The Drunken Duck Inn Ambleside Exterior photo

The Drunken Duck Inn Ambleside Interior photo

Key details

About the Hotel

Barngates, Ambleside, LA22 0NG

Near Lake Windermere

Great

8.3

/10

3.8

4.3

"Wonderful olde world charm with amazing views and outlook"

Gary from United Kingdom

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"The pub is warm and cosy and the locals all friendly,lovely staff and some proper real ale brewed at the premises."

Parker from United Kingdom

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"The combination of flavours was delightful and the food was attractively presented."

Gill T from United Kingdom

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4-star countryside retreat in Ambleside

Dining

The Drunken Duck Inn showcases a renowned on-site restaurant that serves locally sourced ingredients to create memorable dishes. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of ales and wines, enhancing their dining experience. Private dining options are available for smaller groups, with a maximum online reservation of six guests, allowing for intimate gatherings.

Location

Located in the heart of the Lake District, The Drunken Duck Inn is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and numerous hiking trails. The inn is just a 10-minute drive from Ambleside town center, providing easy access to local shops and attractions. This proximity to nature and local culture makes it a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Accommodations

The Drunken Duck Inn offers a selection of comfortable rooms designed with rustic charm to reflect the local landscape. Each accommodation provides modern amenities while maintaining a traditional aesthetic. Guests can enjoy cozy up to a wood-burning stove or take in the views from their room windows.

Events

The inn is equipped to host various events, accommodating both small gatherings and larger celebrations. With flexible options for private dining and an inviting atmosphere, it is a prime location for family events or corporate gatherings. Guests interested in larger gatherings can inquire directly for arrangements beyond the six-person booking limit.

Outdoor Activities

The Drunken Duck Inn is situated near several well-marked hiking and walking paths, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Lake District. Biking trails are also accessible, providing additional recreational options. This proximity to outdoor activities makes the inn a prime location for those looking to explore the surrounding nature.

Highlights

Dining: on-site restaurant

Location: 10-minute drive from Ambleside town center

Events: host various events

Outdoor Activities: well-marked hiking and walking paths

Location: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningExceptional Dishes

Dinner impressed with flavorful, beautifully presented dishes. Breakfast featured high-quality ingredients and a great selection.

Oliver Smith from United Kingdom

Review on

BedroomComfort redefined

The bedroom provided the perfect place to relax and recharge, offering a cosy and serene escape.

Marie Dubois from France

Review on

BathroomPristine Sanctuaries

The second bathroom was much nicer and provided a great experience after the first one was unsatisfactory.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

Review on

Room FeaturesQuiet Location

The room was spacious, pretty, and very clean, offering a quiet retreat for exploring the surrounding area.

Ingrid Olsen from Norway

Review on

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

Superior King Room
2 persons
165 sq. feet
1 King-size bed / 2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Standard King Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
King Room Mountain View
2 persons
120 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details

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Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

Facilities: Great

8.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
VIP check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Special diet menus

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At The Drunken Duck Inn, indulge in a delightful array of dining options that showcase British, European, and local flavors in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether enjoying a hearty breakfast or a cozy dinner, there's something to cater to every palate, including vegetarian and vegan delights.

The Drunken Duck Inn Ambleside Restaurant photo

Restaurant

British, Local, International, European

Ambiance

The restaurant features two cozy dining areas, blending modern decor with a welcoming atmosphere perfect for relaxation and conversation.

Key Offerings

Delight in a continental breakfast each morning, savor meze sharing plates or hearty ribollita for lunch, and relish a range of dishes suitable for various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

Reservation

Reservations recommended.

Open daily from 12:00 to 20:00, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Drunken Duck Inn Location

