5 of the best Sunday lunches around Windermere

The best places for a Sunday Roast near Windermere

As autumn arrives in the Lake District, it's officially roast dinner season. After a morning spent out on the fells, wandering around Windermere, or enjoying a lakeside stroll, nothing beats settling in for a cosy Sunday lunch. From traditional pubs to stylish restaurants, here are five of the best places around Windermere to enjoy a roast this Sunday.

The Albert, Bowness

Right in the heart of Bowness, The Albert is a go-to for a traditional Sunday roast. Expect generous portions, excellent quality food, and friendly staff who make everyone feel welcome. It's the kind of hearty, comforting meal you didn't realise you needed until it's sitting in front of you. Cosy, dog-friendly, and always reliable, you really can't go wrong here.

Nearest Pier: Bowness Pier (approx. 8-minute walk)
Perfect if you're arriving by boat or fancy a cruise before lunch. Bowness Pier is the main departure point for Windermere Lake Cruises and is just a short stroll from The Albert.

The Easy Breeze, Bowness-on-Windermere

Just moments from Lake Windermere, The Easy Breeze offers a relaxed and modern take on Sunday lunch. With stylish interiors, great drinks, a dog-friendly atmosphere, and plenty of space for families, it's perfect for a laid-back afternoon. Their roast has quickly become a local favourite, and if you're celebrating, the popular Bottomless Sunday Lunch is a great excuse to gather friends, raise a glass, and make an occasion of it.

Nearest Pier: Bowness Pier (approx. 2-3 minutes' walk)
One of the closest Sunday roast spots to the lake. The Easy Breeze sits just behind the waterfront, making it an ideal stop before or after a cruise on Windermere.

The Drunken Duck Inn, Near Ambleside

If you're looking for something a little more special, The Drunken Duck Inn is well worth the trip. Tucked away from the crowds, this charming country inn is known for exceptional food, beautiful surroundings, and warm hospitality. A little more refined than your average pub lunch, it's the perfect choice for special occasions, celebrations, or those Sundays when only something extra special will do.

Nearest Pier: Waterhead Pier, Ambleside (approx. 3 miles / 10-minute drive)
While tucked away in the countryside, the nearest cruise connection is Waterhead Pier at Ambleside, where you can join scenic sailings across Windermere.

The Lamplighter, Windermere

A long-standing favourite with locals, The Lamplighter has been serving traditional Sunday lunches in the centre of Windermere for decades. Famous for its family-style carved roasts, quality Lakeland meats, and all the classic trimmings, it's a place where Sunday lunch feels like a real occasion. If you're after a proper British roast done the traditional way, this local institution delivers every time.

Nearest Pier: Bowness Pier (approx. 1.5 miles / 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk)
Located in Windermere village, The Lamplighter pairs perfectly with a visit to the lakeshore, with Bowness Pier offering regular cruises throughout the day.

Billy's Bar & Restaurant, Hawkshead

A firm favourite in Hawkshead, Billy's combines modern décor with a welcoming, sociable atmosphere. The Sunday roast menu changes regularly, keeping things fresh while maintaining the quality it's known for. Friendly, attentive service and beautifully presented dishes make this a great choice if you're looking for a Sunday lunch with a contemporary twist.

Nearest Pier: Ash Landing (approx. 4 miles / 10-minute drive)
For visitors exploring the western side of Windermere, the nearby ferry crossing at Far Sawrey provides easy access to and from Bowness, making Billy's an excellent lunch stop while touring the area.

The final verdict

From hearty pub classics and family-friendly dining to special occasion lunches and traditional carved roasts, Windermere and the surrounding areas has something for every kind of Sunday. Whether you choose The Albert, The Easy Breeze, The Drunken Duck, Billy's, or The Lamplighter, you're guaranteed a roast worth slowing down for.

After all, autumn in the Lakes was made for crisp walks, cosy pubs, and plenty of gravy.