Bower House Inn (Eskdale)

The Bower House Inn is a quiet country inn nestled in the far western edge of the Lake District. Whilst much of the inn’s trade comes from visiting tourists, there is a solid contingent of locals to be found in the bar, adding to the atmosphere of this traditional Lake District inn. Inside, you will find cosy and comfortable surroundings with exposed beams, snug corners, quirky nooks and crannies, and a blazing fire during the warmer months.

Outside, the beer garden is the star, beautifully landscaped and surrounded by fells. The inn is situated on the outskirts of Eskdale Green, a small village that sits at the start of the Eskdale Valley. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway stops close to the inn, and Wastwater, where you will find the start of a popular route up Scafell Pike, is just a short drive away.

Food & Drink

Eskdale is known for being home to a collection of pubs where you can enjoy a good choice of real ale and the Bower House Inn is no exception. Here, there are six hand pulled ales available. There are three regular ales, two from Cumbrian breweries and one from across the hills in Yorkshire. The other three ales change regularly and are usually sourced from the north of England. There is a fairly decent wine list with a choice available by the glass, and you will also find a reasonable selection of spirits and other beverages.

Food can be enjoyed in the restaurant – a sophisticated space with rich furnishings, or in the more casual and cosy bar, or outside in the extensive beer garden. All of the usual pub favourites are featured on the menu, with many of the ingredients sourced locally, including from the pub’s own garden where herbs and vegetables are grown. A lunchtime menu operates during the day with a choice of sandwiches or more filling mains, and, in the evenings, visitors can enjoy hearty portions of classic British dishes. There is a good choice for vegetarians and the inn also has a children’s menu. Each Thursday, the inn hosts a “World Food Night” when there is a special menu with dishes from a chosen country. This is a very popular event and booking is highly recommended.

Other Features

The inn hosts a quiz each Sunday evening at 5.30pm. There is also a drying room for wet walking boots, whilst outside, there is a Tesla charging station.

The Bower House has a large beer garden with different sections divided by ornamental trees and plants. The tables have plenty of space between them so it doesn’t feel crowded, and in one end of the garden, there is a large play area. Dogs are welcome in the bar area and beer garden, but not in the formal dining room.

Accommodation

The Bower House Inn is a large inn with 20 rooms. Some are located in the main inn building, others in the converted barn adjacent to the inn. Rooms are simply but elegantly furnished, and all are equipped with en-suite facilities. There is a mixture of single, twin, double, and family (one double and one single) rooms available. All benefit from free Wi-Fi, televisions, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Breakfast is included in the room rate. The inn also has one self-catered apartment on site, fitted with one double and one twin room, bathroom with bath and shower, living room, and a kitchenette with all of the basic kitchen equipment you may need. A selection of rooms accept dogs for a small surcharge.

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