Paws & Peaks:

There’s a special kind of magic in the rolling fells and shimmering waters of the Lake District. It’s a place that has captured the hearts of poets, artists, and adventurers for centuries, and its popularity as a world-class holiday destination shows no signs of waning. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the stunning Cumbria region of England, draws visitors from across the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond, all seeking a taste of its dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and serene atmosphere.

But what if you could share that magic with your most loyal companion? Increasingly, travelers are discovering that a holiday isn’t complete without their four-legged friend by their side. And why should it be? The bond between a pet and its owner is one of life’s great joys. They are part of the family. Leaving them behind can feel like leaving a piece of yourself at home. Taking your dog on holiday transforms a simple break into a shared adventure, strengthening that incredible bond and creating memories that will last a lifetime. A change of scenery isn’t just stimulating for us; it’s a sensory playground for our canine friends. Imagine the sheer delight on your dog’s face as they explore new trails, splash in the cool, clear water of a lake, and breathe in the fresh, crisp mountain air. It’s a fabulous and enriching experience for them, and seeing their happiness adds a whole new, joyful dimension to your own holiday.

The Lake District, with its endless miles of walking paths, dog-friendly pubs, and welcoming atmosphere, is arguably the UK’s most perfect destination for a canine-inclusive getaway. From the vast expanse of Lake Windermere to the tranquil beauty of Coniston Water, and from the ancient mystery of Castlerigg Stone Circle to the bustling market towns of Keswick and Ambleside, this is a region that invites exploration. It’s a landscape steeped in literary history, where you can walk the very paths that inspired the romantic poetry of William Wordsworth and the charming tales of Beatrix Potter. So, pack the lead, the treats, and a sense of adventure. Here is our thoroughly researched guide to the top 10 dog-friendly holiday locations and accommodations in the glorious Lake District.

1. Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, Bassenthwaite

For those seeking a touch of grandeur and luxury, Armathwaite Hall is in a class of its own. This magnificent former stately home is set on the serene shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, offering a truly upscale experience for both you and your dog. Surrounded by 400 acres of private deer park and woodland, it provides an incredible sense of space and freedom.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer beautiful colours and pleasant walking weather.

Typical Weather: Summers are mild (15-19°C / 59-66°F), while winters are cold and can be snowy on the fells.

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Special Attractions: The hotel boasts a luxurious spa with an infinity pool (for humans only!), fine dining, and is just a short drive from the popular town of Keswick and the challenging but rewarding Catbells fell walk.

Why It’s Great: It’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic and indulgent escape where their dog is treated like royalty. The sheer scale of the grounds means you can enjoy long walks without even leaving the estate.

Food Recommendation: The hotel’s Courtyard Bar & Brasserie offers a relaxed, dog-friendly dining experience with a superb menu.

Accommodation Details: Dog-friendly rooms are spacious and have easy access to the grounds. They provide a dog bed, bowls, and treats. Prices for dog-friendly rooms start from approximately £260 / $354 per night.

2. Rothay Manor, Ambleside

This stylish, recently refurbished manor house hotel offers a boutique and sophisticated base from which to explore the heart of the Lake District. Located close to the northern tip of Lake Windermere and the bustling town of Ambleside, Rothay Manor combines modern luxury with a genuinely warm welcome for dogs.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) is fantastic for enjoying the long days and the lively atmosphere of Ambleside.

Typical Weather: Ambleside is a great base year-round, but be prepared for rain at any time – it’s what keeps the landscape so green!

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Special Attractions: Ambleside is a hub for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can take a dog-friendly cruise on Lake Windermere, explore the shops, or visit the quirky Bridge House. It’s also a great starting point for the Howtown to Glenridding walk.

Why It’s Great: Ideal for food-loving couples and solo travelers who want to be close to the action while still having a luxurious retreat. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant has a dedicated dog-friendly dining area.

