Best Child Friendly Pubs in the Lake District
Plenty of pubs in the Lake District are kid friendly but some have well and truly gone above and beyond to make children really feel extra welcome. Whether it be a fun kids menu with smaller, more manageable portions, an outdoor playground in the shape of a castle with slides and swings, or just extra toys and colouring books inside - we’ve got the low down on what we believe to be the best kid friendly pubs in the Lake District!
Lake View Garden Bar
Lake View Garden Bar offers a relaxed family friendly atmosphere with a wonderfully curated children's menu perfect for kids, including smaller portions of fish & chips, pasta, pizza, mac & cheese and more.
The Woolpack Inn (Eskdale)
The Woolpack Inn in Eskdale is very popular with families, thanks to the facilities it has available for children. There is a children’s menu with all of the usual favourites. Outside, there is a play area with a swing, slide, and other toys. Inside, there is a games room with a pool table that is ideal for older children and teenagers.
The Sun Inn (Crook)
The Sun Inn at Crook in Kendal is a delightful pub to visit with children. Children are very welcome here, with a selection of board games, colouring books, and crayons all available to help keep them occupied. Children eat for free with paying adults during the week, and the children’s menu has a great selection of favourite dishes that will appease fussy eaters.
The Sun (Coniston)
Children are very welcome at the Sun in Coniston. There is a children’s menu with a great selection for kids and the pub has a small selection of toys that children can play with indoors. Outside, the large beer garden has a lower, grassed terrace with a play structure that includes a slide. The pub’s accommodation has one family room.
The Station Inn (Oxenholme)
The Station Inn at Oxenholme near Kendal is a fabulous choice for parents of young children seeking a place to enjoy a meal whilst the children play. Along with a children’s menu the pub has a huge play area in the beer garden with slides, climbing frames and swings. The pub even has a crazy golf course, costing £2 per person.
The Ship (Dovenby)
The Ship at Dovenby, near Cockermouth, is one of the most family friendly pubs in the area. The children’s menu has been designed to accommodate the fussiest of eaters, whilst smaller portions of some of the main menu dishes are also available. The pub has a box full of toys that children can play with, and a large beer garden where they can run around.
The Old Farmhouse (Ulverston)
The Old Farmhouse is a fabulous place to spend a few hours with children and teenagers. The children’s menu for under 12s has a good range of choices, and children can enjoy a smaller portion of Sunday dinner if required. The pub has a games room with a pool table and a selection of board games to keep children entertained.
The Kingfisher Inn (Cockermouth)
Whilst many pubs claim to welcome children, few go as far as the Kingfisher Inn in Cockermouth, which has several child friendly features. There are baby changing facilities, a play area with a slide and climbing frame outside, and games inside. There is a children’s menu, or alternatively there is the option to have smaller portions from the main menu.
The Kellbank
The Kellbank is probably the most welcoming pub in the Lake District when it comes to children. Inside there’s a soft play room with various toys and a projector. Outside there is a large play area with equipment and outdoor games. The children’s menu offers a good range of choices and every Sunday during the carvery there is free children’s entertainment.
The Boot Inn (Eskdale)
The Boot Inn extends a warm welcome to younger patrons. The children’s menu has an excellent choice that should suit fussy eaters. Inside there are a selection of board games, whilst outside at the end of the beer garden there is a small playground. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is always a big hit with children and stops close to the pub.
The Sun Inn (Pooley Bridge)
Families looking for a place to eat in Pooley Bridge should consider visiting the Sun Inn. The pub offers a good children’s menu with dishes that would suit most tastes, with food available throughout the day from noon. Outside, there is a large grassed beer garden complete with a climbing frame in the shape of a castle that will fuel imaginative play.
Royal Oak (Braithwaite)
Braithwaite is the start of a pushchair friendly walk that leads up to Force Crag mine in the Coledale valley, and the village consequently attracts many families with children. They are well served at the Royal Oak, where there is an extensive choice on the menu, and a great selection of games, colouring books, and quiz packs to help occupy young minds.
Romneys (Kendal)
Romneys in Kendal is a great choice for those seeking a place to bring children for a bite to eat. Children can opt for a smaller plate for the all day carvery or choose something from the dedicated children’s menu. The pub has a half sized door especially for “little uns” that leads directly out to a covered outdoor play area.
The Punchbowl Inn (Askham)
The Punchbowl Inn at Askham happily welcomes children. There is a children’s menu where you will find traditional favourites such as pizza, but if your child is more adventurous then they can opt for a smaller portion from the main menu. The pub has a wide selection of board games that children can play, along with a small pool table.
Poets Bar at the Lancrigg
The Poet’s Bar at the Lancrigg warmly welcomes children, with a small children’s menu that would suit most tastes. Outside the bar, there is a play area with a large climbing structure with ropes and ladders to climb, as well as a slide. The building is set within 30 acres of grounds where you will also find a woodland trail.
King George IV Inn (Eskdale)
The King George IV Inn in Eskdale is a popular pub for families with children to visit, being within walking distance of a stop on the La’al Ratty. There is a good choice available on the children’s menu. Inside, there are board games for younger children and a pool table that will please older children. Outside, there are outdoor games and a bouncy castle.
Cuckoo Brow Inn (Far Sawrey)
The Cuckoo Brow Inn in Far Sawrey proudly advertises itself as child friendly. The inn has an excellent children’s menu with a good choice of main dishes, as well as child friendly sandwiches. There is a separate bar room that is more suited for families, with toys, games, and cosy seating. The inn has family accommodation available, and a beer garden.
The Clickham Inn (Penrith)
The Clickham Inn is particularly welcoming towards families with children. The children’s menu has a good number of choices that extends beyond the usual chicken nuggets and chips. The pub has dominoes to play inside, whilst outside there is a large beer garden with a children’s climbing frame and slide. In the past, the pub has hosted a Santa’s grotto for local children.
The Boot & Shoe Inn (Greystoke)
The Boot & Shoe Inn at Greystoke near Penrith is a very family friendly inn. The inn has a children’s menu with a wide choice of dishes and the portions are generous. Inside there is a selection of board games to play. Outside there is a large beer garden with outdoor games and toys such as table football and giant Connect-4.
The Beehive Inn (Eamont Bridge)
The Beehive Inn in Eamont Bridge near Penrith is perfect for families with children. There is an outdoor play area in the beer garden that is usually accompanied by the bouncy castle in the summer. Inside there is a table football game, a pool table, board games, and colouring books. The pub has a dedicated children’s menu and is near Lowther Castle.