Why the Kirkstile Inn Is the Ultimate Lake District Pub for Cold, Wet Winter Days

With the festive rush fading and winter weather taking hold across Cumbria, many visitors to the Lake District are swapping long outdoor days for shorter walks and cosy indoor retreats. One pub that continues to draw praise during the colder, wetter months is the Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater.Located between Loweswater and Crummock Water, the Kirkstile Inn has been serving locals and travellers for more than a century. Its remote setting, traditional interiors and focus on local food and drink have helped it build a strong reputation as a winter refuge when conditions outside are less inviting.
The pub has attracted consistent high ratings from visitors. On Tripadvisor, it holds a score of 4.3 from more than 900 reviews, while Google users rate it even higher, with an average of 4.6 from over 1,300 reviews. Many customers cite its welcoming atmosphere, open fires and comforting menu as key reasons to visit during colder months.In a description shared by the pub, staff highlight the appeal of escaping modern life in a relaxed, rural setting. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy traditional pub dishes made with local produce, alongside the inn’s own brewed ales, including the award-winning Loweswater Gold. On wet days, the focus shifts indoors, with roaring fires and a warm, informal dining space, while clearer weather allows guests to enjoy views from the garden overlooking the surrounding fells.Recent visitor feedback has reinforced that reputation. One diner described a Sunday lunch featuring slow-cooked beef cheek as “one of the best Sunday dinners” they had ever eaten, praising both portion size and quality. Others have highlighted standout dishes such as the steak and ale pie, often paired with a pint of the pub’s signature ale.
The Kirkstile Inn is also popular with walkers exploring nearby routes around Buttermere, Loweswater and Crummock Water, many of whom stop in after wet or windswept hikes. Dog-friendly policies, efficient service and friendly staff are frequently mentioned in reviews, making it a reliable choice for both day visitors and overnight guests. While the inn’s remote location adds to its charm, visitors are advised that it can become busy in the evenings, particularly at weekends, and booking ahead is recommended during peak periods.

As winter settles in and Lake District weather becomes less predictable, the Kirkstile Inn continues to stand out as a place where cold rain outside simply adds to the comfort within.