The Punch Bowl Inn, Cumbria

Overview

Kick back and relax in this recently renovated, rambling Cumbrian inn, which overlooks the lush Lyth Valley and pretty St Mary's church. Transformed into a chic rural bolthole from which to explore the stunning Lake District, the inn's tranquil interior welcomes tired walkers to sink into leather sofas and enjoy a pint of ale from local Barngates microbrewery.

Depending on your mood, eat in the cosy bar or opt for the slightly more formal dining room with its contemporary leather chairs, gleaming old oak floors and fine 18th-century stone fireplace. On warmer days, arrive early to bag one of the teak tables and chairs on the attractive tiered front terrace.

Rooms from

Doubles: £110

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Parking available
Private and alfresco dining

Family favourite
Two of the rooms accommodate Z beds, so you can come away en famille!

Quiet romance
The sublime food and romantic rooms make The Punch Bowl a perfect choice for a getaway for two.

Outdoor adventures
There's plenty of fabulous walking right from the inn's front door, making it a ideal base to explore the Lake District.

Rooms

The nine peaceful rooms are named after former vicars at St Mary's Church next door. All are beautifully refurbished and individually designed; some enjoy stunning views down the Lyth Valley. Depending on their size, each has a country cottage or country-house feel with rich fabrics, deep sofas or easy chairs, antique furnishings, the best beds, linen and duvets, soothing Farrow & Ball hues, Roberts radios and fresh flowers.

Big bathrooms are bang up-to-date with heated limestone floors, luxe toiletries, walk-in monsoon showers and roll-top baths. The Noble suite is the most impressive, occupying the whole third floor - its twin baths enjoying fabulous valley views.

Restaurant & bar

Head chef Alex beard is truly cooking up a storm in the kitchen, a former senior sous chef from renowned three-Michelin-starred Waterside Inn, he has gained huge respect locally in Cumbria and further field. As a result, The Punch Bowl makes brilliant use of local and seasonal ingredients and delivers well-executed modern British dishes, which are listed on an imaginative monthly carte and a daily-changing chalkboard.

The two handpumps on the long, slate-topped bar dispense ales from local micro-breweries with Bowness Bay Swan Blonde perhaps accompanying the regular Tag Lag beer from Barngates Brewery near Ambleside. Also on the top-drawer quaffing list are several boutique gins, 15 malt whiskies, a good range of premium soft drinks and minerals, and a particularly fine list of wines (18 by the glass) that features some gems from smaller artisan wine producers.

Things to do

Sizergh Castle & Garden is a gorgeous family home near Kendal that represents 700 years of history. Still occupied by the Strickland family, the house has gorgeous gardens and an impressive 1,600-acre estate. Designated by English heritage as a rare Grade II listed building, Leighton Hall near Carnforth, is another great spot for history-buffs. The stunning building was rebuilt in the Adam style in the mid-18th century. There's much to see here, including the magnificent Hall itself, attractive gardens and parkland.

Finally, treat yourself to a proper brew at Farrer's Tea and Coffee House in Kendal. From 1819, when John Farrer started a family business of specialist tea and coffee merchant at Stricklandgate, the tantalizing aroma of roasting coffee became a feature of daily life in the market town of Kendal. Visit the tearoom to sample the great range of teas and coffees available while enjoying fresh cakes and maybe an exhibition of local art.

Getting here

Directions

Nearest train station: Kendal
Taxi from station: 17min
Drive: 34min from Lancaster, 1hr from Blackpool

Address

Crosthwaite, Cumbria L48 8HR

Gallery

Enquire to book

To make a booking, please use the form below or you can call our reservations team on 020 8161 0100. Our phone lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5.30pm.

The Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite

From £125 per night