THE 52nd edition of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide for 2025 has been published, with a variety of South Cumbria pubs making the list.

The guide surveys the pubs across the UK and offers 'the definitive beer drinker's guide for those seeking the best pints in the nation's pubs.'

In total, 42 south Cumbria pubs made the list, with a further 20 real ale breweries also being included.

Here are ten of the pubs that have been featured in this year’s list.

10 South Cumbria pubs in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2025:

  1. Golden Rule, Smithy Brow, Ambleside, LA22 9AS: Grade II-listed traditional inn at the bottom of the infamous ‘Struggle’, leading up to Kirkstone Pass. An exceptionally cosy multi-roomed pub with a real fire, bench seating, and historical rock-climbing photos decorating the walls. It serves a good range of well-kept Robinsons ales, occasionally featuring their awardwinning Old Tom. There is an attractive snug, popular with families, and a rear courtyard with outdoor tables. Regularly packed with locals, students from the nearby university, and walkers and climbers
     
  2. Manor Arms, The Square, Broughton-in-Furness, LA20 6HY: Outstanding free house owned by the Varty family for more than 30 years. Set in an attractive Georgian square, it has been the recipient of many CAMRA awards. Real ale dominates, always including a dark beer, along with traditional cider and perry, making every day a mini beer festival. Two fires keep the pub warm and the bar staff are always friendly
     
  3. Black Bull Inn & Hotel, Coniston, LA21 8DU: This 16th-century coaching inn is Coniston Brewing Company’s on-site taphouse, also serving good food in comfortable surroundings. A full menu is served from noon. Six regular beers are supplemented by other beers from the brewery on a rotation basis – try a tasting paddle. The spacious bar and lounge are frequented by tourists in this popular, spectacular location near Coniston Old Man. The outside seating area is perfect in summer. Dogs are not allowed in the restaurant.
     
  4. Factory Tap, Aynam Road, Kendal, LA9 7DE: A friendly, welcoming pub that proudly showcase ales from local breweries on six handpumps and four keg taps, alongside guests ales, which can be sourced from anywhere in the country. Pizzas are available every Tuesday and Friday, with street food served on the last Saturday of the month. Just a short walk from the town centre, this place is well worth a visit.
     
  5. Thirsty Rambler, Main Street, Sedbergh, LA10 5BN: Light and airy micropub with young, enthusiastic owners, where conversation and mingling are encouraged. Excellent local ales are served in top-rate condition from three handpumps and two keg lines. The pub is close to the Lakeland Fells and Yorkshire Dales, so there is always an interesting mix of customers who relish a good pint and a good natter. Popular with walkers and their wellbehaved dogs
     
  6. Farmers Arms, Market Place, Ulverston, LA12 7BA: Smart, busy, centrally-located pub with a heated covered terrace at the front. Six beers are available, along with a good selection of wines. It opens early for breakfasts and by coffee, with quality meals served lunchtime and evenings (see blackboards over the fireplace for daily specials). There’s a raised area to the rear which is mainly for diners. Meals can be also taken in the comfortable bar area, although this can get busy at weekends