The King's Head

Free parking is attractive

I have grave misgivings about hotels in the busiest parts of the Lake District, especially at holiday times. Obviously they will be relentlessly overcrowded, with harassed and unfriendly staff. I’ve wanted to go back to the Proper Lake District for a while though so took a risk on the King’s Head. It’s easy to find on the ear popping main road up from Grasmere, just beyond the impressive hulk of Steel Fell, close to Thirlemere. Parking anywhere in the Lakes is hideous and expensive. Not here. Relaxed and plenty of room. It’s a long building with a pleasant bar restaurant area and beer garden. I found a rather pleasant residents lounge where a lady called Jo checked me in and made me feel welcome. It does get busy with passing trade but the staff look after their residents. They flogged me decent real ale and Jura whisky (the proper stuff). Breakfast is briskly table served from a menu and is well presented. I didn’t eat otherwise there but the food is popular and well priced. The road outside is busy and a bit of a racetrack, and the occasional fighter jet roars between the mountains on low altitude practice, but the relentless bleating of the sheep opposite soon returns things to normal. I was a little sorry to depart, but the manager said he hoped I would come again. I believe I will, and will even bring my wife.

We stopped here for a light lunch after a walk. The bar staff were exceptionally friendly. We both had vegetable samosa were were piping hot and delicious. A very welcoming inn.

Every time we come to the lakes for holidays we always have Sunday roast at the Kings Head. Best Roast around… Great roastie veg and meat. Gravy is the best around

The food at this restaurant was amazing with huge portion sizes and well presented food. The staff were attentive and couldn’t have been more helpful and polite. I would highly recommend this to anyone in the area. A pleasant and lovely place to eat or drink.

Needs maintenance but friendly service saved it We stayed in King Bed room which was comfy, large and spacious, it was hot so we opened the windows let air through, the bathroom had mould and grout needed to be replaced near shower. I had to clean the fan as all dusty. Room needs a good deep clean. We didn’t use the bath for daughter because of this mould. It was quite dusty when we arrived. The inn itself had a musty smell. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. The breakfast was delicious and good value. Plenty of free parking. The inn is right next to a main road so with the windows open the traffic woke me up so had to wear ear plugs.