A trip to the Lake District with your dog is sure to be memorable. Explore, discover, and be inspired by the Lake District National Park's romantic splendours, wilderness, tranquillity, and rustic lifestyle, or just indulge in a little luxury.
You can enjoy some of the most beautiful hikes, and there are many dog-friendly cafés and restaurants to choose from while you are out and about exploring. You can even go without a car since dogs are permitted on most public transportation.
In addition, many places cater specifically to dogs, so you and your family may have a great time together without worrying about what to do with your four-legged friend.
We've compiled a list of the best luxury dog-friendly hotels in the Lake District so you can relax and focus on taking in the sights.
Or why not sit back and catch up on the latest lifestyle news for more luxury travel inspiration?
1. The Daffodil Hotel & Spa, Grasmere
In the sleepy hamlet of Grassmere, you'll find a chic, modern hotel with beautiful views of the Lake District. Located in a stately Victorian building, the luxurious Daffodil Hotel and Spa is an ideal starting point for exploring the Lake District with your dog.
The Daffodil Hotel can accommodate your well-behaved small dog upon request. A small number of rooms are pet-friendly, and dogs are permitted throughout the hotel except for the restaurant. The lobby bar allows pet owners to dine with their dogs.
There are several opportunities for exploration just outside your door, thanks to the abundance of rural paths, pet-friendly restaurants and pubs. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is one of England's oldest and longest narrow gauge lines. You will travel 40 minutes via the Ravenglass Estuary's protected nature reserves, historic woods, and fells of the Eskdale Valley.
Go kayaking or hiking with your dog on the many walking routes around Grasmere before returning to the hotel for a spa treatment or soaking in a hot tub. The Daffodil Hotel and Spa is an absolute must-stay for you and your dog.
2. Low Wood Bay, Lake Windermere
Located on the banks of Lake Windermere, the Low Wood Bay Hotel is a remnant of an 18th-century coaching inn. In addition to the indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and fitness centres, the hotel also offers an outdoor thermal experience. Pet-friendly rooms and separate dining spaces are available upon request.
There are several things to do in Windermere with your beloved dog. Some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United Kingdom are accessible to dog owners and pets for leisurely walks. Low Wood Bay is a tranquil retreat situated a considerable distance from the nearest city.
A dog-friendly tour around Lake Windermere is an excellent way to get a bird's eye view of the area. Enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the numerous dog-friendly pubs and restaurants.
The Lake District is defined by its lakefront location and the surrounding falls seen from Windermere by many visitors. The trade-off is that nothing is within easy walking distance: Ambleside and Bowness, both lakeside towns, are two and four miles away.
3. Waterhead Inn, Ambleside
On Lake Windermere's northern shore is the luxury dog-friendly Waterhead Inn. This hotel offers a beer garden, lakeside dining, and lakeside accommodation on the shores of England's most famous lake.
Pet-friendly facilities include the hotel grounds, where dogs can join their owners for meals and drinks. Sir Woofchester's pet meals are also available for your four-legged pals to enjoy while eating there.
There are many fantastic walks for you and your dog to enjoy in this area, which is surrounded by beautiful landscape. It's a great place to unwind after a day of hiking with your dog or just soaking in the stunning scenery of this Lake District treasure while enjoying some hearty home-cooked pub fare.
It's impossible to visit the waterfront bar without sipping a cocktail on the waterfront patio. You can watch the boats leave the pier, see the swans feeding, and take in the jetty life at its most tranquil and peaceful.
4. The Inn at Grasmere, Grasmere
The Inn at Grasmere is a luxury hotel in the Lake District with lavishly decorated rooms, shared spaces, and a traditional bar and restaurant. Relax in the heated indoor pool, spa, or sauna after a day of sightseeing in the nearby hills.
Well-behaved dogs are always welcome, but they are not permitted to join you in the restaurant or lounge during meal service. However, they are allowed to join you in the pub bar. On request, the hotel will supply dog beds.
Grasmere is an excellent starting point for several walks in the surrounding fells, or it can be enjoyed as part of a more leisurely day outing with your pooch. William Wordsworth used to live on Allan Bank in Grasmere. You can explore the home and gardens, and dogs are welcome too.
5. Grange Boutique Hotel, Grange-Over-Sands
Grange-over-Sands is a beautiful town in the pet-friendly Lake District, and their boutique hotel is located in a beautiful Victorian grand manor. Guests at the Grange Hotel can rest and unwind in the warm hotel lounge, enjoy a refreshing drink in the evening, or join other diners for hearty breakfasts in the morning.
