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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

The King's Head Inn

Stay at The King's Head Inn, a 17th-century coaching inn near Lake Thirlmere with en suite rooms, free Wi-Fi, parking, restaurant, and stunning fell views.

A591, Thirlmere nr Keswick CA12 4TN, United Kingdom View on map
8.8/10
Very Good Based on 1091 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Paid breakfast Free parking Accessible Pet-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

The King's Head Inn review highlights

Guests appreciate the charming rural setting, welcoming staff, and excellent food at this historic Lake District inn. While rooms are cozy and comfortable, some mention minor maintenance issues, making it ideal for visitors prioritizing atmosphere and dining.

Guests often praise

  • Warm, friendly, and attentive staff providing excellent service.
  • Delicious and generous meals, especially the lamb shank, steak and kidney pudding, and Sunday roasts.
  • Cozy atmosphere with communal sitting areas featuring a welcoming fire.
  • Beautiful surroundings with lovely views of the fells and easy access to popular Lake District attractions.
  • Convenient onsite parking and good value for money.

Worth knowing

  • Rooms are generally comfortable but on the smaller side, with some wear such as loose floor tiles or minor fixture issues.
  • En suite bathrooms can feel tight and may require careful maneuvering.
  • The inn lacks a pool, fitness center, and airport shuttle services.
  • Breakfast is available at an additional cost and is well-regarded by guests.
  • The bar operates on a casual order-at-the-counter basis rather than full table service.

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a traditional 17th-century coaching inn experience in a picturesque rural setting.
  • Food lovers looking for hearty, well-prepared meals in a relaxed pub environment.
  • Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring nearby Helvellyn, Derwentwater, and Ullswater.
  • Travelers wanting pet-friendly and family-friendly accommodations with free parking.
  • Guests who appreciate a smoke-free environment and a cozy communal lounge area.
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About this property

Welcome to The King's Head Inn

Situated along the A591 near Thirlmere and Keswick, The King’s Head Inn offers a rural retreat within the Lake District’s scenic fells. This 17th-century coaching inn features en suite rooms that provide views of the surrounding hills, combining historic charm with basic modern comforts. Check-in is from 15:00, with check-out by 11:00.

The inn accommodates a variety of guests including families, pet owners, and those seeking a smoke-free environment. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Meals focus on an à la carte menu praised for hearty regional dishes, such as lamb shank and steak and kidney pudding. Although some guest reviews note areas needing maintenance, many highlight warm and attentive service alongside generous portions.

Located roughly a mile from Lake Thirlmere’s waterfront, the property is well placed for outdoor activities. Nearby highlights include hiking and climbing at Mount Helvellyn, boating and walking trails around Derwentwater, and the accessible routes encircling Ullswater. Newcastle International Airport lies about a two-hour car journey away, making arrival manageable for visitors.

For travelers seeking traditional accommodations with straightforward amenities amid the natural beauty of the Lake District, The King’s Head Inn provides a practical and welcoming base. Its blend of rustic character and proximity to local attractions suits those prioritizing location and laid-back service over luxury facilities.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Paid breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Business center
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JS
Jonathan Stevenson Apr 19, 2026
10

If you are looking for a great place to stay in a beautiful setting with fabulous food this is the place! We had a couple nights away between Christmas and New Year and had a fantastic trip. So much to explore in the Lake District, stunning scenery no matter what time of year. When we arrived the place was empty and we weren't sure what to expect, that evening and every evening we were there the restaurant was full - delicious food. We'll definitely comeback to The Kings Head, lovely staff and a great place nestled in beautiful surroundings. Loads of onsite parking.

DB
Derek Butler Apr 15, 2026
8.0

We were only there for one night so difficult to give a sensible review. Staff were excellent. Food was excellent (we both had steak and kidney pudding). We couldn't finish the meal as the pudding was so big and well filled. Meant I didn't get to try the apple pie. Nice breakfast too. Room was adequate though en-suite was a tight fit. Floor tiles were damaged and loose, bed frame cross bar was missing a couple of nuts and chandelier was broken but working. Plenty of tea, coffee and milk. Room was soon warmed when we eventually turned the radiator on. Plenty of parking spaces. It's on the main road but didn't get to see the surrounding area as it just rained and rained (that's early Jan for you). Very close to Keswick by car. We walked the Keswick to Threlkeld rail line and back (in the rain). Parked in the Fitz Park rugby club car park. £4 all day. All told a nice day away.

