The Sun Inn


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The Sun Inn descritpion


In the heart of the Lake District, The Sun Inn offers charming rooms with period features and free Wi-Fi. It is just moments away from the shores of Esthwaite Water.
Set in a 17th-century coaching inn, the cosy bedrooms at Sun Inn all have private en suite bathrooms Lakeland stone walls and free Wi-Fi. They also feature handmade furniture and a flat-screen TV.
The popular bar and restaurant offer a wide range of light snacks to full hearty meals, serving lunch from 12:00 until 14:30 and evening meals 18:00 until 21:00. The bar stocks a wide selection of world beers and ciders as well as local ales.
Situated in picturesque Hawkshead, The Sun is surrounded by walking tracks and cycling routes. Ambleside can be reached in 10 minutes’ drive, and beautiful Lake Windermere is just 3 miles away.

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Facilities of The Sun Inn

Pets :Pets are not allowed.

Activities :Fishing

Food & Drink :Restaurant | Bar

Internet :Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking :Free!Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).

Services :Packed Lunches

General :Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Reviews for The Sun Inn

Review 1:Excellent customer service with hotel calling to confirm my late arrival as they did not wish to lock up assuming I was not arriving - this was close to midnight and they could quite easily have just gone off to bed as I hadn't thought to call them

Review 2:Nothing (well maybe the rain!)

Review 3:We enjoyed every minute. It was an amazing stay. Alex was a fantastic host, dinner and breakfast was spot on. We will be returning very soon. thank you The Sun Inn.

Review 4:Fire alarm went off at 6.30 am. 15 mins later a young member of staff appeared who had no idea what to do - no access to the fire alarm panel as it was behind a locked door. She didn't check if all guests were out of there rooms or check the hotel register. She phoned her manager who turned up after 30 mins & found out it was water in the system ( heavy rain) in the meantime one of the guests phoned the fire brigade. The manager seemed unconcerned when we complained about this. Luckily it was a false alarm but if it hadn't been???? Also the rooms were very noisy due due groups playing in the bar til well after midnight. There are other places in the village we would choose next time.

Review 5:We had dinner 1 night & it was excellent. It is in the centre of the village.

Review 6:Rooms on the top floor are a little small and have sloping ceilings.

Review 7:Very helpful and friendly staff. Excellent food served in the evening from a good sized varied menu.

Review 8:The en-suite Saniflow worked intermittantly , awkward when your in the shower and the waters not draining away.

Review 9:the breakfast was very good and the staff where friendly and helpful

Review 10:The toilet plumbing was very noisy even when the tap was turned on the noise was terrible

Review 11:Bedroom was nicely decorated for a very small room it was cosy

Review 12:Lack of heating....not properly resolved despite repeated requests . Room & ensuite not well cleaned. Basin & shower slow to drain. Smokers crowding the entrance.

Review 13:Location within Lake District. Meals

Review 14:Ceiling of our room was in the rafters and we could not stand up properly when walking round the bed as it was so low in places.Should have been cheaper than other rooms because of this and the fact that it was small.

Review 15:Central location, food good, staff polite.

Review 16:Great location in a lovely village, nice feel to the hotel and friendly obliging staff. We asked for an extra blanket and an electric fire and they magically appeared! Would definitely return.

Review 17:Noisey. Can hear the room next door blowing nose and talking. Old water pipes and creaking extremely loud right throughout the night. We were above the pub and it was extremely loud.

Review 18:It is right in the middle of hawkshead and is full of character :) breakfast was good too.

Review 19:A little expensive but the area is pricey so was expected!

Review 20:Lovely little pub, the food was incredible!! Really friendly staff and a beautiful location. Great to be out in the country side and enjoy all that the Lake District has to offer.

Review 21:Room small but good quality soft furnishings, just felt cramped, didn't spoil stay

Review 22:The staff were very good, friendly, helpful. Relaxed stay in a lovely part of the lakes. Food excellent .

Review 23:Bed a little soft for a bad back but a minor complaint in an otherwise excellent stay.

