Ambleside is a walking town, which means it has pubs that understand walkers. Boots in the bar. Dogs welcome. Wet gear hanging. Food that actually fills you up. These are the ones worth going to.
The Golden Rule
Smithy Brow, LA22 9AS. This is the best pub in Ambleside. A Robinson's tied house with a tiny beer garden, a main bar that has not changed significantly in forty years, and a back room. No music, no fruit machines, no food. Just beer, conversation, and warmth. It is quiet early evening and fills up with locals and walkers later. Do not miss it.
The Unicorn
North Road, LA22 9DT. One of the better food pubs in the town. Good beer selection, a kitchen that takes things seriously, and a covered beer garden. Good for a meal after Loughrigg or the Fairfield Horseshoe. Book ahead on Friday and Saturday.
The Waterhead Inn
On the southern shore of Windermere at Waterhead, LA22 0EY. Technically on the outskirts of Ambleside. A large pub with a terrace directly on the water. The setting is exceptional, the food is above average for a lakeside pub, and the beer garden is probably the best in the area. Gets very busy in summer. Worth it anyway.
Old Dungeon Ghyll, Great Langdale
LA22 9JU, 20 minutes' drive from Ambleside. Not in Ambleside but effectively the walkers' pub for the area. The hikers' bar is one of the great pub experiences in the north of England. Low ceiling, flagstone floor, open fire, Langdale beer from the local brewery. Dogs welcome, muddy boots expected. No music. If you have not been, go.
Apple Pie Eating House
Rydal Road, LA22 9AN. Not a pub but worth knowing: the Apple Pie is the best cafe-bakery in Ambleside and does lunch until mid-afternoon. Good sandwiches, exceptional cakes, proper coffee. When the pubs feel like too much commitment, this is the alternative.
Practical notes
- →The Golden Rule does not do food. Plan accordingly: eat first, then go.
- →Most Ambleside pubs are full by 7pm on a summer weekend. Get there at 6pm if you want a table.
- →Dogs are welcome in the bar areas of most Ambleside pubs. Confirm before taking them into restaurant sections.
- →The car parks in Ambleside fill early on summer weekends. Use the Rydal Road car park (LA22 9AH) as a fallback.
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Damian Roche
Founder, Churchtown Media. Builder of TheLakesGuide.co.uk, TheLakesWildlife.co.uk, and HikeTheLakes.com. Southport-based. Regular Lakes visitor for decades.
