You know that unbeatable feeling when you’ve spent the morning rambling through the fells, your cheeks are pink from the wind, and you can practically hear a roast calling your name? The Lake District is made for that moment - all roaring fires, cosy corners, and gravy boats big enough to swim in.

Whether you’re in Windermere, Bowness, or Ambleside, this is where comfort meets countryside. From pubs with views that make you forget your phone to plates piled high with local beef and the crispiest roasties around - here’s where to find the best roast dinner in the Lake District.

The Best Places for a Roast Dinner in the Lake District

Here’s where to head when you want that perfect plate of roast beef, Yorkshire puds, and the world’s best excuse for a nap.

1. The Drunken Duck Inn, Ambleside

If you’ve been around Ambleside, you’ve probably heard whispers about The Drunken Duck. This gastropub nails the balance between fine dining and local comfort - think perfectly pink roast beef, buttery mash, and gravy that means business. Nab a seat by the fire, order a pint of local ale, and you’re set.

2. The Easy Breeze, Bowness-on-Windermere

Okay, we’re not saying we’re biased… but when The Easy Breeze started doing Sunday roasts this year, we knew they’d hit gold. From your classic roast tower to special loaded Yorkshire pudding wraps, this is the kind of place where “just popping in” turns into a full Sunday affair. Dog-friendly, family-friendly, and situated just by the lake- it’s everything a modern roast should be.

3. The Brown Horse Inn, Winster

A Lake District classic - and for good reason. Expect a proper pub roast: generous slices of local beef, crispy potatoes, and puddings that deserve their own postcode. Plus, it’s a short drive from Bowness, making it perfect for that “we’ll just go for a drive and see where we end up” kind of Sunday.

4. The Albert, Bowness

Right in the heart of Bowness, The Albert serves the kind of roast that feels like a hug on a plate. Ideal if you’re staying lakeside and fancy something unfussy but delicious - generous portions, friendly faces, and a Yorkshire pudding big enough to wear as a hat.

5. The Masons Arms, Cartmel Fell

This pub is pure magic. Perched up with stunning views over the Winster Valley, The Masons Arms serves hearty, traditional roasts with all the trimmings - plus veggie and vegan options that actually hold their own. The outdoor terrace is a dream on sunny days, and inside, it’s all warm wood and local charm.

Tips for the Perfect Sunday Roast in the Lakes

Book ahead - the Sunday rush is real.
Go early or late if you want to dodge the midday chaos.
Pair it right: local ales like Hawkshead Brewery’s finest, or a glass of red that stands up to your gravy.
Bring the dog - plenty of pubs around Windermere and Ambleside are dog-friendly, so no one gets left out.
Make a day of it: walk, eat, chill, it's what the Lake District is made for.

A Roast Worth Travelling For

Whether you’re lakeside at Windermere or tucked away in a hidden fellside pub, the Lake District turns a simple Sunday roast into something truly special. It’s comfort food with a view - and it just might be the best way to finish a weekend in the north.

Got a roast worth shouting about? Drop your favourites in the comments, we’re always looking for our next gravy-soaked adventure.

Need somewhere to stay? We’ve got you sorted with a list of the best places to stay in the Lakes, from cosy airbnbs to boujee hotels.

Best Roast Dinner in the Lake District: Top Spots for Sunday Lunch