Our guide to a dog-friendly holiday in the Lake District, Cumbria

The Lake District, Cumbria, is a dream for dogs (believe us, we’ve checked!). Long walks, beaches to run on, lakes to swim in, and so much more await both you and your four-legged friend when visiting the area. If you’re planning on enjoying a holiday in the Lake District with your dog, here’s our guide on how to make the most of your trip.

Dog-friendly places to stay

There are so many pawsome dog friendly accommodation options across the Lake District, Cumbria, that you’ll be spoilt for choice! You don’t need to sacrifice comfort or style if you’re planning to travel with your pup: dog friendly options include luxury hotels, self catering cottages, cosy guesthouses and B&Bs, glamping, and plenty more.

And when we say dog friendly, we really do mean it! As well as all the home comforts for you, there are often little extras like towels for muddy paws, to cosy beds and treats. Some places even offer dog-sitting services, so you can enjoy dog-free dining or a night on the town.

Dog friendly hotels with spas include The Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, Rothay Garden Hotel & Spa, and the North Lakes Hotel & Spa; The Coppermines Lakes Cottages offer a number of dog-friendly self catering cottages; while Lake District Estates have some great camping and glamping options for you and your pooch.

Check out dog friendly accommodation here, and book your dream stay.

Dog-friendly places to eat

It’s no secret that our four-legged friends love a good meal, but if it’s your turn to enjoy some delicious dining, there are lots of eateries which will welcome both boots and paws! Many are at the end of a great dog friendly walk, too, if you’re hoping to tire them out first.

Whether it’s a cosy cafe, a country pub, or even a fine dining restaurant you’re after, there is sure to be one to suit your taste - and that of your discerning pup! The Temperance Inn in Ambleside has a dedicated doggy menu; Sedbergh’s Black Bull Inn, The Queen’s Head Askham, and Kirkstile Inn at Cockermouth are great pubs to visit with your dog; while Simon Rogan’s Henrock offers informally elegant dining – and dogs are welcome in the conservatory and on the terrace for lunch and afternoon tea.

Always check ahead, however with the abundance of dog friendly places to eat and drink across the area, you’re sure to find somewhere to relax and enjoy a well earned puppuccino alongside a cuppa or a locally brewed pint. Check out dog friendly places to eat and drink here.

Dog-friendly places to walk in the Lake District, Cumbria

Mountain hikes, accessible strolls, lakeside walks, sandy beach runs…there are so many places to let your dog blow off a little steam (and tick off a few wainwrights along the way!). Far flung walks are great for really getting away from it all; while there are picturesque paths around our beautiful towns and villages too. Then there are the fells: a dog’s dream, with walks as long or short as you want to make them.

As well as hilly landscapes, we’ve also got over 100 miles of coastline to explore, dotted with beautiful dog friendly beaches. This is the unofficial hiking capital of the country, so when it comes to finding an adventure to enjoy with your dog, the possibilities are endless.

Dog-friendly places to visit

Does your dog like a little cultural exploration just as much as you do? Fortunately for you both, a number of attractions across the Lake District, Cumbria, welcome dogs. Lowther Castle is a great dog friendly day out for all the family; Derwent Pencil Museum welcomes dogs on leads; the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway will let them travel in style; while they can feel the wind in their fur on Windermere Lake Cruises, Ullswater Steamers or Coniston Boating Centre.

These are just a few examples of the great places to visit with your dog; many more are happy to welcome pups.
 

Doggy Etiquette

To have the safest and most enjoyable time with your pup in the Lake District, Cumbria, here are a few of our top tips:

• Respect other visitors by keeping dogs under close control.
• Be vigilant around livestock: keep your dog on a lead and give farm animals plenty of space.
• Protect our beautiful wildlife and also your pet, by keeping dogs on a lead and respecting any official signage restricting access.
• Protect against animal and insect bites, particularly in long grass.
• Pick up after your pooch: make sure you have enough waste bags, and dispose of them in appropriately labelled bins.
• Always check whether water is safe for your dog to swim in ahead of visiting

Looking for more tips and ideas on visiting the Lake District, Cumbria, with your dog? Check out our free dog-friendly guide here.