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If you’re relocating to Cumbria, or just out on a day trip, here’s some attractive coffee shop & eateries in Cumbria and the Lake District to visit, courtesy of Your Lock Your Key® self storage.

Enjoy and relax while we take care of your self storage.

A rural Cumbrian farm entrance — Rural Cumbria : *There’s lots of stop-offs!*

Food, Cafe’s and Restaurants’ around Cumbria. Assuming you’ve got your self storage booked in, or are already storing with us, hopefully you’ve additional time to relax and get to know more of the area if you’ve just moved to the area.

While there are loads of tourist attractions and places to visit around Cumbria, this page is dedicated to an ever expanding list of attractive and reasonably priced café and eateries’ around Cumbria that are worth a visit during the day. We’re NOT focussing on restaurants’ per se, but a run down of relaxed, mainly informal places to simply stop off on the spur of the moment.

So although not exactly restaurants’ (though some listed below DO have very plush separate formal restaurants), these are what we consider nice places to stop off at while out and about usually without the need to book a table, be it for a coffee, cake, snack or bite to eat, in an informal setting.

These eateries aren’t in any particular order.

You can also try the Discover Cumbria website, which gives a comprehensive run down of eating establishments in the area.

Below are places we have personally tried and wouldn’t hesitate to call again and again! Check opening times, as some are seasonal and may require booking during busy periods.

Carlisle, Cumbria

Rickerby Retreat and Spa, Linstock, Carlisle

eating establishment situated in Cumbria

This smashing place is open during day time and currently Friday and Saturday evenings. Situated not even half a mile from Carlisle City Centre, it’s superb for either a coffee and cake or bite to eat providing a varied menu. There is also a spa. A very plush and classy interior. The roof terrace provides a relaxed area especially on hot summer days.

Carlisle, Cumbria

Houghton Hall Garden Centre:

a cup of coffee in a glass on a table in Houghton Hall café premises, Carlisle, Cumbria,

interior of a café at Houghton Hall, Carlisle, Cumbria

This great little place off the A69 then A689 has a smashing little café separate from their main garden centre providing a range of meals, teas, coffees and such. Has a large farm shop. Ample free parking.

Carlisle City Centre, Cumbria

I Love Cafe

Interior Carlisle City Centre café premises showing coffee and cake on a table of the "I Love Café" premises.

Place to eat in Carlisle showing the interior of the building.

I Love Café is based in the centre of Carlisle with plenty of nearby car parks. A wonderful collection of amazing cakes! Super coffee! A great lunch time menu for all the family. Very tasty and a nice atmosphere with its colourful interior.

Carlisle City Centre, Cumbria

John Watt & Son

John Watts’ are situated in the centre of Carlisle on Bank Street and provides a superb victorian experience with its original shop front and traditional interior. They import and roast and sell their own coffee and have a huge selection. Providing coffees, teas, lunches, its a nice pleasant eatery.

Brampton, Cumbria

Hayton Farm Shop – off the A69 just outside Carlisle

Cumbrian food on a table at Hayton Farm Shop outside of Carlisle, Cumbria showing a bowl of soup.

A Cumbrian Café and farm shop showing a close up of a bowl of soup.

Hayton Farm Shop is situated near Brampton just off the A69, five minutes drive from Carlisle with ample free parking. It also sells local produce. In a rural setting overlooking farmland, it provides anything from drinks and cakes to a full Cumbrian meal so you’re not left feeling hungry. Complete with farm type shop inside.

Lanercost, outside of Brampton, Cumbria

Lanercost Tea Room and Café, Brampton

Lanercost Tea room, Brampton, Cumbria premises from the outside.

Lanercost Tea room, Brampton, Cumbria in summer time

Cafe showing multiple views from the outside in cumbria

This smashing café and tea room serves great food. Brampton is only around 9 miles out of Carlisle, and Lanercost is just a few minutes further out. Be it for a stop off for afternoon tea or a comprehensive meal. A range of superb cakes and superb home cooked meals with generous portions, its situated just a mile or so outside of Brampton on the Hadrian’s Wall tourist route.

Kirkoswald, Cumbria (just outside of Carlisle)

Fetherston Arms

Just a few miles out of Carlisle on the Carlisle to Penrith A6 road, we have the small village of Kirkoswald. The Fetherston Arms is in the heart of the village square, serving lovely Cumbrian food; specialising in a pie night, they provide a substantial meal for all of the family in a rural setting.

