive range of malt whiskies and gins, including local damson gin. There is also an excellent wine list.

If you do decide to book a table, make sure you try the twice baked cheese souffl�. It's amazing.

The Black Labrador, Underbarrow

Just five minutes up the Lyth Valley from The Punchbowl is Underbarrow, home to the Black Labrador pub which, as the name suggests, is more than happy to welcome your canine companions.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday (at the time of writing), this 16^th century pub provides a warm Lakeland welcome and delicious food and a fine selection of beers and wine. During the summer, why not enjoy a relaxed meal in the terraced garden area? And in the winter, get cosy in front of the blazing log burner.

The Hare and Hounds at Bowland Bridge 

The Hare and Hounds at Bowland Bridge is nestled deep in the Winter Valley to the east of Lake Windermere. Whether you've been out on the fells, cycling the lanes or are simply looking for some cracking food without the fussiness, the Hare and Hounds will make you feel more than welcome.

You'll find classic pub dishes here, such as beer battered fish and chip or steak and ale pie, as well as daily specials, lighter meals and vegetarian dishes. For something truly special, make sure you book a table for Sunday lunch, especially if you're partial to a Yorkshire Pudding.

Tower Bank Arms, Near Sawrey

Our final Windermere stop involves getting the ferry across Lake Windermere as we head to Beatrix Potter country. Not only is Tower Bank Arms just a few yards up the road from the author's former Hill Top home, it also made an appearance in The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck.

Nowadays, it's a traditional country pub with a roaring log fire and flagstone floors. It has three regular ales on tap, while a further two guest ales are usually sourced from local breweries. And if you're planning on enjoying a meal there, make sure you book in advance. The food is considered to be some of the best food in the area, so it's pretty popular. It's also earned a reputation for catering extremely well for those with food allergies and intolerances.

There are so many great countryside pubs near Windermere. We could just keep writing, but we'll leave it there for now. Keep an eye on our blog for another instalment, and for some ideas for guests staying in our Ullswater Cottages. In the meantime, if you want any more information, please do get in touch.