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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Check rooms and rates
From78US$ /night
Check-in
16Apr2026Select date
Check-out
17Apr2026Select 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

The King'S Head - A traditional Lakeland inn with scenic views, award-winning dining, and proximity to Lake District attractions

The King'S Head, a former 17th-century coaching inn, sits at the foot of Helvellyn with views toward St Johns in the Vale, Blencathra, and Skiddaw. The 17 en-suite rooms include doubles, twins, singles, and family options, all featuring free WiFi and views of the surrounding fells. Guests can dine at the award-winning St Johns Restaurant, which serves a 4-course seasonal menu, or the beamed bar restaurant offering traditional Cumbrian dishes and local ales. The King'S Head Inn is a 3-minute drive from Helvellyn and 9 minutes from Castlerigg Stone Circle, with easy access to Windermere, Ambleside, and Keswick. Additional amenities include a garden, terrace, lobby fireplace, and free self-parking.

Pros

The award-winning St Johns Restaurant offers a 4-course seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients.

Rooms feature scenic views of the surrounding fells and include tea/coffee facilities.

Convenient location near Helvellyn and Castlerigg Stone Circle, with easy access to Lake District towns.

Traditional bar with local ales, fine wines, and a roaring fireplace in winter.

Free WiFi and self-parking available for guests.

Cons

No spa or pool facilities on-site.

Limited public transport options; a car is recommended for exploring the area.

“For those seeking a traditional Lake District experience, this property strikes a chord with its cosy, cottage-like feel and friendly service. I'm particularly impressed by the consistently praised restaurant, offering excellent meals alongside well-kept local beers. Its location is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding areas, including easy access to Grasmere and Keswick.”
Hotel logo
Isla BrownEditor-in-Chief at Bedfontlakes
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Select your room type

The King'S Head Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
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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Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check latest rates for your lake stay!

Facilities

The King'S Head Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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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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
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Thirlmere
20 minutes' walk
Thirlmere offers stunning views and tranquil waters, ideal for picnics and walking along scenic pathways.
Stannah Gill Lead Mine
15 minutes' walk
The historic lead mine provides a glimpse into the area's industrial past with fascinating ruins.
Castle Crag Fort
25 minutes' walk
This ancient fort site boasts panoramic views and historical significance, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Hiking to Helvellyn
40 minutes' drive
A challenging hike to one of England's highest peaks, perfect for thrill-seekers seeking adventure.
Yoga at Thirlmere
20 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions by the lakeside invite tranquility amidst nature's beauty, ideal for peaceful minds.
King's Head Inn
2 minutes' walk
Traditional pub atmosphere with hearty local dishes and a rotating selection of ales, perfect for families.
The Royal Oak
10 minutes' drive
Charming gastropub featuring seasonal dishes and local ingredients, offering a cozy dining experience.
Theatre by the Lake
21 minutes' drive
This lakeside venue hosts a variety of performances, from plays to music events, suitable for all ages.
Local Pub with Live Music
2 minutes' walk
Enjoy lively evenings with local musicians showcasing talent, friendly atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Exploring the lakeside
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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The King'S Head Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 1019 verified reviews
8.9/10
Great
95%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.7/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.6/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.0/10
Staff
9.6/10
Value for money
9.0/10
Pros
Good location
Comfy bed
Friendly staff
Good breakfast
Private parking
Cons
Poor cleanliness
Broken fan
Burnt burger
Guest reviews
based on 1108 reviews
4/5
based on 2033 reviews
8.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About The King'S Head
What time are check-in and check-out at The King'S Head?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Is parking available at The King'S Head?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What dining options are available at The King'S Head?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant, St John's, offering locally sourced traditional English dishes.
What nearby attractions can guests visit from The King'S Head?
Nearby attractions include Thirlmere Lake (1 km), Castlerigg Stone Circle (9 minutes), and the walking routes of Helvellyn (3 minutes).
What room amenities are provided at The King'S Head?
Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee making facilities, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.
What style of dining does The King'S Head offer?
The award-winning restaurant serves a four-course seasonal menu that emphasizes traditional English cuisine.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at The King'S Head?
Guests can engage in hiking, cycling, and play darts at the hotel.
How far is The King'S Head from Carlisle Lake District airport?
The hotel is 70 km from Carlisle Lake District Airport.
Is there a bar or lounge at The King'S Head?
The hotel includes a cozy bar that offers local ales, fine wines, and a relaxing lounge area.
Check-in
16Apr2026Select date
Check-out
17Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room