Food Recommendation: Dine in style at the hotel’s 3 AA Rosette restaurant. For a more casual bite, the Apple Pie Café in Ambleside is a local institution and has dog-friendly seating.

Accommodation Details: Several of their beautifully designed rooms are dog-friendly. The hotel provides a dog bed, towel, and welcome treats. Prices start from around £220 / $300 per night.

3. The Wild Boar Estate, Windermere

If you’re looking for a cozy, traditional inn with a touch of rustic luxury, The Wild Boar is an exceptional choice. Tucked away in the beautiful Gilpin Valley near Windermere, this five-star inn is steeped in character and boasts its own 72-acre private woodland, making it a paradise for dogs and their owners.

Best Time to Visit: Autumn is particularly magical here, with the woodlands turning golden and the open fires roaring in the bar.

Typical Weather: The sheltered valley location offers some protection from the elements, making it a cozy retreat even on a wild Cumbrian day.

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Special Attractions: The inn has its own smokehouse and micro-brewery. Guests can enjoy off-lead trekking in the private woodland, clay pigeon shooting, and are just a stone’s throw from the dog-friendly cruises on Lake Windermere.

Why It’s Great: Perfect for groups of friends and couples who appreciate good food, fine ales, and a classic country inn atmosphere. The extensive private woodland is a major bonus for energetic dogs.

Food Recommendation: The Grill & Smokehouse restaurant is renowned for its hearty, delicious food, with a focus on local and seasonal produce. You must try their steak and ale pie.

Accommodation Details: Dogs are welcome in several of the individually styled rooms, which feature traditional décor and modern comforts. Prices start from approximately £200 / $272 per night.

4. Leeming House, Ullswater

Set in 22 acres of beautiful gardens that slope down to the shores of Ullswater, often cited as England’s most beautiful lake, Leeming House offers breathtaking scenery and a sense of peaceful seclusion. This 19th-century country house hotel provides a grand yet welcoming base for exploring the quieter, northern part of the Lake District.

Best Time to Visit: May and June, when the days are long, the crowds are smaller than in summer, and the surrounding fells are lush and green.

Typical Weather: Ullswater has its own dramatic weather patterns. You can experience all four seasons in a day, which is all part of the charm.

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Special Attractions: Take a trip on the dog-friendly Ullswater ‘Steamers’, which cruise the full length of the lake. The hotel is also close to the mighty Aira Force waterfall and the challenging ascents of Little and Great Mell Fell.

Why It’s Great: An idyllic choice for couples seeking romance and tranquility, and for solo travelers wanting to escape the hustle and bustle. The direct access to the lake and extensive grounds are a dog’s dream.

Food Recommendation: The hotel’s AA Rosette Regency Restaurant offers fine dining, and they even have a dedicated doggy menu for your pampered pooch.

Accommodation Details: The hotel offers specific dog-friendly executive rooms with direct garden access. A comfy bed, bowls, and a water station are provided for your furry friend. Prices start from around £180 / $245 per night.

5. The Black Swan, Ravenstonedale

Situated just outside the national park, between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, The Black Swan is a gem of a discovery. This 19th-century inn offers award-winning food, a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere, and a stunning riverside location in the tranquil village of Ravenstonedale. It’s a paradise for walkers.

Best Time to Visit: A great year-round destination, but particularly lovely in the spring when the Dales are full of wildflowers and lambs.

Typical Weather: The weather can be wild and windswept, which is perfect for blowing the cobwebs away on a long walk before returning to a cozy fire.

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Special Attractions: The inn is surrounded by fantastic walking country. You can explore the rolling Howgill Fells or the beautiful riverside paths. Keep an eye out for the resident red squirrels!

Why It’s Great: This is the perfect spot for serious walkers and their dogs. It’s ideal for groups of friends on a walking holiday or couples who want to get away from it all and enjoy some of the best food in the region.

Food Recommendation: The 2 AA Rosette restaurant is a major draw. Dogs are welcome in the cozy bar area where you can enjoy the same fantastic menu.

