Best Places to Watch Sport in the Lake District
The Lake District is one of the most beautiful corners of England - but if you're a sports fan, you've probably found yourself wondering where you can actually catch the match while you're up here.
Most pubs in the Lakes are firmly geared toward walkers and families after a quiet pint. Finding somewhere with big screens, a proper atmosphere, and live Premier League or rugby on can be genuinely tricky.
We've done the legwork. Here's your guide to the best places to watch sport in the Lake District.
1. The Easy Breeze, Bowness-on-Windermere - Best Overall
If you're serious about sport, this is your first stop. The Easy Breeze is a lively sports bar right in the heart of Bowness, and its one of the Lake District's best-kept secrets for sports fans.
Football is the priority here. Premier League fixtures, Champions League nights, FA Cup weekends - the Breeze has it covered with big screens and a proper matchday atmosphere that you genuinely wouldn't expect to find this deep in the national park. Rugby is a close second, with Six Nations and Premiership games shown throughout the season. When the Grand National weekend comes around, the Show Bar becomes the place to be in Bowness - expect a cracking atmosphere for the big race days in April.
Beyond those headline sports, the Easy Breeze also screens F1, boxing, and more throughout the year. It's a proper sports bar with great food and drinks, not just a pub that happens to have a screen in the corner - and the fact that you can stay here means you don't have to worry about getting back anywhere after the final whistle.
Easy Breeze, Bowness-on-Windermere. Follow the socials for upcoming fixtures and events.
2. Quayside, Bowness-on-Windermere
Quayside is a live football bar, pub and restaurant in Bowness situated right by the lake, showing all the biggest events on Sky Sports and TNT Sports. Quayside have multiple screens including a giant screen in the Cellar Bar across two floors, and their dedicated sports bar downstairs is where they really pump up the volume for big games. A solid option if you're already down by the waterfront.
3. The Sportsmans, Ambleside
Nestled in the centre of Ambleside, The Sportsmans bills itself as a proper pub with a passion for great beer and live sport, showing Premier League football and Six Nations rugby in a lively, friendly atmosphere. A good shout if you're based further north around Ambleside or Grasmere.
4. The Village Inn, Bowness-on-Windermere
A Greene King pub with big screen TVs and a solid sports calendar. They run a 10% discount on selected drinks an hour before, during and after every live televised sporting event - handy for a longer matchday session. A reliable option for casual viewers after a more traditional pub feel.
5. The Queens, Windermere
A proper no-frills local on Victoria Street, the Queens is one of those pubs that just gets on with it - and sports fans are well looked after here. HD screens throughout showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports means all the major football, rugby, racing, F1, golf and darts is covered. It's a friendly, easy-going atmosphere with a late licence, live music, and a beer garden which makes it a handy option whether you're staying in Windermere or just passing through.
The Queens, Victoria Street, Windermere, LA23 1AB
Planning a Sports Trip to the Lakes?
The honest answer is that genuine sports bar quality is rare up here - which is exactly what makes the Easy Breeze worth knowing about. Whether you're planning your trip around the Grand National weekend, a Six Nations Saturday, or you just don't want to miss your team's fixture while you're on holiday, Bowness is the best base for it.
Book a table at the Easy Breeze and you've got matchday sorted before you've even packed.