Outdoor Dining & Drinks in the Lake District
The best outdoor dining in the Lake District is never just about the table you choose.
It’s Lake Ullswater sparkling in the sunshine, a river gently trickling past a terrace, a quiet garden blooming with flowers in Borrowdale, a relaxed Keswick beer garden, or a town-centre table where you can simply watch the world go by.
It’s that first sip of something cold after a walk, the sound of people enjoying a summer afternoon, and the feeling that you don’t need to be anywhere else for a little while.
And when the sun does come out, there really is nowhere better.
To help you find the perfect place to make the most of it, we’ve rounded up some of the best outdoor dining and drinks spots in the Lake District, from lakeside terraces and peaceful valley views to relaxed beer gardens and sunny places for market-town people-watching in Keswick.
Whether you’re searching for beer gardens in the Lake District, restaurants with a lake view, outdoor dining in Keswick, riverside dining near Derwentwater, or simply somewhere scenic to eat and drink outside with a view, the Lakes has no shortage of beautiful places to enjoy.
Lakeside and Valley Views:
For those days when you want the view to do most of the talking, these Lake District terraces and gardens are all about scenery, space and slowing down.
Inn on the Lake's Lakeside Terrace
If you’re looking for lakeside dining, it’s hard to beat the terrace at Inn on the Lake.
Set in Glenridding on the shores of Ullswater, it is one of the largest terraces in the Lake District, with uninterrupted views sweeping across the hotel’s beautifully kept gardens, down to the water and up to the surrounding fells.
It’s the sort of place where a light lunch can easily turn into one of those long, lazy afternoons you hadn’t quite planned. On sunny days, it really does feel like a little holiday moment: blue skies over Ullswater, a cocktail in hand, the warmth of the sun on your skin and light dancing across the lake.
If you’re staying at the hotel, why not start the day here too, enjoying breakfast with Ullswater stretching out in front of you?
Whether you’re stopping for coffee and cake, a sandwich, sharing board, or a relaxed main meal, this is a beautiful choice for anyone searching for lakeside restaurants in the Lake District or outdoor dining in Glenridding.
Best for: Lake views and feeling like you’re on holiday
Food & Drink: Yes, all-day dining available
Getting there: There’s a bus stop close by if you’re getting around the Lakes car-free, and Inn on the Lake also has its own car park if you’re travelling by car. The Terrace can be accessed through the hotel reception and bar. Our reception team will be happy to direct you if needed.
You can enjoy food from the Orangery menu, alongside drinks from the bar.
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa Terraces
Some places make you want to pause before you’ve even sat down, and Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is one of them.
Surrounded by the Borrowdale Valley, close to Derwentwater and framed by some of the Lake District’s most beautiful scenery, the hotel’s garden terraces are a lovely place for outdoor drinks, lunch or a quiet moment in the sunshine.
The award-winning gardens bring beautiful bursts of colour, calm and softness to the setting, with carefully considered planting that feels almost enchanting in every season. Framed by the hotel’s elegant architecture, the fells rising behind and the waters of Lodore Falls flowing nearby, they create a peaceful, romantic and wonderfully serene Lake District backdrop.
For garden terraces in the Lake District or places to eat outside near Derwentwater, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is a very special setting.
Best for: Scenic surroundings and a peaceful moment away from it all
Food & Drink: Yes, food and drinks are available; please see menu below
Getting there: If you’re exploring the Lake District without a car, there’s a bus stop just in front of the hotel, while guests travelling by car can make use of the hotel’s own car park.
You can enjoy food from the Lounge menu, alongside drinks from the bar.
Mizu's Riverside Terrace
For riverside dining near Derwentwater, Mizu at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa brings something a little different to the Lake District.
The riverside terrace has a peaceful, tucked-away feel, with the sound of the water flowing nearby and Lodore Falls cascading down the fell behind. Mizu (水) is the Japanese word for water, and in Japanese culture water symbolises life, fluidity and renewal. Inspired by the falls just beyond the restaurant, Mizu brings together movement, balance and bold Pan-Asian flavours in a setting shaped by one of nature’s most powerful elements.
The menu is designed to offer plenty of choice, from colourful dishes on the main menu to carefully curated tasting menus that showcase a wider journey through Mizu’s flavours. You can also enjoy a Pan-Asian-inspired afternoon tea, relaxed drinks or cocktails on the terrace, making it just as suited to a special occasion as it is to a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Enjoy fresh, colourful dishes, drinks, lunch, dinner or cocktails on a warm afternoon. Blankets and outdoor heaters are available for when the evenings begin to draw in, so you can settle in and enjoy the riverside setting for a little longer.
A lovely choice for anyone searching for outdoor dining near Keswick or riverside terraces.