Review 24:Excellent customer care from all staff. Both breakfast and evening meal provided an excellent choice and was extremely appetising.

Review 25:Not much. To be very critical, the wifi was weak and didn't work in the room most times, the towels quality not that great and evening meals were just Ok, but as I mentioned these are only minor niggles.

Review 26:Nice and cute place, staff are very friendly, clean, great location in a nice little village.

Review 27:The room was a tiny bit cramped but quite acceptable.(the plumbing relies on a pumped system which makes more noise than a standard setup). Because the Inn is situated in the heart of the village there is no private car park.

Review 28:This is a working Lakeland public house but we were not inconvenienced by anything. The bathroom was neat and modern. Parking is in the public car park nearby and the hotel has an arrangement so that guests do not pay any charges. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The hotel restaurant is definitely worth a visit. I tried the pan fried scallops as a starter and they could not have been cooked better. We had mains of shoulder of lamb and seafood linguine both excellent choices. Breakfast was also a good experience - cooked to order rather than buffet style and all perfect. In summary - comfortable hotel in a handy Lakeland location with an excellent restaurant and overall good value for money. Would have no hesitation in going back.

Review 29:Room was very dark , needs better lighting . The flushing system on the toilet was very noisey and could hear it all night from other rooms .

Review 30:Breakfast was excellent . Service was good , friendly staff . Location was lovely in the heart of Hawkshead village .

Review 31:The temperature of the shower was hit and miss, wifi signal was terrible. Perhaps could offer a bit of fresh fruit at breakfast.

Review 32:Perfect central location, free car parking for residents, very comfy beds, lovely Period features, friendly staff.

Review 33:Full fat milk available only - yuck! Difficult to open tea packets. Lack of cleanliness in bar toilet and no paper. Poor lighting to apply makeup.

Review 34:Friendly staff. Pretty hanging baskets.lovely fish n chips!

Review 35:Everything from start to finish made us feel relaxed and welcomed, the staff are great, always willing to help out with a smile on their faces. The food was ammaazzziinnggg! The rooms are clean and tidy. Breakfast was great, you can choose a cooked breakfast or cereals, a great way to start the day! really couldnt find anything to fault. we will be going again

Review 36:The bed wasn't the most comfortable but we slept better the second night.

Review 37:The character of the building was great and the food amazing. We enjoyed our breakfasts and evening meal; the quality of the food was very high. The service was very friendly and accommodating.

Review 38:Stayed in room 5 not much room to hang cloths up but only there for 2 nights so managed ok.

Review 39:It was a very enjoyable stay, the staff were very friendly and helpful, stayed two nights and had dinner there both nights the food was excellent.

Review 40:Excellent food - best in the village. Rooms were immaculate and really lovely. Staff were polite and attentive - we really couldn't find anything wrong with the whole stay

Review 41:The room size was ridiculously small for a double and the toilet was nothing more than a broom cupboard

Review 42:The staff were very polite and welcoming And the pub is located in a popular little village

Review 43:Sloping roof in our room. Not too problematic for me but my husband couldn't stand up straight to wee!! :-D

Review 44:The inn is so convenient for many Lake District locations and Hawkshead is a charming village.

Review 45:Parking in the public car park not ideal and this should be explained when booking, this was not a problem for us but someone with even a minor disability would have difficulty. Appreciate that space is very tight in the central vicinity of Hawkshead

Review 46:Staff very pleasant, good pub food. We were glad we were there for only one night as the room we were given was in the attic, very small and a very poor bathroom. Certainly not worth what we were charged

Review 47:Downstairs carpet was a worn and smelly

Review 48:Good position in town with small outside seating area fronting Main Road which was good for meeting up with Friends and Family. Good breakfast.

Review 49:Rather too noisy for our liking, our room was at the front of the hotel and although not rowdy, people were sat out chatting until after midnight.

Review 50:Food and service were very good, bed was comfortable and bathroom was clean

Review 51:It would have been perfect if fresh fruit had been available at breakfast.

