Instant Book 
Dogs Stay FREE 
24/7 Vet Line 
3 Three dogs per room Overview
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. Dating back to 1812, the hotel has retained much of its historical charm with many of the original features lovingly restored, including the panelled hall and reception. As soon as you step through the front door of this beautiful country house, you'll discover an oasis of comfort, warmth and relaxation. Surrounded by gorgeous grounds and woodlands, your pooch will be in their element! With two restaurants to choose from, foodie lovers will be spoilt for choice. From light-bites to hearty meals, to a sumptuous afternoon tea to award-winning fine dining, the Chef's aim is to leave you with a gourmet experience to remember. Furry friends are welcome to join you in one of the relaxed lounges, and there is an abundance of pet-friendly pubs nearby if you fancy venturing out for food. The stunning bedrooms have been designed with no-one else but you in mind. Of course, you can expect all of those luxury extras, from deep baths to aromatic toiletries and fluffy towels to ensure you leave feeling truly pampered. Your four-legged friend will love exploring the acres of grounds and private gardens that surround the hotel. Take a dog-friendly cruise along Windermere, England's longest lake, provided by Windermere Lake Cruises and enjoy the fabulous views. The hotel also provides maps for Wansfell and Troutbeck walks for further exploring with your trusty hound.
Highlights
- One of the highest rated hotels in The Lakes with Tripadvisor
- 2 AA rosette award winning restaurant
- Views of Lake Windermere
Pooch perks
- Glorious grounds and woodlands on your doorstep
- Genuine dog-friendly welcome
- Welcome treats and poo bags on arrival
Bow Wow Factor
Your trusty hound will love exploring the glorious grounds and woodlands on the doorstep - the ultimate doggy playground!
Individually styled, the stunning bedrooms have been designed with no-one else but you in mind. Of course, you can expect all of those luxury extras, from deep baths to aromatic toiletries and fluffy towels to ensure you leave feeling truly pampered. Choose from Standard, Lake View, Family Double or if it's a little-added luxury you're looking for, the Ultimate Lake View rooms are perfect for a romantic getaway in the Lakes!
Package update in progress
This hotel is currently undergoing temporary changes to its usual offerings. We appreciate your interest and would love to help you find your perfect hotel break.
For the latest updates and tailor-made packages for this hotel, or any other, please don't hesitate to send us an enquiry.
Included in this Exclusive PetsPyjamas offer
- An overnight stay in a dog-friendly room
- Full English breakfast daily
Exclusively when you book with PetsPyjamas...
- Dog-friendly room always guaranteed
- YOUR DOG STAYS FREE saving you up to £50 per trip
- FREE Access to our 24/7 emergency vet line during your trip worth £20
- Subject to availability and exclusions. T&Cs apply.
PetsPyjamas Best Price Guaranteed.
Included in this Exclusive PetsPyjamas offer
- An overnight stay in a dog-friendly room
- Full English breakfast daily
Exclusively when you book with PetsPyjamas...
- Dog-friendly room always guaranteed
- YOUR DOG STAYS FREE saving you up to £50 per trip
- FREE Access to our 24/7 emergency vet line during your trip worth £20
- Subject to availability and exclusions. T&Cs apply.
PetsPyjamas Best Price Guaranteed.
Included in this Exclusive PetsPyjamas offer
- An overnight stay in a dog-friendly room
- Full Englilsh breakfast and Dinner
Exclusively when you book with PetsPyjamas...
- Dog-friendly room always guaranteed
- YOUR DOG STAYS FREE saving you up to £50 per trip
- FREE Access to our 24/7 emergency vet line during your trip worth £20
- Subject to availability and exclusions. T&Cs apply.
PetsPyjamas Best Price Guaranteed.
Included in this Exclusive PetsPyjamas offer
- An overnight stay in a dog-friendly room
- Full Englilsh breakfast and Dinner
Exclusively when you book with PetsPyjamas...
- Dog-friendly room always guaranteed
- YOUR DOG STAYS FREE saving you up to £50 per trip
- FREE Access to our 24/7 emergency vet line during your trip worth £20
- Subject to availability and exclusions. T&Cs apply.
PetsPyjamas Best Price Guaranteed.
