19 dog friendly pubs in the Lake District
The lush landscapes of the Lake District make it a prime destination to holiday with your pooch. As well as booking a fantastic dog-friendly holiday cottage, you might be after a few cosy spots to wine and dine after long walks in the fells. From options with great beer gardens to venues offering free treats, here are 19 dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District.
1. The Dog and Gun
Location: Keswick
Address: 2 Lake Rd, Keswick CA12 5BT
Why dogs love it: The friendly bar staff and roaring log fire
With a name like The Dog and Gun, you can expect this pub in Keswick to be pretty pooch-friendly! It has oodles of traditional pub charm, a range of cask ales to choose between and a brilliant log fire for dogs to curl up in front of for a snooze.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Curl up together by the fire at charming The Cottage on the outskirts of Keswick.
2. Swinside Inn
Location: Newlands Valley
Address: Newlands Valley, Keswick CA12 5UE
Why dogs love it: The sunny beer garden
If you’ve spent the day exploring Newlands Valley just west of Keswick, don’t skip stopping off for lunch or a pint at the Swinside Inn. It has multiple dog-friendly indoor and outdoor bar areas, plus mouth-watering pub grub.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Swinside Cottage is the ideal bolthole for two people and their pooch to escape to for a weekend.
3. The Wasdale Head Inn
Location: Wasdale, Gosforth
Address: Wasdale Head, Gosforth CA20 1EX
Why dogs love it: The topped up water bowls
There’s a reason the Wasdale Head Inn is so popular with four-legged friends! Hidden in a beautiful valley in Wasdale that’s famous for its rock climbing, the pub is a welcoming spot to stop off with your dog for a bite to eat after tackling Scafell Pike.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Three bedrooms and a great garden with fell views makes nearby Birkerthwaite Cottage a wonderful place to stay with your dog.
4. The Bridge Hotel
Location: Buttermere
Address: B5289, Buttermere, CA13 9UZ
Why dogs love it: The dog-loving bar staff
Camping or rambling around Buttermere with your pooch? Bridge Hotel’s warm and welcoming bar is entirely dog-friendly (even for canines who turn up covered in mud!). The food is hearty and delicious, plus there’s a range of real ales to try.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Stay just up the road at Cottage in Cumbria, a pretty cottage featuring a wood burner effect electric fire stove and a courtyard garden.
5. The Pheasant
Location: Bassenthwaite
Address: Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, CA13 9YE
Why dogs love it: The tasty, dog-friendly treats
Whether you’ve taken a turn around Bassenthwaite or you’ve been exploring the surrounding countryside, few places are better to warm up in than The Pheasant. The 17th century coaching inn’s restaurant allows dogs and even provides free water and treats!
Dog-friendly place to stay: The spacious and well-decorated Cottage in Cumbria sits minutes from Bassenthwaite and is ideal for a family.
6. The Wateredge Inn
Location: Ambleside
Address: Borrans Rd, Ambleside LA22 0EP
Why dogs love it: Jumping in the lake
Located just up the road from the pier in Ambleside, the Wateredge Inn is regarded as one of the best dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District thanks to its spectacular beer garden. Sit right on the shores of Lake Windermere with your pooch and tuck into tasty pub grub.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Traditional Monreith has ample space for four people and one four-legged friend.
7. The Masons Arms
Location: Grange-over-Sands
Address: Strawberry Bank, Grange-over-Sands, LA11 6NW
Why dogs love it: The yummy doggy treats
Holidaying in the Southern Lakes area? Put the The Masons Arms on your pub wishlist. The dog-friendly pub in Grange-over-Sands boasts spectacular views and the staff are always ready with water and doggy treats.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Slumber in this beautiful two bedroom Apartment in Cumbria which sits in a stunning Regency-era villa at the heart of Grange-over-Sands.
8. The Queens Head
Location: Hawkshead
Address: Main St, Hawkshead, Ambleside LA22 0NS
Why dogs love it: People watching on the benches outside
Visiting the Ambleside region? The little village of Hawkshead sits a stone’s throw from Lake Windermere and is home to one of the best dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District. Settle down in the Queens Head’s dining room for lunch or sip on drinks on a bench outside.
Dog-friendly place to stay: A roaring fire and original features makes this lovely period cottage half a mile from Hawkshead a wonderful option for a family getaway.
9. The Drunken Duck Inn
Location: Barngates
Address: Barngates, Ambleside, LA22 0NG
Why dogs love it: The open fires in the bar
A charming name and a lovely location between Hawkshead and Ambleside should be reason enough to visit The Drunken Duck Inn. The Barngates pub also lets well-behaved dogs in its bar and garden. Go there for the fell views and stay for the delicious pub grub and locally brewed beer.
Dog-friendly place to stay: With countryside views out of every window and an array of beautiful period features, this eco-friendly cottage down the road from Barngates is a no-brainer.
10. Golden Rule
Location: Ambleside
Address: Smithy Brow, Ambleside, LA22 9AS
Why dogs love it: The plush carpet that’s ideal for post-walk napping
Golden Rule is a favourite of dog owners and handily situated in the heart of Ambleside village. The Grade II listed pub is really traditional and boasts warm decor, a tasty snack menu and a welcoming attitude towards dogs.
