Traditional Ambleside inn known for log fires, hearty steak and ale pie, and comfortable large-bed rooms in the heart of the Lake District.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Three Shires Inn
A steak and ale pie with a reputation for being properly hearty sets the tone at Three Shires Inn, a traditional hotel on Side Gates in Ambleside, right in the middle of the Lake District. It's the kind of place built around good food and warm rooms rather than flashy extras, and it does both well.
Rooms come with large beds and en-suite bathrooms, and family and accessible rooms are available for those who need them. There's a restaurant and bar on site serving breakfast, including a full English, along with a snack bar and the option of a packed lunch for days out on the fells. A garden, drinks in the room, free WiFi and free on-site parking round out the practical side, and log fires in the communal areas give the place a cosy, welcoming feel once the day's walking is done. Staff are generally friendly and attentive, though a handful of visitors have found service inconsistent at times.
The inn sits within easy reach of walking routes, fishing spots, and further pubs and restaurants nearby, making it a sound base for exploring Ambleside and the surrounding countryside on foot.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We popped in for breakfast so I can’t comment on rooms. There were a large group that arrived just before us and also a smaller group. On arrival we were greeted by a female member of staff who was very friendly and we were seated quickly. We all chose the full English cooked breakfast. The was lovely. Good quality ingredients used and our eggs were cooked to perfection (all wanting different variations). I can’t fault the service or the food and would thoroughly recommend. We would return in a heartbeat if in the area again.
2 months ago · via Google
Fabulous! What a wonderful stay we had at the 3 Shires Inn. The room was gorgeous, clean, cosy & lovely views. The food delicious, a special mention for the Rice Pudding…are you kidding me it was so good! Great location. But what made our stay truly special was the attention to detail from Tate who was fabulous, his excellent customer service & genuine nature was exemplary. Thankyou!
2 months ago · via Google
A big thank you to all the staff at the Three Shires Inn for a wonderful stay last week. The beer garden was very pleasant to sit in, full of beautiful flowers and birds, with lovely mountain views. The quality of the food and service was outstanding and the room was large and airy with a king size comfortable bed. I will definitely be returning for another visit.
2 months ago · via Google
We just had a diabolical lunch at the Three Shires pub, the fish and chips £22 was warm at best and once the revolting thick batter had been removed there was just two small mouthfuls of fish inside. The chicken salad was a dry chicken breast cut into three lumps and 5 leaves of basic lettuce and 3 small tomatoes.. no mayo , no croutons unnoticeable salad dressing £18. Chilli con carne no bread no salad garnish small finger bowl with the chilli in it and the chips were fine £19.
3 months ago · via Google
Diners like this inn's delicious and hearty food, including the full English breakfast and steak and ale pie, as well as the comfortable rooms with large beds. They also highlight the friendly and attentive staff, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere with log fires.
Some reviews mention the staff can be unhelpful.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Three Shires Inn, Little Langdale, Ambleside, LA22 9NZ Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Side Gates, Ambleside
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Ambleside