Drunken Duck Inn

“Traditional 17th-century inn with classic Lakeland views”
AMBLESIDE, CUMBRIA

Our View
A good story lies behind the name of the inn. When a 19th-century landlady found her ducks blotto in the road after a beer leak 'contaminated' their feed, she thought they were dead and began plucking them. When they came round, she was so full of remorse she knitted them all warm Hawkshead yarn waistcoats. The inn stands at a crossroads above Ambleside with splendid views towards Windermere. Ales from the on-site Barngates brewery are served on a Brathay slate counter in the oak-floored, hop-hung bar, where wooden settles with Herdwick wool coverings, sketches, prints and enamel signs further contribute to the character. Add candlelight and a log fire, and what more could you want? Ideally the menu, of course, which offers a Lancashire cheese and smoked haddock soufflé; lamb rum and shoulder, potato terrine, salt-baked carrot and salsa verde; and parkin, poached grapes and salted caramel ice cream. Behind lies a tranquil garden with its own tarn.
Facilities – at a glance
Bar menu
Dog friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Kids play area
Microbrewed ales
Features
- Children welcome
- Free Wifi
- Parking available
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Closed: 25 December
- Wide selection of Ales
- Wide selection of wines by the glass
- Micro Brewery Ale
Also in the area
About the area
Discover Cumbria
Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes'. This beautiful countryside once inspired William Wordsworth and his home, Dove Cottage, in Grasmere is a popular museum. Another place of literary pilgrimage is Hill Top, home of Beatrix Potter, located near Windermere. Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddleduck were all created here.
Much of Cumbria is often overlooked in favour of the Lake Distirct. In the south, the Lune Valley remains as lovely as it was when Turner painted it. The coast is also a secret gem. With its wide cobbled streets, spacious green and views of the Solway Firth, Silloth is a fine Victorian seaside resort. Other towns along this coastline include Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport. Carlisle is well worth a look – once a Roman camp, its red-brick cathedral dates back to the early 12th century and its 11th-century castle was built by William Rufus.
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