Swallows Loft Guidebook
Food scene
Nestled in the hamlet of Far Sawrey, between Lake Windermere and Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former home. The Cuckoo Brow is a friendly inn with a multi-award winning chef at its helm. This inn serves delicious food using the best of local produce, and there is a good choice of real ale. A quick drink, lunch or evening meal, dog friendly too. Just 2 minutes walk away from our apartment. Check the board outside for opening, as can be seasonal.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Cuckoo Brow Inn
Nestled in the hamlet of Far Sawrey, between Lake Windermere and Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former home. The Cuckoo Brow is a friendly inn with a multi-award winning chef at its helm. This inn serves delicious food using the best of local produce, and there is a good choice of real ale. A quick drink, lunch or evening meal, dog friendly too. Just 2 minutes walk away from our apartment. Check the board outside for opening, as can be seasonal.
Well worth the trip across the lake. Excellent roast dinner. Featured in The Times
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Brown Horse Inn
Well worth the trip across the lake. Excellent roast dinner. Featured in The Times
Lovely place to visit, walk from Chesters to Elterwater.
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Chesters By The River
Lovely place to visit, walk from Chesters to Elterwater.
Great for lunch or brunch, why not walk round Tarn Hows to build up an appetite...
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The Drunken Duck Inn & Restaurant
Great for lunch or brunch, why not walk round Tarn Hows to build up an appetite...
The Britannia Inn is nestled in the breathtaking Langdale Valley at the heart of the English Lake District. Comfortable and clean, with scenic views and delicious rustic seasonal pub dining, serving breakfast, lunch and supper.
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Britannia Inn
Main StreetThe Britannia Inn is nestled in the breathtaking Langdale Valley at the heart of the English Lake District. Comfortable and clean, with scenic views and delicious rustic seasonal pub dining, serving breakfast, lunch and supper.
Baldrys
Wonderful cheese scones, in fact all baked goods are fabulous!
Large outdoor eating area, in the stunning Langdale Valley. Sometimes have bands/events as well.
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Sticklebarn
B5343Large outdoor eating area, in the stunning Langdale Valley. Sometimes have bands/events as well.
A local favourite, serving great Cumbrian pub food and real ales. Quintessentially Lake District, the Tower Bank Arms in Near Sawrey is a true icon. If the exterior of this charming 17th century village inn seems familiar to you, it’s because it makes an appearance in the illustrations of Beatrix Potter’s Tale of Jemima Puddleduck, along with several other buildings in the village.
Just a few metres up the road from the Tower Bank Arms you will find Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former home that was bequeathed to the National Trust with all its contents in situ.
Tower Bank Arms
A local favourite, serving great Cumbrian pub food and real ales. Quintessentially Lake District, the Tower Bank Arms in Near Sawrey is a true icon. If the exterior of this charming 17th century village inn seems familiar to you, it’s because it makes an appearance in the illustrations of Beatrix Potter’s Tale of Jemima Puddleduck, along with several other buildings in the village.
Just a few metres up the road from the Tower Bank Arms you will find Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former home that was bequeathed to the National Trust with all its contents in situ.
More? The Artisan bakery
Back LaneGreat bakery and little cafe
Sawrey House Hotel
A great place for afternoon tea!
The Fizzy Tarté
Ash Street17th Century Inn, providing Cumbrian classic food with local and seasonal produce. Cask ales, roaring fire and dog friendly too.
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Queens Head Inn & Restaurant
Main Street17th Century Inn, providing Cumbrian classic food with local and seasonal produce. Cask ales, roaring fire and dog friendly too.
Just near the ferry, overlooking the Marina. Indoor and outdoor seating. For a drink, lunch or dinner....
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The Boathouse
Just near the ferry, overlooking the Marina. Indoor and outdoor seating. For a drink, lunch or dinner....
Steeped In history the atmosphere of this charming 16th Century Inn provides the perfect setting to experience friendly Cumbrian hospitality. Visit during the summer and enjoy our terraced garden area which always proves an enjoyable atmosphere, or in the winter when you can snuggle up on comfy sofas in front of a blazing log burner. Why not try both and experience all the seasons in this true treasure.