There is a private terrace area for making the most of the sunny days. You and your beloved dog can stay together in one of three dog-friendly rooms at this dog-friendly hotel. But keep in mind that their pet policy states that no puppies are permitted, but if your dogs are at least a year old, they are more than welcome.
You can find dog-friendly pubs and cafés throughout the area where you and your pet can relax after a long day of walking or exploring the various nearby trails, such as the Cumbria Coastal Path and Cistercian Way.
6. The Swan Hotel, Grasmere
The Swan at Newby Bridge, located near Lake Windermere in a beautiful rural location, is one of the best dog-friendly hotels on the lake. There's a lot of country charm and character, with a pool, a family-friendly playground, and a spa.
Dog lovers will like the fact that there is a luxury cottage in the New English style on the premises that can accommodate up to eight people and comes equipped with a patio, an outdoor fireplace, and beautiful views.
The property's gardens provide a plethora of opportunities for your dog to run free and enjoy the great outdoors. Be sure to check out the luxurious Vu spa, which is ideal for unwinding after a long day of walking with your beloved pet.
Take a swim or relax at the spa, which has a pool, a jacuzzi, a gym, and various services, including manicures, waxings, and massages. The Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam train and a dog-friendly cruise on the Lakes are only a short drive away, and the hotel offers guests a canine information pack filled with fun things to do during their stay.
You can dine with your four-legged friend in the bar area, patio, or room service. If you want, they may remain in the room while you dine in the brasserie, or you can take them to one of the many adjacent dog-friendly cafés and bars.
7. Cragwood Country House Hotel, Lake Windermere
The dog-friendly Cragwood Country House Hotel is located in the heart of the Lake District, right on the beaches of England's largest and most beautiful lake, Lake Windermere. As a private residence, Cragwood was constructed in 1910 and sat on a sprawling twenty-acre estate complete with beautifully groomed gardens and wooded areas that are a dog's paradise.
All dog-friendly bedrooms have been created for your comfort and convenience, from the luxurious mattresses and crisp linens to the deep bathtubs.
Lake Windermere and the adjacent fells provide an idyllic setting for Cragwood Restaurant. You can bring your dog to the bar or lounge area, and there are several dog-friendly pubs in the neighbourhood if you want to eat out.
Cragwood's proximity to Lake Windermere makes it impossible to resist a peaceful Lake District holiday with your dog. With Windermere Lake Cruises, you can take a dog-friendly boat down Lake Windermere and take in the stunning scenery. Additionally, the hotel offers maps for the Wansfell and Troutbeck walks, so you and your dog may go farther afield.
8. Merewood Country House Hotel, Lake Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is one of the best country hotels in the Lake District, with gorgeous vistas, beautiful décor, and exceptional service and hospitality. Located in the heart of the Lake District, this luxury country house hotel is surrounded by 20 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, forests, and meadows.
This pet-friendly Lake District hotel values its four-legged visitors just as its two-legged ones. Upon your arrival, you will find a dog blanket, dog bowl, and delicious doggy treats in your guestroom. All dogs are welcome to accompany you on your stay at the hotel, and if you choose, you may dine in the lounge with them. There are several scenic routes to pick from outside.
The hotel's extensive grounds and private gardens are a dog's dream come true. The Lake District has several pet-friendly attractions, including the Lakeland Motor Museum and Brockhole on Windermere.
If you plan on visiting Windermere Safari Park, best leave your pooch behind as they have a strict no-dog policy.
9. Ravenstone Manor Hotel, Bassenthwaite
This classic rural manor house hotel is one of the best dog-friendly hotels with a view of Skiddaw's foothills and the fells further to the west across the valley. The Lake District is known for its breathtaking scenery, but dog-friendly accommodation like the Ravenstone Manor Hotel is rare. Renovated suites exude charm and refinement, while the common spaces are lavish yet inviting.
Your four-legged companion can remain in any of the guest rooms and eat or drink with you in the lounge area. In the adjacent Keswick area, you will find some of the charming and spectacular walking paths in the UK, suitable for long hikes with your canine buddy.
Dodd Wood is a great spot to take your dog for a stroll. For stunning views of Bassenthwaite Lake, visit the East Shore. The region is classified as a National Nature Reserve and is an excellent spot to observe birds. You can explore the Bassenthwaite Lake in the northern lake district by paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or rowboat. However, you will need to get a permit online.
