The Kings Head
“Lovely valley views south of Keswick”
KESWICK, CUMBRIA
Our View
In the heart of the Lake District, Helvellyn, the third highest peak in England, towers above this 17th-century coaching inn; the long, whitewashed building and its delightful beer garden enjoy great views of the surrounding fells, while indoors the traditional bar features old beams and an inglenook fireplace. In addition to several regulars from the Cumberland brewery, there are guest real ales and a fine selection of wines and malt whiskies. The all-day dining menu includes paninis, sandwiches and traditional basket meals, amongst other dishes. It’s in the restaurant, which looks out to the glacial valley of St Johns in the Vale that dinner might begin with a hunter’s skillet of pan-fried chicken livers with lardons. A meal might continue with medallions of pork loin. Finish with ‘original’ Cumbrian sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. There’s a separate set price steak menu on offer Mondays to Saturdays, with Sunday lunches featuring roast Cumbrian beef, pork and chicken, a poached salmon fillet and a vegetarian option.
Awards, accolades and Welcome Schemes
AA Pick of the Pubs
Features
- Children welcome
- Children's portions
- Free Wifi
- Parking available
- Coach parties accepted
- Garden
- Open all year
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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