When it comes to family dining, finding the perfect restaurant that caters to everyone’s tastes and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere is essential. In the charming town of Penrith, Cumbria, and its surrounding areas, you’ll discover a variety of family-friendly dining options that ensure a delightful culinary experience for all.
From hearty pub grub to delicious comfort food, these ten restaurants prioritise family-friendly environments and menus that will please even the pickiest eaters. Join us as we explore the 10 best family-friendly dining options near Penrith.
The George and Dragon, Clifton:
The George and Dragon is a renowned gastro pub with a focus on fine dining and a commitment to providing a family-friendly atmosphere, this spot is an ideal choice for families seeking a memorable dining experience.
From homegrown fruits, vegetables, and herbs to foraged treasures like wild garlic, mushrooms, and berries, every dish is infused with the natural flavours of the region.
In addition, they take pride in using meat raised on their own Lowther estate, ensuring families can savour the finest quality ingredients. It’s a wholesome and delicious way to indulge in healthy, locally-sourced cuisine.
While renowned for its exquisite menu, including dishes like slow-cooked beef and seafood linguine, The George and Dragon also offers a dedicated kids’ menu, ensuring that little ones can enjoy a delicious meal alongside their parents. The friendly staff and classic charm of the pub make it a top choice for families.
Secret Garden, Pooley Bridge:
Located in the delightful village of Pooley Bridge, Secret Garden offers a magical dining experience for the whole family. Pop through the front of the Pooley Bridge Village Store to find this hidden gem.
This charming family-run eatery boasts a sun-soaked garden where children can safely have a paddle in the nearby river Eamont while adults indulge in a refreshing drink and watch over from their terrace. The menu features a variety of options, including homemade pizzas, burgers, and sharing platters, all made using locally sourced ingredients.
Secret Garden is the perfect spot for families seeking a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience on sunnier days.
The Horse and Farrier, Dacre:
The Horse and Farrier is a quintessential country pub that welcomes families with open arms. After a day of exploring the beautiful surroundings, head down the road to our local and the whole family can enjoy a hearty meal in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.
The menu showcases a range of traditional pub favourites, such as fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and roast dinners on Sundays.
With its warm hospitality and charming rustic ambiance, The Horse and Farrier is the perfect place to refuel and unwind.
The Queen’s Head, Askham:
Linked to the renowned Askham Hall, The Queen’s Head combines fine dining with a cosy pub setting, offering a unique dining experience for families. This charming pub features a children’s menu, ensuring that even the youngest diners can find something to enjoy. From homemade burgers to pasta dishes, the menu caters to varying tastes.
On Sundays, don’t miss the opportunity to savour a child-sized portion of their famous Sunday roast, a true treat for the whole family.
The Chopping Block, Penrith:
For families who enjoy picnics and outdoor dining, a visit to The Chopping Block in Penrith is a must. This local spot is a treasure trove of fresh, locally sourced produce and mouth-watering treats, making it the ultimate destination for creating an unforgettable family picnic.
Load up your basket with delicious goodies like artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, savoury pies, and a tempting selection of deli items. Whether you’re planning a leisurely daytime outing or a cosy evening picnic, The Chopping Block has everything you need to create a delightful family feast.
If you prefer a relaxed lunch indoors, don’t miss the chance to stop by their café and indulge in their home-cooked delights. Their menu is based on the freshest seasonal produce, ensuring that you savour the very best flavours. From sharing delightful deli boards with the whole family to treating yourself to delectable cakes for a scrumptious afternoon tea, The Chopping Block has something to satisfy every craving.
Foundry 34, Penrith:
Foundry 34 is a family-friendly bistro that provides a relaxed and inviting dining experience. The restaurant boasts a diverse menu, including tasty burgers, stone-baked pizzas, and hearty mains. The dedicated children’s menu offers options like mini burgers, pasta, and fish and chips, ensuring that little ones are well catered for.
With its trendy yet welcoming atmosphere, Foundry 34 is an excellent choice for families seeking a casual dining experience with a touch of style.
Granny Dowbekin’s Tea Room and Garden:
Nestled in Pooley Bridge near Ullswater, Cumbria, Granny Dowbekin’s is a delightful destination for families seeking a quaint tea room. It exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed family meal.