Review 52:Staff excellent, Food very good, Facilities very good and choice of beers excellent.

Review 53:Cause we were down the end in the family room, the wifi did not work unless you stood by the door. The roof of the shower room was small and my husband need to bend down to take a shower.

Review 54:The bed was really comfy Staff were friendly.

Review 55:great beer, good food, live music, really good lively pub with nice accomodation and still attention to residents; not an easy balancing act but well acheived. We will go back !

Review 56:The bed was rock hard. Our backs were aching badly.

Review 57:Loved the Sun Inn. Beautiful location. Room was quirky and clean. Would definitely recommend and go back. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Review 58:There is nothing that I didn't like. I've read a complaint that the beds were hard....well I like a firm bed and had an excellent nights sleep. This is a perfect B&B in the heart of the Lakes with the added advantage of doing excellent food. Thoroughly recommend it.

Review 59:Travelled from Loughton in Essex...the manager is very hands on and makes you feel very welcome. The staff are great. Location excellent. The food is possibly the best pub food I've ever had. We've stayed twice now and are already planning our next trip.

Review 60:Nice room, comfy bed, excellent staff. The food was exceptionally good. We had a fantastic visit. Will definitely return and would thoroughly recommend.

Review 61:Only a tiny thing but lighting in the room was a little dim.

Review 62:Quiet, central, friendly. Excellent accommodation in this lovely village. Convenient free car parking nearby.

Review 63:Great pub in Hawkeshead - good beer, excellent food (both evening meal and breakfast) and very friendly service throughout our stay. They also registered our car to provide free parking in the town car park. Our room was quiet on the top floor. We loved this pub and hope to stay again soon.

Review 64:Nothing

Review 65:what better after a day walking around the Lake District,than a warm friendly pub with good food, beer and helpful Staff. And a bonus of free parking during your stay.

Review 66:Main light had only 3 out of 8 bulbs working so room was dark, did ask but had no bulbs to replace them. sink in bathroom leaked. Window closure mechamism broken so window didnt close properly and was drafty. Not a £99 a night room in my opinion

Review 67:Friendly, good entertainment. A lovely village

Review 68:The room was very warm even with the heating off. Some noise from the pub below (although this was expected). Slightly frustrated at the pillows which were very lumpy and uncomfortable.

Review 69:value was great - room had character and the free wifi was a bonus.

Review 70:The bedroom was small but adequate with a lovely old four poster bed which was very comfortable. The room could have had better lighting but the ensuit was very nice and everything seemed very clean.

Review 71:The Sun Inn is in the middle of a lovely village and has an old english feel about it. It felt cosy in the evinging with a log fire in the corner which was welcome on a November night. The staff where very pleasant and helpful and parking was not a problem with the public car park very near and no charge if staying at the Sun Inn

Review 72:There was a bit of a problem with dinner in the evening but the excellent customer service dealt with it very well.

Review 73:Good location Great beer Great staff Fantastic breakfast Very good customer service

Review 74:Friendly relaxed atmosphere, right in the centre of Hawkshead, good choice of food for evening dinner, and breakfast. Great staff and nice and clean....what more could you want.

Review 75:Mattresses need updating and pillows should be renewed. Dust and cobwebs evident in all three occupied rooms in the party, otherwise acceptable.

Review 76:Very good breakfasts and evening meals.Staff very friendly and accommodating. Very nice bathrooms, plenty of hot water. Nice view from front bedrooms. Good selection of complimentary hot drinks in room.

Review 77:Nothing was bad !

Review 78:Stayed here for 3 nights and had a wonderful relaxing stay. Atmosphere was bril, good beer and wonderful food. Location is perfect, whether you just want to stroll around the village or hit the walking trails. Thanks to everyone at Sun Inn for making it a wonderful stay !

Review 79:Bathroom was a bit compact but lovely and clean.

Review 80:Small but nice room very cosy. Good nights sleep. Breakfast was perfect couldn't have asked for anything better.

