Dog Friendly Lake District Cottages
The Lake District is one of the most beautiful destinations in the UK. It's just an added bonus that it's one of the top dog-friendly holiday spots too. From sweeping views of Lake Windermere, rural forests and fells to cosy village boltholes, there are so many options for blissful getaways with your canine companion by your side. Explore our idyllic selection of pet-friendly cottages and dog-friendly homes to find the perfect holiday for you and your four-legged friend.
Bassenthwaite, England
5.00Prominently looking over the village green, and within touching distance of the Skiddaw massif, this link detached property is in the perfect location to explore the north western fells of the Lake District. Located in the heart of the village, with the village farm adjacent, the property offers access onto miles of quiet footpaths and local fells including little-known routes up Skiddaw and the back of the Blencathra massif. The beautiful beck, with its resident ducks, flows through the village and provides a great place for kids and dogs to cool off on warm days. The property is also only a few miles away from the historic market towns of Keswick and Cockermouth, which can both be easily accessed by bus, and offer a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants.
Lealholme provides spacious and comfortable, single-storey accommodation, and has the added benefit of level access and wide doors. Tastefully decorated throughout, and with an enclosed garden, with double wrought iron gates, which provides parking and makes the perfect sun trap to sit and relax, perhaps whilst enjoying a purchase from the Lakes Distillery just down the road! The well-equipped, contemporary kitchen has slate tiled floors, Denby crockery, quality cutlery and utensils and an alcove, complete with a large electric range cooker. This fully central heated home from home, offers a large comfortable living/dining room with original pitch pine panelling, stone mullioned and sash windows offers a cosy and welcoming environment, complete with a wood burner. Lealholme also boasts a large walk-in shower with a Softstone base and a double shower head.
The village is situated in the north of the Lake District National Park, and is also just a short drive to Carlisle and the Scottish borders - it couldn’t be easier to explore the area. Bassenthwaite is a real community village which hosts an annual duck race, frequent pub quizzes and a vibrant, active local church arranging village fates, sports days and even Morris dancing. This beautiful cottage is just over a mile away from Bassenthwaite Lake, where fishing and sailing are available, or for nature lovers a walk up to the osprey viewpoints is well worth the effort. The property is ideally located for cyclists, with rides including the C2C and Cumbria Way routes, along with off-road trails at nearby Whinlatter Forest. However you choose to spend your stay, this is a perfect location to make the most of the Lake District. There is a dog-friendly, village pub serving food, just a short walk away, whilst Armathwaite Hall hotel and spa, Ravenstone lodge and Castle Inn all provide alternatives within 2 miles. Beach 18 miles. Shop ½ mile (seasonal) or 7 miles (open all year), pub 200 yards, restaurant 1¾ miles.£71From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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St Bees, EnglandA well-positioned, two-bedroom bungalow resting in St Bees, Cumbria. Near National Park. Close to amenities and beach. Pet-friendly. Enclosed garden. Ground-floor accommodation. Whitehaven 4.8 miles.£63From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Windermere, EnglandA delightful log cabin on White Cross Bay Holiday Park, in Troutbeck Bridge, Cumbria. Pet-friendly. Shared on-site facilities. Windermere 2 miles; Ambleside 3 miles.£73From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ambleside, EnglandSuperb single-storey cottage in Clappersgate near Ambleside. Feature inglenook with gas fire, en-suite bedrooms. Two dogs welcome. Fell and riverside walks from door. Ambleside 1 mile. Hawkshead 4 miles.£81From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
EnglandShore Meadow is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Set just 150 yards from a beautiful, secluded sandy beach and enjoying an idyllic position in this tranquil, south-western corner of the Lakes where the mountains almost meet the sea. This semi-detached cottage is a short walk from the peaceful village centre of Silecroft. It has stunning westerly views over the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man and easterly views to Black Combe Fell. The beach extends for miles in both directions and is perfect for dog walking, lazy days building sandcastles or taking to the sea for fishing.
Shore Meadow has two double bedrooms and has been furnished and equipped to provide a really comfortable stay. There is a spacious breakfast kitchen which opens to a patio area with outside furniture, a large living room with two sofas and a wood burner, plus a separate dining room with French doors to the garden. There is also a large, enclosed, lawned garden, ideal for young children and dogs, and private parking for two cars.
Black Combe, the closest of the Lake District Fells, is only 2 miles away, and all of the westerly fells, including Scafell and Scafell Pike, are within easy reach, offering great walking for all abilities. Nearby attractions include Cumbria Heavy Horses, a BHS approved riding centre offering fell and beach rides on Clydesdale and Shire horses; water sports centre at Port Haverigg; South Lakeland Wild Animal Park, home to tigers, lions, white rhino, giraffes and lots of monkeys; historic Muncaster Castle, with stunning gardens and many seasonal events, also home of the World Owl Trust, and Ravenglass and Eskdale Narrow Gauge Railway, where you can ride a steam train through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District. A farm shop and gallery at nearby Bootle also offers breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas. Short, beautiful drives take you to Coniston, with the Ruskin Museum which houses geology and copper mining exhibits; the boating centre and Bluebird Café, or Whitehaven, Cumbria’s oldest harbour, where the Rum Story exhibition gives a fresh view on the town, and The Beacon Museum, with five floors of interactive exhibits, powerful telescopes and seafaring displays, providing a fun family day out. Beach 150 yards. Shop 50 yards, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.£61From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Sockbridge, EnglandNestled near Pooley Bridge in the Lake District, this delightful holiday home is a detached bungalow, offering a serene retreat with its large living room heated by a modern electric fire. The property features a twin bedroom and a luxurious double room with a kingsize bed. The bathroom is equipped with a bath and a shower overhead, providing both comfort and convenience. A garage with a washer/dryer and ample space for bikes, paddle boards, and canoes adds to the convenience, and a large, enclosed garden invites relaxation surrounded by nature.
