Having lived in the region for six years now, I have tried a fair few of the cafes in the Lake District – from early morning breakfasts pouring over an OS map to plan the day’s adventures to long, lazy lunches with friends and happy post-hike coffee and cafe treats.
These are the 12 cafes I return to repeatedly, with all of them consistently brilliant in food and service; these are the ones I frequently recommend to friends.
So let’s dive in; here are my recommendations for the 12 best cafes in the Lake District….
The Best Cafes in the Lake District Contents
1. Windermere Jetty Museaum
If I only had to recommend one cafe in the Lakes, this one would be it. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, too, so I find it never gets too crazy busy.
The cafe is attached to the beautiful Windermere Jetty Museum but has separate access if you don’t fancy checking out the museum (although I highly recommend it). The building was opened in 2019 (and was nominated for a RIBA architecture prize) and has a light airy feel, plus the most incredible views over to Windermere and the surrounding fells.
On a dry day, you can enjoy the wide range of seating outside, including some cute upturned boat shelters. The majority of the menu and cakes are made on-site and change seasonally with a great mix from classic sandwiches and wraps to more creative small and large plates such as beetroot gnocchi and lamb koftas, plus vegan options such as a tofu salad wrap and brunch menu with classics such as smashed avocado and poached eggs served until 11.30 am.
An absolute must for any Lake District trip!
Location Windermere Jetty Museum, Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 1BN
More Details & Current Opening Hours
You might also enjoy: A day trip to the Windermere Jetty Museum
2. Homeground, Windermere
On the edge of Windermere village, Homeground has it all – laid-back vibes, excellent coffee, good tunes, a selection of insane cakes (the blondies 👌🏻) and a creative, seasonally changing menu with a twist on brunch classics such as eggs benedict with smoked ham hock and damson compote and eggs royale with beetroot ketchup and crispy capers.
It can get crazy busy here at weekends and during the holidays – a queuing system is often in operation, but I can assure you it’s worth the wait!
Location Homeground Coffee & Kitchen Main Rd, Windermere LA23 1DX
More Details & Current Opening Hours
3. Lake Road Brunch (LRB), Keswick
If you are looking for a spot on brunch in Keswick, LRB has covered you. Super light and fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a variety of toppings, big hearty fry ups and more unusual options such as masala dosa and salt beef hash will leave you feeling fuelled up for your day of adventure. There is also a cheeky cocktail menu if you feel like a bit of indulgence.
The options extend into lunchtime, with additional gluten-free and vegan menus.
Location Lake Road Brunch, 32 Lake Rd, Keswick CA12 5DQ
More Details & Current Opening Hours
4. Mathelide’s, Grasmere
Set in an art gallery in the heart of the village and named after the love of Alfred Heaton Cooper’s life, a Norwegian girl named Matheliedes, this cafe has true Nordic roots with a light, airy deco and a Scandinavian-inspired menu to match – think Danish Smorrebrod (open sandwiches) and Swedish hot dogs with blackberry ketchup and sweet Finnish mustard.
The menu changes seasonally, and there is also a great selection of tasty cakes, tray bakes and scones to enjoy with a hot drink and views over the central fells.
Location Mathelides, Heaton Cooper Studio, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9SX
More Details & Current Opening Hours
You might also enjoy this post: 10 of the best pubs for a post-walk drink in the Lake District
5. Force Cafe, Ambleside
A 15-minute uphill walk from Ambleside, Force Cafe is worth the walk for the stunning views across the central Lake District fells. Serving breakfast, lunch and local Carvetti coffee, it’s also the perfect post-refuel spot for those walking to nearby Stockghyll Waterfalls or Wansfell Pike. During the summer, Force is open for wood-fired pizzas on the terrace and also hosts regular talks, workshops and even a co-working space.
Note that there is very limited parking at the cafe.
Location Force Cafe, Kelsick Grammar, Stockghyll Ln, Ambleside LA22 0QY
More Details & Current Opening Hours
6. Syke Farm, Buttermere
In the tiny hamlet of Buttermere in the far northwest, Syke Farm is the perfect place to start or end your adventure in this wild and rugged corner of the Lake District. The options include hearty breakfasts (with vegan and gluten-free options), or try one of the classic pies with mash and lashings of gravy, or lighter options such as soups and toasties. Tempting cakes might also mean you stay that little bit longer!