To get from The Tranquil Otter's Lough to the nearby villages, a lovely circular path is now designated as a site of scientific importance and home to a variety of birds and wildfowl. You and your four-legged pals may gain your bearings here before embarking on more daring and long walks.
10. The Angel Inn, Cumbria
One of the most popular Lake District vacation spots, Bowness-on-Windemere is home to the Angel Hotel, a dog-friendly hotel. Just a short walk from the shoreline of England's biggest lake, Windermere, this dog-friendly inn offers comfortable accommodations and breathtaking views of the lake, the Claife Heights, and the Langdale Pikes beyond the hamlet.
In the heart of the Lake District, you may take your dog for a walk or trip to the highest peak in England, Scafell Pike, and the deepest lake in England, Wastwater. The World of Beatrix Potter is only around the corner, so you may follow in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter yourself.
Pet-friendly facilities include the inn's outside areas, where dogs are allowed to join their owners for meals and drinks. For your four-legged buddies, many pet-friendly restaurants are available, including Sir Woofchester's.
11. The Queen's Head Hotel, Troutbeck
The Queens Head Hotel, a 17th-century coaching inn overlooking the Troutbeck Valley, is only four miles from Ambleside and Windermere.
The newly renovated dining room, drinking spaces and ten recently remodelled guest rooms make the Queen's Head the ideal location for visitors to Cumbria and their four-legged friends alike. Eight of the bedrooms are pet-friendly, ensuring that your canine companion's visit is comfortable.
The Queens Head's new menu includes homey conventional pub fare with a Cumbrian flair, and it has a reputation for delivering some of the best meals in the region. Guests at the Queen's Head can now enjoy a freshly renovated dining room that is classic and modern. The menu consists of traditional pub fare and contemporary gastro specialities.
As you sip your beer, you'll be surrounded by a cosy environment thanks to the open log fireplaces, low ceilings, and wood beams. During the warmer months, you can relax in the charming sitting area outside while sipping on a beverage.
Visitors to the Lake District will find that The Queens Head Hotel in Windermere is a great base to explore the surrounding area, including the well-known Troutbeck Valley.
12. Newby Bridge Hotel, Ulverston
Beautifully maintained gardens surround the Newby Bridge Hotel on Windermere's southernmost point. The Newby Bridge Hotel is located in Ulverston, near a railway station and a beautiful lake.
You and your furry best friend can best appreciate the district's natural beauty around Lake Windermere and in the Lake District National Park. Travelling to the Southern Lakeland areas and the Furness Peninsula from this location is not difficult.
Lakeside Pier, the southernmost point of Lake Windermere, the Lakes Aquarium, and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway are all located close to one another. Spend a day at the Cartmel Racecourse and Parkside Road since they welcome four-legged friends.
FAQs
Is Grizedale Forest suitable for dogs?
Dogs are allowed in Grizedale Forest. There are miles and miles of dog-friendly trails to explore in the woods. The paths take hikers through breathtaking surroundings and provide excellent vantage points for taking in the surrounding countryside.
Does Sizergh Estate allow dogs?
On a 1,600-acre estate, Sizergh is a stunning mediaeval mansion. Dogs aren't allowed inside the home, but they're welcome to roam the grounds. A 2.5-mile trek to Park End Moss wetland is one of several options for a roundtrip.
Are there any dog-friendly restaurants in Windermere Marina Village?
Located in Windermere Marina Village, the Boat House is only a short walk from the lake's shoreline. It's a great spot to have a good dinner while watching the boats go by. The food is prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and the setting is casual and unpretentious. They open at 9 a.m. for breakfast and shut at 11 p.m. for the bar. Outside and indoors, dogs are welcome.
Are dogs permitted on Lake District area buses?
Stagecoach buses in Cumbria allow dogs to ride. They must be closely monitored, and the driver has the final say on whether or not to proceed.
Final Thoughts
The Lake District in England's Cumbria region may enjoy various outdoor activities, including rambling among the hills, exploring the towns, and taking in the breathtaking scenery. It is also an incredible destination for family holidays because of its Beatrix Potter exhibition, aquariums, and wide range of thrilling outdoor activities.
You are spoilt for choice when locating five-star luxury dog-friendly hotels in the Lake District. The Lake District has several hiking trails, pet-friendly hotels, and restaurants for couples and families with children and pets.
Discover pet-friendly accommodation across the UK
Are you hoping to find more accommodation that both you and your furry friend will love? Discover some of the best pet-friendly accommodation the UK has to offer:
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