The Lake District makes for the pawfect dog-friendly escape. Whether you choose to hike in the fells, enjoy gentle strolls around the beautiful lakes, or visit the magnificent castles and gardens in the area, the dog-friendly Lake District is packed with adventure.
Within this article, we explore our top tips for the Lake District, so you to head out on your holiday like a Lake District ex-pawt!
1. Plan Your Dog-Friendly Walks and Hikes in the Lake District
The dog-friendly Lake District is best known for its breathtaking views and incredible dog walks. Whether you are choosing to embark on a thrilling hike or wander around one of the stunning lakes, we recommend you plan your days out in advance. After all, it’s important your route of choice is dog-friendly and best for your adventurous canine’s capabilities (as well as yours!).
The Coniston area is fantastic for walks with your furry friend. Here, you will discover walking trails that are easy or challenging, depending on your preference! Below we include our favourite Lakeside and woodland trails, as well as some amazing exhilarating hikes to embark on.
Lakeside walks:
- Derwentwater Circuit in Keswick: A delightful 10-mile walk on mostly flat terrain around the Keswick lake. You will love the mix of both woodland and shoreline during your adventure.
- Rydal Water: An iconic and picturesque walk that the whole family will enjoy. It starts and ends at the same place – White Moss car park. Therefore, this walking route is lovely and manageable for a leisurely stroll!
- Ullswater Trail: One of the most popular spots in the Lake District for those who wish to witness true mother nature. The main paths include flat and simple terrain surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- Loweswater Circuit: This lovely and peaceful stroll is growing in popularity, but it’s still very much a hidden gem. If you are visiting in May, you will witness the beautiful bluebells that grow here – and maybe even a rare red squirrel!
Forest and Woodland Walks:
- Grizedale Forest: A top destination for many dog lovers and their four-legged friends who love a magical woodland walk. Within this peaceful valley you will discover ten trails with different levels of difficulty so there is something for every ability! The easiest trails to take include: Millwood Trail (0.7 miles), Bogle Crag Trail (4-miles), and the Tarn Trail (4-miles).
- Whinlatter Forest: The Whinlatter Forest ticks all the boxes – it’s good for family walks with children, a stroll to witness fantastic views, or even challenging forest treks if you choose.
- Aira Force: From splashing in streams to walking through the woodlands spotting wildlife, you can make special memories together in Aira Force. There are even water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding!
Hikes:
- Scarfell Pike: We couldn’t mention hike without Scarfell Pike. It’s England’s highest mountain and one of the National Park’s most legendary sights to behold! Of course, this is one for experienced walkers and their adventurous furry friends. But a truly rewarding experience you will never forget!
- Dodd Fell: An exhilarating walk for experienced dog walkers looking for more of a challenge! This high point across the fells leads you both through Dodd Wood and scaling up summits. You will be rewarded with unforgettable scenery throughout the 2 hour hike.
- Hawes End and Cat Bells: A 7.1km circular trail near Keswick that is considered a moderately challenging walk. It’s a favourite for hikers and their four-legged friends particularly between February through to October. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views across Cat Bells after the scramble.
- Sale Fell: Just 8 miles from Keswick and around 1,200 feet high, Sale Fell is one of the Lake District’s smaller fells. It’s ideal for adventurers who are looking to conquer a great peak but without over-exertion! The 4 miles up and down the fell can be achieved in around 2 hours. You’ll appreciate the wonderful views of Bassenthwaite Lake from the very top.
There are hundreds of dog walking opportunities in the Lake District with incredible views. These are just a few! No matter which you choose to take with your beloved canine companion, just remember to take along their water and treats for the journey.
2. Visit magnificent castles!
The Lake District is not just home to hikes and lakeside walks, but also magnificent castles to explore.
Muncaster Castle
Within the town of Ravenglass on Cumbria’s west coast, Muncaster Castle is a fantastic day out for families with their four-legged friends. A national heritage property for England, the marvellous Castle is surrounded by beautifully historic gardens to venture around.
While dogs are not allowed within the castle itself, they will love exploring around the gardens in the meantime with another family member as you take it in turns. You will all enjoy the spectacular views of the River Esk that can be found as you wander around the gardens that date back centuries. Plus, there are 70-acres of woodland to explore here too – that’s sure to set tails wagging!
Brougham Castle
Alternatively, you can take a trip to the English Heritage, Brougham Castle near Penrith. This 13th-century property and historic site is a fantastic day out, where you can discover the history and explore spiral staircases and ruined passages with your furry friend by your side. Good news is – your four-legged friend is welcomed almost everywhere here as long as they are on a lead. (Just not the private lands around the River Eamont).
3. Stroll around Historic Houses and Estates
The Lake District is home to elegant historic houses and estates with serene gardens surrounded by picturesque landscapes. These beautiful estates allow you to escape reality and explore the extraordinary during your dog-friendly holiday.
