Discover the Haunted History and Delicious Dining at Dockray Hall Penrith
- mrjosesol
- Nov 12, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 1, 2025
Discover Dockray Hall: One of Penrith’s Oldest Pubs, Said to be Haunted and Once Home to Richard III, Now Serving Fantastic Local Food and Real Ales
On my way back from Glasgow, I couldn’t resist stopping in Penrith. This lovely town in Cumbria is home to one of the most historic pubs in northern England: Dockray Hall.
According to Historic England, Dockray Hall dates back to “around 1470, but now mainly late 16th century”. It was “the traditional home of the Duke of Gloucester (later King Richard III).”
“Circa 1470, but now mainly late C16. Traditional home of the Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III).” (Historic England, List Entry 1312065)
From the moment you see Dockray Hall, it captures your attention. The building smells like history before you even step inside. It’s a pub with over 500 years of stories, where northern history and ghost legends intertwine. Locals say the pub is haunted. They even mention a secret tunnel that once linked it to nearby Penrith Castle. Perhaps it was used for escapes or clandestine visits. Who knows if it’s true? But it certainly adds a delightful touch of mystery!
A Rich History
Dockray Hall was once known as The Golden Lion and later as The Gloucester Arms, in honour of the Duke of Gloucester. Today, it retains its historical charm while offering a full Gastro Pub experience. You can enjoy good food, live music, and a fantastic selection of local drinks.
The Food
Menu
The menu is extensive and thoughtfully crafted. It’s printed on paper that looks like it’s from the past. There are options for vegetarians and those with gluten intolerance. They clearly indicate allergens, which is always helpful.
Service
On my visit, they seemed a bit short-staffed. However, the young woman serving both the bar and dining rooms was incredibly friendly. She kept us informed and made the wait enjoyable. I don’t recall her name, but she was lovely and knew the menu inside out. She suggested I try the daily specials, and I’m so glad I did! Gracias!!!
Starter
Baked Camembert with Sourdough and Caramelised Red Onion (£11.50)
This dish was delightful and came with a generous amount of bread. I asked for more, and it was no problem at all!
Soup of the Day
If there’s a soup of the day on the menu, I’m always in! When I visit a Spanish restaurant, the croquetas or tortilla de patatas can tell you a lot about the kitchen. For me, the "soup of the day" does the same in a pub.
Broccoli, Cauliflower & Applewood Cheddar Soup with seeded bread and butter (£7.50).
It had excellent flavour and texture, served hot and creamy. Perfect for a cold Cumbrian day!
Main Course
Chicken, Leek & Stilton Cheese Pie (£17.95).
This was simply amazing! I’m a big fan of traditional pies, and this one was fantastic. The crust was golden and flaky, while the filling was rich and creamy. I opted for mashed potatoes instead of chips, and it came with fresh vegetables, peas, cabbage, and kale. A generous portion, beautifully presented on a rustic grey ceramic plate.
Dessert
Sadly, I couldn’t indulge in dessert because I had to drive five more hours home. However, the Sticky Toffee Pudding with salted toffee sauce and ice cream (£7.95) looked incredible on the next table. It’s definitely something I’ll come back for!
Drinks
A half-pint of beer was £2.85, and soft drinks were £2.20. These are fair prices for the quality of the establishment.
The Pub and Its Legends
Dockray Hall is more than just a pub; it’s a piece of living history. Every corner tells a story: wooden beams, stone walls, and old portraits. It feels like a small museum where you can enjoy a beer.
At night, with the low lights and soft music, you can almost imagine a shadow of Richard III walking through the hall. Whether haunted or not, it’s a place full of charm and character.
Practical Info
Address: Great Dockray, Penrith CA11 7DE, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1768 398 389
Website: dockrayhall.com
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 4 pm–11 pm, Friday until midnight, weekends from noon.
Final Thoughts
Dockray Hall is a must-visit if you love good food, history, and a touch of mystery. It’s the perfect stop to rest, eat well, and imagine the stories that live within those old stone walls.
If you visit, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! And don’t forget to try the dessert for me! Keep eating... keep learning... Seguimos comiendo... Seguimos aprendiendo!!!
Sources:
Comments