to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Written by: Janie
As the nights draw in and the days get shorter, this is a great time of year to snuggle up in a cosy café and enjoy a warm cuppa. We have put together a list of our favourite spots that provide both a comfy setting and plenty of tasty dishes to keep you fuelled as the seasons change. With frosty fresh air and lovely autumn colours outside, these charming spots will offer you a warm welcome this autumn and winter.
Jump to:
- Howling Wolf Artisan Bakery and Café, Whitehaven
- Lanercost Tea Room & Gift Shop, Brampton
- Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite
- The Fairydust Emporium, Silloth
- Carlisle Cathedral Café, Carlisle
Howling Wolf Artisan Bakery and Café, Whitehaven
At this family run coffee shop & bakery, they are up and baking before the break of day. Enjoy brunch and in-house baked cakes and pastries in this unique space, thoughtfully decorated with antique furniture and a baby grand piano! Take a seat by the window for views of the harbour or retreat to a quiet corner for some peace and quiet. There is even a library and a sofa for you to settle down with a good book while piano music plays in the background.
Good to know:
The café prides themselves on sourcing freshly roasted coffee weekly, grinding it the moment they make a cup of coffee to guarantee the maximum amount of flavour.
In October 2024, this venue was awarded a VisitEngland Accolade for Quality Food & Drink.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10:00-16:30, Sunday 11:00-16:00
Things to do nearby:
You’ll find the café on the ground floor of The Beacon Museum. Here you will discover the social, industrial and maritime heritage of this fascinating area, set between the dramatic mountains of the Lake District and the beautiful Cumbrian coast.
Lanercost Tea Room & Gift Shop, Brampton
The perfect spot for history lovers with two unmissable English Heritage sites nearby, this cosy café is just the place to recharge and refuel during your day out. A wonderful setting, brilliant service and fantastic food led to winning ‘The Best Café in England’ at the 2023 England Business Awards – and you’ll be sure to agree when you step through the door and try one of their mouthwatering dishes. Whether it’s a full English breakfast, toastie, soup or sweet treat, you’ll find many traditional classics elevated to new heights.
Good to know:
Browse the quaint and quirky boutique gift shop for luxury soaps, preserves, home furnishings, jewellery and more.
Opening hours:
Wednesday to Monday 09:30-16:00
Things to do nearby:
Explore the stunning Lanercost Priory just next door as well as Hadrian’s Wall down the road – both English Heritage sites. The market town of Brampton is also close by.
Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite
Located on the old Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line which ceased operation in 1966, the station and its outbuildings have now been carefully restored. The replica steam engine on the tracks appeared in the 2017 Kenneth Branagh film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ – starring Dame Judi Dench and Johnny Depp. Built a little wider than a ‘real life’ train to fit in camera crews, you can enjoy your breakfast or lunch in the Restaurant carriage, while the Salon carriage is reserved for afternoon teas.
Good to know:
The owners of this special place are keen to make a difference. Every effort has been made to make the venue fully accessible, look after local wildlife habitats, use local suppliers and support the local community.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday 09:00-17:00
Things to do nearby:
Just over the road, you’ll find the first wetland nature reserve in the Lake District, the beautiful Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve. Stroll along the accessible boardwalks and take a pause in one of the hides from where you can enjoy your surroundings and observe the wildlife in peace.
The Fairydust Emporium, Silloth
Expect a touch of magic and fantasy as well as vintage treasures, gifts, and treats at this quirky seaside tearoom in Silloth. Once settled in the cosy setting, choose from tasty jacket potatoes, filled paninis, ice cream sundaes, afternoon teas and homemade cakes. The café prides themselves on using many local suppliers to give you a real taste of Cumbria, while also testing out new dishes to keep things fresh. Child-friendly and dog-friendly, everyone is sure to be entertained by the experience on offer at this well-loved venue.
Good to know:
The huge mugs of hot chocolate, topped with cream, flake and marshmallows, are said to be the biggest in Cumbria!
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 09:00-15:00, Saturday 09:00-18:00, Sunday 10:00-15:00
Things to do nearby:
Enjoy a walk along the prom in Silloth or head down the road to the Senhouse Roman Museum and the Lake District Coast Aquarium in Maryport.
Carlisle Cathedral Café, Carlisle
The perfect place to pause while on a city break to Carlisle. Take your seat and sip a warm cuppa in the heart of the Cathedral precinct in the footprint of the medieval cloister. Enjoy the fantastic views of this ancient site along with some tasty homemade cakes and scones or a coffee blended right in the city by John Watt & Co. Other local produce includes soft drinks made in Cumbria by Mawson’s and an exclusive ale – The 900 – brewed up the road by the Carlisle Brewing Co.
Good to know:
The classic afternoon teas are a favourite or mix it up with their G&T or Prosecco options.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 08:30-16:30, Sunday 08:30-15:30
Things to do nearby:
As well as the Cathedral, make sure you add Tullie House Museum, Cumbria's Museum of Military Life and Carlisle Castle to your list. The Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall is also close by.
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The Cumberland Food & Drink Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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