A Quick Guide to South Lakes Pubs

Never mind all those banal articles about Lakes climbing, here is some really useful information for your next trip to the South Lakes. Yes, its my very own guide to great pubs in the area.

Once prolific, they are now sparse and finding a decent pub for a quiet pint is not as easy as it used to be. My basic criteria are excellent beer (obviously), minimal screaming brats, a good local following, friendly staff and last but not least ‘The Crack’.

My ultimate test for any pub anywhere is the ability to go into it on your own and start up a conversation with either staff or locals in the first 10 minutes.

I have and A list and a B list. The A list are pubs I visit at least once a year while the B list are pubs that have historically been good and are probably worth a visit but may fall down on or more of my criteria.

The A List

The Woodlands, Silverdale.

A well kept secret (until now), and an unlikely looking building for a local bar. Always good beer. You can choose from a selection of guest ales or their own branded Woody’s beer at very reasonable prices. Ideally situated for a visit after an evening bouldering at Woodwell or Trowbarrow.

The Manor, Oxen Park.

Hosts Terry and Lorraine are extremely friendly and will always talk to you if you turn up on your own. The bar meals are famous for their quantity and value. Wednesday is curry night when Terry puts his Bradford up bring to good use.



The Golden Rule, Ambleside.

Still one of the great Lakes pubs thanks to Jon an Margaret Lockley. It survives in Ambleside as one of last bastions of the local community increasingly compromised by the inevitable social changes inflicted on the village by poor planning decisions and shortsighted management of the National Park.

The White Hart, Bouth.

Excellent beer and food. It can get very busy in the summer and may fall down on the ability to strike up a conversation with the person stood next to you. Avoid early evening Friday.

The Castle Inn, Kendal.

Definitely a locals ‘drinking pub’ but not dripping with testosterone. No food, excellent beer from Hawkshead Brewery. Friendly staff. Handy after a session at Kendal Wall.

The ODG, Langdale.

On a par with the Golden Rule for importance within the Lakes climbing community and still an excellent pub in every respect thanks to long standing tennants, Neil and Jane Walmsley.



The Manor Arms, Broughton in Furness.

A selection of excellent beers and a friendly atmosphere. Well frequented by Broughton locals. Ideal for stopping off at on your way back from the Duddon or Eskdale.

The B List

The 3 Shires, Little Langdale.



Church House Inn, Torver.

Sun Inn, Coniston.

Newfield Inn, Seathwaite.


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