Accommodation Details: The Black Swan has several beautifully appointed dog-friendly rooms. Prices are very reasonable, starting from approximately £130 / $177 per night.

6. A visit to the home of Beatrix Potter

No literary tour of the Lake District is complete without paying homage to Beatrix Potter. Her charming stories and beautiful illustrations of characters like Peter Rabbit were directly inspired by the landscape and animals around her beloved home, Hill Top. This 17th-century farmhouse, located in the lovely village of Near Sawrey, was her sanctuary and her artistic inspiration. Today, it is managed by the National Trust and preserved as a time capsule of her life, appearing as if she has just stepped out for a walk. While dogs are not allowed inside the house itself, they are welcome on a lead in the garden and around the village, where you can spot many of the scenes from her books.

Best Time to Visit: The garden at Hill Top is at its best from late spring through summer. Book your tickets in advance as entry is timed and it’s very popular.

Typical Weather: Expect typical Lake District weather – a mix of sunshine and showers!

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Special Attractions: The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere is a magical experience, especially for families (assistance dogs only).

Why It’s Great: A must for literature lovers and those with a sense of nostalgia. It’s a wonderful experience for solo travelers and couples interested in history and culture.

Food Recommendation: The nearby Tower Bank Arms is a historic pub that was featured in The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. It’s owned by the National Trust and is very dog-friendly, serving hearty pub classics.

Accommodation Recommendations: The Cuckoo Brow Inn in Far Sawrey is a fantastic, dog-friendly pub with rooms, just a short walk from Hill Top. They are known for their warm welcome to four-legged guests. Prices start from around £140 / $190 per night.

7. Walk in Wordsworth’s Footsteps in Grasmere

“I wandered lonely as a Cloud…” It was in the heart of the Lake District, in the picturesque village of Grasmere, that William Wordsworth wrote some of his most famous poetry. You can visit Dove Cottage, the humble home where he and his sister Dorothy lived from 1799 to 1808. The cottage has been beautifully restored to appear as it would have in their day. Next door, the Wordsworth Museum offers a fascinating insight into the poet’s life and the Romantic movement. While dogs can’t go inside the cottage or museum, the village of Grasmere and the surrounding area are a walker’s paradise and perfect for exploring with your canine companion.

Best Time to Visit: Autumn in Grasmere is stunning, with the fells turning shades of gold and bronze. It’s a quieter time to visit than the summer months.

Typical Weather: Grasmere is nestled amongst high fells, so it can be quite sheltered, but it’s always wise to pack waterproofs.

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Special Attractions: Walk around Grasmere lake and Rydal Water, visit Wordsworth’s grave in the churchyard, and of course, sample the world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread.

Why It’s Great: Essential for poetry and literature enthusiasts. The gentle walks around the lakes are perfect for older dogs and those who prefer a leisurely pace.

Food Recommendation: You cannot leave Grasmere without trying the spicy-sweet Grasmere Gingerbread, made from a secret recipe since 1854. The shop is tiny, but the gingerbread is legendary. Many of the village pubs, like The Good Sport, are dog-friendly.

Accommodation Recommendations: The Daffodil Hotel & Spa, located on the edge of the village, offers contemporary luxury and has specific dog-friendly rooms with patios. Prices start from around £250 / $340 per night.

8. Discover the Ancient Mystery of Castlerigg Stone Circle

For a touch of ancient history and one of the most dramatic views in the Lake District, a visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle is a must. Dating back to the late Neolithic period, around 4,500 years ago, this is one of Britain’s earliest and most impressive stone circles. Composed of 38 large stones, it sits on a prominent hill to the east of Keswick, with a breathtaking panoramic backdrop of mountains, including Helvellyn and High Seat. It’s a place of immense atmosphere and a fantastic spot for a dog walk with a difference.

Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset, when the low light casts long shadows from the stones and illuminates the surrounding fells. It’s a photographer’s dream.

