Nine dog-friendly places to eat in the Lake District
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most beautiful places to visit for so many different reasons. It has some of the most breathtaking sceneries, shimmering lakes and it’s a haven for dog walks. If you’re also a bit of a foodie it has an array of excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants but where can you go with a hound or two in tow? Take a look at these nine dog-friendly places to eat so you don’t get caught out.
1. Stiles of Ambleside
Location: Ambleside
Address: Compston Road, Ambleside, LA22 9DJ
Why dog’s love it: Clean dry towels and tasty treats
Stiles of Ambleside is a family run coffee bar situated in Ambleside in the heart of the Lake District. It’s the perfect place to grab a cumbrian-roasted coffee and slice of home-made cake after a cold rainy day exploring with you pooch. Although it’s great on a sunny day too. Your canine friends will be right at home with a heavenly dry towel so you can rub your wet dog down before offering them a lovely biscuity treat to munch on while you enjoy yours.
Place to stay: Enjoy the open fire and stunning countryside location of Dovecot Cottage.
2. The Black Bull
Location: Coniston
Address: Coniston, The Lake District, Cumbria LA21 8DU
Why dog’s love it: Treats
The Black Bull was built over 400 years ago and sits proudly in front of the imposing ‘Old Man’ of Coniston. It’s been run by the same family for the past 40 years and offers traditional pub grub. Dogs are welcome in the lounge and out in the beer garden with water bowels and treats available. Food is locally sourced and they have a wide selection of cask ales to try.
Place to stay: Your dogs will enjoy the warmth of the wood-burning stove in the open plan living area while you enjoy the hot tub at our Yew Tree Cottage.
3. The Pig & Whistle
Location: Cartmel
Address: Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6PL
Why dog’s love it: Their own private part of the pub
The Pig & Whistle is a trendy pub in the village of Cartmel. They have their own designated area for you and your hound to enjoy a drink. Choose their extensive wine and spirits menu or their range of award-winning cask ales. Enjoy some good old home-cooked traditional great British food. Their quiet location appeals to those who want to be away from the main crowds. The beer garden is the perfect place to watch the sun set on a summer evening.
Place to stay: Built over 200 years ago, Cottage in Cumbria has been refurbished to give you a stunning home away from home.
4. The Wateredge Inn
Location: Ambleside
Address: Borrans Road, Ambleside, LA22 0EP
Why dog’s love it: The warm open fire
Situated on the edge of Lake Windermere, The Wateredge Inn will provide the perfect backdrop for a break with your four-legged friend. Dine al fresco on the lakeside terrace or let your dog curl up in front of the open fire inside the bar area. There are water bowls available for your dogs and the servers have been known to give your dogs a treat or two when the puppy dog eyes are out in full force.
Place to stay: Just three miles from Ambleside, the deceptively spacious Acorn Lodge offers breathtaking views over Lake Windermere.
5. The Flying Pig
Location: Bowness
Address: Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BZ
Why dog’s love it: Designated taps and water bowls for a refreshing drink
The Flying Pig’s contemporary interior maintains the warmth and welcome of a traditional british pub. It’s located in the picturesque town of Bowness-on-Windermere and is perfect for a pint or even a full three-course meal. The Flying Pig offers a seasonal menu made with locally sourced food and ingredients and the pub is often used as the starting point for many popular dog-friendly walks.
Place to stay: Lake Lodge Studio is the paw-fect place for a romantic getaway for you complete with hot tub and free Wifi.
6. The Sun Inn
Location: Kirby Lonsdale
Address: 6 Market St, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth LA6 2AU
Why dog’s love it: The log fire
The Sun Inn is the most dog-friendly pub in Kirkby Lonsdale, they even have their own resident pooch called Charlie. There is a specific dog-friendly restaurant within the main bar. This means you can enjoy a bite to eat off their delicious two-AA-rosette menu while your furry companion lies calmly by your feet. Just outside offer a ‘dog and boot shower’ to help freshen up your pooch and boots after a muddy day exploring the beautiful countryside.
Place to stay: Cottage in Cumbria is situated in the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale and is perfect for outdoor lovers, with walks available right from your doorstep.
7. The Cuckoo Brow Inn
Location: Far Sawrey
Address: Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LQ
Why dog’s love it: Friendly staff and warm
Situated in the quaint village of Far Sawrey, The Cuckoo Brow Inn is a lovely dog-friendly pub surrounded by natural beauty. Your canine will enjoy curling up next to the warm fire to dry out while you’ll love the choice of real ales and good food cooked by award-winning chef, Loredan Gargalac. Dine al fresco in the summer and enjoy the stunning views over Lake Windermere and Hawkshead village.
Place to stay: Letterbox Cottage is a delightful lakeland cottage, furnished with cozy country charm.
8. StickleBarn Tavern
Location: Great Langdale
Address: B5343, Great Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9JU
Why dog’s love it: Warm fire and attention from staff
Sticklebarn Tavern is the only pub to be run by the National Trust. It’s located in Ambleside where there are some of the most beautiful walks nature has to offer. The pub is very dog-friendly and even has its own resident labradors. Water bowls are provided for your furry companions as well as doggy towels to dry them off after a rainy walk. There are also dog treats available for your canines, while you enjoy a hearty meal.
Place to stay: Set in the heart of working farmland, Hazel Cottage offers beautiful views in a rural location.
9. Granny Dowbekin’s Tea Room & Garden
Location: Ullswater
Address: Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2NP
Why dog’s love it: Mouthwatering smells of food
Enjoy the smell and taste of freshly made cakes, scones and sandwiches at Granny Dowbekin’s Tea Room and Garden. Dogs are welcome here although restrictions may be made on the number of large dogs they have inside due to the cafe’s small size. Located in the Pooley Bridge, Granny Dowbekin’s offers wonderful views of the River Eamont and Ullswater. You’ll have to stop by to get a real taste of a traditional British Tea room.
Place to stay: Rampsbeck Lodge lies on the shores of Ullswater and is set on two acres of private garden, offering marvelous lake and mountain views.
