Your basecamp for Lake District adventure
The Three Shires Inn is located in one of the most gorgeous spots in the beautiful Lake District.
If that were not enough, our secluded valley of Little Langdale is the perfect jumping off spot for endless activities - many of which can be done within just a few miles.
Whether you’re a fellrunner, climber, hiker, biker, paddler, sailor, or just want to sit and watch the world go by, you can do it all from the door of the Three Shires Inn with a warm welcome, cold drink, tasty meal and comfy bed guaranteed when you return.
A new era at The Three Shires
The Lanty Slee liquor Co was founded by Joe Nichols following becoming captivated by the story of Lancelot Slee the Lake District's most infamous Moonshiner.
Lanty, born in 1803 began his career at High Arnside Farm and following his arrest by the Excise in 1841 he moved to Greenbank Farm just down the road from the Three Shires.
His location, although possibly just by chance placed him on the very edge of the counties of Westmorland, Lancashire on the sands and Cumberland making it very tricky for the Excise to catch him as he moved his liquor around the fells.
Lanty's liquor was drunk in The Three Shires and this incredible connection to his heritage is one of the reasons we were do thrilled to become the new operators of this historic venue.
We opened our first Bar on Elterwater Common in 2022 and took on the Stickle Barn from the National Trust in 2023.
We took posession of The three Shires in November 2024, thanks to James and Jan lloyd, James's Grandfather owned the Pub in the 1940's and a shared desire to protect the pub brought us together to ake the aquisition possible.
We are a community focused, local, independent company and hope you enjoy the gentle improvements we make to this already incredible venue.
So, why the Three Shires Inn?
At first glance, the name the Three Shires Inn may seem a little bit confusing.
We are, undoubtedly, in one ‘shire’, the wonderful county of Cumbria, so where does the name come from?
The answer goes back to 1974 when the English countries were reorganised and Cumberland, Westmorland and part of Lancashire were combined to form Cumbria.
Previously, the meeting point of all these counties was at the top of Wrynose Pass, which twists its way up the head of Little Langdale, and which was marked with a limestone monolith known as the Three Shire Stone.
Since being erected in 1860 it has had to contend with being knocked down and broken due to a substandard parking manoeuvre. However, the stone endures to this day and is a great starting point for a multitude of mountain adventures.