Typical Weather: It’s a very exposed site, so it can be extremely windy. Wrap up warm, even in summer!

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Special Attractions: The location itself is the main attraction. It’s managed by English Heritage and is free to enter. The nearby market town of Keswick is famously one of the most dog-friendly towns in the UK.

Why It’s Great: Perfect for history buffs, photographers, and anyone looking for a spiritual or atmospheric experience. The open space is great for dogs to have a good run around (on a lead, as there are often sheep grazing nearby).

Food Recommendation: Head into Keswick after your visit. The Dog & Gun pub is a legendary local haunt, famous for its incredibly dog-friendly policy and its delicious Goulash.

Accommodation Recommendations: The Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa by Derwentwater offers luxury accommodation and a stunning spa. They have a number of dog-friendly rooms and are just a short drive from Castlerigg. Prices start from around £280 / $380 per night.

9. Explore the Beauty of Coniston Water

Coniston Water has a more tranquil and perhaps more authentic feel than its bustling neighbour, Windermere. This beautiful five-mile-long lake is surrounded by stunning fells, including the famous ‘Old Man of Coniston’. The area is rich in history, from its past as a copper mining hub to its association with the writer and artist John Ruskin, and the speed record attempts of Donald Campbell.

Best Time to Visit: Summer is a great time to enjoy the water, with opportunities for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Typical Weather: The weather can change quickly, so always be prepared for a sudden shower, even on a sunny day.

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Special Attractions: Take a dog-friendly trip on the Coniston Launch or the Steam Yacht Gondola. Hike up the Old Man of Coniston for spectacular views. Visit the Ruskin Museum to learn about the area’s history.

Why It’s Great: A fantastic destination for active travelers. The variety of activities, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain hikes, makes it suitable for all fitness levels and dog breeds.

Food Recommendation: The Black Bull Inn & Brewery in the village of Coniston is a historic pub that brews its own beer and serves excellent, locally sourced food. It has a dog-friendly bar area.

Accommodation Recommendations: The Coniston Inn is a newly refurbished hotel right on the shores of the lake. It’s incredibly dog-friendly, with dogs welcome in the bar, restaurant, and many of the rooms. Prices start from around £150 / $204 per night.

10. The Dunes Hotel, South Lakes

Located just south of the main national park, The Dunes Hotel offers a different but equally beautiful Lake District experience. It’s a modern, comfortable hotel that provides a fantastic base for exploring the quieter South Lakes and the stunning coastline of the Furness Peninsula. It’s a home-away-from-home that prides itself on its warm welcome to four-legged guests.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early summer, when the nearby sandy beaches are perfect for long dog walks.

Typical Weather: The coastal location means it can be breezy, but it also often enjoys its own sunnier microclimate.

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Special Attractions: The hotel is a short distance from the sandy dunes of Roanhead, a fantastic National Trust beach where dogs can run free. It’s also close to the historic town of Dalton-in-Furness and the South Lakes Safari Zoo.

Why It’s Great: An excellent choice for families and those who want to combine a Lake District holiday with a coastal break. The ground-floor dog-friendly rooms with easy outdoor access are a major plus.

Food Recommendation: The hotel’s own restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience. For a great dog-friendly pub lunch, try The Black Dog Inn in the nearby village of Broughton-in-Furness.

Accommodation Details: The hotel has 18 acres of grounds to explore. They offer specific dog-friendly rooms on the ground floor for convenience. Prices start from a very competitive £110 / $150 per night.

A Final Thought

The Lake District is more than just a place; it’s a feeling. It’s the satisfaction of reaching a summit with your faithful friend by your side, the peace of a quiet lakeside stroll, and the cozy warmth of a country pub after a day on the fells. Sharing this world-class landscape with your dog is an experience that enriches the soul and creates a tapestry of memories you’ll both cherish forever. So, what are you waiting for? The fells are calling.

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