Rachel and Matthews guidebook
Neighbourhoods
There are lots of lovely villages and small towns to visit in the area. Unfortunately a car is the easiest way of getting around but there is a reliable bus service run by Stagecoach as well.
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/cumbria-and-north-lancashire/explore-the-lakes-by-bus
The local village, Windermere, has lots of popular cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants as well as artisan shops and supermarkets.
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Windermere
The PromenadeThe local village, Windermere, has lots of popular cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants as well as artisan shops and supermarkets.
Bowness is one of the busier places in the lakes due to the Lake cruises that leave from here.Windermere Lake Cruises also offer self drive boat hire. https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
Bowness is also packed with restaurants cafes and bars, galleries and gift shops.
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Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowness is one of the busier places in the lakes due to the Lake cruises that leave from here.Windermere Lake Cruises also offer self drive boat hire. https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
Bowness is also packed with restaurants cafes and bars, galleries and gift shops.
One if the busiest Villages in the Lakes. Full of good outdoor/adventure shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. Take a walk up Stock Ghyll Force to see waterfalls right from the centre of town or if your feeling energetic head up the path to Wansfell.
The nicest way to arrive is by The Lake Cruise from Bowness which stops in Waterside, just a few minutes from the centre of Ambleside.
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Ambleside
One if the busiest Villages in the Lakes. Full of good outdoor/adventure shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. Take a walk up Stock Ghyll Force to see waterfalls right from the centre of town or if your feeling energetic head up the path to Wansfell.
The nicest way to arrive is by The Lake Cruise from Bowness which stops in Waterside, just a few minutes from the centre of Ambleside.
One of the prettiest villages in The Lakes, Wordsworth died here and is buried in St Oswalds Church. Again, lots of cafes and tourist shops. A non-walkers walk is the trip up to Easedale Tarn, take a picnic on a nice day. Don’t miss the cakes at Mathildes (great coffee as well).
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Grasmere
One of the prettiest villages in The Lakes, Wordsworth died here and is buried in St Oswalds Church. Again, lots of cafes and tourist shops. A non-walkers walk is the trip up to Easedale Tarn, take a picnic on a nice day. Don’t miss the cakes at Mathildes (great coffee as well).
Kendal is the nearest town with a selection of larger supermarkets and shops as well is smaller independent cafes and restaurants. You’ll also find the excellent Brewery Arts Centre hosting gigs, plays, poetry, cinema etc.
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Kendal
Kendal is the nearest town with a selection of larger supermarkets and shops as well is smaller independent cafes and restaurants. You’ll also find the excellent Brewery Arts Centre hosting gigs, plays, poetry, cinema etc.
Sightseeing
The are so many sights its difficult to know where to begin so we’ll leave a couple here but see also the section on walks.
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Honister Slate mine is set in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Lakes. There is plenty of walking to do from here but for a little more adventure try one of the activities. We highly recommend the Via Ferrata but make sure you’ve got a head for heights!
https://honister.com/
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Honister Slate Mine
Honister PassHonister Slate mine is set in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Lakes. There is plenty of walking to do from here but for a little more adventure try one of the activities. We highly recommend the Via Ferrata but make sure you’ve got a head for heights!
https://honister.com/
If you want to see the Lake in relative peace and quiet Miller Ground is just a few minutes walk away. Go down the side of the garage and through the gate.
Turn left down the path to the back of the houses and through the woods. When you get to the Rayrigg road turn left and Miller Ground (not to be mistaken with Miller Howe Hotel) is about 200 metres down on the right hand side. You can take a nice short walk along the lake here. Keep an eye out for the swimmers who are in the lake whatever the weather!
Alternatively, when you get to the road turn right and you will come to a viewpoint over the lake.
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Miller Ground
If you want to see the Lake in relative peace and quiet Miller Ground is just a few minutes walk away. Go down the side of the garage and through the gate.
Turn left down the path to the back of the houses and through the woods. When you get to the Rayrigg road turn left and Miller Ground (not to be mistaken with Miller Howe Hotel) is about 200 metres down on the right hand side. You can take a nice short walk along the lake here. Keep an eye out for the swimmers who are in the lake whatever the weather!
Alternatively, when you get to the road turn right and you will come to a viewpoint over the lake.