Hutton-in-the-Forest, Nr. Penrith, Cumbria

Upfront Puppet Theatre and Museum

The Upfront Puppet Theatre Café premises near Penrith, Cumbria.

The Puppet Theatre is just minutes from Carlisle, as you head towards Penrith direction, accessible from a number of routes. Its in a rural location, being farm property previously, converted to an Arts Gallery and Café premises now which provides delicious vegetarian produce during the day, and hosts a Theatre. Ample parking and you get a great meal.

Hutton-in-the Forest, Cumbria

The Cloisters Tearoom

Part of a magnificent stately home, just a few miles outside of Carlisle, is The Cloisters Tearoom. Grab a snack, meal, cake, coffee or tea while you enjoy the surroundings. Definitely worth a visit. Gardens and visit around the home are chargeable.

Penrith, Cumbria

The George Hotel

The George Hotel is based in the very centre of Penrith town centre, some twenty miles from Carlisle via the A6 or M6. This is a very traditional establishment providing traditional meals, afternoon teas in an elegant and traditional four hundred year old listed sandstone building full of history including wood panelling, oak beams, an array of antique furniture and historical prints. Very traditional.

Penrith, Cumbria

The Lounge

a plate of food at a Cumbrian Eatery highlighting the quality and lifestyle in Cumbria, England.

The Lounge. This superb public house and restaurant provides superb and a classy dining experience. Based in the Centre of Penrith town centre, the food is superb and the furnishings upmarket. It wasn’t that expensive for the quality and setting and is a handy stop off for a bite to eat or drink if venturing further into the Lake District National Park. Outside terrace at the rear of the property.

Penrith, Cumbria

Fell & Bean Café | Brougham Hall | Coffee House

Brougham Hall Café in Cumbria showing the exterior

Located just outside of Penrith just off the A6 (going towards Kendal). Smashing little café and coffee house set in lovely castle grounds. Does a smashing coffee, light meal, cakes etc. Wonderful grounds with craft business and the Castle nearby. Nice little stop-off.

Penrith, Cumbria

Lowther Castle and Gardens

Lowther Castle in Cumbria showing the outside.

Lowther Castle showing the front of the building

This attraction offers a an exhibition and extensive gardens. There is an eatery. Makes for a great afternoon out. Situated just outside of Carlisle – from the M6 exit at Junction 40, then follow the A66 eastwards to next roundabout and take the A6 south (as if heading for Kendal) for around three miles. Lowther Castle is signposted shortly after.

Melkinthorpe, Penrith, Cumbria

LA CASA VERDE – Larch Cottage Nurseries

La Casa Verde Café and garden centre in Cumbria outside of Penrith showing exterior of the building.

This beautiful garden centre and restaurant in a small village location, provides a superb family day out. Enjoy anything from superb quality restaurant food or simply a coffee and delicious cake. Take a wonder around Larch Cottage Nurseries where you will find LA CASA VERDE.

An ideal spot to take it easy on the balcony over a glass of wine, coffee and cake, while enjoying lunch, dinner or afternoon tea surrounded by an amazing garden centre. They state their restaurant uses fruit and vegetables picked from their organic kitchen garden at the bottom of their nursery.

Plenty of free parking and it’s situated just a few miles outside of Penrith after a few turns off the A6 Penrith to Kendal road. Around 30 minutes from Carlisle.

Morland, near Penrith, Cumbria

Mill Yard Morland

The Mill Yard Café to stop off and eat in Cumbria showing outside of the building.

The Mill Yard is a few miles on backroads off the A66 Penrith to Kendal road situated in the pretty village of Morland in Cumbria’s Eden Valley, on the edge of the Lake District which is around seven miles south east of Penrith, Appleby and Shap triangle, less than 15 minutes from Junctions 39 and 40 of the M6.

Great for a stop off – they do a selection of usual coffee and cakes, but provide breakfast, lunch, tapas and pizza nights into the evening. A great place to enjoy while touring Cumbria.

