Explore Windermere
Choose your boat:
Choose your boat:
Windermere is home to some fantastic waterside pubs, bars and inns, many of which can be reached directly from our cruise routes. Whether you're looking for a sunny beer garden, a traditional Lakeland inn or a front-row seat overlooking the lake, here's our guide to six great pubs with a view that are easy to enjoy as part of a day on Windermere.
1. Marina View, Bowness-on-Windermere
True to its name, Marina View enjoys a fantastic position overlooking the water and the constant comings and goings of boats on Windermere. It's the perfect place to settle in with a drink and watch the lake life unfold before you.
Nearest Pier: Bowness Pier
Marina View is just a short walk from Bowness Pier, making it one of the easiest waterside pubs to combine with a cruise.
Why Visit?
2. Wateredge Inn, Ambleside
Sitting right on the shores of Windermere, the Wateredge Inn boasts one of the most enviable pub locations in the Lake District. Grab a seat in the beer garden and enjoy uninterrupted views across the lake towards the surrounding fells.
Nearest Pier: Waterhead Pier
Simply board a cruise from Bowness Pier and sail north to Waterhead Pier. The pub is just a minute or two's walk from the landing stage, making it one of the most convenient pub stops on the lake.
Why Visit?
3. The Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge
Located at the southern end of Windermere, The Swan combines riverside charm with beautiful countryside surroundings. It's an excellent choice for visitors looking to explore beyond the busier northern shores.
Nearest Pier: Lakeside Pier
Take a cruise from Bowness Pier to Lakeside Pier, then enjoy a short journey to Newby Bridge. Why not combine your visit with a trip on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway?
Why Visit?
Easy to combine with other attractions
4. The Cuckoo Brow Inn, Far Sawrey
Overlooking the surrounding fells and countryside, The Cuckoo Brow Inn offers a quieter Lake District pub experience. Its location near Beatrix Potter's former home and Wray Castle makes it a fantastic stop during a day of exploration.
Nearest Pier: Ash Landing
Take the Cross Lakes Shuttle or cruise to Ash Landing on the western shore of Windermere. From there, it's approximately a 20 to 25-minute walk through beautiful countryside to reach the inn.
Alternatively, combine your visit with a walk to or from Wray Castle.
Why Visit?
5. Boaters Bar, Bowness
Just yards from the lake, Boaters Bar is a natural choice after a day spent on the water. Relax with a drink and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Bowness while watching visitors come and go from the waterfront.
Nearest Pier: Bowness Pier
Located a short stroll from the pier, Boaters Bar couldn't be more convenient for cruise passengers returning from Ambleside, Lakeside or Ash Landing.
Why Visit?
6. Quayside, Bowness-on-Windermere
Few venues enjoy a better position on Bowness Bay than Quayside. With panoramic waterside views and front-row seats to life on the lake, it's an excellent spot to pause during your Windermere adventure.
Nearest Pier: Bowness Pier
The restaurant is only a few minutes' walk from Windermere Lake Cruises' main departure point, making it a perfect addition to any day on the water.
Why Visit?
Make the journey part of the experience
One of the joys of exploring Windermere is that travelling between destinations can be just as memorable as the destination itself. Cruise from Bowness to Ambleside for a lakeside lunch at the Wateredge Inn, sail south to Lakeside before visiting The Swan, or head across the lake to Ash Landing and discover a traditional Lakeland pub tucked away in the countryside.
Whether you're looking for a lakeside beer garden, a cosy country inn or simply somewhere to enjoy a drink with a view, travelling by boat offers a unique way to discover some of the best pubs around Windermere.
So next time you're planning a day out on the lake, why not combine your cruise with a pub stop and enjoy the Lake District at a more leisurely pace?
