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Dog walk

We dog-lovers know how important it is to find somewhere we can spend a great dog-friendly holiday!

Dogs are a big part of our families, so we’ve rounded up some of the best, most dog-friendly places to have your adventures in the Lakes with your 4-legged friend.

Over 65 of our lodges are dog-friendly!

Have a browse of our dog-friendly lodges

1. Dog-friendly Pubs:

We all love a walk with our dogs – and one that includes a dog-friendly pub along the route, or at the end is absolutely crucial!

Here are 17 of our favourites, but there are lots to choose from…

The Drunken Duck, Barngates, Ambleside: This traditional dog-friendly Lakeland pub stands at a crossroads high above Ambleside on the way to Tarn Hows. Have a walk here with the pooch, then call in for some of their home-brewed beer, and try the award-winning food. (Dogs in the bar only)

The Britannia, Elterwater: This 400-year-old inn welcomes everyone: dogs and children included. Great beer and food. Lovely walk around Elterwater and up the river before or after completes your day.

The Mortal Man, Troutbeck: One of our locals – set on a peaceful hillside in the Troutbeck Valley, with panoramic views, log fires, dog-friendly and a beer garden with fantastic views across the Troutbeck Valley. Last time we were there we heard a cuckoo calling across the valley.

The Wild Boar, Crook Road, between Windermere & Kendal: onsite Grill & Smokehouse; specialising in local produce. Onsite brewhouse with craft ales, open fires and rooms of character. The steaks here are incredible!

Dog lying down in beer garden

Glen Rothay & Badger Bar – between Ambleside & Grasmere: 17th Century Roadside inn, next to Rydal Water, perfect after a stroll around Grasmere & Rydal. It’s a quirky spot, with ancient bar rooms, fresh food and local ales, and some outdoor seating. Right next to Dora’s Meadow.

The Dog & Gun, Keswick: One of the oldest pubs in the area, always been dog-friendly, world-famous ales and goulash! Along with lots of other great local food. Right in the heart of Keswick town square.

The Tower Bank Arms, Far Sawrey, Hawkshead: Of course, this is the setting for The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck, and offers local food & Cumbrian Ales. Dogs are welcome, with free treats at the bar, and water available. Walks of all kinds right from the door. You can’t beat sitting by the fire here with a foaming pint after a great walk around Beatrix Potter country.

Dog walk with couple

The Cuckoo Brow Inn, Far Sawrey, Hawkshead. They tell us: ‘Muddy Boots, wet dogs and children welcome’. Food in the bar area with log fire. 2 minutes from ferry & 10 minutes from Hawkshead and 3/4 mile walk from Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top.

Sticklebarn Inn, Langdale: Great location in the heart of the Langdale valley, good local walks, good food, ales and fires to warm you. Large outdoor patio and seating area for sunny days and great views.

The Angel Inn, Bowness: Dogs allowed in the front lounge areas, but not the main restaurant. Real ale and good local food, log fire.

The Punch Bowl, Crosthwaite: Dogs in the bar area and outside but not in the main restaurant. Real foodie heaven, great menu, and atmosphere.

Black Labrador, Underbarrow: Dogs of all types welcome not just black labs! Traditional 16th Century Inn, with modern dining wing, recently added. Great food and atmosphere and good outside seating area.

The Fizzy Tarte, Bowness:

This rather gorgeous wine bar, for cocktails, champagne and afternoon tea and bar welcomes dogs. Woof!

Wateredge Inn Bar and Garden, Ambleside: A fabulous location literally on the water’s edge at Waterhead, Ambleside. Great spot for some food, a drink and lots of outside space to enjoy.

Sticklebarn, Langdale, Ambleside: This fantastically located National Trust owned pub welcomes muddy boots, dogs, children and serves fabulous ales and food.

The Golden Rule Ambleside, is a hidden gem of Ambleside, tucked away from the main road, it is popular amongst local residents and holidaymakers, welcoming walkers, mountain bikers, climbers and writers and of course, their dogs.

The Ship Inn Coniston is a great pub to eat or drink at, and dogs are welcome in the bar. The pub is close by to Coniston Old Man and its range of walking trails, and not far from Tarn Hows.

2. Dog-Friendly Visitor Attractions:

As you would expect, lots of tourism attractions welcome dogs, here’s just a small selection:

Windermere Lake Cruises welcomes well-behaved dogs!

You can take your dog on its lead, and he or she gets a ticket, but it’s a free ride! They are even welcome on the self-drive motorboats or row-boats, but please keep them on a lead as we have heard stories about dogs being lost in the water chasing after wild birds..

Brockhole-On-Windermere Visitor Centre welcomes dogs, with plenty of space for them to enjoy the grounds, although they must be kept on a lead at all times. Dogsare notallowedin the café but they areallowed on the café terrace.

At Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway dogs are welcome with well-behaved owners! Don’t forget though this is a noisy steam train which may make your pooch jump, so best to be kept on a lead.

Ullswater Steamers:Dogs are welcome on a lead, all year round.

Coniston Launch, and Steam Yacht Gondola bothbeautiful vessels are based on Coniston Water, and welcome dogs. (outer decks only)

The fantastic setting of the Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden also welcomes dogs on leads.

Grizedale & Whinlatter Forests both welcome dogs on leads, and there are seating areas outside the cafes to enjoy a brew and a snack with your pooch.

The gorgeous steam Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway welcomes dogs for £1.50 a ticket and they receive a welcome pack, including poop bags -please use them!

Petiquette:

We love taking our dogs out on a walk in the fresh air. Just remember to always keep your dog on a lead around fields & livestock. As dog owners, we all have a responsibility to manage and control our dogs.

Sheep & lambs: Sheep will see your dog as a threat to their young & themselves, even if it isn’t. If chased, sheep and lambs can become very distressed to the point where the stress can kill them and even cause sheep to abort her young. Simply keep your dog on its lead.

Cattle: Unlike sheep, cows are curious and might inspect your pet. If their young or themselves feel threatened by your pet, they may charge towards you in defence. Drop your dog lead and run to safety. Your pet will be able to outrun any danger by itself.

Wildlife: Cumbria is home to deer, badgers, squirrels, ducks, birds and other wildlife. Don’t allow your pet to harass or chase them, and respect any official restrictions signage you come across during breeding seasons etc.

Dog Poop! Not a subject any of us like, but please carry a poop bag with you and dispose of any waste in the proper bins provided. If you find yourself without a bag, why not ask another dog walker for one, or try to remove any waste from public paths.

Whatever you do with your stay, have a brilliant time, and enjoy your dog-friendly trip to the Lakes.

Book your dog friendly lodge here