The Red Lion (Hawkshead)
The pretty village of Hawkshead that lies about halfway between Windermere and Coniston Water is home to the Red Lion Inn – a 15th century coaching inn that offers a warm and friendly welcome. Much of the interior of the inn has remained unchanged since the 18th century, ensuring that you will find plenty of character within this period property.
This quirky inn features oak panelled walls, a traditional fire place, and plenty of Liverpool FC memorabilia. The inn offers traditional home cooked food and an excellent choice of real ales. Located next to the Beatrix Potter gallery, the inn is ideally located for an evening meal and drink after spending the day exploring Hawkshead and its vicinity. Accommodation is also available here.
Food & Drink
Photo thanks to the Red Lion
Food is served daily between 12 noon and 8pm (7pm on Sundays) and can be enjoyed either in the bar area or in the dining room. A lunch time menu operates between 12 noon and 4pm, with an excellent choice of hot and cold sandwiches and jacket potatoes. Larger dishes are also available during this time, as well as in the evenings.
You will find all the pub favourites here, such as lasagne, sausage & mash, and shortcrust pastry pies with a couple of options for vegetarians – all reasonably priced for a central Lake District venue. On Sundays, a generously portioned Sunday roast dinner is served with all the trimmings and a giant Yorkshire pudding. A children’s menu with the usual favourites is provided if required.
The inn serves three regular ales supplied by local breweries, including Hawkshead Bitter, and two guest ales that are usually sourced from Cumbrian breweries. The pub has previously been named as the local CAMRA branch’s “Pub of the Season” for its commitment to real ale. There are a number of lagers and ciders on draught, and a reasonable selection of wine, spirits, and whiskies.
Other Features
The Red Lion has two large flat screen televisions and a subscription to Sky Sports, and screens all the major fixtures. The pub does not have a regular quiz, but does hold quiz evenings throughout the year for special events, such as charity fundraisers and national holidays. The pub is also extremely welcoming to dogs with a dedicated dog menu, enabling your pet to dine with you.
Accommodation
Photo thanks to the Red Lion
The Red Lion has eight en-suite bedrooms that are decorated in a simple and classic style. Many of the rooms have period features, such as sloped ceilings and exposed beams. Twin and double rooms are available, with some offering more space than others, which is reflected in the price. There is also one family room with a double bed and bunk beds for children.
All rooms benefit from televisions, DVD players, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included in the room rate. The inn’s location in the centre of Hawkshead makes it a great base for exploring the southern and central Lake District.
Map
Other Pubs in and Around Ambleside
- Wainwrights Inn (Chapel Stile)
- The Three Shires Inn (Little Langdale)
- The Talbot Bar at the Skelwith Bridge Hotel
- The Kirkstone Pass Inn
- The Kings Arms (Hawkshead)
- The Drunken Duck Inn (Ambleside)
- Lanty Slee’s Langdale (Stickle Barn)
- Outgate Inn
- Old Dungeon Ghyll (Great Langdale)
- The Eltermere Inn
- Cuckoo Brow Inn (Far Sawrey)
- The Britannia Inn (Elterwater)
- Golden Rule