One of the great joys of a holiday in Cumbria is the food. From hearty pub lunches after a long walk to candlelit suppers in centuries-old coaching inns, the area around Penrith punches well above its weight when it comes to eating and drinking. Whether you’re after a proper pint of real ale, a family-friendly Sunday roast, or something a bit more refined, you’ll find it all within easy reach of our Fern Cottage, Maple Cottage, and Rittson Cottage.
Here’s our tried-and-tested guide to the best pubs and restaurants near Penrith.
Best Pubs near Penrith
The Beehive Inn, Eamont Bridge
If you’re staying at Rittson Cottage, you barely need to put your shoes on. The Beehive is quite literally a stone’s throw away, sitting right in the village of Eamont Bridge. It’s a proper Cumbrian pub with a warm welcome, a solid menu of pub classics, and a decent selection of local ales. The beer garden is lovely in summer, and dogs are welcome in the bar area — perfect after a riverside walk along the Eamont.
Address: Eamont Bridge, Penrith CA10 2BX
Good for: Casual suppers, dog-friendly drinks, families
The Strickland Arms, Great Strickland
Great Strickland’s very own village pub is a short stroll from both Fern Cottage and Maple Cottage. It’s the kind of place where locals prop up the bar and walkers pile in for a well-earned pint. The menu changes regularly, focusing on locally sourced ingredients, and the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed. Booking ahead for dinner is recommended, especially at weekends.
Address: Great Strickland, Penrith CA10 3DF
Good for: Village pub atmosphere, good food, walking distance from our cottages
The Yanwath Gate Inn
Just a few minutes’ drive towards Ullswater, the Yanwath Gate is a 17th-century pub with a reputation for excellent food. The menu leans towards gastropub territory — think slow-cooked lamb shoulder, pan-fried sea bass, and proper sticky toffee pudding. The building itself is full of character, with low beams and a roaring fire in winter.
Address: Yanwath, Penrith CA10 2LF
Good for: Special meals out, gastropub dining
The Crown Inn, Askham
In the beautiful village of Askham, overlooking the green, The Crown is a lovely spot for lunch or an afternoon drink. The village itself is worth the trip — it’s one of the prettiest in the Eden Valley, with a row of cottages running down to the River Lowther. The pub serves hearty food and has a friendly, unhurried feel.
Best Restaurants near Penrith
Four and Twenty, Penrith
This independent restaurant on King Street has become one of Penrith’s most popular spots. The menu is seasonal and creative, with dishes built around produce from Cumbrian farms and suppliers. It’s relaxed enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for a celebration. Booking essential, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 42 King Street, Penrith CA11 7AY
Good for: Date nights, seasonal menus, foodies
The George and Dragon, Clifton
Owned by the Lowther Estate, this 18th-century coaching inn has been beautifully restored. The restaurant sources much of its produce from the estate itself, and the menu is a lovely balance of refined and comforting. Expect dishes like Lowther venison, fell-bred lamb, and wonderful local cheeses. There are also rooms if you fancy treating someone to a proper night out.
Address: Clifton, Penrith CA10 2ER
Good for: Fine dining in a relaxed setting, special occasions
Fellpack, Penrith
A more modern addition to Penrith’s food scene, Fellpack is part cafe, part bar, part restaurant. It’s a great spot for brunch, lunch, or evening tapas-style plates. The vibe is laid-back and contemporary, and they do a cracking breakfast if you fancy a morning out.
1863 Bar and Restaurant, Penrith
Set inside the refurbished Penrith railway station, 1863 offers creative cocktails alongside a well-curated food menu. It’s a stylish spot that feels a world away from the usual country pub, and it’s ideal if you want something a bit different. The weekend brunch is particularly good.
Farm Shops and Delis Worth a Visit
If you’re self-catering at one of our cottages, you’ll want to stock up on local treats. Cranstons on Ullswater Road is a Cumbrian institution — a proper butcher and food hall with everything from Cumberland sausage to locally baked bread. The Toffee Shop on Brunswick Road has been making fudge and toffee since 1910 and is an absolute must-visit. For cheese lovers, The Courtyard Dairy isn’t far away and stocks some of the finest British farmhouse cheeses you’ll find anywhere.
Where to Stay
All of these pubs and restaurants are within easy reach of our three holiday cottages near Penrith. Fern Cottage and Maple Cottage in Great Strickland sit just minutes from village pubs and are a short drive from Penrith town centre. Rittson Cottage in Eamont Bridge has a pub practically on the doorstep. Whichever you choose, you’ll eat and drink very well indeed.