There’s no shortage of fantastic cafes in the Lake District. With so many options, it can be hard to pick one!
Whether you’re looking for a cosy cafe to have a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, or somewhere you can enjoy a lazy lunch after a day around the lakes, we’ve got you covered.
Here are eight of the best Lake District cafes.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind with a perfect cup of artisan coffee and slice of cake, then you must visit the Copper Pot in Ambleside. This little gem has garnered a reputation for being one of the best cafes in the Lake District, and once you pay them a visit, you’ll see why!
Inside this cosy cafe, you’ll find an array of sweet treats including homemade cakes and waffles, hearty breakfasts and hot ciabatta sandwiches.
The relaxed vibe and great music make it a perfect stop after a day exploring the fells. Whether you choose to enjoy your coffee inside, or outside in the peaceful garden area, the Copper Pot feels like a home away from home.
Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Gardens, is one of the best and most well-known cafes for afternoon tea in the Lake District, and rightly so.
What makes this Cumbrian cafe so special is the 100 ft-long glass wall that looks out onto the walled garden. This garden was the inspiration for Mr. McGregor’s garden in the Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter!
The cafe serves an array of delicious breakfast and lunch dishes using the best seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. If you really want to treat yourself, we highly recommend the afternoon high tea as you enjoy the view of the Lake District.
The combination of delicious food, rich history, and tranquil atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for food lovers, book readers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Residing on the outskirts of Windermere village, HomeGround is one of the best cafes in the Lake District. Here you’ll be treated to exceptional coffee, delicious cakes and pastries, and a welcoming atmosphere.
The menu features creative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, think Lamb Fat Toast, with Cannellini Beans, Charred Baby Gem, Pesto and Sourdough, and Asparagus Benedict with Herb Oil.
If you have more of a sweet tooth, you’ll find dishes like American Style Pancakes with Sea Buckthorn Curd, Banana Bread with Espresso Ganache and a wide selection of cakes and pastries to satisfy your cravings. No wonder it’s the go-to cafe for food and coffee lovers after a day at the lakes.
If you’re looking for a cafe with a bit of a twist, then Mathilde’s Cafe should be at the top of your list. Located in an art gallery and named after artist Alfred Heaton Cooper’s wife, this Lake District cafe offers a unique Scandinavian-inspired experience and a great Lake District Instagram spot.
Mathilde’s is a well-known cafe in the Lake District for its art-deco interior and menu influenced by Mathilde’s Nordic roots. Dishes like Pain Perdu with Poached Rhubarb and Almond Praline, Meatballs with Mash and Lingonberry Compote, or Chicken Schnitzel offer a true taste of what Scandanavia has to offer.
Or if you fancy a sweet treat to pair with your coffee, Mathilde’s has a selection of fresh Scandinavian inspired cakes, all made in-house. What could be better?
Apple Pie Cafe & Bakery has been the heart and soul of Ambleside since 1975. Today, this charming Ambleside cafe in the Lake District remains a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike.
As you would expect from the name, this cafe is famous for its signature apple pies. These pies are made using the finest British Bramley apples and encased in melt in the mouth short crust pastry, which has been perfected over many years.
On the menu, you’ll also find freshly baked cakes, pastries, and sandwiches to enjoy after a walk around the Lakes. These tasty treats should be enjoyed with a warming cup of coffee made using locally sourced coffee beans.
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While Graze is one of the smallest independent coffee shops in Bowness-on-Windermere and the Lake District, it has gained a massive following of customers. Run by a two-man team, Graze serves delicious Japanese inspired plates.
After you’ve spent the morning walking along the lakeside, you can kick your feet up and tuck into a bowl of Udon Noodle soup, Japanese Curry or even a Salmon Teriyaki Bowl.
If you’re looking for a quick bite, opt for a Mochi Ice Cream or Pecan Caramel Shortbread, which should be enjoyed with a matcha green tea or freshly brewed coffee.
So, if you fancy something a little different, Graze is definitely one of the best cafes in the Lake District which we’d recommend visiting.
Skye Farm Tearoom is the perfect place to start or end your day exploring the hamlet of Buttermere. At Syke you can relax in the seating area and take in the surrounding views with a cup of coffee and slice of cake or freshly baked scone.
Syke also makes hearty soups, toasties and classic pies served with mash and gravy. Friendly service and generous portions make Skye Farm Tearoom well worth a visit.
A day out in Grasmere wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Lucia’s Coffee + Bakehouse. Residing in the centre of Grasmere, it’s known for its warm atmosphere, expertly brewed coffee and homemade bakes.
While at Lucia’s you’ll be spoilt for choice, with a selection of freshly baked cakes, pasties, sausage rolls, cinnamon rolls and brownies.
One of the highlights are the focaccia sandwiches made in house with a variety of delicious fillings. The bacon and egg breakfast focaccia is our personal favourite.
With its commitment to quality and a welcoming feel, it’s no surprise why Lucia’s has become such a popular hot spot and makes it on to our list of best cafes in the Lake District.
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A stop at any of these Lake District cafes will be a highlight of your day, but your foodie adventures don’t have to stop here. There are plenty of exquisite restaurants in the surrounding areas as well as local pubs that will make your stay in one of our luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District one to remember. So, why not plan your foodie adventure today?
