Book directly with us
— up to 10% cheaper
than on Booking.com
The King'S Head Hotel Legburthwaite Exterior photoThe King'S Head Hotel Legburthwaite Exterior photoThe King'S Head Hotel Legburthwaite Exterior photo

THE KING'S HEAD, Thirlmere

•
8.9|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$70 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
01Nov
Check-out
02Nov
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

Thirlspot, Thirlmere, CA12 4TN
-
Near Thirlmere Lake
Great
8.9
9.4
/10
3.5
/5

17th-century coaching inn at the foot of Helvellyn with award-winning dining

Award-Winning Dining

The hotel houses two dining venues, including the award-winning St John's Restaurant, which serves a creative four-course seasonal menu. Dinner and breakfast menus feature locally sourced ingredients, with options such as kids' meals, special diet menus, and wine or champagne. Guests can also sample local ales and fine wines at the on-site bar.

En Suite Bedrooms

The hotel offers 17 en suite bedrooms, comprising doubles and twins, all with views of the surrounding fells. Rooms are decorated in a traditional style and include flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making equipment, and free toiletries. Pet-friendly accommodations are available upon request.

Location & Outdoor Access

Situated at the foot of Mount Helvellyn, the hotel provides direct access to walking routes including Helvellyn itself and paths around Thirlmere Lake. A bus stop directly outside the hotel links to Keswick, Grasmere, and Ambleside, while nearby attractions include Castlerigg Stone Circle and Keswick Museum and Art Gallery. The hotel also offers free self-parking and a dry room for drying hiking gear.

Family-Friendly Stays

Family rooms are available, with one review noting a Classic Family Room that includes twin beds and a double with extra space. The hotel serves kids' meals in the restaurant and provides travel cots upon request. Pet-friendly accommodations are also available for families traveling with dogs.

On-Site Services & Amenities

The hotel provides free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a safety deposit box in each room. For business or group needs, meeting and banquet facilities are offered, along with fax and photocopying services. Packed lunches can be arranged for day trips, and the hotel has CCTV in common areas and outside, plus smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

Highlights

Award-winning dining: St John's Restaurant with a four-course seasonal menu

Location: at the foot of Helvellyn with direct access to walking routes

Rooms: 17 en suite bedrooms with fell views

Family-friendly: family rooms, kids' meals, and pet-friendly options

Services: dry room for hiking gear, packed lunches, free parking

Must-do experiences

  • Hike up Catbells for stunning views of Derwentwater.
  • Taste local Grasmere gingerbread at Sarah Nelson's shop.
  • Visit the quirky Thirlmere Visitor Centre for local insights.
  • Catch a mesmerizing sunset at Thirlmere Reservoir.
  • Explore the ancient stone circles at Castlerigg on your way.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Twin Room
    2 persons
    25 m²
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    25 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Single Room
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Golf course

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

St John's Restaurant at The King's Head invites guests into a world of warm hospitality and authentic British flavors. With a focus on family-friendly dining, the restaurant serves up traditional British dishes while accommodating vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences, ensuring everyone can indulge in a delightful meal.
The King'S Head Hotel Legburthwaite Restaurant photo

St John's Restaurant

Traditional British
Ambiance
Cozy and family-friendly, featuring a warm atmosphere perfect for gatherings
Key Offerings
Enjoy hearty British fare, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; tailored meals for dietary needs available
Reservation
Reservations not needed
Open daily from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

The King'S Head Location

Thirlspot, Thirlmere, CA12 4TN
Map view
Nearby
Thirlspot Copper Mine
570 m
Restaurants
King's Head Inn
110 m
Lakeside Hotel A591
Explore Thirlmere
Explore Thirlmere
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Thirlmere
Thirlmere
20 minutes' walk
Serene lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks along the tranquil shoreline.
Stannah Gill Lead Mine
15 minutes' walk
Historic mining site with impressive ruins that showcase the region's industrial heritage, ideal for history enthusiasts.
Castle Crag Fort
25 minutes' walk
An ancient site with stunning views and fascinating history, perfect for a scenic hike in the beautiful Lake District.
Raise
Raise
30 minutes' walk
A picturesque peak offering panoramic views of the surrounding fells, making for a rewarding climb.
Hiking at Helvellyn
10-minute drive
Challenging hike to one of England's highest peaks, perfect for thrill-seekers. Stunning vistas await at the summit.
Relaxation at Thirlmere Spa
15-minute drive
Indulge in soothing spa treatments designed for relaxation, offering a peaceful escape after outdoor activities.
King's Head Inn
King's Head Inn
2 minutes' walk
Traditional pub atmosphere serving hearty meals, local ales, and a cozy fireplace for a welcoming dining experience.
The Fells Restaurant
5-minute drive
Casual dining spot with stunning views, offering locally sourced dishes and a popular Sunday roast. Reservations recommended.
Thirlmere Live Music Venue
10-minute drive
Vibrant venue featuring local bands and themed nights, perfect for a fun evening out. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Theater by Derwent Water
20 minutes' drive
Local theater hosting a variety of performances, including plays and comedy shows, ideal for culture lovers.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Thirlmere 21 min  ·  1.7 km
  • Airports
    Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 103 min  ·  68.2 km
    Blackpool International (BLK) 185 min  ·  123.2 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 12 min  ·  7.9 km
Want to unlock exclusive early deals?
Access members-only prices today
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 14.95 per person.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Dutch, Romanian
Number of rooms:
17

