The King'S Head Hotel Thirlmere Exterior photoThe King'S Head Hotel Thirlmere Exterior photoThe King'S Head Hotel Thirlmere Exterior photo
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From70US$ /night
Check-in
03May2026Select date
Check-out
04May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Thirlspot, Thirlmere, United Kingdom, CA12 4TN
-
Near Thirlmere Lake
Great
8.9
9.4
/10
4.3
/5

Accommodation

The King's Head offers seventeen en suite bedrooms, including doubles, twins, single, and family rooms. Each room provides picturesque views of the surrounding fells, ensuring guests wake up to natural beauty. Additional accommodation is available at nearby sister properties in Grasmere or Keswick, with return transport provided.

Dining

The St Johns restaurant provides an award-winning experience with a creative four-course seasonal menu made from local produce. The bar restaurant offers traditional English dishes, ensuring a variety of dining options for all guests. A private function option in the St John's restaurant allows for customized menus for special occasions.

Location

Situated near the shores of Lake Thirlmere, The King's Head is surrounded by stunning scenery and views of significant landmarks such as Blencathra and Skiddaw. It provides easy access to the walking trails and outdoor activities in the Lake District National Park. This location serves as a gateway for exploring both the serene lake and the breathtaking fells.

Event Hosting

The King's Head accommodates groups of various sizes, making it suitable for events, weddings, or family gatherings. The St Johns restaurant can be reserved for private functions, allowing for a tailored experience. Special accommodation rates are offered for wedding guests staying longer than two nights.

Festive Offerings

During the festive period, guests can experience Christmas at The King's Head with specially tailored stay packages. These packages include meals such as a traditional four-course Christmas lunch. Real fires and festive décor contribute to a welcoming holiday atmosphere, making it an appealing getaway for the holidays.

Highlights

Accommodation: Seventeen en suite bedrooms

Dining: Award-winning St Johns restaurant

Location: Near Lake Thirlmere

Event Hosting: Private function options available

Festive Offerings: Traditional Christmas lunch packages

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.
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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
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
25 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Single Room
2 persons
18 m² 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Superior Double Room
2 persons
35 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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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

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

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
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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 Thirlmere 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 Hotel Location

Thirlspot, Thirlmere, United Kingdom, CA12 4TN
Map view
Thirlspot, Thirlmere, United Kingdom, CA12 4TN
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
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
Thirlmere21 min  ·  1.7 km
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX)103 min  ·  68.2 km
Blackpool International (BLK)185 min  ·  123.2 km
Bus
Bus stop12 min  ·  7.9 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP14.95 per person per day. 
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 Hotel 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.
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Review score
Based on 1017 verified reviews
8.9/10
Great
95%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.7/10
Staff
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.6/10
Pros
Fab atmosphere
Lovely staff
Clean bedding
Cons
Mouldy blinds
Noisy group
Grubby inn
Guest reviews
based on 1017 reviews
8.9/10
based on 1108 reviews
4/5
based on 2028 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

good locationdirty bathroomold 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 staffgreat menuhigh standardrepeat 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 staffamazing breakfastbeautiful buildingbathroom maintenance
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
|
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jimmy from united kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:August 25, 2025
8.7/10

lovely and cute

thoughtful touchlovely staffsmall bathroom
the staff was lovely and were really nice 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
|
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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.

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Check-in
03May2026Select date
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04May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room