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The Black Labrador
Steeped In history the atmosphere of this charming 16th Century Inn provides the perfect setting to experience friendly Cumbrian hospitality. Visit during the summer and enjoy our terraced garden area which always proves an enjoyable atmosphere, or in the winter when you can snuggle up on comfy sofas in front of a blazing log burner. Why not try both and experience all the seasons in this true treasure.
Homeground Coffee + Kitchen
56 Main RdGreat breakfast spot, fabulous coffee!
Lucia's Takeaway Coffee Shop
College StreetGreat spot to pick up a takeaway picnic for your walks.....
Mathilde’s Café
Another local cafe stop, great cakes!
A great stop off on the way home, or on the way.
Fab food, great service.
Pizzas and burgers really are the best!
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Hare & Hounds
Church RoadA great stop off on the way home, or on the way.
Fab food, great service.
Pizzas and burgers really are the best!
The Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden was re-built in 2016 to offer a unique customer experience in a country estate setting. Located on the western shore of Derwentwater in the heart of the beautiful Lake District, the spacious café is open every day, serving delicious homemade food and award winning coffee. Whether you are after a heart breakfast to set you up for your daily adventure, a tasty lunch or just a snack to recharge you, the Lingholm Kitchen provides something for every occasion.
The café has a stunning 100 foot long glass wall looking down onto the octagonal walled garden and up to Skiddaw. Within the garden is an outdoor gallery dedicated to the work of Beatrix Potter in the Derwentwater area.
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Lingholm Kitchen
The Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden was re-built in 2016 to offer a unique customer experience in a country estate setting. Located on the western shore of Derwentwater in the heart of the beautiful Lake District, the spacious café is open every day, serving delicious homemade food and award winning coffee. Whether you are after a heart breakfast to set you up for your daily adventure, a tasty lunch or just a snack to recharge you, the Lingholm Kitchen provides something for every occasion.
The café has a stunning 100 foot long glass wall looking down onto the octagonal walled garden and up to Skiddaw. Within the garden is an outdoor gallery dedicated to the work of Beatrix Potter in the Derwentwater area.
L'Enclume
Cavendish StreetA truly memorable experience!
Contemporary, inventive & seasonal British fare served in an intimate stone cottage by a river.
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Rogan and Co
Devonshire SquareContemporary, inventive & seasonal British fare served in an intimate stone cottage by a river.
Storrs Hall
Fabulous afternoon tea overlooking the lake. They even have mini teas for little ones!
Cartmel Village Shop
Home of the famous sticky toffee pudding.
Scandic-meets-The-Lakes at this intimate restaurant, where wooden planks line the walls and sheepskins cover the chairs. Menus come in a surprise format and complex dishes are delivered to the table with equally detailed descriptions. Ingredients are well-sourced and meats are roasted over the fire.
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Lake Road Kitchen
Lake RoadScandic-meets-The-Lakes at this intimate restaurant, where wooden planks line the walls and sheepskins cover the chairs. Menus come in a surprise format and complex dishes are delivered to the table with equally detailed descriptions. Ingredients are well-sourced and meats are roasted over the fire.
Cumbria was a key player in the spice trade and this slate restaurant in the grounds of Gilpin Hotel is inspired by that history. Extensive menus follow the Silk Road from Cumbria to Asia and many dishes are designed for sharing. Enter the colourful rooms via wooden walkways built over stone-filled pools.
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Gilpin Spice
Crook RoadCumbria was a key player in the spice trade and this slate restaurant in the grounds of Gilpin Hotel is inspired by that history. Extensive menus follow the Silk Road from Cumbria to Asia and many dishes are designed for sharing. Enter the colourful rooms via wooden walkways built over stone-filled pools.
A little drive, great country gastro pub.
Lyth Valley is beautiful!
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The Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite
A little drive, great country gastro pub.
Lyth Valley is beautiful!
The Old Stamp House is as quirky as its name implies. It sits in the centre of Ambleside – which in turn sits within the heart of the Lake District National Park – inside the cellars of an old house where William Wordsworth used to work as the Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland. It’s a tiny place, split over two low-ceilinged rooms which are hung with local art.
It's owned by the Blackburn brothers: Ryan heads up the kitchen, while Craig looks after the service. Menus provide plenty of flexibility, with both an à la carte and tasting menus on offer, and the skilfully prepared, carefully balanced dishes have been well-thought-through and are packed with flavour. The Cumbrian larder is the star of the show, with local rabbit, deer and beef popular choices. The iconic Herdwick hogget and outstanding cheeses are must-tries.