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The King'S Head from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The King's Head is often praised for its convenient location for exploring the Lake District, with Grasmere and Keswick easily accessible by car. Guests frequently mention the spacious and clean rooms and several appreciate having a bus stop directly opposite the hotel for trips into Keswick. The restaurant is generally well-regarded, especially the breakfast, though some guests felt that vegan options could be expanded. The olde worlde ambience of the reception area and lounge is frequently mentioned as a highlight.
Show more
Review score
Based on 4 verified reviews
8.4 /10
Great
100%
Recommend
Staff
9.5/10
Location
9.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Pros
Fab atmosphere
Lovely staff
Clean bedding
Cons
Mouldy blinds
Noisy group
Grubby inn
Guest reviews
based on 4 reviews
8.4/10
based on 1108 reviews
4/5
based on 2037 reviews
8.9/10
Rowan from United Kingdom
Single
Twin Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 16, 2026
6/10

acceptable stay with some issues

dirty bathroom old kettle
The location was good for traveling to the lakes.
The bathroom needed some work and did not feel very clean. I noticed quite a lot of dust in certain areas in the room. The kettle was old and it did not work well.
0 Helpful
Juliet from United Kingdom
Single
Superior Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 15, 2026
9.5/10

Excellent Stay in Lake District

helpful staff great menu high standard repeat visit
The staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was very good, with a great breakfast and dinner menu. Rooms maintain a high standard. I have visited many times and plan to return when I next visit.
The walls seemed thin, i could hear noise from next door and in the corridor.
Location
9/10
The inn was easy to find and it is situated in a beautiful area. It's away from town centre which is quiet and peaceful. The area is ideal for walking to nearby fells.
Service
10/10
The staff provides excellent service, they are attentive and kind. Breakfast is served by morning fresh staff. All the staff i met were super nice and accommodating to requests.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Harry from United Kingdom
Business traveller
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 31, 2025
9.3/10

English Inn Charm

helpful staff amazing breakfast beautiful building
The breakfast was amazing. My wife claimed the eggs benedict were the best she had ever tasted. The building itself is beautiful. All staff members were helpful and polite. I would stay here again for work.
The bathroom was not as clean as expected, some maintenance is needed. I noticed dust in some areas. The kettle was quite old and didn't function well.
Rooms
9/10
The room was light and spacious, offering ample space to unwind after a day outdoors. The bed provided a comfortable sleep. The room's décor contributed to the traditional feel of the hotel.
Dining
9/10
The restaurant served generous food portions. The open fire creates a warm atmosphere for diners. The restaurant serves well prepared food. The steak and kidney pudding was a highlight.
Location
10/10
The setting provides great access to the Lake District. The hotel sits strategically along the road. The views were really lovely outside of Keswick.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
jimmy from united kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: August 25, 2025
8.7/10

lovely and cute

thoughtful touch lovely staff
the staff was lovely and were really good too accommodate us. the hotel took delivery of flowers and placed them in our room while we were out. It was a thoughtful touch.
i noticed no exhaust fan or ventilation in the bathroom. there also was no view from the room.
Service
9/10
the staff members were attentive. they were genuinely cute and available throughout my stay. the service ensured i felt well taken care of, contributing positively to my experience at the hotel.
Location
9/10
this setting is great for exploring nearby walking tracks. the hotel's strategic placement offers easy access to nearby attractions.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel had a warm and cute entrance. the overall setup of the hotel was clear and well organized. my room was clean, spacious, cosy, and wonderfully warm, with good amenities .
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About The King'S Head
What are the check-in and check-out times at The King's Head?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
What dining options are available at The King's Head?
The hotel features St John's Restaurant, offering a four-course seasonal menu, and a bar/lounge serving local ales.
Is parking available at The King's Head?
Private on-site parking is available for free without the need for a reservation.
How far is The King's Head from Carlisle Lake District Airport?
The hotel is 70 km from Carlisle Lake District Airport.
What amenities are included in the rooms at The King's Head?
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and complimentary toiletries.
What attractions are located near The King's Head?
The hotel is 9 minutes from both Helvellyn and Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Is there Wi-Fi available at The King's Head?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the hotel.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at The King's Head?
Guests can enjoy recreational activities such as hiking and cycling around the nearby Lake District.
Is breakfast included at The King's Head?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 14 GBP.
Does The King's Head have facilities for families?
The hotel offers cots and a children's menu, accommodating family needs.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.