Dine with Your Dog
With two restaurants to choose from, foodie lovers will be spoilt for choice. The Arboreal offers fabulous fine dining where Head Chef Carl Semple's mouth-watering seven-course tasting menu comes highly recommended. The Grill serves a varied selection of light snacks and hot and cold meals to suit all tastes. Furry friends are welcome to join you in one of the relaxed lounges, and there is an abundance of pet-friendly pubs nearby if you fancy venturing out for food.
Need to know
Merewood Country House Reviews
- 82 reviews
- Member since 2016
Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LH
It could be luxurious but wasn't
On arrival there was nobody at reception. We pressed the bell but no one came. Eventually we had to go and find someone to book us in. There is no lift (Not surprising in an old house like this) but although we had told them my husband had a disability problem, there was no one to help carry our cases up the stairs even though we asked. The room was pokey with no view. The food at the restaurants is simply pub-grub and I have eaten better at local pubs. The so called gourmet restaurant is nothing of the sort. Arranging food to look pretty doesn't make up for poor cooking. The staff were very willing but inexperienced and I suspect there are not enough of them. This hotel mostly caters for weddings and any other guests are merely there to fill the rooms. Great pity as the hotel itself is beautiful and this could have been a great few days. Unfortunately it wasn't.
Merewood Country House says...
I am sorry to read your review and that you didn't enjoy your time with us here at the Merewood.
Merewood Country House Hotel is just that, a country house and our team feel as though we are welcoming our guests in to our home, so to hear that things haven't been enjoyed is always a shame.
I must address one or two of your points. The reference to there not being enough staff is most certainly inaccurate. At the Merewood we are currently fully staff and are proud to say that in these challenging times, we have been for the year. There will be times when someone isn't stood on reception of course and this is because all of our guests have checked in or a small amount are due to arrive. That is why we have a bell to press and we will of course come straight through.
Unfortunately we found your comments about the 'gourmet restaurant', Arboreal to be quite rude. I understand that food is a personal choice but we have received 2 AA rosettes from the governing body and almost reached a third, which is the same level as a Michelin star. We offer a wonderful, imaginative 8 course taster menu which we receive glowing feedback for on a daily basis. Again, we understand this might not have been to your taste and I am sorry if this is the case but to bluntly refer to the food as 'poor cooking' is inaccurate and unnecessary.
I am sorry however that we didn't offer to carry your bags. This is something that we do as standard. I will investigate what has gone wrong in this instance and in turn learn from it.
Once again, I apologise that aspects of your stay were not to your liking.
Kind regards,
Hotel Manager
Overnightstay
On arrival. receptionist was helpful and friendly.
The room was clean and adequate but very cramped
Dinner was good, though not quite gourmet
Situation of the hotel was excellent with turning views
Poor service all round
We checked in early, the room was very small and an upgrade was not available even though the hotel was far from full. The restaurant meals were mediocre for the four stars it was meant to be. The main courses were badly cooked and presented. The breakfast was adequate but over cooked.
Merewood Country House says...
I am sorry to read your comments for your stay with us here at the Merewood.
None of the rooms in our hotel are 'small' but I am sorry the room didn't meet your expectations.
I must strongly contest your comments about the food being 'badly cooked'. Clearly this is a subjective comment. We have received plenty of awards for our food and currently have 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellent. I am sorry that it might not be to your liking however.
Here at the Merewood we feel as though we are welcoming guests into our own home and on the occasion that we get something wrong, it is always a shame to hear and we must learn where possible. On some occasions sadly it seems that there is little that we could have done to change your mind.
Map & Directions
Address
Windermere
Cumbria
LA23 1LH
How to get here
Enter your postcode to view approximate driving directions to Merewood Country House.
Location & Local Attractions
In this stunning lakeside location, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and woodlands, the walking opportunities are endless! Super dog-friendly, Windermere provides dog-friendly Lake Cruises for an afternoon of fun with your furry friend. Visit the Lakeland Motor Museum with your four-legged friend or take a trip to Brockhole on Windermere where well-behaved pooches are welcome in the gardens, grounds, shop, exhibition area and cafes! The hotel also provides maps for Wansfell and Troutbeck walks for further exploring with your trusty hound.
Book with Confidence
We price match
We won't be beaten on price. Found it cheaper? We'll match it.
Concierge
When you make a reservation with us, our Canine Concierge are on hand pre and post trip.
Dogs Stay Free
You will never pay a dog charge when you book through PetsPyjamas.
PetsPyjamas in the Press
82 reviews, sorted by Date Rating