Review 81:Unfortunately the shower wasn't hot but the manager told us he would look into it. Some staff seemed to spend a lot of time in the smoking area just at the front door which didn't give a good first impression.

Review 82:Breakfast was good with lots of choice. Good location and car park very close by, with free parking permit. Pleasant bedroom although small.

Review 83:Window sill was dusty and room was very pokey. Very cheap shower/bathroom facility however it was clean enough

Review 84:Staff were great, breakfast was ok. The location was very good. Would have definitely preferred to stay at the queens head pub. However would be more expensive.

Review 85:nothing.

Review 86:staff were very friendly, and we enjoyed nice food,rooms could do with some more wardrobe space but it is a very old pub so space is at a premium,better than the other pubs in the village in my opinion.as i said nice place for a couple of days.

Review 87:Around 50% of the light bulbs in the room did not work, and the bathroom door would not close (warped). The room overlooked a cluttered and dirty side passage, no attempt to keep it clean for the benefit of those staying in the room above. At a £140.00 per night we felt it was poor value compared to other B&B`s in the area.

Review 88:Great breakfast and good bar. Excellent location in middle of Hawkeshead and the pub provided an overnight car parking pass which was very good.

Review 89:nothing,everything just perfect.

Review 90:everything,perfect relaxing, beautiful place, friendly people, would def. stay again. great place to stay, cant say enough.

Review 91:The sloping celling in bedroom was so low we had to bend double to get round the bottom of the beds. Requested twin and got two pushed together with one quilt over the top and no room to separate them. Breakfast on second day half the size of the one on the first; therefor very disappointing.

Review 92:Central location in Hawkshead. Good permit system for free parking. Food excellent and very popular. Very quiet at night for sleeping. Staff very friendly and efficient.

Review 93:The shower in Room 1 is extremely small with no room to turn around. The tap was loose on the sink. The wifi just didn't work although this was a minor consideration. Also due to the plumbing there was a lot of noise after using the toilet and sink.

Review 94:The staff were very friendly and helpful. The ales were very good. The breakfasts were very good and flexible in what you ordered. We would stay again but possibly ask for a different room.

Review 95:Lovely few days in a beautiful area All staff very helpful and welcoming. Stored our bikes for us during our stay. Food excellent, in fact eat there throughout our stay as had to try a few things on the great menu Would definitely recommend a stay at the Sun Inn.

Review 96:The price (for single occupancy of a double room) was on the high side, and higher than anything else I paid during three weeks in August that I was travelling around Cumbria.

Review 97:A very rambling, charming old Inn. I had a small double room - Room 5 on second floor. A long, narrowish room with bed at one end, it had limited, but ingeniously designed fitted storage and furniture and good quality idiosyncratic décor. It was fine for one, but could be a bit cramped for a couple. The very compact en-suite was modern and well designed. The staff were all very helpful and good-natured.

Review 98:Late start to breakfast service (8.30) - not ideal for business travellers like myself.

Review 99:Characterful old building, nicely refurbished, in a beautiful setting.

Review 100:Tiny room, imposing four-poster bed. Heavy, dark brown fabric surrounding bed smelled dusty. Very dark wallpaper combined with natural stone and a dark carpet made room seem oppressive. Only one bedside lamp which considering the room was so dark should be made a lot brighter.

Review 101:Location and proximity of car park. We've criticised the room but the sheets and towels were perfectly clean. Breakfast was fine.

Review 102:The only thing I will say I didn't like is that we can't go anywhere else now without comparing it to the amazing time we had at the sun inn

Review 103:The food, the staff, the accommodation, the facilities, location all amazing already planning to come back next year potentially for a longer stay and enjoy hawkshead and the sun inn for even longer just brilliant!!

Review 104:The room was very small, wifi didn't work, and the fixtures and fittings were all a bit worn and broken.

Review 105:The staff, food, drinks and location were superb. Breakfast was fantastic. Service was fast and friendly.

Review 106:Wi-fi could have been better, although it was fine in the bar.