PS
Peter Shipton Apr 15, 2026
10

Stopped for some lunch after riding around the lake. Service was fantastic, just grab a free table, note the number and order food at the bar. We both ordered the BLT which was by far one of the best I have had. Service was quick and prompt, with a great selection of drinks at the bar with a great cappuccino for the wife. Would love to come back and stay overnight in the future. As made to feel very welcome, thanks to the staff.

TL
Trudy Leadbitter Apr 11, 2026
10

Wonderful olde world pub. Very welcoming and the staff were a delight. Food was delicious. I had the minted lamb shank with root vegetables. I dislike parsnip but I will admit to enjoying them in this dish. Wine was very reasonably priced and delicious. There’s also a separate communal sitting room with a fire. Ideal for relaxing.

JH
Jonathon Heard Mar 30, 2026
10

Didn't stay here but stayed at its sister accommodation down the road and left a good review there. This pubs food is great, sunday roast was delicious and its fry up is great, staff were helpful and friendly too, would recomend, close to helvellyn too. Must stop by for a pint of some grub on your way through.

QG
Quinn Gallagher Mar 20, 2026
10

I stayed at the King’s Head Inn for several days over Christmas and had a truly wonderful experience. The food was excellent, the surroundings were cozy and beautiful, and the Lake District itself is absolutely stunning — every day felt special just being there. The staff were some of the loveliest people I’ve ever met, working incredibly hard and making the stay feel welcoming and relaxed from start to finish. I would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it.

ARB
Antony Rbe Bermuda Mar 17, 2026
10

What a beautiful place to visit! Firstly, thank you to all the wonderful staff, everyone we met were warm, charming, polite and friendly, they were just brilliant. Thank you. Our room was lovely, just on the corner of the building (lots of light) it felt clean and comfortable, the showers are nice and powerful, and the views are just stunning. The food... omg... best lamb shank I've ever tasted, no joke, the food is great, generous breakfast and whilst we always missed lunch, I'm so glad we caught dinner on the last night... It was beautiful, much better than any hotel food I've had before, genuinely it was amazing.

TW
Tom Waddington Mar 15, 2026
10

Fantastic 3 night stay with my girlfriend this weekend. Excellent food, rooms and perfect service. Also recommend the Kings Head i Inn pale ale. Thank you once again

SW
Sarah Wyper Mar 06, 2026
10

What a lovely find! Staff were so friendly, polite and very professional. Such good value for money and the food was really excellent. Very generous portions and super tasty! Loved the residents lounge that has a cosy fire- perfect after a long day on in the hills .. will be back!

JC
J C Feb 27, 2026
10

This is a review for the restuarant / pub not rooms. We’ve only eaten there. But. Rarely do I come away from somewhere where I just feel relaxed, chilled, happy, content and totally happy with the food I’ve eaten. If I was not driving I’d happily sit in the bar area all evening supping a nice glass of wine. Good to recommend. Steak and kidney pudding…..if you’re hungry it’s amazing. Hunters skillet…..chicken livers, pancetta, and mushrooms….what a starter! The food and SERVICE here is excellent.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The King's Head Inn

Keswick, United Kingdom

Sitting beneath Mount Helvellyn in the rural Lake District, this quaint hotel occupies a 17th-century coaching inn 1 mile from the Lake Thirlmere waterfront.

  • Kings Head Hotel 1 min Walk
  • Fisher Place 10 min Walk
  • Swirls car park 12 min Walk
  • Newcastle International Airport 1 hr 50 Car · 4 hr 2 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Keswick. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Helvellyn 1,050 reviews

Helvellyn

Keswick CA11 0PU, United Kingdom

4.9 · Mountain Peak
Ullswater 1,249 reviews

Ullswater

Penrith CA11 0JH, UK

4.9 · Lake
Derwentwater 550 reviews

Derwentwater

Keswick, UK

4.8 · Lake
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