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Photo of Drunken Duck Inn

“In the little village of Ambleside, nestled amongst the Southern Lowland Fells lies this 18th century inn. A landmark Lake District pub as famous for its smart food as its own-brew beer and with an attractive contemporary-country style. Comfortably inviting rooms are stylish yet uncluttered. ”

“In the little village of Ambleside, nestled amongst the Southern Lowland Fells lies this 18th century inn. A landmark Lake District pub as famous for its smart food as its own-brew beer and with an attractive contemporary-country style. Comfortably inviting rooms are stylish yet uncluttered. ”

Hotel Review

This pub deceives in so many ways. First, it's at a cross-roads, seemingly miles from anywhere with glorious fell views, yet is just 10 minutes from bustling Ambleside and Lake Windermere. Second, from the outside it looks a typical country inn, yet has a quirky-contemporary style - rugs on oak floors, wood-burning stoves, slate-topped bar and walls crammed with prints. And third, while it's very much a pub with its own microbrewery, its food is serious: inventive and tantalising and with an entertaining open kitchen. Rooms are split between the pub and a two-storey addition across the courtyard that blends well with the original building. No two are the same, though the feel is similar with a mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings, wool cushions and bed-throws, faded-floral curtains and country-fresh colours. Prints and cartoons hang on walls while bathrooms are rustic-chic with tongue-and-groove panelling or slate-effect tiling; most have feature baths as well as separate showers. You'll be torn whether to relax in your room or in the bar, which is always full of lively banter. A real pub where everyone is made welcome.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

Recommended For

  • Country Escape
  • Located within the Southern Lowland Fells, amidst Beatrix Potter territory, this is the best of the British countryside
  • Active Holiday
  • The Lake District, home to Lake Windemere is a haven for outdoorsy types
  • Sights nearby
  • Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, former homes of poet William Wordsworth
  • Foodies
  • A well known destination for delicious food
  • Great walks
  • Traverse the Southern Lowland Fells
  • Learning
  • Visit the Beatrix Potter gallery
  • Watersports
  • At Lake Windemere
  • Birdwatching
  • Full of character
  • Good wine list
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Restaurant
  • Quiet
  • Owner managed
  • Gourmet
  • Secluded setting
  • Charming
  • Traditional
  • Antiques
  • Inn
  • Chic
  • Boutique

Facilities

  • Good wine list
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Restaurant
  • No pets
  • Outdoor dining
  • Fireplace
  • Bar
  • Parking

Activities

  • Sights nearby
  • Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, former homes of poet William Wordsworth
  • Great walks
  • Traverse the Southern Lowland Fells
  • Learning
  • Visit the Beatrix Potter gallery
  • Watersports
  • At Lake Windemere
  • Birdwatching

Map & Location

What's Nearby