Dog-friendly Cumbria
Home to one of the most beautiful areas in Britain, The Lake District, there's no better place for a dog-friendly adventure in the great outdoors! Whether you are looking for a short-break or a week away with the family, friends or as a couple Cumbria is a wonderful place to visit, and your dog will love you for it!
- Ambleside, EnglandLittle Esthwaite Cottage rests on the shores of the majestic Esthwaite Water, in the village of Near Sawrey, which boasts a superb local public house and the National Trust property of Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter. The cottage sits in the original grounds of the house where Beatrix Potter spent her childhood summers and where Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny came into being.
The interior is very well laid out with a well-equipped kitchen/dining room. Two steps up to the separate living room with a wood burner for those cosy evenings. From the living room, doors open onto a private enclosed patio providing views across the fields to Esthwaite Water. There is also a double bedroom with an en-suite shower room. Outside is a landscaped garden with lawns and mature borders, shared with the adjoining property, where you can admire the breathtaking views towards the Langdale Pikes, Old Man of Coniston, Wetherlam and Crinkle Crags. There are walks directly from the property and it is just a short walk across the meadow to the shores of Esthwaite Water, where you can wander along the water’s edge, with trout and pike fishing available. Esthwaite Water is thought to have been Beatrix Potter’s favourite lake and inspired her creation of the character Jeremy Fisher. For bird watchers, an osprey pair have also been spotted fishing regularly at the lake in recent summers.
The cottage is well situated for Tarn Hows and the pretty village of Hawkshead, alternatively you could take the ferry across to Bowness-on-Windermere, where steamers on Lake Windermere run up to Ambleside or down to the steam railway at Lakeside.
Coniston Water, once host to the infamous speed record attempt of Donald Campbell in his craft ‘Bluebird’, is just a short drive. Beach 12 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant within ¼ mile.£271From price per night based on 7 night stay
- 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 stay
- 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 stay
- Coniston, England
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, the dog-friendly Coniston Inn is the perfect base for you and your pet to explore the Lake District National Park.
£99Price per night from
- Windermere, England
Set in an elevated position and overlooking Windermere, England’s longest and most beautiful lake, you will find Merewood Country House Hotel, a superb dog-friendly destination in the Lake District, Cumbria.
- Windermere, England
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere and set within seven acres of beautiful, secluded gardens lies dog-friendly Briery Wood Country House Hotel in the heart of the Lake District.
- Clifton, England
A charming and dog-friendly Cumbrian country Inn with woodland trails on the doorstep, chic rooms and fabulous food sourced from their own family farms.
- Cockermouth, England
Bursting with charm, this historic 17c century white bricked 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.
£109Price per night from
- Windermere, England
With heart-stopping views across the Lake District and sublime award-winning food - the dog-friendly Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel in the Lake District is a multi-award winning country retreat that offers a luxurious home from home.
£150Price per night from
- Newby Bridge, England
The dog-friendly Lakeside Hotel & Spa is a country house hotel with contemporary touches - set on the southern shore of Lake Windermere, part of the Lake District World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful corners of England.