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The Priest Hole Restaurant
Church StreetThe Old Stamp House is as quirky as its name implies. It sits in the centre of Ambleside – which in turn sits within the heart of the Lake District National Park – inside the cellars of an old house where William Wordsworth used to work as the Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland. It’s a tiny place, split over two low-ceilinged rooms which are hung with local art.
It's owned by the Blackburn brothers: Ryan heads up the kitchen, while Craig looks after the service. Menus provide plenty of flexibility, with both an à la carte and tasting menus on offer, and the skilfully prepared, carefully balanced dishes have been well-thought-through and are packed with flavour. The Cumbrian larder is the star of the show, with local rabbit, deer and beef popular choices. The iconic Herdwick hogget and outstanding cheeses are must-tries.
After a riverside stroll in Kirkby Lonsdale, head for this charming 17C pub. Enjoy a local beer in the characterful stone-walled bar then dine in the smart restaurant. Lunch sees small plates and pub classics, while dinner steps up a gear with more elaborate dishes. A pub to add to a day out the lovely market town of Kirkby Lonsdale.
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The Sun Inn
6 Market StAfter a riverside stroll in Kirkby Lonsdale, head for this charming 17C pub. Enjoy a local beer in the characterful stone-walled bar then dine in the smart restaurant. Lunch sees small plates and pub classics, while dinner steps up a gear with more elaborate dishes. A pub to add to a day out the lovely market town of Kirkby Lonsdale.
Henrock, is located inside the established country house hotel Linthwaite House in The Lake District.
Simon Rogan opened Henrock in a unique setting overlooking Lake Windermere. He wanted to try something a little different to my usual style and thought this would be the perfect place to focus on different ideas, techniques and ingredients that inspired from his travels. You’ll find beautiful dishes in the restaurant, next to a comforting all-day dining menu, afternoon tea and seasonal cocktail that are served in the Bar, Lounge & Conservatory.
Henrock
Crook LaneHenrock, is located inside the established country house hotel Linthwaite House in The Lake District.
Simon Rogan opened Henrock in a unique setting overlooking Lake Windermere. He wanted to try something a little different to my usual style and thought this would be the perfect place to focus on different ideas, techniques and ingredients that inspired from his travels. You’ll find beautiful dishes in the restaurant, next to a comforting all-day dining menu, afternoon tea and seasonal cocktail that are served in the Bar, Lounge & Conservatory.
Superbly located in the delightful valley of Little Langdale, the Three Shires Inn is a pub popular with walkers and those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Built in the 19th century, this charming and cosy inn has recently changed ownership, with the new owners dedicated to continuing to provide the outstanding level of service the inn is known for.
The Three Shires is a short walk from Cathedral Cavern, a former quarry that is very popular with walkers. It lies at the foot of Wynrose pass and is just a few hundred metres away from Little Langdale Tarn. Inside, you will find sophisticated interiors with a roaring fire in the colder months and a fabulous selection of real ales.
Three Shires Inn
Superbly located in the delightful valley of Little Langdale, the Three Shires Inn is a pub popular with walkers and those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Built in the 19th century, this charming and cosy inn has recently changed ownership, with the new owners dedicated to continuing to provide the outstanding level of service the inn is known for.
The Three Shires is a short walk from Cathedral Cavern, a former quarry that is very popular with walkers. It lies at the foot of Wynrose pass and is just a few hundred metres away from Little Langdale Tarn. Inside, you will find sophisticated interiors with a roaring fire in the colder months and a fabulous selection of real ales.
A hidden gem. Just off the beaten track. But great food, beer and lovely garden area. Can highly recommend- especially if you can’t get a table nearer to Sawrey elsewhere! Combine with a trip to Sizergh Castle or Sizergh Barn.
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Strickland Arms
Nannypie LaneA hidden gem. Just off the beaten track. But great food, beer and lovely garden area. Can highly recommend- especially if you can’t get a table nearer to Sawrey elsewhere! Combine with a trip to Sizergh Castle or Sizergh Barn.