Hutton in the Forest
A dog-friendly attraction where your canine companion will be welcomed in with a gravy bone at the entrance. Expect to be wowed by beautiful architecture, stunning walled gardens, and exciting woodlands to explore when you visit Hutton-in-the-Forest. Within the walled garden, you can discover the wild collection of herbal plants together, or you could stroll through the wooded areas and spot a variety of specimen trees.
Brantwood House and Estate
Discovered on the banks of glistening Coniston Water, the estate sits on 250-acres of grounds encompassed by tranquil and peaceful views. The Brantwood House estate was once home to John Ruskin – a 19th-century social reformer and thinker. This magnificent house pays tribute to his admiration of art and botany.
While your pup is not permitted within the house itself, they will enjoy exploring the landscapes, woodlands, and wonderful gardens the property boasts. They are also welcome within the Coffee House that will happily give water bowls to your furry friend as you marvel at the amazing panoramic views.
Holker Hall and Garden, Grange-Over-Sands
One of the most-loved stately homes in the UK that has been the home of Lord Cavendish’s family for over 400 years. The pleasure gardens are remarkable and contain water features like a landstone cascade. The art and antique furniture within the Halker Hall are also not to be missed when you pay a visit. Your furry friend is welcome through the gardens, park, and cafe here, as long as they remain on their lead.
Allan Bank and Grasmere
A national trust property that welcomes dogs inside the house as well as within the grounds! Therefore, this one is the pawfect property to visit with your furry friend. Allan Bank and Grasmere is a great retreat to escape the hustle and bustle, where you can experience fantastic views of Grasmere and wander through woodlands spotting red squirrels!
Mirehouse and Gardens
Just a stone’s throw away from Keswick sits the 17th century Mirehouse and Gardens. The lovely restored gardens include a bee garden and a wildflower meadow. If you are bringing children along, they will have lots of fun exploring the heather maze! The estate is open between April and October and is home to a variety of walking trails where dogs are welcomed on a lead.
4. Dog-Friendly Places to Eat and Drink in the Lake District
If you are planning a dog-friendly holiday in Cumbria, we recommend taking note of the best dog-friendly places to eat and drink first. Luckily, the Lake District is known for being su-paw dog-friendly. Many of their pubs, cafes, and restaurants extending a warm welcome to furry members of the family.
- The Crown Inn, Pooley Bridge: Delight in the incredible views from the terrace in the summer, and savour delicious food by the cosy fire in the winter. The Crown Inn is the pawfect stop after a long walk along Ullswater.
- The Howard Arms, Brampton: Full of historical charm, furry companions are welcomed within the friendly bar and gardens of The Howard Arms. The dinner menu boasts tasty pub classics, as well as delicious Sunday roast dinners with all the trimmings!
- The Wasdale Head Inn: Close to Scarfell Pike, this historic and homely pub has plenty of character. The ideal place to stop for a refreshment after taking on the hike!
- The Mortal Man: One of the best dog-friendly pubs near Windermere. You will be drooling like your pooch for the delicious pub food and range of ales and real ciders The Mortal Man provides. Plus, there are some breathtaking views to enjoy here too.
5. Where To Stay in the Lake District
The dog-friendly Lake District is one of the most beautiful places to stay in the UK. This extends to their wide variety of beautiful dog-friendly properties. From the best dog-friendly hotels to cosy holiday cottages where you can unwind after a day full of adventures. Some of our favourite accommodations in the area include:
- The Dunes Hotel, Burrow-in-Furness: A true home away from home! The Dunes Hotel is fully dog welcoming and surrounded by natural beauty. It’s just a short distance from the lovely sandy dunes of Roanhead, a national trust dog-friendly beach.
- Merewood Country House Hotel, Windermere: Set in an elevated position overlooking Lake Windermere, the Merewood Country House Hotel is an oasis of comfort, warmth, and relaxation.
- Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, Keswick: Nestled in the serene shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, Armathwaite Hall Hotel beckons both you and your dog to indulge in a truly memorable holiday experience. Your pup will absolutely love exploring the 400 acres of estate and sniffing around the beautiful lake.
- Glassonby Old Hall, Rowley Estate, Penrith: The whimsical dog-friendly Glassonby Old Hall is pawfect for pampered pooches seeking adventure and luxury in the idyllic Eden Valley. Expect cosy, rustic furnishings and simple elegance which allows this restored cottage’s beauty to shine through!
Dog-Friendly Holidays to the Lake District with PetsPyjamas
There is a reason why dog owners rejoice in a holiday to the beautiful Lake District. It’s home to beautiful lakes, fells, woodlands, and an array of dog-friendly beaches too. The stunning destination really ticks every box. Whether you stay in one of our dog-friendly cottages or a dog-friendly hotel, you will have a fantastic base for exploring everything this picturesque region has to offer with your canine companion.