Surrounded by fabulous scenery, rugged fell mountains to trek from Cat Bells to Scafell Pike, charming market towns to visit as well as forests, woodlands and dog-friendly cruises across Lake Windermere, The Lake District really does make the perfect dog-friendly escape. We have put together a collection of our favourite dog-friendly hotels in the Lake District – from luxury country house hotels with fabulous lakeside settings to pubs with rooms with fabulous country walks from the door.
The Swan Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge
Super dog-friendly and close to Lake Windermere in a lovely rural setting, this delightful riverside inn makes the perfect hotel for a doggy getaway. A wonderful friendly atmosphere, oodles of charm, New England style cottages to stay in the grounds with a pool, playground, and spa – The Swan Hotel & Spa has gorgeous walks on the doorstep as well as loads of dog-friendly attractions including the Lakeside and Haverthwaite dog-friendly steam railway.
Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa, Lake District
Set on the shores of the Bassenthwaite Lake, the luxurious dog-friendly Armathwaite Hall Hotel is a privately-owned, former stately home which sits in 400 acres of deer park and woodland with stunning views of the Skiddaw mountains and Lake District Fells. Your dog will love walks around the Lake, tarns and forests with Catbells and dog-friendly Keswick close by. The hotel also has a fabulous spa for relaxing after a busy day of dog walks.
The Dunes Hotel, Cumbria
Four-legged friends get an extra warm welcome at the Dunes Hotel situated in the South of the Lake District, just walking distance from the sandy dunes of Roanhead – a fabulous National Trust beach perfect for doggy frolics across a three-mile expanse of sand. Nestled in 18 acres of grounds there are numerous trails from the door. Other attractions include walks around Furness Abbey and visits to Bowness and Windermere.
Langdale Chase Hotel, Cumbria
Dog-friendly Langdale Chase occupies one of the most stunning locations in the Lake District, right on the shores of Lake Windermere. This imposing Victorian hotel is the real deal with oak panelled rooms, roaring fires and traditinal bedrooms. Dogs are allowed in the piano room, oak room as well as the baronial style hall. The hotel is surrounded by gorgeous grounds with stunning views of the lake and fells. A dog walking paradise you and your dog will love it here. You can circumnavigate the Lake, climb fells or visit dog-friendly Ambleside, Bowness or Keswick close by. Paddleboarding and sailing are also available.
The Pheasant Inn, Cumbria
Bursting with charm, this historic 17c century coaching inn is just a short distance from Bassenthwaite Lake in a peaceful area of the Lakes and makes the perfect dog-friendly retreat as it has magnificent walks from the door with one path leading straight up to Sale Fell. The Pheasant Inn is super dog-friendly and welcoming with low beamed ceilings, charming bedrooms and a super cosy atmosphere. Dogs are welcome in the small lounge and extended dining area which offers a wide variety of malts and Cumbrian fayre.
North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Cumbria
The dog-friendly North Lakes Hotel & Spa is located in the historic market town of Penrith, Cumbria. Perfect for a dog-friendly getaway, the hotel offers modern comfort and relaxation and a dog-welcoming atmosphere. You can choose from cosy doubles to signature family rooms and suites and their FYR grill restaurant has an open log burning grill where they serve delicious dishes sourced from local ingredients. There’s also a terrific spa and the hotel is ideally placed for exploring the gorgeous walks and villages in the Eden Valley.
The Coniston Inn, Cumbria
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, the dog-friendly Coniston Inn is a super dog welcoming Inn and has recently undergone a full refurbishment. You can dine with your dog in the cosy bar area or on the sunny terrace in the summer. Dogs have their own menu too! There are many fabulous walks nearby whether you and your dog fancy a stroll or something more challenging like a hike to the top of the Old Man Coniston. We recommend a visit to dog-friendly Grizedale Forest too.
Holbeck Ghyll, Lake District
This luxurious country house retreat overlooks Lake Windermere and offers a luxurious home from home experience where you and your canine companion will receive a warm welcome from the staff and can enjoy a relaxed and unstuffy atmosphere. Holbeck Gyll offers a fine dining experience, charming rooms, a spa and gorgeous grounds for your dog to explore. There are fabulous walks from the door including hilly walks or flat lakeside strolls. Ambleside, Windermere and Bowness are close by.
Rothay Manor, Lake District
Close to Lake Windermere and the centre of Ambleside, dog-friendly Rothay Manor makes a great base for a trip to the Lakes. Set within two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens for your dog to explore, the hotel has been recently refurbished and now offers super stylish bedrooms plus a fabulous award winning restaurant with a dog-friendly dining area. There’s also a gorgeous spa and great walks on the doorstep including the Howtown to Glenriding walk which includes a dog-friendly steamer trip.
Briery Wood Country House Hotel, Cumbria
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere and set within seven acres of beautiful, secluded gardens Briery Wood Country House Hotel is ideally positioned for trips across the Lake Windermere as well as walks from the door. You can dine with your pooch in the cosy bar and there is an abundance of pet-friendly pubs nearby. Furry friends will love exploring the acres of private gardens and woodlands at Briery Wood. Take a dog-friendly cruise along Windermere, England’s longest lake, stopping off at various points along the way. The hotel also provides maps for Wansfell and Troutbeck walks.