Boathouse Tea Rooms - Carlisle

Arrived in plenty time for the advertised closing time after a lovely walk round the Tarn, around 15.25. When they confirmed the drinks were take out, we asked to sit in but they stated they were closing at half past. We double checked as we thought it was 4pm but the lady at the till stated they shut at half three as it gets dark and they need to be away before it got dark. We had to sit out and it started to rain. The doors were virtually shut behind us. A family arrived soon after this expecting to get in but it had obviously closed. The young child began to cry! On leaving the area, the sign clearly stated it closed a 4pm. We got two hot drinks, a scone and a tray bake to take out which cost over £11 (to sit in the rain).

Everything about this place is lovely. The veggie pastie mmm and the cuppa , on the mark. A walk and food all excellent including friendly staff. But why oh why is all the trash going into the same two bins?? No recycling to be seen. I hope the trash is sorted once emptied? The type of people that walk here, I am sure would be only too happy to use say two separate bins to recycle plastic and cans at the very least. Also please stop using single use plastic knives.. I hope management read their feedback

Met my sister there after driving an hour, paid for both our cars in the car park, knew we’d need more than an hour so paid for the only other alternative which was a full day. Walked to the cafe only to find it closed. It wasn’t advertised as closed on the search I did before I went there, so cost well over £5 for nothing. Probably for the best after reading the reviews. Went to the Blacksmiths Arms and has a lovely coffee and sandwich by the open fire so the day was saved

Such a beautiful spot could so so much better in its cafe facilities. Opening times are short 10.30 til maybe 4pm if your lucky. Coffee, cake and ice-creams are great as a warm up or cool down but for anything more substantial go to nearby Brampton which has a raft of coffee shops or nearby pubs in talkin etc.

We decided to walk two laps of the tarn today and break the walk with a visit to their snack bar, on arrival we had coffees and hot savouries followed by cakes and they went down a treat. The lady that served us couldn't have been more helpful if she tried. We would certainly recommend this establishment to friends family.