Orton, Cumbria

Kennedy’s Chocolate

Kennedys Fine Chocolates Coffee House and chocolate factory shop is situated in Orton, Cumbria, a picturesque village on the edge of the Lake District a few miles past Shap on the A6. Superb chocolates on offer, and the café provides a superb break with their offerings.

Alston, Cumbria

The Crossing Café

Around thirty miles from Carlisle at Alston, Cumbria, we have the South Tynedale narrow gauge railway. Some two foot in diameter, it is operated by charity and is well worth a visit. The Crossing Café serves coffee and cakes and a range of meals in a pleasant setting right next to the narrow gauge railway!

Towards Wigton, Cumbria

Orton Grange

Just outside of Carlisle heading towards Wigton, travelling from Wigton Road we have an attractive stop off. A smashing café premises on ground and upper level, it provides a decent range of snacks, coffee and cakes to full meals for the family. After your stop – off, why not sample the superb Food Hall offering a range of Cumbrian produce.

Wigton, Cumbria.

The Barista:

This wonderful little spot just of Wigton High Street is a stones throw from the Lake District National Park and serves a great range of snacks as well as meals.

Caldbeck, Cumbria

The Priests Mill

The Priests Mill in the village of Caldbeck is just a few minutes from Carlisle. This old mill property does a nice range of snacks, meals, coffee’s and is situated in the Lake District National Park in an attractive and relaxed setting.

Caldbeck, Cumbria

Oddfellows Arms

This public house in the very centre of the village of Caldbeck serves traditional pub food and is adjacent to a working farm. Pub food and snacks with a lounge and separate restaurant area for evening meals. On the way to Penrith or Keswick depending on which direction you’re travelling in.

Caldbeck, Cumbria

The Muddy Duck

Caldbeck, Cumbria

Great little stop off in the centre of Caldbeck village, just a few miles from Carlisle on the back road to Keswick and the Lake District, Cumbria. Serving a range of snacks, meals, cakes and coffee in this newly renovated establishment with seating outside overlooking the attractive stream.

Plumpton, Penrith, Cumbria

The Pot Place garden centre & Tea Room

This locally operated garden centre with attractive tea room and café is situated just off the A6 Carlisle to Penrith road, several miles out of Carlisle. If you’re heading towards the Lake District National Park from Carlisle, stopping off here for a cake, snack and drink in an attractive setting is always a refreshing change. Rural location. Plenty of free parking.

Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria

Granny Dowbekin’s Tea Room and Garden

Video: Pooley Bridge

Established in 1904, they serve everything from scones, cakes, quiches and pies. Sit overlooking the river Eamont as you enjoy food prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Pooley Bridge is a super stop off with plenty of other pubs and cafes.

Glenridding, Ullswater, Cumbria.

The Inn on The Lake

Inn On the Lake, Glenridding, Cumbria showing the outside of the building.

Inn On the Lake, Glenridding, Cumbria showing the inside of the building sat at a table with a cup of coffee.

afternoon tea in front of fireplace at the Inn on the Lake, Glenridding, Cumbria

The Inn on the Lake – informal lounge area

This amazing place is situated right on the edge of Lake Ullswater giving amazing views. Although they serve snacks and afternoon tea’s etc in the many lounges, there is also a classy formal restaurant providing superb quality food. Very upmarket. Ample free parking.

Penrith to Keswick, Cumbria

Basecamp North Lakes

This great place is on the A66 Penrith to Keswick Road – just ten minutes or so outside of Penrith. It’s a superb place with quite a comprehensive farm shop selling a wide range of local Cumbrian produce. Stop off for a coffee and cake, or some traditional Cumbrian meals. Serves superb Cumbrian produce, as this wonderful filling Chicken and Ham Pie shows! Relaxed environment and has Alpacas that can be taken for a walk around the surrounding lake! Ample free parking.

Near Keswick, Cumbria

White Horse Inn public house

The White Horse Inn is a typical Country Pub well worth a stop off! Located at Scales on the Penrith to Keswick A66, it serves pub food and boasts open fires as well as local ales. It provides anything from a good filling meal to a coffee and snack.

Located just outside the village of Threlkeld, there are paths leading off to the mountains from the pubs beer garden.