This great pub has had a recent change of ownership. Now serves great food. Lovely convivial atmosphere. Relaxed and perfect for a cosy evening.
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Hare & Hounds Bowland Bridge
This great pub has had a recent change of ownership. Now serves great food. Lovely convivial atmosphere. Relaxed and perfect for a cosy evening.
Sightseeing
A must visit for book lovers or movie goers. Keep a look out for Peter and Benjamin! Just 5 minutes walk away. The Old Vicarage is even in the opening scene of the Peter Rabbit movie!
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Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House
A must visit for book lovers or movie goers. Keep a look out for Peter and Benjamin! Just 5 minutes walk away. The Old Vicarage is even in the opening scene of the Peter Rabbit movie!
Within walking or cycling distance from our apartment along the shore of Windermere. Great picnic stops along the way.
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National Trust Wray Castle
Within walking or cycling distance from our apartment along the shore of Windermere. Great picnic stops along the way.
A short walk from our door to Moss Eccles Tarn, where Beatrix was inspired to create Jeremy Fisher. Such a peaceful place to watch the sun go down.
Moss Eccles Tarn
A short walk from our door to Moss Eccles Tarn, where Beatrix was inspired to create Jeremy Fisher. Such a peaceful place to watch the sun go down.
Take a boat, have a picnic and see if the Ospreys are in residence.
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Esthwaite Water
Take a boat, have a picnic and see if the Ospreys are in residence.
Access the lake for swimming, canoeing, Kayaking, SUP, or just picnic and paddle. Quiet side of the lake at Harrowslack with plenty of shoreline access.
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Windermere
Access the lake for swimming, canoeing, Kayaking, SUP, or just picnic and paddle. Quiet side of the lake at Harrowslack with plenty of shoreline access.
Hawkshead
Grasmere
Elterwater
Walk from Chesters to The Britannia Inn!
Grizedale Forest
From fire trails to family walks.
A quirky place to visit and take in the Victorian vibe.
The western shore has some great picnic spots too.
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Claife Viewing Station und Windermere West Shore
A quirky place to visit and take in the Victorian vibe.
The western shore has some great picnic spots too.
Windermere Ferry station
Langdale Pikes
Tarn Hows
Lovingly restored castle with a children’s park and extensive parkland.
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Schloss und Gärten von Lowther
Lovingly restored castle with a children’s park and extensive parkland.
Stickle Tarn, Langdale
A lovely walk, great picnic spot.
Blea Tarn
Buttermere
True tranquility
Coniston Water
Keswick
Lovely market town. On the shores of Derwentwater
Stunning views, lovely lakeshore walk. A place of true tranquility if you pick your space.
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Derwentwater
Stunning views, lovely lakeshore walk. A place of true tranquility if you pick your space.
Great Langdale
Stunning glacial landscape. Photogenic in any season
Ullswater Dampfer
Grisedale BridgeSchloss Sizergh
The Old Man of Coniston
Skelwith Force
B5343Neighbourhoods
Traditional Lakeland vibe. Far enough away from the bustling hotspots, to enjoy a true Lakeland village. Home to Beatrix Potter and her farm Hill Top. Great for a step back in time. You need to book tickets at the office (round the corner from the Tower Bank Arms).
Near Sawrey
Traditional Lakeland vibe. Far enough away from the bustling hotspots, to enjoy a true Lakeland village. Home to Beatrix Potter and her farm Hill Top. Great for a step back in time. You need to book tickets at the office (round the corner from the Tower Bank Arms).
Elterwater
A favourite of ours
Cartmel
Closest village to lake Windermere. Traditional Lakeland cottages and Lakeland slate Edwardian villas provide architectural punctuation to the stunning pastoral views.
Fabulous walk over Claife Heights, or just a short bimble around the village to experience the true history of the community. Far enough away from the crowds, but a short ferry ride to bustling Bowness, or a stroll to quaint Hawkshead. There is an off road path most of the way, so also good for little legs on bikes.
Far Sawrey
Closest village to lake Windermere. Traditional Lakeland cottages and Lakeland slate Edwardian villas provide architectural punctuation to the stunning pastoral views.
Fabulous walk over Claife Heights, or just a short bimble around the village to experience the true history of the community. Far enough away from the crowds, but a short ferry ride to bustling Bowness, or a stroll to quaint Hawkshead. There is an off road path most of the way, so also good for little legs on bikes.
