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Written by: Janie
Date posted: 21 November, 2025
Discover Cumbria’s festive flavours and get inspired to eat, drink and indulge this season. From luxurious fine dining and cosy pub stops to festive afternoon teas and locally sourced treats, there’s something delicious waiting around every corner.
Enjoy a Festive Menu
With a brilliant reputation for food & drink, The Lake District, Cumbria is the place to tuck into your Christmas dinner this winter.
Celebrate Christmas in the city with excellent dining at the Crown & Mitre Hotel in the centre of Carlisle. Choose from one or two courses at this beautiful venue.
Head to Penrith for more superb eating out. Savour a festive lunch or dinner at the award-winning restaurant at North Lakes Hotel & Spa or just outside town at the lovely Roundthorn Country House.
For quality food with a mountain back drop, try The Queens Head in Troutbeck or The Mary Mount Hotel in Borrowdale. In the south of the county combine good food with a spectacular coastal location at The Grange Hotel in Grange-over-Sands.
BROWSE FOR MORE FESTIVE DINING
Treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea
Indulge in a tasty festive treat this winter by booking an afternoon tea with friends and family at one of the many spectacular locations across the county.
In the Central Lakes, a festive afternoon tea and glorious views of Lake Windermere await at the luxurious Lindeth Fell Country House or nearby at the charming Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House. Both close to Bowness-on-Windermere.
In the North Lakes, Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa are hosting the Northern Fells Community Choir so that you can enjoy Christmas Carols alongside your afternoon tea (14 Dec).
For other fantastic locations, try an afternoon tea at The Halston Hotel in Carlisle, out on the Cumbrian Coast at Muncaster Castle or at the foot of the North Pennines with The Wilding Hotel in Brough.
BROWSE FOR MORE AFTERNOON TEAS
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Warm up in a cosy pub
It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a gentle winter walk through the countryside followed by a visit to a cosy pub – roaring fires and hearty winter dishes included!
Stroll around the lake at Talkin Tarn Country Park before heading to The Blacksmiths Arms – or take in the views of the Eastern Fells before paying a visit to The Queen's Head in Askham near Penrith.
Stroll along the shores of Crummock Water or Loweswater before stopping at The Kirkstile Inn. Or explore the Upper Eden Valley followed by refreshments at The Black Swan near Kirkby Stephen.
In the Central Lakes favourites include The Kings Arms Hotel in Hawkshead and The Coniston Inn or The Crown Inn in Coniston. There are lots of Miles without Stiles routes nearby such as around the pretty lake of Tarn Hows.
Relax in a comfy café
Ready to relax in a cosy café along with a hot drink and tasty piece of cake? Coast, mountain or lakeside, there are lots of great options to choose from.
Head out to Cumbria’s spectacular coastline for a wander along the beach followed by a visit to the Beach Road Bakehouse in St Bees village or the Howling Wolf Artisan Bakery and Café below the Beacon Museum in Whitehaven.
Enjoy a stroll along the shores of Derwentwater near Keswick before stopping by The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden, or wander through the woods at Whinlatter Forest before refuelling at Cafe Ambio.
Combine your café stop with a visit to a cultural venue. There are lots to choose from including The Tea Room at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh or The Cafe at Windermere Jetty Museum near Bowness-on-Windermere.
Savour tasty local produce
With so many first-class producers across the county, make sure you shop local this Christmas for the best foodie gifts and experiences.
For delicious, sweet treats and fabulous local produce, pay a visit to The Toffee Shop in Penrith or Chestnut House in Pooley Bridge. Both also offer the option to shop online.
Find Cumbrian preserves, artisan pastas, organic wines and small-batch craft spirits in the Deli at Rheged near Penrith, while over in the west of the county, The Sawmill Café boasts a farm shop that includes many producers from the Cumbrian Coast.
Stop by The Courtyard Café at Holker Hall & Gardens for a menu packed full of locally sourced ingredients. Nearby in Ulverston, Shed One Distillery have just launched The Ultimate Distiller’s Experience – A Two-Day Immersion in the Art of Distillation.
Indulge in first class cuisine
If you are looking for the ultimate dining experience then the Lake District, Cumbria is the place to be - here you will find 15 Michelin stars across 13 restaurants!
In North Cumbria, The Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai is hosting a range of festive events including festive lunch or afternoon tea and festive wine masterclasses. Nearby, indulge in a bespoke Christmas menu at the Pentonbridge Inn.
Further south, choose a celebration dinner at Allium at Askham Hall or enjoy fine dining with ingredients from local farms and sustainable suppliers at The Cottage in the Wood near Keswick.
Cartmel by Morecambe Bay is a well-known foodie hotspot home to two Michelin starred restaurants – get ready to savour only the best seasonal ingredients at L'Enclume.
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You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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