Our top 10 pubs in Windermere & Bowness
We couldn’t possibly list all the pubs you can find in Windermere and Bowness – we’d be here for quite a while.
But, here are ten of our favourites to enjoy a local brew or two while you’re here.
Or, if you’d like to see more pubs for specific areas try our other pub guides:
Keswick Pubs / Dog Friendly Pubs / Hawkshead Pubs / Grasmere Pubs / Best pubs with Views
This post is part of the Lakeland Retreats guide to Windermere & Bowness >
Visiting a pub in Windermere or Bowness
Like stepping into the heart of Lake District culture and community, these places aren’t just about grabbing a drink; they’re hubs of social connection and local charm.
Here are our best pubs in Bowness & Windermere for:
Best Pubs in Bowness & Windermere for Food
After a day’s exploring, there’s nothing better than gathering together to share food and drink, recounting the events of the day, and sparking up conversation with those around you.
So, here’s where we’d go after a hike for a pint and a bite…
The Albert
Great atmosphere, the food’s good, and the prices are reasonable too! It’s a popular place with the locals, so you know The Albert’s a winner.
Sitting right in the heart of Bowness, whether you’re popping in to refuel after a trip on the boats, or getting a meal before a film at the Royalty, you can’t go wrong.
Hole in T’Wall
Tucked away in the heart of Bowness is the oldest pub in the area – built in 1612.
Walking into the Hole in T’Wall is like stepping back in time and that’s the way locals and visitors like it.
Bursting with old-fashioned charm and character, it serves good range of beer and a selection of hearty home-cooked pub classics in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
The Flying Pig
A traditional family pub serving freshly made food that uses only locally sourced ingredients, and a great selection of local ales, lagers, wines and spirits from around the world, in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, The Flying Pig is well worth a visit next time you’re in Bowness.
You can expect the usual pub classics, hot and cold sandwiches, tasty desserts and there’s a children’s menu too.
The Best places for Craft Beer in Windermere & Bowness
A delightful experience for enthusiasts of local and artisanal brews. Nestled in the picturesque Lake District, these pubs combine the charm of the countryside, it’s views, and a passion for quality beer.
The Crafty Baa
Cosy, quirky and characterful, the Crafty Baa is the perfect spot to indulge in a craft beer or two and fill up on some tasty scran.
Eclectically decorated using upcycled and recycled materials, this funky little gem of a place serves up craft beers, a wide range of spirits, including 100 whiskeys from around the world, and a menu of nibbles and sharing plates.
Watermill Inn & Brewery
A little way out of Windermere or Bowness, in the little hamlet of Ings, near Staveley (you may have come through it on the way to the Lakes), you’ll find The Watermill Inn & Brewery.
Brewing it’s own beer on-site, you’ll be treated to the easy to sup ‘Collie Wobbles’, a dark and powerful ‘Dog’th Vader’, or the golden, hoppy, and dry ‘Windermere Blonde’, amongst plenty of others.
With sandwiches, wraps, and nachos, alongside more traditional pub meals, you’ll walk out feeling satisfied, and if you tried enough of the beers, not quite walking as straight as when you arrived.
The Bowness Tap Rooms
Discover a treasure trove of fantastic food and drinks after a day’s adventure around Windermere and Bowness. The Tap Room’s atmosphere is inviting, and the staff strike the perfect balance of friendliness without being intrusive.
Whether you’re in for a refreshing pint like the Jute IPA or a delightful glass of Madri, the experience begins on a high note.
From the mouth-watering Capricciosa pizza to the Korean chicken burger that’s an absolute delight, every bite is a symphony of flavours.
Not to mention their cheeky fries—outrageously moreish and a perfect side to complement the meal. Portions here are generous; the garlic bread alone is almost the size of a full pizza!
Dog-Friendly Pubs in Windermere & Bowness
Windermere and Bowness are brimming with dog-friendly pubs, making them perfect destinations for you and your furry companion.
Here are some standout options:
Lake View Garden Bar
The Lake View Garden Bar boasts some of the most spectacular views in the Lake District, with panoramic vistas of Lake Windermere. Its spacious garden area, outdoor bar, and cosy indoor seating make it an ideal spot for any time of the day.
Indulge in a wide selection of real ales, craft beers, fine wines, and expertly crafted cocktails, complemented by a daytime and evening food menu featuring pub classics, seasonal dishes, and lite bites, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Entertainment at the Lake View Garden Bar includes weekly live music from local and national artists, creating an upbeat atmosphere perfect for relaxing or dancing the night away.