Best for: Riverside dining near Derwentwater and fresh Pan-Asian flavours
Food & drink: Pan-Asian dishes, cocktails and other drinks available 12pm-9pm
Getting there: Mizu at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is easy to reach whether you’re travelling car-free, with a bus stop nearby, or arriving by car, with parking available at the hotel. Mizu can be accessed from outside, to the left of the hotel, through the hotel grounds, or from inside by heading towards the rear of the hotel. Our team will be happy to direct you if needed.
Borrowdale Hotel's Garden & Conservatory
The Borrowdale Hotel has that timeless Lake District feel — peaceful, characterful and surrounded by beautiful valley views.
The garden is a lovely place to sit outside after a walk, a scenic drive or a day exploring Derwentwater. Some of Borrowdale’s best-loved walking routes begin right from the hotel’s doorstep, making it an ideal place to return to for a well-earned drink or something to eat.
One of the garden’s most treasured features is its magnificent magnolia tree, planted in 1866 and standing in the grounds for as long as the hotel has been welcoming guests. Surrounded by colourful planting and sweet seasonal flowers, the garden feels wonderfully peaceful and almost storybook-like.
When the sun is shining, the garden is hard to resist. If the rain rolls in, the light and airy, conservatory still allows you to enjoy the scenery while staying warm and comfortable. Either way, it’s a beautiful place to slow down, enjoy dog-friendly dining and drinks, and take in the relaxed pace of the Borrowdale Valley.
For anyone searching for places to eat in Borrowdale, outdoor dining near Keswick, The Borrowdale Hotel Garden & Conservatory is full of charm.
Best for: Lovely valley views and a garden rich in history
Food & Drink: Yes, food and drinks are available; please see menu below
Getting there: The Borrowdale Hotel has a bus stop nearby for those exploring the Lakes car-free, as well as its own car park for guests travelling by car.
You can enjoy food and drink from the Bar & Conservatory menu.
Beer Gardens and Casual Outdoor Dining:
Sometimes, what you really want is something simple: a good drink, a relaxed table outside and a view of the fells in the distance.
From Patterdale and Glenridding to Keswick beer garden-style spots, these are ideal for post-walk drinks, casual food and easy-going Lake District afternoons.
Ramblers Bar and Playground
Ramblers Bar & Candleroom is made for the kind of day where you’ve been out exploring and want somewhere easy, friendly and relaxed to settle in afterwards.
Close to Ullswater and surrounded by walking routes, it’s a great spot for walkers, families and anyone looking for casual food and drinks in a beautiful Lake District setting.
It has that lovely “boots off, drink in hand, no need to rush” feeling that suits the Lakes so well. There’s also an outdoor playground where little ones can let off some steam while the grown-ups relax nearby with food and drinks.
For family-friendly places to eat in Glenridding or relaxed outdoor dining in the Lake District, Ramblers Bar & Candleroom is a great one to know about.
Best for: Post-walk food, relaxed drinks and family days out
Food & Drink: Yes, bar food and drinks are available; please see menu below
Getting there: There’s a bus stop close by if you’re exploring the Lakes car-free, or you can use the hotel’s car park if you’re travelling by car.
Casa’s Sports Bar Courtyard
For something a little more lively, Casa’s Sports Bar offers a different kind of outdoor dining and drinking experience in Keswick.
Its courtyard is a great place to meet friends, enjoy a drink and catch the live sport, especially when there’s a big match on. With outdoor screens showing the action and food available from the Kings Arms Hotel next door, you can settle in for the game without missing out on something to eat.
It’s casual, central and full of atmosphere — ideal for relaxed afternoons, match days and sociable evenings in the heart of town.
Best for: Live sport, courtyard drinks and a lively Keswick atmosphere
Food & Drink: Yes, with food available from the Kings Arms Hotel next door
Getting there: Casa’s Sports Bar is centrally located in Keswick, with bus stops nearby for those exploring the Lakes car-free and several central Keswick car parks within easy walking distance.
Patterdale Hotel Beer Garden
Patterdale has a proper Lake District feel — surrounded by fells, close to Ullswater and loved by walkers, Coast to Coast guests and anyone who prefers their days in the Lakes a little quieter.
With Place Fell rising in the distance, Patterdale Hotel’s beer garden is a lovely place to pause, relax and take in the scenery. Whether you’re enjoying a drink with friends, stopping for food with the family or taking a well-earned break with your dog, it’s an easy spot to settle in for a while.
Walkers are especially well placed here. Popular routes such as Arnison Crag begin from the hotel, while the Coast to Coast route passes right by, making it a welcome stop before or after a day in the hills.
It’s not about fuss. It’s about fresh air, good company, a drink after a walk and that feeling of being right in the middle of the landscape.
For anyone searching for places to eat and drink in Patterdale, a dog-friendly beer garden near Ullswater Patterdale Hotel is a great place to stop.
