Staveley

Staveley is a beautiful village within the Lake District National Park, steeped in history with lots going on, located just 4 miles northwest of Kendal and easily accessible from the town of Ambleside. The village is ideally placed by the river Kent and Gowan, surrounded by three hills; Reston Scar, Piked Howe and Lily Fell, which provides the opening to Kentmere Valley.  

There are a variety of walks available in Kentmere Valley, just north of Staveley, which tend to be slightly less trodden but still offer the breathtaking views you come to expect in the national park. If you’re looking for a walk that all the family can get involved in there is a ‘miles without stiles’ which runs up the side of the valley to enjoy come rain or shine. For the more experienced of walkers why not try the Kentmere Horseshoe, one of the longest and remote walks in the Lake District, guiding you through the fells and around the Kentmere reservoir. You’ll be sure to find the outdoor adventure that suits you.

For the beer connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, Hawkshead Brewery is located at Mill Yard beside the River Kent and just a stone’s throw away from the center of the village. The brewery offers a wide range of Hawkshead ales in cask, keg and bottles ensuring there’s something for everyone. You certainly won’t be stuck for choice when it comes to food either, the kitchen serves a variety of hearty, classic food throughout the day, with tapas menus to pair with the local beer or main meals if you’d prefer.

The Beer Hall is open 7 days a week, offering brewery tours to give you a closer look into the making of the ‘beer from the lakes’. Live music is often a highlight on the weekends in the main bar, with the ‘Sunday Sessions’ taking place each week. You’re welcome to sit back and enjoy the performances with one of the many brews on offer or you can even get involved in the open mic.

For fresh homemade treats to take away on your walk or to enjoy a relaxing afternoon watching the world go by, the More? Artisan bakery is a one-stop shop for cyclists and walkers alike. Bread is baked on site along with a variety of other treats from pies and pastries, salad and soups to their new brunch menu that’s perfect for a slow morning or to fill your boots before a full day ahead.  

Staveley is also home to the UK’s largest cycle store, Wheelbase. This is a destination store, with over 600 bikes on display, offering professional bike fitting, workshops and advice on rides in the national park. There are several rides that are available straight from the store, including travelling by road to the Kentmere Valley cycle track. Wheelbase organise a number of events throughout the year, from cycle-orienteering to le tour de Staveley, which starts and concludes in the Staveley village and passes along two stunning Lakeland routes.

If local culture is your thing, nestled in the center of Staveley is the lovely, intimate Roundhouse Theatre. Producing around 5 shows and plays a year and hosting events including art exhibitions, lectures and jazz concerts.  

A hidden gem within Staveley is Inglefield Specialty Plants, a small family run nursery with a passion for architectural plants, sourcing and importing top quality plants from France, Holland, Spain and Ireland. 

With its own train station, Staveley has great transport links to the surrounding areas, Windermere and Kendal are just a short 8-minute train ride away. All in all, Staveley is a fantastically located village that will enable you to explore the Lake District or simply relax within the village itself.