Barngates, Ambleside, LA22 0NG

Map view

City landmarks

Castle

Wray Castle

1.5 mi

Landmark

Tarn Hows

1.8 mi

Gallery

Beatrix Potter Gallery

1.9 mi

Landmark

Skelwith Force

1.4 mi

Landmark

Blelham Tarn

1.1 mi

Landmark

View point looking north west

1.0 mi

Landmark

Ambleside Roman Fort

1.9 mi

Landmark

Latterbarrow

1.7 mi

Park

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

4.2 mi

Landmark

Hawkshead Courthouse

1.5 mi

Landmark

St Margaret's Church

1.4 mi

Garden

Stagshaw Garden

2.1 mi

Landmark

Brockhole on Windermere

2.4 mi

Landmark

Hawkshead Grammar School

2.0 mi

Camping

Skelwith Fold

1.9 mi

Church

St Michael and All Angels Church

2.0 mi

Landmark

Colwith Force

1.9 mi

Landmark

Wray Castle Summer House

1.5 mi

Landmark

Hawkshead and Claife

1.9 mi

Landmark

Tarn Hows Viewpoint

1.6 mi

Gallery

The Fitzwilliam Gallery

2.0 mi

Farm

Hawkshead Hall Farm Campsite

1.9 mi

Museum

National Trust Hill Top

3.7 mi

Landmark

Borrans Park

2.0 mi

Landmark

Lake Windermere

3.6 mi

Landmark

Hawkshead Hill Chapel

1.8 mi

Landmark

Tom Ghyll Waterfalls

1.8 mi

Church

Hawkshead Methodist Church

1.9 mi

Landmark

Loughrigg Tarn

2.0 mi

Landmark

Elter Water

2.0 mi

Restaurants

The Drunken Duck Inn

600 ft

Barngates

Drunken Duck

600 ft

Barngates

Explore Ambleside

Explore Barngates

Wray Castle

25 minutes' walk

Victorian Gothic castle offering stunning lake views and intriguing tours. Ideal for history enthusiasts and families.

Tarn Hows

30 minutes' walk

Picturesque tarn surrounded by woodland, perfect for leisurely walks and nature photography. Accessible year-round.

Beatrix Potter Gallery

35 minutes' walk

Home of Beatrix Potter's original artwork. Offers a charming insight into her world, especially enjoyable for families.

Skelwith Force

25 minutes' walk

Scenic waterfall about 30 feet high, perfect for a refreshing nature escape. Easy access for photographers and walkers.

Hiking at Loughrigg Fell

30 minutes' drive

Challenging hikes with breathtaking views of Windermere and the Langdales. Trails for all skill levels available.

Wellness at The Old Vicarage

10 minutes' drive

Relaxing wellness retreats and yoga sessions in a peaceful setting, ideal for solo travelers seeking rejuvenation.

Kayaking on Windermere

12 minutes' drive

Thrilling kayaking adventures on England's largest lake, offering rentals and guided tours for all experience levels.

Local Market in Ambleside

10 minutes' drive

Vibrant local market showcasing regional produce and crafts. Perfect for families and visitors looking for unique souvenirs.

The Drunken Duck Inn

5 minutes' walk

Traditional inn serving locally sourced dishes and craft ales in a cozy atmosphere. Popular for its seasonal specials.

The Glass House

10 minutes' drive

Elegant restaurant featuring modern British cuisine with a local twist. Reservations recommended for an enjoyable experience.

El Portón

10 minutes' drive

Charming Mexican eatery offering a vibrant menu of traditional dishes. Great for families and groups, with vegetarian options.

Cafe Altitude

10 minutes' drive

Café with a relaxed ambiance serving freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. Ideal for a quick bite or leisurely brunch.

Ambleside Cinema

10 minutes' drive

Quaint independent cinema showcasing latest films and classic favorites. A perfect evening outing for all ages.

Live Music at The Royal Oak

5 minutes' walk

Lively pub featuring regular live music events. Great vibe with local bands playing, suitable for a fun night out.

The Old Laundry Theatre

12 minutes' drive

Local theater offering a variety of performances, from plays to concerts, with family-friendly shows regularly scheduled.

Outdoor Cinema at Brockhole

12 minutes' drive

Seasonal outdoor films set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Windermere, ideal for families and couples alike.

