Now that the nights have drawn in, many will be looking for cozy Lake District pubs to warm up on a winter's walk.

The Cumbrian region is considered by many to be the best in the UK for traditional pubs, bars, and inns dues to its centuries old history of helping wary travellers get some warm food and a good night's rest.

Here are five of the coziest inns, pubs and restaurants you can hope to find in the Lake District.

The Drunken Duck, Ambleside 

The Drunken Duck Inn (Image: Tripadvisor) This picture-postcard pub sits in the heart of the Lakeland countryside and some of its boutique country bedrooms boast terraces with stunning fell views.

The traditional pub dates back to the 17th Century and is renowned for its convivial nature and atmosphere.

Sitting in its quaint environment, it is a cozy choice for travellers visiting Ambleside and offers many helpful amenities including free WiFi throughout the property.

The restaurant serves British, local and international cuisine for hungry walkers with vegetarian, dairy-free and vegan options available upon request.

The Masons Arms, Cartmel Fell, Bowness-on-Windermere

The Mason Arms (Image: Google Maps) This award-winning South Lakeland country pub, complete with a large open fire in its main bar, is renowned for being cozy and warm.

 The Mason Arms also has low beamed ceilings and quirky seating areas to add to the ambience.

The rustic country inn is in a beautiful setting with a large outdoor terrace and a menu of delicious food. It also has a great range of cask and bottled beers alongside a superb wine list.

Nestled in a scenic location, the pub is ideal for winter walks and visits to Windermere.

Queens Head, Hawkshead

The Queen's Head (Image: Google Maps) The historic, dog-friendly pub with 16 individual cosy guestrooms also has roaring fires, brilliant cask ales and award-winning food.

The Queens Head is close to both Ambleside and Windermere making it perfect for a restful place after a day rambling and exploring the South Lakes.

Located in the rolling hills around Esthwaite Water, the 17th century inn has a menu packed full of pub classics and Lakeland favourites in its AA-rosette restaurant.

The Watermill Inn and Brewery, Ings, near Staveley

The Watermil Inn and BreweryOn a winter's day, you can be sure to warm up in front of the Watermill Inn's real log fires.

The Watermill Inn and Brewery, situated in the quiet village of Ings, is home to a great choice of real ales brewed on the premises, freshly cooked bar meals and quality accommodation.

The inn is housed in a former watermill and first opened in 1990 and was the first ever pub in the village.

The original building dates back centuries and still retains many of original features remain including exposed beams.

Customers can enjoy two different bars, both of which serve food.

The Brown Horse Inn, Winster

The Brown Horse Inn (Image: Facebook) A Georgian coaching inn in the picturesque Winster Valley, The Brown Horse Inn is hailed as a perfect travellers retreat.

The establishment won Cumbria’s best Pub & Bar in 2023  as well as its head chef winning Pub Chef of the Year 2020.

The inn hosts a beautiful cosy restaurant or you can enjoy a full menu in the more casual bar area.

The Brown Horse Inn also provides accommodation and has a garden, free private parking and a terrace.