Tower Bank Arms

Quintessentially Lake District, the Tower Bank Arms in Near Sawrey is a true icon. If the exterior of this charming 17th century village inn seems familiar to you, it’s because it makes an appearance in the illustrations of Beatrix Potter’s Tale of Jemima Puddleduck, along with several other buildings in the village.

Just a few metres up the road from the Tower Bank Arms you will find Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former home that was bequeathed to the National Trust with all its contents in situ. It should come as no surprise then to learn that this pub, and the wider village, is extremely popular with tourists. Parking is very limited here, and regulations are strictly enforced. Therefore, the best way to get to this pub is to take the Windermere Ferry from Bowness to the other side of the lake. From there, it is a 45-minute walk. In peak tourism periods, a mini bus service is in operation.

Food & Drink

The roaring fire, the low, exposed beams, and the flagstone floors all create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a pint of locally brewed real ale at the Tower Bank Arms. The pub has won numerous awards from the local CAMRA branch and serves five cask ales in total.

The three regular ales are from three different Cumbrian breweries: Barngates Tag Lag, Cumbrian Legendary Ales Loweswater Gold, and Hawkshead Bitter. The two guest ales are also usually sourced from Cumbrian breweries. In addition, there is a fine selection of wine, including many available by the glass for reasonable prices, along with a good choice of whiskies, spirits, and soft drinks, including organic juices.

The Menu

If you are planning on eating at the Tower Bank Arms, then booking in advance is generally essential. The food here is generally considered to be some of the best pub food in the area, and best of all, the pub caters extremely well for those with food allergies and intolerances. Lunch is served between noon and 2pm, and you can opt for a door stop style sandwich or something more substantial.

In the evenings, food is available from 6pm and the emphasis is on local, seasonal, produce used to create rustic and heart-warming dishes, such as Lakeland lamb or Cumbrian beef and ale stew. There is a children’s menu and some items on the main menu are available in smaller portions for children.

Other Features

The inn has a small beer garden with a limited amount of seating, but delightful views of the fells. Dogs are welcome throughout the pub.

Accommodation

The Tower Bank Arms has four, classically styled rooms available on a bed and breakfast basis. Yan, Tan, Tethera, and Methera (which is one, two, three, and four in Cumbrian dialect) all benefit from en-suite facilities with complimentary toiletries, televisions, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

During peak periods, there is a two-night minimum stay. Two rooms are doubles, and one is a twin. Methera is the largest room and sleeps two adults and two children. A full cooked breakfast is included in the room rate with various options available.

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