In summer, Syke Farm also serves homemade ice cream made from the milk of their own Ayrshire cows.
Location Syke Farm Tea Room, Buttermere, Cockermouth CA13 9XA
More Details & Current Opening Hours
7. More? The Artisan Bakery, Staveley
Situated a couple of miles outside Kendal in the south of the Lake District, the small village of Staveley is a bit of a foodie hidden gem off the main tourist trail of Windermere/Ambleside/Keswick.
Perfect for sit-in and takeaway breakfast and lunches, all the bread, pastries and cakes are made from scratch on-site. Grab one of the hearty rolls and head up to nearby Potters Tarn for an off-the-beaten-track picnic.
Location More? The Artisan Bakery, Staveley Mill Yard, Back Ln, Staveley, Kendal LA8 9LR
More Details & Current Opening Hours
You might also enjoy: Where to find the best ice cream in the Lake District
8. Undercrag Studio & Cafe
This one is a *little* off-the-beaten-track (and is only open Thursday-Saturday), but let me tell you, it’s well worth the trip to Torver, just outside the popular village of Coniston in the southern Lake District.
The cafe is housed in a beautiful art studio and prides itself in providing a small, seasonal changing menu of vegetarian and vegan food using local produce, where possible, alongside delicious homemade cakes.
There are a number of walking and cycling trails near the cafe and a trip could be combined with a day out on the Coniston lake cruises.
Location Undercrag Studio, Torver, Coniston LA21 8BS
More Details & Current Opening Hours
9. Copper Pot, Ambleside
If I had to pick one place to go to for lunch in Ambleside, it would be Copper Pot! A cosy cafe in the heart of the village that provides a range of tasty homecooked breakfasts (until 12), imaginative and creative lunches such as chilli beef nachos, garlic truffle mushrooms, loaded fries, burgers and hot ciabatta sandwiches wrapped up with friendly service and great coffee!
Location Church St, Ambleside LA22 0BU
More Details & Current Opening Hours
You might also enjoy this post: A long weekend in the Lake District: an itinerary for you first visit
10. Apple Pie Cafe & Bakery, Ambleside
This Ambleside institution has been in the heart of the Lake District since 1975. It is consistently popular with locals and visitors who flock for the tempting array of sourdough bread, cakes and the famous apple pie, all baked on-site by the skilled bakery team above the main shop. Rest your weary feet in the cafe, or pop into the takeaway shop next door and take your treats into the neighbouring hills above Ambleside.
Location The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery, Rydal Rd, Ambleside LA22 9AN
More Details & Current Opening Hours
You might also enjoy: The complete guide to visiting Ambleside in the Lake District
11. Yonder, Keswick
Located just off the main square, Yonder is a fantastic recent addition to the cafe scene in Keswick with Red Bank coffee, epic hot chocolate (using single-origin Bare Bones Chocolate), smoothies, locally made cakes and seasonally changing specials such as salads, soups and quiches – this is my new favourite spot in Keswick. Throw in chilled vibes, friendly staff and an excellent spot to people-watch – it’s an all-round winner.
Location 1 Main St, Keswick CA12 5BA
More Details & Current Opening Hours
12. Granny Dowbekin’s, Pooley Bridge
At the northern end of Ullswater is the small village of Pooley Bridge, where Granny Dowbekens is the perfect spot to relax before setting sail on a nearby steamer boat or heading into the hills for a hike.
Choose from all-day breakfasts, soups, sandwiches, hearty salads, homemade scones, and cakes. For special occasions, try one of the afternoon teas (advance booking required, gluten-free and vegan available). If the weather is good, there is plenty of seating outside, with views of the River Eamont flowing into Ullswater.
Location Granny Dowbeken’s, Pooley Bridge, Penrith CA10 2NP
More Details & Current Opening Hours
You might also enjoy: A complete guide to exploring Ullswater by ‘Steamer’ boat
More cafes that just missed out in my top 12….
Keswick
Just outside of Keswick
Ambleside
Near Ambleside
- Joey’s – branches at National Trust Properties of Wray Castle, Claife Heights and Hilltop House
- The Old School Tearoom, Rydal Hall
Grasmere
Coniston
Hawkshead
Buttermere
Planning a trip to the Lake District? You might find these posts useful….
12 things you need to know before visiting the Lake District
When is the best time to visit the Lake District?
How to see the Lake District by open top bus
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