You've spent the winter watching Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey, and you've been inspired. Now the days are getting a little warmer and brighter, it's time to go out on Sunday and enjoy one of our top four Yorkshire pub walks.
Nothing compares to a brisk walk in the British country countryside finished with a comforting Sunday roast. So, we’ve picked the best Spring country walks in Yorkshire with pubs, in and around the Dales.
The Cautley Spout waterfall near Sedbergh is the perfect starting point for your Yorkshire pub walk. Located in the Yorkshire Dales, it is the highest cascading waterfall in England—providing a scenic trail suitable for all abilities. The route from the Spout takes you through rolling hills, wild landscapes, and Howgill Fells.
For those seeking a challenge, the climb up to the falls offers spectacular panoramic views, while more leisurely walkers can enjoy the gentle riverside paths leading up to the base. Wildlife lovers may spot red squirrels, peregrine falcons, and hardy fell ponies along the way.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, a Sunday lunch at The Black Bull in Sedbergh is essential. This contemporary pub and restaurant serves award-winning food using the best produce Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire & Northumbria has to offer.
The menu boasts British classics with a twist, inspired by the owners’ Japanese and German heritage. You can start your Sunday lunch with Lamb Sweetbreads, Scottish Lobster and Kohlrabi, or Sardines with Salsa Verde, before moving on to your main of roast beef, pork or lamb served with a treacle carrot, roasties, and Yorkshire pudding. What could be better?
If you’re looking to turn your day in the countryside into a weekend away, why not book The Barn at Foxhole Rigg? It has everything you need to relax and unwind before or after your walk around Cautley Sprout.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to begin your Yorkshire pub walk, then Calf Top should be at the top of your list. We recommend starting your day with a morning coffee overlooking the dales at The Dog House, as the Calf Top begins right at the front doorstep!
As the highest peak in Barbon Fell, this walk provides breathtaking 360-degree vistas stretching across the Yorkshire Dales, Howgill Fells, and even the distant Lakeland peaks on a clear day.
The route takes you through rolling moorland, valleys, and hilltops, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
The steady climb to the summit is challenging but manageable, offering a real sense of achievement at the top. Along the way, expect to see wild ponies, birds of prey, and a scattering of sheep grazing the fells.
After the descent, a Sunday roast at The Barbon Inn rounds off the perfect Sunday walk with good food and a well-earned rest. Serving up tasty British classics, light bites and a variety of Chef specials, The Barbon Inn will have a dish to suit every craving. You can choose to dine outside when the sun is shining or kick your feet up and get all cosy by the roaring fires in the lounge and dining room.
A Sunday afternoon in Yorkshire wouldn’t be complete without a walk around Aysgarth Falls and Castle Bolton Circular. Located in the Yorkshire Dales, this circular route offers a perfect mix of woodland paths, riverside trails, and open countryside.
Starting at the famous Aysgarth Falls, you’ll witness the spectacular cascades of the River Ure, which have drawn visitors for centuries—including Wordsworth and Turner.
The route then takes you through quaint villages and rolling fields, leading to Bolton Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress where Mary, Queen of Scots, was once held. With stunning views and plenty of history, this walk is a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
You can end your Yorkshire pub walk by enjoying lunch at The White Hart Inn. This 16th century former coaching inn, situated in the old market town of Hawes, serves proper real ales and tasty Sunday lunches prepared using fresh local produce.
Choices on offer include Roast Pork with Stuffing and Crackling, Topside of Beef, and a Wild Mushroom Bourguignon Pie. All roasts are served with roast and mashed potatoes, carrot and swede mash, parsnips, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy. If you really want to treat yourself after your walk, we’d definitely recommend adding an extra side of Pigs in Blankets or Cauliflower Cheese.
After your lunch at The White Hart Inn, you should head back to Grouse Hall. Here you can take a leisurely soak in the bath or rest your feet by the log burning fire.
This Sunday, you and your friends or loved ones should start your Yorkshire pub walk at Ingleborough. As the second-highest peak in Yorkshire, Ingleborough offers a rewarding climbing walk with diverse terrain, from limestone pavements and heather-clad moorland to rugged ascents and grassy summits.
The hike is both challenging and exhilarating, making it ideal for those who enjoy a sense of adventure without being overly technical. Reaching the broad, flat summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views, stretching across the Lake District, Morecambe Bay, and even Snowdonia on a clear day.
For a perfect Sunday, descend through scenic trails leading to The Old Hill Inn where you can tuck in to a well-earned Sunday lunch. As well as a welcoming atmosphere, The Old Hill Inn boasts a menu of comforting dishes as well as excellent puddings made by Colin Martin, a famous pastry chef and sugar sculptor extraordinaire!
Your day of adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Just a stone’s throw away from the Old Hill Inn and Ingleborough is New Thornber. Here, you and your loved ones can fully relax while watching the sunset over the rolling country hills.
These scenic routes, walking circulars and charming country pubs around North Yorkshire are great places to enjoy a leisurely Sunday. If you want to extend your time in the countryside, check out our Yorkshire Dales luxury cottages, any of which are sure to make your weekend country escape one to remember.
