Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in Bassenthwaite Lake

"24/05/2021: Called at the Square Orange on the off chance of getting a walk in table as it was fully booked, first impressions we were greated by a young gentleman (chris)was very polite and helpful, took us to our table gave us a little time and came back to take our order. We started with the nachos loaded with pulled pork didn't get a photo as we got stuck right in. Then came the tapas we order loads and it did not disappoint every mouthful was divine."

"This popular little cafe, nestled on a side street in the heart of town, is a great place to relax and recharge while exploring all Ambleside has to offer. Slate walls and soothing tones provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a freshly ground coffee made using Mr Duffin’s Coffee, locally roasted in nearby Staveley. Open for breakfast and lunch, as well as coffee and home baked cakes, there’s plenty of indoor seating as well as a small garden in which to enjoy those sunny Lake District days."

"01/03/2021: We visited the Copper Pot Cafe twice during our stay in Ambleside, and both times we were treated to a fantastic breakfast.We were able to get a walk in table each time, with only a minor wait.The staff are friendly, and the food was excellent, with generous portions.The only downside is that there's only one toilet, which is accessed externally, which can mean queueing in the rain, however everything else was so good it doesn't warrant knocking off a point."

"‘Top Coffee’ has got to be the highest accolade I can award, and wow these folks deserve it. Secreted away on one of Ambleside’s quiet streets, this externally humble cafe is home to my most highly regarded coffee of the lot. They delivered a strong coffee (on request), the beans of which having being sourced and roasted locally."

"Not strictly a restaurant, however this bar serves great food and also a solid selection of local ales on draft. During the week it is a lovely quiet place to bring the dog and enjoy some decent food, however at later on a Friday or Saturday night it can get a bit loud if you are hoping for a quiet meal. Service is always friendly, and they do a great value early bird menu."

"With a great atmosphere and equally excellent food, The Lily Bar on Lake Road is one of Ambleside’s newest pubs. It boasts modern décor that generally attracts a younger group and hosts regular classic pub entertainment including weekly quizzes, open mic nights, live bands, and even a ‘pitcher night’."

"Known as much for the quirkiness of its dish names as for the quality of its food, this long-standing boho bistro remains a popular choice. The decor's eclectic – mix-and-match furniture, knick-knacks – and the... Top ChoicePies in Ambleside"

"Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria Tel: 015394 31191 A warm and welcoming enjoyable informal café experience of bustling joviality by day and a uniquely atmospheric candlelit restaurant by night."

"Nestled down a side street in the centre of Ambleside, Bar eS serves up Mexican tapas and craft beer in their rustic and cosy restaurant & bar. They have a separate vegan menu, so make sure to ask for it when you’re being seated, and also serve up vegan beers & wines. We tried a bit of everything and it was all delicious."

"The White Lion Hotel on Market Place includes a cosy bar with welcoming staff. Outside is a wonderful patio with lots of seating, parasols to shade from the sun, and even heaters when the days and nights are a little chillier. Their extensive menu of pub grub leaves you spoiled for choice."

"19/05/2021: Visited here very impromptly having smelt the pizzas from outside!. Small cosy place, tables spaced out as well as they can during Covid. Would recommend Margarita Pizza and Cheesy Garlic Bread."

"This cosy pub situated in central Windermere boasts nice interior decor with dark coloured woodwork and serves hearty meals served all day alongside a nice variety of drinks. This pub is a popular stop after visiting the World of Beatrix Potter, which is located right beside it. There’s often fun and lively quiz and music evenings here, so if you’re staying in the area pop round one evening."

"Whether you’re looking to enjoy a romantic evening for two, a night out with friends or a family affair, this Keswick restaurant is the perfect spot. Located within a popular hotel, Inn on the Square boasts an AA Rosette-award-winning steakhouse, as well as two quirky bars. The Brossen Steakhouse is one of the best places to eat in Keswick, offering delectable meat including oak-smoked rump, juicy ribeye, and tender fillets – all accompanied by a yummy choice of over 15 sides and around 50 wine pairings."

"Located in the centre of Keswick the inn on the Square has various options for you. The bar overlooking Keswick main street serving fantastic coffee and scones for a little snack or there is also a full bar menu that’s worth sampling. For the evening, the steak restaurant is exceptional we took Dave for Father’s Day and he keeps asking when he can go back, bless him – definitely worth a visit if you like your steaks."

"The poet William Wordsworth's most famous residence in the Lake District is undoubtedly Dove Cottage, but he actually spent a great deal more time at Rydal Mount, 1.5 miles northwest of Ambleside, off the A591. This was the Wordsworth family's home from 1813 until the poet's death in 1850 and the house contains a treasure trove of Wordsworth memorabilia. Bus 555 (and bus 599 from April to October) stops at the end of the drive."

"If you need a picnic spot, or just somewhere to relax in front of Windermere, Borrans Park is a public green space at the lake’s northernmost tip just west of Waterhead. The park merges with the greenery around the Roman fort, and there are benches facing the water so you watch the steamers coming and going, and take in natural splendour the lakeshore. Behind you to the north and northeast are the brooding high fells of the Central Lakeland."

"Borrans Park has magnificent views of Windermere lake and is easily accessed from the A591. There are the remains of a Roman road leading to the ruin of a Roman fort with historical interpretation information in the adjacent field. The large grassed recreation area has picnic tables and ample seating."

"On the eastern shore of Coniston Water, Brantwood was the cherished home of John Ruskin (1819–1900), the noted Victorian artist, writer,…"

"Sitting above Stock Beck next to Rydal Road, Bridge House may be the whole region’s most photographed landmark. Like all of Ambleside this adorable, narrow dwelling is constructed from local slate and has been owned by the National Trust for nearly a century after it was bought and donated by a group of local residents. The Bridge House dates from the 17th century, when it was used as an orchard storehouse, and has since been a mill counting house, chair-maker’s workshop, cobbler’s shop, tearoom and a family home packed with as many as eight people."

"The poet William Wordsworth's most famous residence in the Lake District is undoubtedly Dove Cottage, but he actually spent a great deal more time at Rydal Mount, 1.5 miles northwest of Ambleside, off the A591. This was the Wordsworth family's home from 1813 until the poet's death in 1850 and the house contains a treasure trove of Wordsworth memorabilia. Bus 555 (and bus 599 from April to October) stops at the end of the drive."

"With a picturesque location in Ambleside, Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, BW Premier Collection features a modern spaand a brasserie. There is free parking and spacious rooms with free WiFi and scenic views towards Wansfell. Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa is set in a 17th-century building, and has a leisure club with a swimming pool, sauna, spa bath and steam room."

"This classic café-style restaurant is an independent bistro that serves fresh homemade British cuisine in a friendly environment. Resting right in the town centre, this is perfect for a spot of lunch after a day at the lakes and exploring Cumbria. Thyme Bistro is ideal for families and friends looking for a quick bite to eat or a delicious cake and coffee."