The menu features a range of homemade treats, including freshly baked scones, cakes, and sandwiches, all made with love and care. For those following a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet, Granny Dowbekin’s Tea Room offers delicious and satisfying options that are sure to please. From vegan cakes and pastries to hearty vegetarian sandwiches and gluten-free scones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What sets Granny Dowbekin’s apart is its beautiful garden situated on the stream bank, where families can enjoy their food surrounded by vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and listen to the gentle stream. With its combination of delicious food, charming ambiance, and outdoor space, Granny Dowbekin’s Tea Room and Garden is a must-visit destination for families exploring the Ullswater area in Cumbria.
The Beehive Inn, Eamont Bridge:
The Beehive Inn is a traditional pub that offers a warm and welcoming environment for families. This family-friendly spot serves up a range of pub classics, including hearty pies, succulent steaks, and freshly battered fish and chips. The children’s menu features favourites like sausage and mash, fish fingers, and pasta dishes.
One of the highlights of the Beehive Inn is its outdoor play area, specially designed to keep children entertained for hours. Kids can climb, slide, and swing to their heart’s content, enjoying the fresh air and getting some exercise while parents relax and enjoy their meal.For older kids and adults, the Beehive Inn features a pool table and table football, for some friendly games and challenges.
The Beehive Inn provides an authentic pub experience for the whole family with its rustic charm and friendly staff.
Mill Yard Cafe:
Situated in the heart of the village of Morland, overlooking the captivating waterfall of Morland Beck, Mill Yard offers a delightful dining experience. Relax in the sunny courtyard with a shady awning, or cosy up by the woodburning stove on cooler days.
Indulge in delicious freshly cooked lunches crafted with locally sourced ingredients, and treat yourself to homemade cakes and bakes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. And with both breakfast and lunch available, you can start your day off right with a delicious breakfast and unwind with a delectable mid-day treat.
Don’t miss the mouthwatering RJ’s Pizzas on Friday nights or the tantalising Tapas Night on Saturdays from April to the end of September.
With disabled access and wifi available, Mill Yard Cafe provides a welcoming atmosphere for all families.
Rheged Centre, Penrith:
Just outside Penrith, the Rheged Centre is a family-friendly destination that combines dining, shopping, and entertainment all under one roof. The centre houses a family-friendly café that serves delicious meals and snacks. After enjoying a tasty meal, families can explore the numerous activities available at Rheged, such as the indoor soft play area, toy shop, and even a giant cinema screen showing family-friendly films.
The Rheged Centre provides a perfect day out for families, offering both dining and entertainment options to suit all ages.
Make sure to check out their upcoming family-friendly events for an extra special day out, like their brand new animal handling experience running for a week this summer, from the 28th July to the 4th August 2023.
Plus, Hutton John Estate, Hutton:
When it comes to family-friendly accommodations and dining, Hutton John Estate in Hutton is the perfect choice. The estate offers luxurious cabins that serve as an ideal base for family adventures in the Lake District.
If you’re in the mood to kick back, relax, and savour a scrumptious meal in the cosy confines of your own cabin or cottage, check out Yhangry.
We’ve partnered with Yhangry to bring the tastiest flavours of the lakes straight to your holiday home. With Yhangry, you can indulge in an incredible dining experience that’s tailor-made to suit your budget, preferences, and the vibe of your special occasion.
From wallet-friendly £30 per person meals to extravagant £200 per person feasts whipped up by Michelin-starred chefs, Yhangry has all the flavours to tickle your fancy.
When it comes to satisfying your cravings and making your taste buds sing, The Lakes Catering Company is another top-notch choice.
They’ve got you covered with food deliveries and private catering services that are perfect for all kinds of occasions, whether you’re planning a cosy night in, away from the stove, or a grand celebration like a wedding or private function. With their finger-licking good dishes, you can enjoy the authentic flavours of the Lakes right at your doorstep.
Add a hamper filled with local artisan produce, delivered to your accommodation in time for your arrival by local produce champions, A Day’s Walk and enjoy the best tastes of the Lakes in the comfort of your own space. Hutton John Estate provides a home-away-from-home experience for families, with modern amenities and a tranquil setting.
So, get ready for a remarkable family getaway filled with unforgettable experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and mouth-watering dining adventures.
Need ideas on what to do during your trip? Don’t forget to check out our previous blog post featuring the top ways to spend summer on the famous lakes. Enjoy your family dining experiences in Penrith and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime!