Review 107:Olde worlde feeling of the place. Staff were lovely and helpful. We LOVED the fact that dogs were welcome, even though food was being served. We would definitely go back. Food was outstanding. Piping hot and ample portions.

Review 108:We arrived in horrible rain on a motorbike, the staff were very helpful and offered to dry our kit which was a great help. Lovely room and very clean. Food was excellent if a little pricey for some items. Would definitely stay again!

Review 109:Staff not aware of the menu specials being written on after we had ordered. Told the soup was spicy tomato and basil it came out we were then told it was carrot and coriander! Then it was written on the board as carrot and orange. Food was ok considering it won awards it was not that special!

Review 110:Comfortable rooms could do with better pillows.

Review 111:The mattress was lumpy and the pillows were cheap and uncomfortable. Wasn't helped by the bar noise downstairs, but I accept its a pub, so not really an issue. Uncomfortable beds are a little unforgivable in a hotel though :( WiFi barely reaches upstairs. Need a booster in the upstairs corridors.

Review 112:The location was great and the staff were absolutely fantastic. Some of the friendliest people and really accomodating! Thank you so much :) I really cannot fault the service and the food was lovely too. There are a lot more positives than negatives.

Review 113:Food excellent but a little bit pricey. Otherwise couldn't fault it.

Review 114:Close to attractions, good location in relation to the Lakes. Individual room, a bit on small side because of sloping ceiling but this gave room character which we liked.

Review 115:Room smaller than expected - not enough room for a chair. Bedside lamp missing, not replaced when reported.

Review 116:Very good service. Excellent food. Friendly. Quiet. Nice dog.

Review 117:The room was a bit hot and stuffy, but it was a REALLY hot day and night. A fan might have been a nice idea.

Review 118:The location, charm of the building and particularly good food from a varied menu - also loved the staff, who really seemed friendly and welcoming

Review 119:The room was very small and difficult to get to beds as the roof was very low. The closeness to roof made it very hot and no fans available.

Review 120:The food was outstanding and priced competitively.

Review 121:The room we had faced south and the sun shone into the room all day long. There was no air conditioning (to be expected given that age of the property), but also no fan and the bed had a winter duvet. So the room was unbearably hot all day long. Also there was only a bedside light on one side of the bed, making it difficult to read in bed at night.

Review 122:The food was excellent. The bed was very comfortable.

Review 123:beds in room 4. mattresses need replacing, could feel springs in lower bunk and main double bed was sunk in the centre of each side

Review 124:the staff were really nice and friendly, and professional. food was great too

Review 125:Not one negative .

Review 126:The village of hawkshead is just so picturesque and well located for all the southern Lake District . The Sun inn was a great place to stay. Great food and friendly, helpful staff.

Review 127:Everything was expensive to do with eating out/bar prices. The full amount for our 1 nights stay was deducted from my credit card before we checked out. I personally like to settle my bill in full when I check out.

Review 128:Breakfast was as good as a top hotel, excellent. Evening meal was also to a very high standard. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere and our room was just how we would like it to be, clean, modern en-suite. Only stayed 1 night but enjoyed our stay very much.

Review 129:Rooms were a little on the small side. However, I appreciate that space in Hawkshead is limited so this was not really a problem.

Review 130:The location was ideal - right in the centre of Hawkshead. Entertainment on Friday evening was excellent. Breakfasts were fantastic.

Review 131:Nothing specific

Review 132:- it's over a pub - centre of hawkeshead - free parking - good, hearty breakfast - nice people

Review 133:Friendly staff great food n beer

Review 134:Staff fiendly. Nice food. Log fire very homely

Review 135:Lovely room, great food, very friendly and helpful staff.

Review 136:lay out of the pub, food and drink,

The Fine Print

Please note that the doors to the premises shut at midnight, so unfortunately the property will not be able to accommodate residents wishing to stay past this time.Free Wi-Fi is accessed via a password issued at reception.Parking is free with a permit which is supplied at reception upon payment of a refundable deposit.Please note this property does not accept bookings made with an American Express.