Things To Do
in Staveley
Staveley is a compact Lake District village in Cumbria set where the River Kent and Gowan meet, a short drive from Kendal and Windermere. It blends working rural life with a creative streak: converted mill yards, independent shops, cafés and occasional artisan markets give the village a lively small‑town feel. The surrounding landscape — Kentmere Valley, nearby fells and patchwork fields — makes it an excellent base for hiking, cycling and photography.
Visitors find easy access to classic Lakeland scenery without the larger crowds of central tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Staveley and check into your charming local accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque village to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café to fuel your adventures.
Head to the Staveley Mill Yard where you can explore artisan shops and enjoy some handmade treats. Visit the local brewery and take a tour to see the beer-making process, followed by sampling some of their excellent craft brews. Take a short hike along the nearby River Gowan for picturesque views of the natural scenery.
Dine at a traditional pub near the village center, savoring classic British dishes. Engage with locals and share stories over drinks as the warmth of the pub envelops you. Finally, take a peaceful stroll back to your accommodation under the stars.
Set out early for a hike in the nearby Lake District, where stunning views await. Enjoy breakfast at a scenic spot along the trail, taking in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. The trails offer ample opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting.
Continue your hike towards the summit of a nearby hill, relishing the challenge and the panoramic views from the top. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while resting at the peak, surrounded by nature's beauty. Head back down in the afternoon, taking a different route to discover new scenery.
Once back in Staveley, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients. Share tales of your day's adventures with fellow travelers while savoring dessert. Wind down with a quiet evening at your accommodation, perhaps reading or reflecting on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee/Tea at a café | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🍺Pint of beer in a pub | $4-6 |
| 🚗Taxi short ride (local) | $8-20 |
| 🏨Bed & Breakfast (per night) | $80-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, accessible base for exploring quieter parts of the Lake District
- Charming village atmosphere with artisan shops and riverside walks
- Excellent opportunities for hiking, photography and outdoor activities
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options than larger towns
- Weather can be unpredictable and trails may be muddy or wet
- Public transport is limited; having a car is convenient
Places to Visit in Staveley
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic mill buildings, water features and rustic architecture provide characterful shots at any time of day, especially in soft morning light.
Riverside scenes, small cascades and reflections make for excellent landscape and long‑exposure photography; autumn colours are particularly photogenic.
Expansive valley panoramas, patchwork fields and distant fells offer classic Lake District compositions, sunrise and sunset included.
Close‑up details of local stonework, hedgerows and country lanes capture rural textures and patterns.
Food in Staveley
Staveley Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A coiled, well‑spiced pork sausage often served with mashed potatoes and gravy; available in village pubs and butcheries.
Must-Try!
Locally produced cheeses paired with savoury oatcakes or farmhouse bread — common on pub cheese boards and at deli counters.
Meat pies, lamb or beef stews and seasonal vegetable casseroles feature widely in local pubs, especially on cooler days.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Mill Yard hosts occasional artisan markets and craft fairs where you can sample local baked goods, preserves and cheeses; in summer look for pop‑up food stalls.
A short trip to Kendal brings a regular farmers’ market with fresh produce, meat, cheeses, pies and street‑food stalls on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
British politeness is customary: queue orderly, say please and thank you, and keep conversations friendly and low‑key in shops and cafés.
Follow the Countryside Code: close gates, keep dogs under control near livestock, take litter home and stick to marked paths on private land.
At busy pubs, order at the bar unless table service is offered; buying rounds is common among groups but not obligatory.
Safety
Tipping in Staveley
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is discretionary: leave about 10%–15% in restaurants for good service; in cafés and pubs tipping is less common but appreciated for table service. Taxi drivers are usually rounded up or given a small tip.
Contactless cards and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted in cafés, shops and pubs; smaller stalls and rural vendors may prefer cash. Mobile payments are increasingly common but carry some rural signal limitations.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Milder temperatures and blooming fields make for pleasant walks; some higher paths can still be muddy or boggy from winter thaw. Expect fewer tourists than summer but check opening times for seasonal businesses.
Warmest, busiest season with long daylight hours — ideal for hiking and boating, but popular trails and lanes get busy and parking can be limited on weekends. Bring sun protection and book accommodation in advance.
Crisp days and dramatic colours make it a favourite for photographers and walkers; weather can change quickly so layer up. Fewer crowds and attractive seasonal menus in local pubs.
Cold, often wet or snowy conditions at higher elevations; many low‑level walks remain accessible but short daylight and icy paths require good footwear and an awareness of road conditions.
Staveley at Night
Hiking in Staveley
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A classic circular fell walk around the Kentmere Valley offering varied terrain and panoramic views; suitable for experienced walkers and a staple for keen hikers.
Series of lower and higher routes through pastoral landscapes, ideal for half‑day walks and photography.
A popular, relatively accessible fell with rewarding views over Windermere and Easdale; a good option for sunrise or shorter climbs.
A shorter drive to classic Lakeland scenery — distinctive summit shapes, lake views and literary associations in the Grasmere region.
Airports
How to reach Staveley by plane.
Major international airport about 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic; good rail and coach links to the Lake District region.
Smaller regional airport roughly 1.5–2 hours’ drive (longer by public transport); serves domestic and European flights.
A smaller regional airport to the north of the Lake District; limited scheduled services, more seasonal or charter flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding local residents involved in agriculture, small businesses and community life.
A notable proportion of older adults and retirees who value the rural lifestyle and quieter pace.
Seasonal visitors, holidaymakers and owners of second homes who boost the local economy in peak months.
Artisans, gallery owners and small independent entrepreneurs contributing to the Mill Yard and local markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional and popular activity in the region, combining running with steep hill ascents on rough terrain.
Road cycling and mountain biking are common on quiet lanes, bridleways and purpose‑built trails nearby.
Village and town clubs keep traditional English sports like cricket and grassroots football active in the community.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Staveley.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and pubs (pies, salads, cheese plates); specify preferences and many places will accommodate with vegetable mains or hearty sides.
Vegan choices are more limited than in a city but growing — cafés may offer plant‑based milks and a vegan sandwich or plate; call ahead for larger groups.
Gluten‑free options are commonly offered for those avoiding gluten, but cross‑contamination can occur in smaller kitchens; ask staff and consider bringing essentials if you have severe intolerance.