Activity
Great for little kids and big kids!
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Treetop Lake District - Treetop Trek & Treetop Nets
A591Great for little kids and big kids!
Hawkshead Brewery
14 Back LnTaste the local brews
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Crag BrowGrasmere Lakeland Sports & Show
Stock LanePack a picnic, hire a canoe, park run or just play. Perfect setting by the lake
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National Trust - Fell Foot Park
Pack a picnic, hire a canoe, park run or just play. Perfect setting by the lake
Whinlatter Waldpark
Whinlatter PassWindermere Canoe Kayak
B5285Canoe hire and equipment
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Co.Ltd
Main StreetGreat family day out.
Lovely family day out. Great hay filled play barn on a rainy day.
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Old Hall Farm
Old Hall FarmLovely family day out. Great hay filled play barn on a rainy day.
Hands on Heavy Horses
All Thomas fans will love this little trip!
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Lakeside und Haverthwaite Eisenbahn
All Thomas fans will love this little trip!
Alpacaly Ever After
Braithwaite FarmAlpacaly Ever After (Meet The Alpacas at the Lakes Distillery)
Park Foot Pony Trekking Centre
Brockhole Pier - Windermere Lake Cruises
Coniston Boating Centre
Lake RoadEsthwaite water trout fishery
A fab family place to visit. Lovely house with activities for kids. Arts & Crafts, playroom, dressing up. Let your imagination run...
Lovely gardens and help yourself tea room. A family favourite.
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Allan Bank National Trust
A fab family place to visit. Lovely house with activities for kids. Arts & Crafts, playroom, dressing up. Let your imagination run...
Lovely gardens and help yourself tea room. A family favourite.
Just down the road, land and water activities, Kayak and SUP hire. Chartered RiB trips, 4 x 4 and clay pigeon shooting.
Great couples, family or group activities.
Graythwaite Adventure
Just down the road, land and water activities, Kayak and SUP hire. Chartered RiB trips, 4 x 4 and clay pigeon shooting.
Great couples, family or group activities.
Shopping
Sam Read Bookseller
A brilliant little shop, great for maps, guidebooks or just an escapist browse.
The Northern Line
4 Crescent RdWorth a visit for unique home wear and gifts.
On your drive up to Swallows Loft, stop off and pick up breakfast, lunch or evening meal. Great local produce and artisan food.
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Plumgarths Farm Shop & Cafe
On your drive up to Swallows Loft, stop off and pick up breakfast, lunch or evening meal. Great local produce and artisan food.
Ginger Bakers
Lovely little bakery.
To pick up locally baked cakes and treats!
Lovingly Artisan
Unit 7 Crook RdFabulous bakery. Artisan bread and sourdough. Cumbria’s finest Boulangerie!
Great little cafe, also bakery with home made pies of all variety.
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More? The Artisan bakery
Back LaneGreat little cafe, also bakery with home made pies of all variety.
Walking
Latterbarrow
Fabulous views. Worth the climb.
Walla Crag
Great views across to Derwentwater
Blencathra
Aussichtspunkt Orrest Head
Glebe RoadFamily friendly walk, plenty of picnic spots, paddling and stone skimming opportunities.....why not combine a trip into Grasmere, then retrace your steps along the lake shore.
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Rydal Water
Family friendly walk, plenty of picnic spots, paddling and stone skimming opportunities.....why not combine a trip into Grasmere, then retrace your steps along the lake shore.
A fabulous walk from the door. Carry on over the top and walk down to the shores of Lake Windermere. A circular loop back to our door.
Claife Heights
A fabulous walk from the door. Carry on over the top and walk down to the shores of Lake Windermere. A circular loop back to our door.
Loughrigg Fell
Blea Tarn
Whinlatter Waldpark
Whinlatter Pass
Harrop Tarn
A lovely 2-3 hour walk from Grasmere. A hike, not a climb with stunning scenery along the way. Plenty of space away from the crowds.
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Easedale Tarn
A lovely 2-3 hour walk from Grasmere. A hike, not a climb with stunning scenery along the way. Plenty of space away from the crowds.
Catbells
Crinkle Crags
Skiddaw