The best outdoor terraces & beer gardens in the Lake District

Summer has officially arrived in the Lake District and lo and behold, the sun has been shining for over a week now! With record breaking temperatures and clear blue skies, it comes as no surprise that many of us are in search of a picturesque beer garden in the Lake District to quench our thirst.

With ample amounts of outdoor space, an abundance of countryside pubs and hotels, plus all-encompassing scenery wherever you turn, there is no shortage of outdoor spaces to enjoy a drink or meal al fresco in the Lake District.

To help make your lives a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite outdoor terraces & beer gardens in the Lake District where you can soak up the sunshine and enjoy a pint of Cumbrian ale.

Whether you’re looking for a pretty terrace where you can admire the scenery, or a sun-trapped beer garden full of atmosphere offering excellent bar meals, read our list to find the place to suit you…

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Inn on the Lake terrace

When it comes to magnificent Lake District views, nowhere quite compares to the outdoor terrace at the Inn on the Lake hotel at Glenridding. What’s more, this gorgeous outdoor space has just underwent a £600k refurbishment and boasts its own exclusive Terrace menu complete with mezze boards, deli sandwiches, flatbreads plus more.

Imagine taking a seat on a vast, sun-soaked terrace with views of Ullswater lake stretching out before your eyes. What’s more, Lakeland fells surround you from every angle and the hotel boasts the most beautiful landscaped gardens complete with shrubs, flowers, statues, lampposts plus more.

You can enjoy a drink or a meal then take a stroll right down to the lakeshore itself where you will find the hotel’s own private jetty.  Afternoon Tea and bar meals can also be enjoyed outside and are served daily.

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beer gardens in the Lake District

The Back Bar

If you’re in the Keswick area and you’re looking for a dog-friendly pub in the heart of town that enjoys the sunshine all day long, The Back Bar is the place to be.

Situated at the rear of the Inn on the Square just off Bell Close Car Park, The Back Bar is a complete sun-trap so you can enjoy the sunshine all day, or even experience a pretty sunset. Due to its location, the beer garden is not overshadowed by any buildings and you can enjoy views of Latrigg and the Skiddaw Mountain range.

The Back Bar do an excellent selection of hot sandwiches with an edge, inspired by bar & grills from the US. It also may be the only place in the Lake District where you can enjoy a Sunday Roast any day of the week!

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Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa terrace

Another attractive Lake District Hotel with an excellent outdoor terrace is the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa. Burrowed within the Borrowdale Valley only a short drive from Keswick, this luxurious spa hotel has an excellent selection of outdoor space – each distinct area picturesque in its own right.

Take a seat in front of the hotel and soak up the rays, find a table in The Falls Spa Gardens and admire the fells, or book a table at Mizu-Pan Asian restaurant and enjoy the soothing sounds of the Lodore Falls waterfall and beck as you indulge on authentic Asian specialties.

There are few finer outdoor terraces in the Lake District to enjoy the summer months, and it comes as no surprise that so many people choose this scenic hotel as their Lake District wedding venue.

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beer gardens in the Lake District

Kings Arms beer garden

Are you looking for a Lake District beer garden that not only catches the sunshine, but serves excellent food of generous size? Then the Kings Arms beer garden in the centre of Keswick is the place for you.

Famed for its large portion sizes and flavoursome ingredients, food at the Kings Arms satisfies with each bite. P.S try the Homemade Beef & Ale Pie!

Not only is the quality of food outstanding, but the beer garden is a cosy sun trap equipped with cute fairy lights, bunting and parasols. The beer garden also has plasma screen TVs that show all major sports games live.

This beer garden in Keswick has recently been refurbished and is looking fresh as a daisy.

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Borrowdale Hotel garden

The final outdoor terrace in the Lake District that makes our list has to be the pretty garden at the Borrowdale Hotel. The gardeners really take pride in their work and it shows, as they have one of the prettiest gardens in the area.

The Borrowdale Hotel is also renowned for its magnolia tree that blooms twice a year. Guests return year on year just to see this alone.

Unlike the Lodore Falls and Inn on the Lake, the Borrowdale Hotel garden is a bit smaller and more intimate, which is nice if you want to escape the crowds. It would also be rude not to partake in a spot of afternoon tea while enjoying the plants and flowers in true British fashion.

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