In the Lake District Each pretty rural village seems to have its own food icon, from Kendal mint cake to Cartmel sticky toffee pudding and Grasemere gingerbread.

The area is also famed for its mature lamb (called hogget) and Cumberland sausages, which you will find on almost all pub and B&B menus. There are numerous celebrated restaurants on the shores of the lakes and many fantastic gastropubs too.

With so much delicious food to fit in, however will you choose where to eat?

Luckily, BabyBreaks has researched the best family restaurants in The Lake District, so you can plan your mealtimes with ease.

Also take a look at our selection of activities in The Lake District for the perfect stay.


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1. Baba Ganoush, Kendal

A great place for a quick bite and takeaway lunch boxes. This popular deli serves amazing vegetarian food with a Mediterranean influence. Think tasty quiches, zingy colourful salads and freshly squeezed juices. The kids will certainly love the meze style eating which allows them try a little taste of lots of dishes. In other words, perfect for small appetites!

Address: Unit 4, Berrys Yard, 27 Finkle St, Kendal LA9 4AB

Phone: 01539 731072

Source: Shutterstock

2. Picnic by the Lake

Picnics are a really popular way for families in the Lake District as they are a great way to refuel halfway through your walk or cycle. Most importantly, rest your legs and admire the amazing views as you tuck into tasty treats bought from your local shops. There are numerous dedicated Picnic Sites around the lakes where you can set up, with facilities like toilets and tables with benches.

Three of our favourite picnic spots are Tarn Hows which has a 3km circular walk around it. Also Latrigg for magnificent views over Derwent Water. And Castlerigg Stone Circle, a neolithic monument offering a 360 degree view of the surrounding fells.

Source: Shutterstock

3. Hazelmere Bakery and Café, Grange-Over-Sands

The smell of warm pastry emanating from this bakery is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Even more so if you have spent the morning hiking, kayaking or cycling. The cafe has a buzzing atmosphere all day long as it does a roaring trade serving freshly made sandwiches, cakes and coffee to tourists and locals. In addition, the outdoor seating is a lovely spot to sit and relax in the summer.

Address: 2 Yewbarrow Terrace, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6ED

Phone: 015395 32972

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4. Cartmel Village Shop ​

This now world-famous shop is the home is the home of Cartmel’s most famous export, sticky toffee pudding. The cafe upstairs serves the original recipe pud in all its sickly sweet glory, as well as other cakes, soup and light bites. A must try for your stay in the Lakes! In the shop you can pick up some edible souvenirs, with sticky toffee flavoured everything on offer –  biscuits chocolates, fudge and more. One of the best family restaurants in The Lake District!

Address: Parkgate House, 1 The Square, Cartmel LA11 6QB

Phone: 015395 36280

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Source: Cartmel Village Shop

5. Cuckoo Brow Inn, Ambleside

A charming, traditional pub situated in a quiet village near the National Trust home of Beatrix Potter. Family and dog friendly, it is popular with walkers and cyclists, being surrounded by some beautiful routes winding through the countryside towards Lake Windermere.

Downstairs you’ll find roaring fires, real ales and local produce on the menu, while upstairs there are 14 classic bedrooms, in case you want to stay the night.

Address: Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LQ

Phone: 015394 43425

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