Dog-Friendly Lake District
The stunning Lake District isn't just for human hikers. With miles of trails, refreshing lakes for doggy paddle, and plenty of pet-friendly pubs and accommodation, this national park is a haven for our furry friends too. Unleash your dog's inner explorer and discover more about why a trip to the Lakes is the perfect getaway for families with pets.
Dog-friendly walks
From lakeside strolls to rugged fells, the Lake District has almost endless opportunities for dog walking. We think this short list of our favourites will leave your furry friends with wagging tails.
Grasmere and Allan Bank
Once home to poet William Wordsworth, the peaceful village of Grasmere is surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful woodlands. There are lots of places to take your dog for a stroll around here, including through 19th-century pleasure grounds (keep them on a lead if you think they’re likely to try chasing the resident red squirrels). One bonus of coming here is that you can take your dog in when you visit the inside of Allan Bank House, which has an eclectic art gallery and indoor picnic space for rainy days.
Fell Foot, Windermere
Take a walk around the southern end of the national park’s largest lake at Fell Foot, a peaceful stretch of parkland where dogs can roam, relax and join you for a paddle. Dogs are allowed throughout the park, including in the Boathouse café, and off-lead running is usually possible in the south meadow (as long as there are no cows grazing when you visit). If your dog likes to go into the water, please keep an eye out for blue-green algae, as this blooms every now and again in the summer months on Windermere and can be dangerous to pets.
Grizedale and Whinlatter Forest Parks
Both of these forest parks are great for dog walks, with many miles of waymarked trails to explore. While much of the countryside in the Lake District is grazed by sheep, which some dogs may find distracting, there are none to be seen around here (although it’s worth noting that both locations are very popular with cyclists).
You’re sure to find more adventures that correspond to your dog’s agility and fitness level on our pages on other walks in the Lake District and challenging hikes around the national park.
Dog-friendly pubs
Many – and in some places, most – of the pubs in the Lake District welcome dogs. You won’t have to travel far to find somewhere you can stop for a drink or meal with your four-legged pal (although some places do ask that dogs stay in the beer garden or in the bar area). Three of our tried-and-tested favourites are listed below.
Mortal Man, Troutbeck
This popular pub is a couple of miles to the east of Windermere in the peaceful village of Troutbeck (careful when navigating here – there are two places called Troutbeck in the Lake District and they’re quite far apart).
Dogs are allowed throughout, whether you opt for the spacious grounds on sunny days or a place by one of the three roaring fireplaces when the weather is dreary. After drinks and a meal, you can blow away the cobwebs with a walk – several footpaths are right on the pub’s doorstep, and they even sell a booklet of their favourite routes behind the bar.
The Wateredge Inn, Ambleside
As its name suggests, The Wateredge Inn is located mere metres from the northern edge of Windermere – in fact, the pub even has its own private jetty. Dogs are very much welcome here, and have ample space to relax with their owners both inside and in the open air, where there’s a large lakeside beer garden.
The pub prides itself on its friendly and informal atmosphere – there’s no need to book, so just turn up and you’ll be warmly welcomed by the friendly team.
Old Dungeon Ghyll, Great Langdale
This traditional climbers’ hotel and bar is located in the small village of Great Langdale, a cosy spot surrounded by mighty peaks like Bowfell and Scafell Pike.
With over a century of mountaineering tradition to its name, the bar is a favourite with locals, hardy hillwalkers who stop here to exchange stories and visitors looking for somewhere a little different for their pint. Dogs are welcome in the bar, and Old Dungeon Ghyll’s regular live folk music nights will certainly have you leaving with a spring in your step.
Dog-Friendly places to go
There’s no shortage of dog-friendly things to do in the Lakes, but you might want to consider these options:
Dog-friendly beaches
The Cumbrian coast, a short distance to the west of the Lake District National Park, makes an excellent day out for you and your dog. Dog-friendly beaches within driving distance of the Lake District include St Bees, Haverigg and Arnside, all of which have large stretches of sand where four-legged friends can run free.
Dog-friendly castles
Historic houses aren’t usually known for their dog- riendliness, but the Lake District has two such attractions where dogs are free to explore the grounds. If you’re in the west, check out Muncaster Castle, and if you’re in the north and west, visit the stunning landscaped scenery at Lowther Castle and Gardens.
Dog-friendly train rides
Your pet can join you as you roll through the countryside on either the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway or the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. Well-behaved dogs can travel for free on the former steam railway, while on the latter they’ll require their own ticket.
Preparing for dog-friendly Lake District trips
While the Lake District makes an excellent choice for getaways with your pet, it’s worth considering the following factors:
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Sheep are common throughout the Lake District, and are often seen roaming over the national park’s extensive upland areas. Make sure that your dog is on a lead or under close control at all times whenever sheep are present. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and follow the Countryside Code.
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Keep an eye out for warnings and sightings of blue-green algae, as this can be very harmful to both dogs and people. Find out more about how to spot blue-green algae for peace of mind.
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Bring a tick removal kit in case your dog gets bitten (these can be picked up at most local pharmacies), especially if your dog likes jumping through long grass or heather. Leaving an embedded tick for an extended period of time increases the likelihood of your dog developing lyme disease, which can be dangerous. Make sure that you also bring a kit for yourself (and keep them separate for hygiene reasons).
Dog-friendly places to stay