Dog-friendly place to stay: For a unique retreat, book a few nights in the eye-catching Tower House (part of a former church) in Ambleside.
11. Sticklebarn
Location: Great Langdale, Ambleside
Address: B5343, Great Langdale, Ambleside, LA22 9JU
Why dogs love it: The cosy log fire
Surrounded by a range of hiking trails and less than 20 minutes from Ambleside, National Trust-run Sticklebarn is a fantastic pub to start or finish a walk. It has a gorgeous garden overlooking the fells and a tempting menu of pub classics. Visiting in winter? Settle down with your dog next to the roaring log fire.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Toffee Cottage sits in the heart of Langdale Valley and its decor and location are as idyllic as its name.
12. Woolpack Inn
Location: Eskdale
Address: Hardknott Pass, Eskdale, Lake District, CA19 1TH
Why dogs love it: The dog-loving bar staff
This award-winning pub in Eskdale is known for its fantastic cider, plus the kitchen serves up a delicious range of homemade pizzas. Woolpack Inn also welcomes doggies of all sizes and even has its own resident pooch!
Dog-friendly place to stay: Enchanting Dovecot Cottage is the ideal location for a romantic getaway with your beloved pooch in tow.
13. White Lion Inn
Location: Patterdale
Address: Patterdale, Penrith, CA11 0NW
Why dogs love it: The comfy floor cushions
Patterdale lies just south of Ullswater and is home to this historic 19th century coaching inn. White Lion Inn is one of the top dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District and your pooch can expect the royal treatment, from water bowls to soft cushions to snooze on.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Snooze minutes from Ullswater Lake when you book a holiday at lovely Old Cop Shop Cottage.
14. The Flying Pig Pub
Location: Bowness-on-Windermere
Address: Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, LA23 3BZ
Why dogs love it: The refreshing water bowls
Bowness-on-Windermere houses several brilliant places to eat and drink, but few are more dog-friendly than The Flying Pig Pub! Dine on classic British grub and cool off with some real ales. Pooches can benefit from free water bowls and belly rubs from the dog-loving staff.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Traditional Jessicas Cottage sits within walking distance of The Flying Pig Pub and has fabulous fell views.
15. The Royal Oak Inn
Location: Bowness-on-Windermere
Address: Brantfell Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, LA23 3EG
Why dogs love it: The tasty dog biscuits
Another pub in Bowness-on-Windermere worth popping into with your pooch is the Royal Oak Inn. It’s a popular spot for walkers (and their muddy dogs!), with visitors benefiting from an extensive food and drinks menu. What’s more, hungry four-legged friends can ask for free treats at the bar!
Dog-friendly place to stay: Modern decor, a lovely terrace and lots of space for your pooch make Pottery Gate a great place to stay in Bowness-on-Windermere.
16. Bridge Inn
Location: Santon Bridge
Address: Whitecroft, Santon Bridge, Holmrook, CA19 1UX
Why dogs love it: The open fire that’s ideal for napping in front of
This pub in Santon Bridge gets its name from the charming bridge next door which stretches over the tumbling River Irt. The Bridge Inn is another brilliant place to visit with canines thanks to its cosy decor and relaxed atmosphere.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Enjoy a relaxing retreat at William Court Cottagewhich sits down the road from the Bridge Inn.
17. The Cuckoo Brow Inn
Location: Far Sawrey
Address: Far Sawrey, Ambleside, LA22 0LQ
Why dogs love it: Making friends with the other doggy guests
If you’re venturing to the Claife Viewing Station on Lake Windermere, why not stop off for a drink at the nearby Cuckoo Brow Inn? Located at the heart of Far Sawrey, it’s a no-frills pub which welcomes muddy dogs and kids with open arms. It also has a wonderful food menu featuring mostly locally-sourced produce.
Dog-friendly place to stay: This traditional stone cottage on the edge of Far Sawrey has contemporary interiors and lots of space for a family or group of friends.
18. The Sun Inn
Location: Kirkby Lonsdale
Address: 6 Market St, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, LA6 2AU
Why dogs love it: Meeting the pub’s resident Labrador, Charlie
This historic pub in picturesque Kirkby Lonsdale is another brilliant dog-friendly place to eat and drink! The Sun Inn has a dedicated pet-friendly dining area where you can tuck into award-winning pub grub.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Make yourself at home at Joiners Mews, a cute two bedroom mews cottage less than 10 miles from Kirby Lonsdale.
19. The Pooley Bridge Inn
Location: Pooley Bridge
Address: Finkle St, Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, CA10 2NN
Why dogs love it: The big garden perfect for napping and playing
If you can’t get enough of waterside eateries, the Pooley Bridge Inn in Pooley Bridge is a real winner. It’s one of the best dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District thanks to its huge beer garden and constantly refilled water bowls.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Views across Ullswater and colourful decor make Rampsbeck Lodge a lovely location for a couple’s weekend away.
