A Foodies Guide to Breakfast or Brunch in the Lakes
If you’re a foodie exploring the Lake District, particularly around Ambleside, Windermere, and Bowness-on-Windermere, you’re in for a treat. These towns are brimming with charming cafés and eateries that serve up everything from hearty breakfasts to quick snacks, all set against the stunning backdrop of the fells and lakes. Here’s a local’s guide to some of the best spots to fuel your adventures.
Ambleside: Where Lakeside Meets Local Flavour
Grain
Grain is a delightful café/grab and go in Ambleside known for its wholesome and locally sourced menu, and new for 2025. They offer a variety of breakfast and brunch options, including hearty poached egg bowls, freshly baked pastries, fresh sandwiches and specialty coffees. The café’s relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to start your day before heading out to explore the surrounding areas.
The Copper Pot
Nestled in the heart of Ambleside, The Copper Pot is a cozy café that feels like a home away from home. With its warm stone walls and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch. Their menu boasts a variety of dishes, from classic full English breakfasts to lighter options like avocado toast. Don’t forget to try their freshly baked cakes and locally roasted coffee.
Fresher’s Café
A family-run gem, Fresher’s Café offers hearty, homemade meals, and truly the most friendly spot in town. Their full English breakfast is a standout, packed with flavour and locally sourced ingredients. Which shout out to the home made quiche’s not all strictly breakfast or brunch, but worth a try. The café also features an outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying your meal on a sunny day.
Windermere: Trust me, they’re worth the wait
Homeground Coffee + Kitchen
Located in the heart of Windermere, Homeground is a modern café that combines excellent coffee with a creative brunch menu. From eggs Royale on sourdough to their signature Homeground Sarnie—a towering stack of smoked bacon, avocado, hash browns, with caramelised red onion on ciabatta—there’s something to satisfy every palate. An everchanging seasonal menu keeps everything fresh, and keeps tourists and locals alike coming back for more.
Toast
Toast is a small and popular spot in Windermere known for its warm and inviting atmosphere. They offer great coffee, pastries, and unsurprisingly TOAST(ed sandwiches)! My favourite is the egg sando, a wedge of toasted Shokupan spilt open and generously filled with honey mustard egg mayonnaise, fresh cherry tomatoes or cured bacon & parsley. You cant go wrong on the go, or eating in.
Bowness-on-Windermere: Lakeside Delights
The Magic Roundabout
Situated in Bowness-on-Windermere, The Magic Roundabout is a stylish café offering a wide range of breakfast options. From healthy smoothies and granola to classic fry-ups and breakfast sandwiches, there’s something for everyone. Their full English breakfast is particularly popular, praised for its generous portions and fresh ingredients.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a leisurely brunch, the Ambleside, Windermere, and Bowness-on-Windermere area has something to satisfy every craving. These local cafés not only serve delicious food but also offer a warm welcome and a taste of the Lake District’s hospitality. So, grab your walking boots and your appetite—adventure and great food await!