The Three Shires Inn (Little Langdale)

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.
Food & Drink

The inn prides itself on being a traditional Lakeland inn, and consequently offers a wide range of local ales, having been awarded Cask Marque recognition. The selection of ales changes regularly, but you can expect to find beers brewed by the Hawkshead Brewery, Coniston Ales, the Ennerdale Brewery, the Bowness Bay Brewing Company and Cumbrian Legendary Ales amongst others.
The wine list is impressive for rural inn, with around 40 to choose from – many offering good value for money. For whisky lovers, there is a collection of around 50, ensuring that most tastes are catered for, and the inn has a fine selection of gins and other spirits. The inn serves Farrers coffees and a range of speciality teas.
The Menu
Food is served twice a day, between noon and 2pm, and then again between 6pm and 8.45pm. Evening service times can vary during the winter months and due to the popularity of the inn it is best to always book a table in advance. The menus vary with the season and local ingredients are used wherever possible. The lunch time menu is perfect for walkers exploring the local area, with a good choice of sandwiches and platters, along with a small selection of main meals.
In the evenings, there is a good mixture of classic pub favourites and more contemporary dishes. There are choices for vegetarians and special dietary requirements can be catered for. There is a dedicated menu for children that has a combination of safe options such as sausage and chips, as well as dishes for those who are more adventurous, such as curry.
Other Features

The Three Shires Inn has a pretty, landscaped beer garden with fabulous views of the surrounding fells. Dogs are welcome in the bar area only, where tables are available for dining.
History
The Three Shires Inn was built in 1872. It is named after the Three Shire Stone – a large monolith erected at the summit of the Wynrose Pass. This was where the boundaries of the historic counties of Cumberland, Westmorland, and Lancaster met, before the reorganisation of counties that took place in 1974.
Accommodation

The Three Shires Inn is a great place to stay if you want a genuinely rural retreat without skimping on comfort. There are nine individually designed bedrooms that boast of views of the surrounding fells. Most are double or twin, but for an extra special stay, book yourself into the suite where there is a large double, separate lounge with a sofa bed, and a bathroom with a roll top bath and separate power shower.
All rooms have en-suite facilities and benefit from free Wi-Fi, digital televisions, and tea and coffee making facilities. Breakfast is included in the room rate and guests can choose from a selection of cereals, fruit, toast, yogurts, porridge, or opt for one of the cooked dishes including a full English and smoked kippers.
Map
Other Pubs in and Around Ambleside
- Wainwrights Inn (Chapel Stile)
- The Talbot Bar at the Skelwith Bridge Hotel
- The Red Lion (Hawkshead)
- 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