Staveley Beer Festival
Ah, Staveley. One of the Lake District’s most lively villages and without doubt one of our favourite places to spend time. Halfway between Kendal and Windermere at the gateway to the Kentmere Valley, Staveley Mill Yard bustles with activity of cyclists, craftsmen, bakers and brewers…and grassroots village life in between.
We jumped at the chance to showcase our favourite village, as part of showing you how easy it can be to explore the many joys of the Lake District without a car.
Confusing as it is, Staveley is home to the prolific Hawkshead Brewery – which moved from its Hawkshead location to allow for expansion (yep – the beers are that good). Renowned for its ales and the ambience of its beer hall, the brewery runs two beer festivals a year – with live music and a cracking atmosphere, these festivals are good enough reason for many to visit the Lakes. Even better, there’s no need to rope in a designated driver thanks to easy car-free access. We enjoyed making our video about its Spring Beer Festival so much that we had to go back in July for its Summer Beer Festival too.
Each time our day began in Kendal – if you’re travelling from further afield, that’s where you’ll change tracks to reach the Lake District by train, or a key point en-route in your bus journey.
A hop on the train from Kendal to Staveley takes only a few minutes, and of course, in making this journey you’re well on your way to Windermere train station and the rest of the Lakes should you choose to continue.
Local Ale
GoLakes Travel Tips for August
Continue your Real Ale Trail
If you’re interested in real ale, don’t stop at Staveley. Hop back on the train to Windermere and grab the 505 Coniston Rambler bus to Coniston, to enjoy real ales at the Black Bull – pride of the Coniston Brewing Co. and renowned for the famous Bluebird Bitter. There are numerous breweries to explore in the Lakes, even specialists will not be disappointed!
Burn off the booze on a bike
Cycle hire is widely available throughout the Lakes, and if you’re arriving in Windermere or Staveley you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy some of the area’s most popular cycling.
Hire a bike from Wheelbase
The Kentmere Valley is a treat for leisurely cyclists and mountain bikers alike, and once you’ve arrived by train or bus, cycle hire is right on your doorstep at Wheelbase – the UK’s largest cycle store.
There’s more to Hawkshead Brewery than the twice annual beer festivals…
Hawkshead Brewery
This cracking local venue is worth a visit at any time of day, any time of the year – for beer, food or more.
It’s fascinating to see a brewery in action in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. Catch the bus or train from Kendal or Windermere and enjoy a unique opportunity to sample real Lakeland Ale in a picturesque setting and learn about the brewing process. Scheduled Brewery Tours are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 2pm – and thanks to great local travel links, you won’t need to worry about driving. Perfect!
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