Discover the Haunted History and Delicious Dining at Dockray Hall Penrith

mrjosesol
Nov 12
4 min read

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.

White historic building entrance with hanging baskets and lanterns. A sign reads "Dockray Hall historic pub & dining." Cozy and inviting. — Entrance to Dockray Hall, a historic pub showcasing charming traditional architecture, adorned with hanging plants and antique lanterns.

On my way back from Glasgow, I didn’t want to miss the chance to stop in Penrith, a lovely town in Cumbria, and have lunch in 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”, and 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)

People in a cozy, dark pub with Halloween decor like ghosts and bats. A woman and man talk; others sit nearby under dim lighting. Books and flowers. — Pub room decorated for Halloween, featuring a warm fireplace and vibrant autumnal accents, perfect for enjoying a relaxed gathering.

From the outside, the building already catches your eye. It smells like history before you even walk in. It’s a pub with more than 500 years of stories, where northern history and ghost legends meet.

Locals say the pub is haunted, and that there was once a secret tunnel linking it to nearby Penrith Castle, perhaps used for escape or secret visits. Nobody knows if it’s true, but it adds a nice touch of mystery.

Dockray Hall used to be called The Golden Lion, and later The Gloucester Arms, in honour of the Duke of Gloucester. Today it keeps its historical charm but offers the full Gastro Pub experience, good food, live music, and a great choice of local drinks.

The Food

Menu: The menu is wide and well thought out, printed on paper that looks like something from the past. There are options for vegetarians and people with gluten intolerance. They clearly show allergens, which is always helpful.

Service: That day, they seemed a bit short-staffed, but the young woman serving both the bar and dining rooms was really friendly. She kept us informed and made the wait pleasant. I don’t remember her name, but she was lovely and knew the menu very well. She suggested I try the daily specials, and I’m glad I did!!! Gracias!!!

Baked cheese with rosemary on parchment, fresh greens, crispy toast, and chutney on a gray plate. Wooden table setting, rustic feel. — Baked camembert cheese served with toasted bread, fresh greens, and a side of chutney, perfect as a delicious starter.

Starter:

Baked Camembert with Sourdough and Caramelised Red Onion (£11.50)
It was very good and came with a generous amount of bread. I asked for more, and it was no problem.

Soup of the Day:

If there’s a soup of the day on the menu, I’m always in!!! When you go to a Spanish restaurant, the croquetas or the tortilla de patatas can tell you a lot about the kitchen... for me, the "soup of the day" does the same in a pub.

Bowl of green soup with crusty bread and butter on a rustic wooden table. Vintage vibe, earthy colors, cozy dining setting. — A delicious bowl of soup made with broccoli, cauliflower, and applewood smoked cheddar cheese, accompanied by a slice of rustic bread and butter. I’m a huge soup lover, and this one was really good!!!

Broccoli, Cauliflower & Applewood Cheddar Soup with seeded bread and butter (£7.50). Excellent flavour and texture, served hot and creamy, perfect for a cold Cumbrian day.

Main Course:

Chicken, Leek & Stilton Cheese Pie (£17.95).
Simply amazing. I’m a big fan of traditional pies, and this one was fantastic. The crust was golden and flaky, the filling rich and creamy. I chose mashed potatoes instead of chips, and it came with fresh vegetables, peas, cabbage, and kale. A generous portion and beautifully presented on a rustic grey ceramic plate.

Plate with a slice of pie, mashed potatoes, and green peas with cabbage. Set on a rustic wooden table, evoking a cozy, hearty meal. — Traditional Chicken, Leek, and Stilton Pie served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh greens on a rustic plate.

Dessert: Sadly, I couldn’t have dessert because I had to drive five more hours home. But the Sticky Toffee Pudding with salted toffee sauce and ice cream (£7.95) looked incredible on the next table. Definitely something to come back for!!!

Drinks: Half a pint of beer was £2.85 and soft drinks £2.20, fair prices for the quality of the place.

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, old portraits… It feels like a small museum where you can have 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.

Jose Sol smiling next to Dockray Hall's chalkboard showing kitchen hours. Outdoor setting with wooden tables and pumpkins. Casual, welcoming mood. — Seguimos comiendo... Seguimos aprendiendo!!! Definitely a pub to visit!!!

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!!!

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