There is a wealth of places to visit within a half hour drive, so whether you choose to immerse yourself in history with a visit to Dalemain Mansion, an elegant historic home surrounded by stunning gardens. Or discover the medieval ruins of Penrith Castle, situated in the heart of the town. Explore the grounds and learn about the castle’s fascinating history. Rheged Centre is an arts and cultural venue offering exhibitions, shops, and a cinema, providing a perfect indoor option for a day out. Otherwise enjoy a relaxing walk along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Ullswater, soaking in the breathtaking views without venturing too far from the holiday home.
For more natural beauty visit Hutton in the Forest, a historic house with beautiful gardens and woodland. Explore the charming surroundings and perhaps enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Take a short drive to Aira Force Waterfall, an enchanting natural attraction surrounded by woodlands. Enjoy a peaceful walk to the waterfall and relish the serenity of the area. For those seeking adventure, Rookin House offers a variety of outdoor activities such as horse riding, quad biking, and archery, providing a thrilling day out. After a busy days adventures why not discover the charm of Pooley Bridge by exploring its local pubs and restaurants, offering a taste of the region’s culinary delights. This holiday home near Pooley Bridge provides not only a comfortable retreat, but also easy access to a variety of local attractions and activities for a memorable Lake District experience.£61From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ambleside, EnglandThe moment you walk into this rustic style timber lodge you’ll feel a sense of warmth and homeliness. The open plan living/dining/kitchen area is comfortable and has all the mod cons you need with cooker, dishwasher, microwave, and large TV, but chances are you won’t be spending time watching TV or Netflix, you’ll more than likely be trying to spot the red squirrels and deer that often roam around the grounds. There are two bedrooms, a master with a double bed and dressing table and the second has twin beds. The lodge is completed by a family bathroom with a shower. In the shed outside there are also a washer and dryer in case of those muddy fun days. The lodge is located in a park where all properties are privately owned and so has a real non-commercial feel. Guests are offered access to a small swimming pool and mixed sauna at certain times of the year, but the location of the park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with some superb walks at the edge of the park.
Neaum Crag at Skelwith Bridge is conveniently located between Coniston and Ambleside, two of the most popular locations in the Lakes. Ambleside boasts a wide selection of independent shops, pubs, restaurants and not one, but two cinemas. Waterhead Pier runs ferries which can be taken to Bowness and Lakeside pier near Newby Bridge, Wray Castle, and Brockhole Visitor Centre. Motor and rowing boats are available if you wish to take to the water. National Trust owned Stagshaw Gardens, offers eight acres of fine gardens with a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs, and for more impressive natural features there is Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70-foot waterfall which may be viewed safely from a railed viewpoint. Coniston is a few minutes’ drive in the other direction and as well as the town with its shops and pubs, there is Coniston water, which is popular for activities such as canoes, paddle boards and open water swimming. Beach 25 miles. Pub ½ mile.£79From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
EnglandA beautiful ground-floor apartment in the heart of Cockermouth and right next to the River Cocker with direct river views. This waterside abode comes with stylish interior décor, tiled floors throughout, along with a private parking space and a short walk into the delightful town centre. It features two comfortable double bedrooms making it ideal for families and couples. Handmade, built-in wardrobes make smart use of the space and gives them a contemporary feel and finish. The open-plan living areas combine a spacious living room and dining room with a stylish kitchen, with all the cooking utensils you may need. A very social space; perfect for spending time with loved ones. The bathroom offers a shower over the bath and a heated towel rail.
From the open-plan living area, patio doors lead to lovely balcony and seating area with direct river views. You can enjoy a chilled glass of wine while listening to the sound of the River Cocker rushing past. You can also spot plenty of wildlife. It’s the perfect backdrop for your next Cumbrian adventure.
If you want a town centre holiday base, it’s perfect! Just under a 5-minute walk to Main Street, which is full of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs. Cockermouth is a hidden gem and a great choice for a short break in The Lakes, as well as an ideal base for a longer stay as you can reach nearby Keswick in about 20 minutes. If you love the outdoors, you have a fishery and a golf course nearby as well as plenty of local walks and cycle trails. A trip to Cumbria wouldn’t be the same without putting on your walking boots and enjoying the picturesque scenery of the Northern Fells and Lakes. From here you can also reach the West Cumbrian Coast in less than 10 miles.
If you want to bring your dog on holiday, there are plenty of places to exercise your four-legged friends.£66From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