Ullswater cruises are a lot quieter than Windermere. Surrounded by great scenery you could cruise and walk up Aira Force or get the boat to Howtown and walk back to Glenridding.
https://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
https://www.mudandroutes.com/routes/great-little-langdale-circular-walk/
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Ullswater Steamers
Grisedale BridgeUllswater cruises are a lot quieter than Windermere. Surrounded by great scenery you could cruise and walk up Aira Force or get the boat to Howtown and walk back to Glenridding.
https://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
https://www.mudandroutes.com/routes/great-little-langdale-circular-walk/
Windermere Lake Cruises (Head Office)
Glebe RoadBoat trips and boat hire
Brantwood house is a good place to visit. It is on the east side of Coniston water and used to be the home of John Ruskin. Lovely gardens and a great cafe with a terrace overlooking Coniston water and the the Old Man of Coniston.
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Brantwood
Brantwood house is a good place to visit. It is on the east side of Coniston water and used to be the home of John Ruskin. Lovely gardens and a great cafe with a terrace overlooking Coniston water and the the Old Man of Coniston.
Great example of an Arts and craft house close to Bowness
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3JT
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Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house
Great example of an Arts and craft house close to Bowness
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3JT
A small but beautiful museum showcasing boats of al, kinds that have featured in Windermere over the years. The building itself is stunning and the cafe has one if the best views of the Lake in a clear day.
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 1BN
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Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories
Rayrigg RoadA small but beautiful museum showcasing boats of al, kinds that have featured in Windermere over the years. The building itself is stunning and the cafe has one if the best views of the Lake in a clear day.
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 1BN
The Kirkstone pass is the highest road pass in the Lake District, it can be approached via The Struggle from Ambleside or turn left out the top of Spooner Vale and turn right at the roundabout. On a clear day you will have fantastic views and you’ll find the Kirkstone Pass Inn at the top. Continue down the other side to Patterdale and Glenridding, the departure point for Ullswater steamers.
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Kirkstone Pass
The Kirkstone pass is the highest road pass in the Lake District, it can be approached via The Struggle from Ambleside or turn left out the top of Spooner Vale and turn right at the roundabout. On a clear day you will have fantastic views and you’ll find the Kirkstone Pass Inn at the top. Continue down the other side to Patterdale and Glenridding, the departure point for Ullswater steamers.
Dove Cottage was where William Wordsworth lived in Grasmere and there is now a museum, gardens and cafe that form part of the attraction. Its on the edge of Grasmere.
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Dove Cottage
Dove Cottage was where William Wordsworth lived in Grasmere and there is now a museum, gardens and cafe that form part of the attraction. Its on the edge of Grasmere.
Hill Top is the 17th Century farm that BeatrixPotter bought in 1905. Extremely popular and owned by the National trust. It also has lovely gardens and a pop up cafe in the Orchard during the summer months.
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Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House
Hill Top is the 17th Century farm that BeatrixPotter bought in 1905. Extremely popular and owned by the National trust. It also has lovely gardens and a pop up cafe in the Orchard during the summer months.
This popular attraction in Bowness guides you through Beatrix Potters famous animal creations .
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The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Crag BrowThis popular attraction in Bowness guides you through Beatrix Potters famous animal creations .
Windermere restaurants, pubs and cafes
If you want a “restaurant” Francines is a great option. Casual, well priced and lovely French themed food in the centre of town.
27 Main Rd, Windermere LA23 1DX
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Francines Coffee House
27 Main RdIf you want a “restaurant” Francines is a great option. Casual, well priced and lovely French themed food in the centre of town.
27 Main Rd, Windermere LA23 1DX
The best coffee in Windermere (and possibly the Lakes). Scandinavian themed cafe with good cakes and a great menu. Not open in the evenings.
http://www.homegroundcafe.co.uk
Main Rd, Windermere LA23 1DX
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Homeground Coffee + Kitchen
56 Main RdThe best coffee in Windermere (and possibly the Lakes). Scandinavian themed cafe with good cakes and a great menu. Not open in the evenings.
http://www.homegroundcafe.co.uk
Main Rd, Windermere LA23 1DX
The Brookside is in the village but off the beaten track so popular with locals. Recommended if your looking for a “local” drink.
Brookside, Lake Rd, Windermere LA23 2BX
Brookside Inn
Lake RoadThe Brookside is in the village but off the beaten track so popular with locals. Recommended if your looking for a “local” drink.
Brookside, Lake Rd, Windermere LA23 2BX
In the centre of Windermere The Queens is a “proper” pub. Last time we checked a pint was £3.10 and the only food was crisps and nuts. Always busy and a great place to spend an evening or watch the football.