Family and pet-friendly, the bar offers a children’s menu, baby changing facilities, and treats for dogs, making it a welcoming environment for everyone.
The Angel Inn
Recently refurbished, the Angel Inn stands in an elevated spot overlooking Bowness, with eye-pleasing views of the Langdale Pikes and Claife Heights from the beer garden.
Everyone’s welcome in this traditional hostelry: walkers, tourists, locals, families, and furry friends too.
It serves up an extensive menu of freshly made food from pub classics to internationally inspired dishes, with wines, beers and spirits aplenty to slake your thirst after a day out.
The Old John Peel Inn
Opposite the World of Beatrix Potter, The Old John Peel Inn is a traditional pub serving classic pub grub and cask ales at reasonable prices in a relaxed and friendly setting popular with tourists and locals alike.
Recently re-opened under new ownership, there’s a weekly quiz night, and occasional live music, and your four-legged friends are welcome too.
The Old John Peel Inn
Rayrigg Road
Bowness-on-Windermere
LA23 3BZ
The Royal Oak
It’s a big thumbs up for the Royal Oak. This traditional hostelry has been welcoming visitors for over 200 years, and the current owners have been there since 1995 so they must be doing something right.
There’s nothing fancy going on here – just hearty, homemade, belly-filling food, perfectly cooked, a wide range of beers, wines and spirits to quench the thirst, and friendly service that keeps regulars coming back for more.
Cottages in Windermere & Bowness
Get away from it all in one of our cosy Windermere cottages.
Experience the natural beauty of The Lake District with high-quality accommodation and unique amenities for couples, groups, and families!
Book today
The Lakeland Retreats guide to Bowness & Windermere
Things to do in Windermere for families
Base yourself in the thick of things in Windermere or Bowness and you’ll find no shortage of things to get up to during your stay
Parking In Windermere – When and Where can I park?
It’s beautiful here so everybody wants to come. Which means it gets busy, so parking is at a premium and it’s not cheap
Bowness & Windermere Nightlife – Going out on the town
If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain, then you couldn’t be in a better place – you can get both in abundance in the Lakes
Bowness and Windermere Shops
You’ll find a huge range of shops selling everything from unique local gifts to everyday essentials. Here’s a flavour of what you can expect
What’s on in Windermere & Bowness?
In Bowness & Windermere – indoors and out, rain or shine, on or off the water, you’ll never be short of something to do
Windermere Boat Trips & Hire
You can’t visit Windermere without taking to the water, it’s one the best ways to see all that spectacular scenery that surrounds the lake
11 of the best places to eat in Bowness and Windermere
There are so many cafes and restaurants that you could eat somewhere different every day. Sounds like our kind of holiday!
5 Unmissable Easy Windermere Walks
Grab the kids, grab the dog, grab your gran! Here are our picks for the best steps per smile walks from Windermere and Bowness
Indoor activities Windermere
When the weather isn’t behaving itself and you don’t feel like getting soaked to the skin, it’s time to explore the great indoors
The 6 Best Afternoon Teas in Windermere & Bowness
Is there anything more quintessentially English than afternoon tea? And is there anything better than afternoon tea in the Lake District?
Outdoor Activities in Windermere and Bowness
Hiking on the fells, getting out on the water, or taking part in sporting activities to get the blood pumping
Unusual things to do in Windermere & Bowness
Look beyond the popular attractions and learn about the hidden gems like lesser-known hikes and unique shops, then explore for yourself
Discover more of the Lake District
With weekly articles highlighting the very best of the Lake District, there’s always something to get you inspired for your next trip!
If you’d like to be the first to hear of our guides, all our new property listings, events around the lakes, and our last-minute deals…
Pubs in Troutbeck – There’s only 2 but they’re really good!
It’s easily overlooked in favour of the usual suspects of Windermere, Ambleside and Bowness but, do yourself a favour and pay it a visit!
5 Troutbeck walks with great pubs, views, or both!
There’re numerous hikes heading up the valley – or maybe they’re just heading to one of the two traditional country pubs in the village?
Keswick car parks – when and where can I park?
Keswick is the most popular tourist destination in the northern Lake District so, as you might expect, parking is at a premium
Finding a Lake District parking place and other transport tips
Check out these alternate ways to get around or the best places to get parked once you reach your destination town or village.
Things To Do in Ambleside in The Rain
When the weather’s not playing ball in the Lakes you can stay dry with a visit to one of Ambleside’s indoor attractions.
Explore the Parks in Ambleside
If you want to escape the crowds for a while, or just relax and let the kids run around for a bit, there are plenty of brilliant parks!
