The Lake District continues to be one of our favourite dog-friendly destinations – with its breathtaking landscapes, mountains, fells and lakes for you to explore with your trusty hound by your side. You and your dog will love climbing the glories of the Lake District-climbing up Catbells, taking a cruise across Lake Windermere or enjoying Lakeland and woodland walks. But where to stay? We’ve rounded up our top 10 Dog-Friendly Cottages in the Lake District in wonderful rural locations where your dog will feel as welcome as you are.
1. Glassonby Old Hall, Rowley Estates
Perfect for just a short walk from a family gathering with dogs in tow is this restored baronial style 15th-century Cumbrian longhouse sleeping eight. Set in a fabulous rural location overlooking rolling Cumbrian hills and farmland there are walks from the door to the surrounding countryside. It has a vaulted main hall, galleried dining room with a massive stone fireplace, luxurious bedrooms including a particularly charming master bedroom, perfect for cosy nights in and a charming breakfast room and kitchen where your dog will enjoy curling up in front of the Aga after a busy day of fell walking.
2. High Lowscales Farm, Cumbria
A wonderful four-bedroomed, traditional Cumbrian farmhouse set on 17 acres with spectacular views from the hot tub towards the Irish Sea and Duddon Estuary. The living room is cosy with a woodburning stove, there’s a fully equipped kitchen, snug, four charming bedrooms and an enclosed garden. Ideal for exploring Whicham Valley and up the 600m high Black Combe. The beaches of Haverigg and Silecroft are nearby, and within half an hour’s drive, you will also find Coniston Water, Furness Abbey and the Cumbrian Coastal Way.
3. Oakland Hall, Cumbria
A former grand hall of one of Windermere’s first gentlemen’s residences, dog-friendly Oakland Hall is a Grade II 15c building set in acres of ground – a mix of traditional Lakeland style with a boutique country cottage feel. The grand hall, now serving as a dining room, is double height with mullioned windows and a huge Arts and Crafts fireplace, an attractive sitting room, a well-fitted kitchen and four beautiful bedrooms individually themed. It has panoramic views over Windermere and Langdale Pikes and a large garden leading to Stickle and Harrison Pike beyond.
4. Riverain Coach House, Rowley Estates
Set in the grounds of stately Blencowe Hall, dog-friendly Riverain Coach House is a luxurious three-bedroomed haven in Cumbria. Overlooking the Eden Valley with its period details, ranging from exposed wooden beams to arrow-slit windows, the Grade-II listed former carriage house is incredibly charming, offering a blend of traditional architecture and stylish deco with spacious bedrooms, inviting lounge, and fully-equipped kitchen and enclosed garden for your dog to play. The Coach House’s superb location makes it perfect for a relaxing getaway in Cumbria, with the stunning Lake District less than ten minutes away.
5. Blencowe Hall, Rowley Estates
Historic Blencowe Hall is a Grade One restored castle which can host up to 24 guests. Ideal for a milestone birthday party or large family gathering, the Hall offers a magical experience in the English Lakes. Steeped in history, the 14c castle features crenellated towers, buttressed walls and a stunning dining hall – perfect for a candlelit banquet for family and friends. The traditional bedrooms feature four posters, beamed ceilings, mullioned windows and the Hall is surrounded by gorgeous grounds and fields beyond. Blencowe Hall offers striking views of the nearby Lakeland fells with challenging hikes and walks on the doorstep.
6. Old Galleries, Cumbria
A charming two-bedroom and two-bathroom dog-friendly property with stylish decor, vaulted ceiling and exposed brickwork – moments from the hustle and bustle of the market town of Ambleside in the Lake District with its many dog-friendly bars, restaurants and shops. This first-floor apartment has a private entrance and features a spacious hall, open plan living space with a comfy velvet sofa, designer kitchen and two cosy bedrooms. There’s a lovely outside terrace, great for sunset drinks and dog-friendly Grizedale Forest and the Ambleside to Rydal circular walk are close by.
7. Wythburn Cottage, Rowley Estates
The dog-friendly Wythburn Cottage in the Lake District is an award-winning, sandstone haven perfect for a rural retreat with your four-legged friend. With its rustic features, exposed brickwork and high vaulted ceiling, as well as three en-suite bedrooms, this cottage features a fully-equipped kitchen, a cosy lounge, and a delightful terrace, as well as an enclosed garden where furry friends can enjoy their morning run. Wythburn Cottage is ideal for families or groups of friends, and the excellent location provides easy access to both the Lake District and the stunning Pennines and just twenty minutes by car, visit Ullswater – perfect for scenic walks with your pet.
8. Cazenovia Hall, Rowley Estates
Cazenovia Hall is a luxurious five-star rural retreat in the heart of the Lake District’s Eden Valley sleeping eight. Part of the stunning Rowley Estates, it is a Grade II listed sandstone barn conversion with a high vaulted kitchen and Aga, Gin Case lounge, dining room and characterful bedroom suites. Four-legged friends will love roaming the Estate’s extensive grounds, which include gorgeous gardens and an ancient orchard, plus there are miles of Lakeland routes and walking trails to choose from starting from your front door.
9. Embleton Spa Hotel- Windermere Apartment, Cumbria
Windermere is a beautifully appointed dog-friendly one-bedroom apartment at Embleton Spa Hotel, ideally located near the ancient market town of Cockermouth in Cumbria with stunning views of the Lake District. The private apartment allows complete independence for families with furry friends with all the facilities of the hotel, which include an indoor pool, steam room and gym. The apartment features a kitchen/diner and a fabulous rooftop terrace overlooking the fells – ideal for al-fresco dining. The ideal base for exploring all that the Lake District has to offer, the dog-friendly towns of Keswick and Cockermouth are just a few minutes away with dog-friendly pubs, cafes and boutique shops to visit and unlimited walks to enjoy with your dog in the surrounding areas.
10. The Cottages at The Swan Hotel & Spa at Newby Bridge, Cumbria
Suitable for six adults, two children and up to two dogs, the Hedgehog Cottage, The Mallard and the Owl Nest at the Swan Hotel are in New England style, are beautifully furnished and feature a private terrace with an outdoor fireplace, super king beds, roll top baths, double walk-in rain showers and indoor log burners. The cottages come with central heating and are fully equipped kitchens with range cookers, and a welcome pack. Take advantage of the hotel’s spa, swimming pool, and gym as well as other facilities, the hotel also provides a list of wonderful woodland walks. Dog-friendly Grizedale Forest is also close by.
Let us know your favourite dog-walking spots in the Lake District and we might even feature you on our socials!