Best for: Walkers, Coast to Coast guests, dog-friendly drinks and relaxed time in the valley
Food & Drink: Yes, food is served daily in the beer garden from 10am–5pm, with drinks available throughout the day
Getting there: Patterdale Hotel is ideal for car-free Lake District days, with a bus stop right by the hotel. Parking is also available in the hotel’s car park.
Back Bar Beer Garden
If you’re looking for a relaxed, dog-friendly pub in Keswick with outdoor seating, good drinks and great-value food, Back Bar is a brilliant spot to know about.
Tucked just off Bell Close Car Park, the outdoor area is a real sun trap, catching the light throughout the day and offering the chance to watch a beautiful sunset with a drink in hand. Thanks to its open position, the beer garden isn’t overshadowed by surrounding buildings, with views stretching towards Latrigg and the Skiddaw mountain range in the distance.
It’s ideal for meeting friends, grabbing something to eat, enjoying a post-walk drink or simply finding a sunny spot in Keswick and staying a little longer than planned.
For anyone searching for a Keswick beer garden, a dog-friendly pub or good-value food in Keswick, Back Bar is a great spot to keep in mind.
Best for: A sunny Keswick beer garden, great drinks, good-value food and fell views
Food & Drink: Yes, pub food, pizzas, bar food and drinks are available
Getting there: Back Bar is in the heart of Keswick, with town-centre bus stops nearby. If you’re driving, several central Keswick car parks are within walking distance, including Bell Close Car Park.
Market Town People-Watching:
Keswick is a perfect place in the Lakes for people-watching, with its market-town charm, independent shops, walkers, dogs and day-trippers all bringing the streets to life. These outdoor spots are ideal for enjoying food and drinks right in the heart of Keswick while watching the world go by.
Kings Arms Hotel
The Kings Arms Hotel sits right in the centre of Keswick, surrounded by the buzz of Market Square.
It’s a lovely spot if you want to enjoy food and drinks while soaking up the atmosphere of the town. Think summer flowers, benches, shoppers passing by, walkers wandering through and that easy Lake District market-town feeling.
It’s especially good for those days when you want to be close to everything — shops, cafés, Derwentwater, walking routes and the heart of Keswick all just moments away.
For places to eat in Keswick Market Square and pub food in Keswick town centre, the Kings Arms Hotel is a classic choice.
Best for: Market Square atmosphere and a proper Keswick feel
Food & Drink: Yes, food and drinks are available; please see menu below
Getting there: Kings Arms Hotel is located in Keswick Market Square, close to town-centre bus stops for car-free visitors, with central Keswick car parks nearby for those travelling by car.
Inn on the Square
Right in the heart of Keswick, the outdoor seating at Inn on the Square is a brilliant place to sit back and watch Market Square come to life.
It’s the sort of spot that works well at any time of day — brunch after a slow morning, lunch after browsing the shops, a drink before heading down to Derwentwater, or cocktails with friends while walkers, shoppers and day-trippers pass by.
The team are known for making excellent cocktails, alongside a wide choice of wines, spirits and local ales. Food is also available from Front Bar, including brunches, lunches and lighter meals, making it a lovely central choice for anyone who wants to eat and drink outdoors in Keswick.
For anyone searching for bars in Keswick with food and cocktails, Front Bar is a great place to enjoy the atmosphere of the market town.
Best for: People-watching and cocktails in the heart of Keswick
Food & Drink: Yes, food and drinks from Front Bar are available outdoors
Getting there: Inn on the Square is right in the centre of Keswick, with bus stops nearby and several central Keswick car parks within easy walking distance.
You can enjoy food and drink from the Front Bar.
Skiddaw Hotel
The Skiddaw Hotel is a lovely place to pause during a day in Keswick, with an attentive team on hand to make you feel welcome.
Take a seat outside for a morning coffee, a relaxed lunch or drinks in the sunshine, looking towards the town’s historic Moot Hall and beyond. Choose from a selection of comforting bar meals, classic sweet treats and the popular Hiker’s Board, or make more of the afternoon with tapas and a glass of sangria.
It’s an easy stop while exploring Keswick, browsing the shops or walking down to Derwentwater.
When the Lake District weather is a little less certain, the bright and airy conservatory offers a comfortable alternative, with views directly onto Market Square so you can still enjoy the character of the town.
For anyone searching for outdoor dining in Keswick, restaurants in Keswick town centre or places to eat near Derwentwater, The Skiddaw Hotel is a welcoming choice in the heart of the market town.
Best for: Views towards the Moot Hall, relaxed lunches, tapas and outdoor drinks
Food & Drink: Yes, food and drinks are available; please see menu below
Getting there: The Skiddaw Hotel sits in central Keswick, close to local bus stops and within easy walking distance of several town-centre car parks.
You can enjoy food and drink from the Conservatory & Bar menu.