Keswick and surrounding area, Cumbria

Bassenthwaite Lake Station café and events

Bassenthwaite Lake Station café in Cumbria

vintage vehicle next to a telephone kiosk outside a cafe premises

a dining area inside a cafe at Bassenthwaite Lake Station café

Not a real station! This super place operated from a former railway station in Bassenthwaite boasts a permanent “train” that is an actual café and restaurant, as well as usual internal café and dining area. Something different and a place worth a visit. Superb meals and cakes etc. On the Keswick to Cockermouth A66, just a few miles outside of Keswick.

The “train” is infact the former filmset replica class 241 steam train from the 2017 film “murder on the orient express” – yes, now sat in Bassenthwaite! It was the fully working film set and is open to the public to dine.

Bassenthwaite Lake Station café train — inside the **Bassenthwaite Lake Station café** outside of Cockermouth and Keswick, Cumbria

Grasmere, Cumbria

Emma’s Deli

This little place situated in the centre of Grasmere, just past Keswick, on the way to Ambleside provides a superb range of snacks, meals and lovely cakes. Well worth a visit if you’re passing!

Grasmere, Cumbria

Mathilde’s Café at the Heaton Cooper Studio

Superb café and art gallery situated in the Lake District with a Norwegian theme – superb food, be it for a coffee and cake, or something more substantial. Relaxed and pleasant setting with a great menu. Just a few miles from Keswick.

Ambleside, Cumbria

The Apple Pie Cafe

A little stop off in the heart of Ambleside providing coffees, cakes, snacks and meals in a relaxed setting.

Keswick, Cumbria

Java coffee shop

cumbrian town view with a cake and coffee in the foreground

Java; This great little coffee shop over two floors is based in the centre of Keswick’s’ Main Street. Java provides a great range of coffee and cakes, its a super place to stop off at.

Keswick, Cumbria

Treeby & Bolton

Treeby & Bolton is a café and art gallery situated in the centre of Keswick. It’s a little tucked away but it’s a smashing venue for a snack, coffee, meal for for family in a relaxed environment. An art gallery is situated on the first floor.

Keswick, Cumbria

Inn on the Square

Very plush hotel and restaurant in the centre of Keswick. During day time, enjoy anything from a coffee and cake, a light bite or snack, or hearty meal in the very well decorated, but not too formal setting with outdoor seating in the summer months. A wide ranging menu.

Just outside of Keswick

Portinscale, Cumbria

The Chalet Tearooms

The Chalet Tearooms, Portinscale, is just a mile or so out of Keswick on the Keswick to Cockermouth Road and a couple of minutes from Keswick itself. This tearoom provides a great stop off for a bite to eat, tea, coffee and cake etc set against a lovely backdrop in this attractive village with parking outside.

Jaspers Coffee House of Braithwaite

An interesting find, just a couple of miles out of Keswick (Braithwaite) on the main Keswick to Cockermouth Road, is within five minutes or so travelling time in car from Keswick. A small coffee house providing cakes and coffee, snacks and bites to eat with outside seating and parking outside the premises.

Coffee shop at Braithwaite near Keswick in Cumbria.

Kendal, Cumbria

Plumgarths’ Lakeland Food Park

This food area boasts a Café premises (The 2 Sisters), and local speciality foods such as a farm shop, artisan bread shop, cake shop and more. It’s situated off the A591 North of Kendal. A nice stop off if you’re in the area.

Kendal, Cumbria

Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop & Café

This is a farm shop and place to stop off and have a coffee and snack. A very quirky building indeed. They have a farm shop and deli that sells milk, cheeses etc. Situated just a few miles or so outside of Kendal on the way to Kirkby Lonsdale via a turn off on the A591.

Windermere, Cumbria.

The Magic Roundabout.

Sit outside and relax with this quirky little place! We love it – snacks, drinks and a nice place to unwind if you’ve time to spare.

Windermere Village, Cumbria

Café Italia.

Café Italia in the centre of Windemere Village has some great Italian Cuisine. If you’re passing during daytime, they do coffee’s and snacks as well. A classy place with a superb selection on offer! Plenty of outside seating also to burn away the time during summer months.

Windemere Village, Cumbria

Brambles Café Bar

Brambles Café Bar is a compact coffee and wine bar in the centre of the village. Great snacks, cakes and just nice. Set in a comfortable environment, with seating outside should you enjoy the sun.

We’re constantly adding to this page – Keep an eye out for additions!

Happy storing!

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