Top 10 Dog-Friendly Pubs & Eateries in the Lake District

For breathtaking scenery and fine cuisine using local ingredients, The Lake District is the perfect place to dine with your dog. If you’re looking for dog-friendly pubs, restaurants and cafes where you can sit, relax and eat with your four-legged friend then you have come to the right place.

Check out our top 10 dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District that are more than dog-welcoming. With many offering doggy biscuits, pet-friendly beer and maps of local walking routes. Your best furry friend is sure to feel spoiled with this fabulous range of dining options in the dog-friendly Lake District.

1. The Dog and Gun, Keswick

An extremely welcoming pub with timber beams, The Dog and Gun is a traditional dog-friendly place to eat and drink. Furry friends are welcome to dine with you in the bar area where they can eat from their very own menu. For humans, make sure to try The Dog and Gun’s famous homemade Hungary Goulash which comes in small and large portions. Afterwards, check out the wonderful walks nearby including Bassenthwaite Lake and Ullswater with its spectacular Aira Force waterfall.

STAY AT: Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, Lake District

2. The Swan at Grasmere, Grasmere

This charming and characterful coaching Inn is super dog-friendly with furry friends welcome to dine with you in the designated dog-friendly bar with the same menu as the restaurant. Enjoy a hearty Cumbrian fayre after long days of fell walking with your beloved canine companion. We recommend trying The Swan’s fabulous roasts on Sundays followed by a delicious sticky toffee pudding, widely popular amongst locals! Even if you’re not a meat or fish eater, their vegan menu is packed full of fabulous choices too.

3. Stiles of Ambleside, Ambleside

A family-run coffee bar and B&B, the Stiles of Ambleside is a wonderful place to eat in the heart of the Lake District. Perfect when you fancy a Cumbrian-roasted coffee and a delicious piece of homemade cake after a long walk. The coffee bar sources the best beans for their coffee from Carvetii Coffee based near Keswick.

They also have an ice cream parlour inside the cafe serving Wallings Farm ice cream. Don’t forget to ask for some lovely biscuits for your furry plus one on their visit!

4. Sticklebarn, Ambleside

Sitting at the heart of miles of walking routes in the Langdales, Sticklebarn is a fabulous dog-friendly pub in the Lake District to stop after exploring the surroundings. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside. So, get ready to fuel up before your adventure or relax afterwards on the outdoor terrace by the fire.

Rub noses with the resident dogs and enjoy a choice of meals, including meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes. Set right in the pretty town of Ambleside, Sticklebarn makes a great after-lunch stroll with your canine companion.

STAY AT: Rothay Manor, Ambleside

5. The Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite

Nestled in the spectacular Lyth Valley, this delightful 17th-century inn offers a warm welcome to dogs in the bar area. However, we recommend eating outside so you can take in the stunning views on all sides. Known for its Michelin-recommended cuisine offering locally sourced fayre, the food is terrific. As The Punch Bowl Inn is a popular dog-friendly dining spot, if you want to visit, make sure to book ahead.

STAY AT: Briery Wood, Windermere

6. The Wateredge Inn, Ambleside

Situated right on the shores of Lake Windermere, The Wateredge Inn is a lovely spot after a busy day of hiking with your dog. From here, you can enjoy the stunning lake views from the spacious beer garden. Furry friends are welcome both inside and out, with water bowls and treats provided to make their visit special.

STAY AT: Cragwood Country House, Windermere

7. The Queen’s Head, Troutbeck

This historic 17th-century coaching inn nestled on the side of Troutbeck Valley offers a cosy retreat with a very dog-welcoming bar area. After a day of exploring with your best furry friend you will appreciate relaxing by the log fire with your pup. The Queen’s Head boasts a wonderful homely atmosphere which will have you coming back for more. Using seasonal Lakeland produce – their Sunday roast is recommended!

8. The Drunken Duck Inn, Ambleside

Perched above Ambleside, The Drunken Duck Inn has a gorgeous location and offers breathtaking views. Within this dog-friendly pub, savour delicious house-brewed ales that will tickle your taste buds. As for four-legged friends, they are welcome in the bar area or on the terrace. Therefore, The Drunken Duck is the ideal spot to unwind after a busy day of hiking around Ambleside with your adventurous pup. 

STAY AT: Merewood Country House Hotel, Windermere

9. George and Dragon, Clifton

Located near Penrith, the George and Dragon has to be one of the most dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District. The interior is both warm and stylish, and they forage and grow most of the food they serve from the kitchen gardens of nearby Askham Hall. Dishes to try include their mushroom and garlic soup and Lowther venison ragu. Not forgetting their Helton rough fell lamb Sunday roast!

10. The Fetherston Arms, Kirkoswald

This pub is a real find! Situated in the pretty village of Kirkoswald, The Fetherston Arms is a quintessential Cumbrian pub that is super dog friendly. Within these walls, you can chat with the locals whilst your four legged friend rubs noses with their dogs.

Set against the backdrop of the Eden Valley’s rolling countryside, it’s an excellent stopping off point for dog walkers. The pub food is equally fabulous with the stand out feature being their Thursday pie night. 

Dog-Friendly Pubs & Eateries with PetsPyjamas

Pubs also make a fantastic dog-friendly holiday destination. When you stay in a dog-friendly pub with rooms, you’ll never be too far from a bar and restaurant. These lovely joints are full of character and warm hospitality that is extended to furry friends as well as humans. With a cosy and relaxing atmosphere, pubs provide the ulti-mutt base for a dog-friendly holiday where you can unwind and feel at home.

Let us know your favourite Pubs and Eateries in the Lake District below and we might even feature you on our socials!