Victoria St, Windermere LA23 1AB
The Queens
Victoria StreetIn the centre of Windermere The Queens is a “proper” pub. Last time we checked a pint was £3.10 and the only food was crisps and nuts. Always busy and a great place to spend an evening or watch the football.
Victoria St, Windermere LA23 1AB
San Pietro Restaurant Windermere
Birch StreetJester Court, Birch St, Windermere LA23 1DS
Another great local cafe in Windermere serving afternoon tea and reasonably priced but great quality breakfast and lunch.
11 Main Rd, Windermere LA23 1DX
Sugar & Spice Cafe & Bistro
11 Main RdAnother great local cafe in Windermere serving afternoon tea and reasonably priced but great quality breakfast and lunch.
11 Main Rd, Windermere LA23 1DX
The quirkiest pub in town and maybe England and also home to the smallest pub in Britain.
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The Crafty Baa
21 Victoria StThe quirkiest pub in town and maybe England and also home to the smallest pub in Britain.
The Magic Wok is our favourite takeaway in Windermere. It is very busy, at weekends we recommend phoning your order in advance (maybe even the previous day). 015394 88668
Magic Wok
2A Crescent RdThe Magic Wok is our favourite takeaway in Windermere. It is very busy, at weekends we recommend phoning your order in advance (maybe even the previous day). 015394 88668
Golden Mountain is another good option if you fancy Chinese.
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Golden Mountain
7 Victoria StGolden Mountain is another good option if you fancy Chinese.
Brew Room has recently been taken over by the charming Abbey who is doing a great job serving breakfasts and lunches with a good selection of tea and coffee. Its also one of the few places open at 8am for those of us that like an early start.
Brew Room Cafe
31-33 Crescent RoadBrew Room has recently been taken over by the charming Abbey who is doing a great job serving breakfasts and lunches with a good selection of tea and coffee. Its also one of the few places open at 8am for those of us that like an early start.
Great Coffee (more of the lovely Carvetti Latitude and someone that knows how to make it properly), homemade Japanese style bread and toasties. Recommended for a quick stop!
Toast
Great Coffee (more of the lovely Carvetti Latitude and someone that knows how to make it properly), homemade Japanese style bread and toasties. Recommended for a quick stop!
Bowness Restaurants, pubs and cafes
One of the busiest pubs in Bowness. Its a Robinsons pub with decent food and occasional music.
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The Albert Bar
Queens SquareOne of the busiest pubs in Bowness. Its a Robinsons pub with decent food and occasional music.
Nice pub with a nice outdoor area and nice food.
Helm Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BU
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The Angel Inn
Helm RoadNice pub with a nice outdoor area and nice food.
Helm Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BU
Don’t be fooled by the small size of the upstairs bar, there is a large dining area downstairs and a delightful snug on the mezzanine. Unpretentious, great value, good honest pub grub.
The Westmorland Inn
Lake RoadDon’t be fooled by the small size of the upstairs bar, there is a large dining area downstairs and a delightful snug on the mezzanine. Unpretentious, great value, good honest pub grub.
Great burgers and grills, with a great terrace overlooking the lake.
Gilly’s Landing, Glebe Rd, Windermere LA23 3HE
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Boardwalk Bar and Grill
Glebe RoadGreat burgers and grills, with a great terrace overlooking the lake.
Gilly’s Landing, Glebe Rd, Windermere LA23 3HE
Live music, DJ’s, cocktails and BBQ menu.mOne of the liveliest venues in Bowness and open late at weekends.
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Baha
18 Ash StLive music, DJ’s, cocktails and BBQ menu.mOne of the liveliest venues in Bowness and open late at weekends.
Blink and you might miss it which would be a shames as its a great little cafe serving lovely Japanese inspired rice bowls, curries and Udon noodle soups. It also serves excellent Carvetti coffee.
Graze cafe
Helm RoadBlink and you might miss it which would be a shames as its a great little cafe serving lovely Japanese inspired rice bowls, curries and Udon noodle soups. It also serves excellent Carvetti coffee.
Ambleside Restaurants, pubs and cafes
It used to be a mystery why it didn't have any Michelin stars but finally, this year saw Lake Road Kitchen get a highly deserved Michelin star. Take it from me, this is the best restaurant in the Lakes. Book in advance and be prepared for a multi course menu with precise cooking, innovative flavour combinations and techniques and some of the best cooking in the country.