Getting around town

City Centre
Ambleside 6 min · 2.4 mi
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 120 min · 49.4 mi
Blackpool International (BLK) 166 min · 68.4 mi
Bus
Bus stop 6 min · 2.5 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

from 08:00-11:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay

Review score

Based on 6 verified reviews

8.6 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.1/10

Comfort

9.1/10

Facilities

8.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.3/10

Location

9.2/10

Staff

9.2/10

Value for money

7.7/10

Sebastian from Germany

Couple

King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 13, 2026

9.5/10

fantastic and relaxing stay

friendly staff ethical food spacious room breakfast choice

the staff were very friendly and helpful. ethical food options included sustainable meat and vegetarian choices. the room decor was pretty and spacious. breakfast included enough choice for all guests and non-dairy butter was available upon request

the room lacked tea and coffee making facilities which would have been welcome

Facilities

9/10

the hotel features a comfortable bar with a great selection of wines and beers. its location is very quiet offering a scenic and restful place for a relaxing stay away from busy city life.

Location

10/10

the hotel is situated in an idyllic location. it's very convenient for exploring the surrounding area and enjoying the natural landscapes. the setting ensures a tranquil atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

0 Helpful

Leslie from United Kingdom

Couple

Suite Mountain View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 06, 2026

6/10

Mixed Experience, Pricey Food, Great Room

small room average meal

We had booked a standard room but it was small. It was also next to the hotel kitchen fan so we upgraded. The upgraded room was great with great views and it was a suite. there was no water provided and no tea or coffee. The evening meal was very average, especially for the price. I would not recommend it.

0 Helpful

jordan from united states

Couple

deluxe king room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 29, 2025

9.0/10

amazing food and cozy vibes

original menu gorgeous food friendly staff

i loved how the breakfast had such an original menu! the individual touch to the choices was great. the food was gorgeous tasting, and the atmosphere was so relaxing. table service, a clean space, and warmth created a good experience. the bar reminded me of a cumbrian pub. a real fire was burning, the decorations were beautiful, and the staff chatted well.

Service

9/10

the staff was friendly and chatty. they provided table service during breakfast. i really appreciated their attention to detail and helpfulness throughout my stay, too.

Dining

8/10

the breakfast menu was original, and it had individual touches on all the choices. the restaurant offers locally sourced and foraged food depending on the season! the dinner menu could use some more options though!

Location

10/10

the hotel sits in a beautiful countryside, perfect for a relaxing getaway! the views overlook the surrounding area, and the location allows you to connect with the countryside nature! the position is quiet and serene, nice for a peaceful stay.

Rooms

9/10

the room was well-decorated and had a cozy atmosphere! it was very clean and spacious. the suite had great views, and this.

0 Helpful

jordan from united kingdom

Couple

king room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 16, 2025

9/10

quirky decor friendly locals fantastic food

the hotel has a super countryside location. the decor was quirky and thoughtful. i met some lovely locals, they were so happy to chat. the food was fantastic!!!!

i would have liked water or coffee in the room. it wasn't provided at all!

Service

9/10

staff was very cute. the area where we ate was dog friendly too. it was a very relaxing atmosphere, with table service. a clean, warm and spacious environment.

0 Helpful

Riley from Australia

Couple

King Room

1 night in November 2025

Reviewed: December 07, 2025

9/10

such a lovely visit!

cozy room valley view dairy spread

i love the cozy room. it had a lovely view of the valley. the breakfast was also good with enough choices for everyone and they swapped the butter for a non-dairy spread when i asked.

i don't have anything to complain about. i enjoyed every moment.

0 Helpful

Geoffrey from United Kingdom

Couple

King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 01, 2025

9.0/10

a good stay!

friendly staff idyllic location

the staff were friendly, they offered assistance with all my needs. the idyllic location provided fine views. i appreciated the delicious dinner and found the bar comfortable. the bedroom was lovely adding to the overall charm.

The room was a bit small. I thought it would be bigger considering the description. there also wasn't any tea or coffee in the room. I would have liked to have had that available.

Service

9/10

staff members demonstrated genuine hospitality at all times. they responded quickly to requests and offered useful recommendations for local attractions. the team ensured all my needs were promptly taken care of.

Facilities

8/10

the bar featured a great selection of wines and beers. there was ample parking available . the location was convenient for exploring the surrounding areas, though the road was very twisty.

Rooms

9/10

The room decor was pretty and created a cozy atmosphere. the bathroom was clean and well maintained. the bed linens felt fresh and high quality. Everything was very well-organised!

Dining

10/10

Breakfast included delicious options and fresh ingredients. the presentation of each dish demonstrated a focus on quality. It was amazing. the dining area provided a relaxed, calm setting.

0 Helpful

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