Wondering what’s on over the summer holidays for families? Check out our What’s On guide.
One of the joys of visiting the Lake District is stopping off at a cosy pub or café after a family adventure. Whether you’ve been hiking the fells, exploring a lakeshore trail, or spending the day outdoors, there’s nothing quite like a well-earned drink and hearty meal.
However, if you’ve got young kids in tow, it can be a big ask for them to stay seated while parents enjoy their food. Whilst many venues offer children’s menus and colouring sheets, having a play area can make all the difference.
The good news is that there are a handful of family-friendly pubs and cafés across the Lake District with dedicated play spaces. If you’re looking for the best pubs and cafés with play areas in the Lake District, read on.
We recommend pre-booking your table.
Lake District pubs with a play area
1. The Kellbank
The Kellbank is a handy stop when exploring the quieter western side of the Lake District. Located in Gosforth, it makes a great lunch break after a morning in Wasdale or a ride on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. The large outdoor play area is a real draw for families, while the children’s menu covers all the usual favourites, including pizza, fish fingers, sausages, and chicken nuggets. If you’re looking for a relaxed, family-friendly pub away from the busier honeypot locations, The Kellbank is good choice.
2. Boot Inn
The Boot Inn sits in the heart of Eskdale and is a handy stop for families exploring one of the Lake District’s quieter valleys. It works well after a ride on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway or a valley walk, with plenty of space for children to unwind.
Outside, there’s a large beer garden with a play area at one end, complete with swings and a slide, making it easy for parents to relax nearby. Inside, it’s a traditional Lakeland pub serving hearty food, including roast dinners served all day on Sundays, plus regular events from live music to seasonal celebrations including the Boot Beer Festival.
3. The Woolpack Inn
Set beneath the dramatic Hardknott Pass, the Woolpack Inn is one of the Lake District’s most historic inns and a memorable stop in its own right. It works well for families passing through Eskdale or tackling one of Cumbria’s most scenic mountain drives, with plenty of outdoor space for children to play.
Outside, there’s a lovely play area alongside the beer garden, giving kids room to burn off energy while parents settle in. Inside, the relaxed dining and bar serve excellent breakfasts and hearty meals, with a friendly, welcoming feel. You’ll also find a pool table, which older kids will appreciate.
4. The Station Inn
Just outside the Lake District National Park near Kendal, The Station Inn is a popular stop for families thanks to its large outdoor play area, making it an easy break on the way into or out of the Lakes via the M6 or Oxenholme.
The pub has a relaxed, welcoming feel with a dog-friendly bar and plenty of outdoor space where children can play while parents eat or enjoy a drink. Inside, there’s a straightforward, family-friendly atmosphere, supported by a solid children’s menu with favourites like fish goujons, sausages, spaghetti bolognese, and burgers, plus classic desserts such as brownies and ice cream.
Lake District cafes with a play area
1. Lowther Castle & Gardens
Lowther Castle & Gardens sits on the edge of the Lake District National Park and is home to one of the UK’s most impressive adventure playgrounds. The Lost Castle play area is a huge woodland fort packed with towers, tunnels and climbing frames, making it a real destination for families.
What makes it especially useful for parents is the “Into the Woods” café, located close to the playground. Open at weekends and during school holidays from mid-morning, it serves drinks, ice creams and light bites, with simple outdoor seating made from logs and stumps. It means you can stay close to the play area while children play, without needing to head back to the main Courtyard Café near the entrance.
2. Wellington Farm Cockermouth
Wellington Farm Café & Tearooms, just outside Cockermouth, is a relaxed countryside stop serving homemade food alongside small animal enclosures and open space for children.
A short walk from the café is Woodland Explore, a woodland-based play area where children can follow trails and discover little surprises between the trees. It feels more like a small adventure walk than a traditional playground, but it’s a lovely space for little ones to explore.
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