Lake Rd, Ambleside LA22 0AD
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Lake Road Kitchen
Lake RoadIt used to be a mystery why it didn't have any Michelin stars but finally, this year saw Lake Road Kitchen get a highly deserved Michelin star. Take it from me, this is the best restaurant in the Lakes. Book in advance and be prepared for a multi course menu with precise cooking, innovative flavour combinations and techniques and some of the best cooking in the country.
Lake Rd, Ambleside LA22 0AD
Chesters by the River incredibly popular and with good reason. Some of the best vegetarian and vegan cooking around, good coffee, a lovely bakery. Highly recommended and you can tie it in with a flat walk from Skelwith bridge to Elterwater.
Skelwith Bridge, Nr Ambleside, Cumbria. LA22 9NJ
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Chesters By The River
Chesters by the River incredibly popular and with good reason. Some of the best vegetarian and vegan cooking around, good coffee, a lovely bakery. Highly recommended and you can tie it in with a flat walk from Skelwith bridge to Elterwater.
Skelwith Bridge, Nr Ambleside, Cumbria. LA22 9NJ
Very popular cafe in Ambleside. Be prepared to queue!
https://www.applepieambleside.co.uk
Rydal Rd, Ambleside LA22 9AN
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Rooms at the Apple Pie
Rydal RoadVery popular cafe in Ambleside. Be prepared to queue!
https://www.applepieambleside.co.uk
Rydal Rd, Ambleside LA22 9AN
Joeys Cafe is based at Wray Castle so perfect for a visit after a walk along the lake shore or over Latterbarrow (see walks). Another excellent vegetarian cafe with great coffee and cakes. Also a spectacularly good saag aloo pastie.
Joey's Café
Joeys Cafe is based at Wray Castle so perfect for a visit after a walk along the lake shore or over Latterbarrow (see walks). Another excellent vegetarian cafe with great coffee and cakes. Also a spectacularly good saag aloo pastie.
If you are only going to eat at one place in this guide make it Tacos del Sol. There are other places in the Lakes that sell Mexican street food but as far as I know there is only one that is run by a Mexican making her own salsas and growing her own chillis. Marisol and Chris are great hosts selling authentic Mexican food, the best Margaritas in the Lakes and some fantastic draft beers. It’s great value, delicious and perfect for a quick stop if you are Ambleside. It is very popular and has a great atmosphere when it fills up and overflows onto the street at weekends. Beware, when they sell out they close so try and get there early. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Tacos del sol Ltd
2a CheapsideIf you are only going to eat at one place in this guide make it Tacos del Sol. There are other places in the Lakes that sell Mexican street food but as far as I know there is only one that is run by a Mexican making her own salsas and growing her own chillis. Marisol and Chris are great hosts selling authentic Mexican food, the best Margaritas in the Lakes and some fantastic draft beers. It’s great value, delicious and perfect for a quick stop if you are Ambleside. It is very popular and has a great atmosphere when it fills up and overflows onto the street at weekends. Beware, when they sell out they close so try and get there early. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Kysty offers a great option for a proper dinner or lunch, bridging the gap between formal and casual nicely. Its the little sister restaurant of the Michelin starred The Old Stamp House just around the corner.
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Kysty
3/4 CheapsideKysty offers a great option for a proper dinner or lunch, bridging the gap between formal and casual nicely. Its the little sister restaurant of the Michelin starred The Old Stamp House just around the corner.
Grasmere Restaurants, pubs and cafes
Scandinavian inspired cafe attached to the Heaton Cooper gallery. I can’t speak highly enough of the baking in here, innovative cakes, incredible doughnuts, fabulous coffee roasted by Carvetti. What more could you want? Lunch? They do that as well.
Heaton Cooper Studio, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9SX
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Mathilde’s Café
Scandinavian inspired cafe attached to the Heaton Cooper gallery. I can’t speak highly enough of the baking in here, innovative cakes, incredible doughnuts, fabulous coffee roasted by Carvetti. What more could you want? Lunch? They do that as well.
Heaton Cooper Studio, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9SX
Lovely tearoom in Grasmere
https://baldrysgrasmere.com
Red Lion Square, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9SP
Baldrys
Lovely tearoom in Grasmere
https://baldrysgrasmere.com
Red Lion Square, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9SP
The Yan lies on the outskirts of Grasmere. Great home cooked modern versions of classic dishes. Great value as well.
https://www.theyan.co.uk/dining
Broadrayne Farm, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9RU
The Yan @ Broadrayne
The Yan lies on the outskirts of Grasmere. Great home cooked modern versions of classic dishes. Great value as well.
https://www.theyan.co.uk/dining
Broadrayne Farm, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9RU