Dog-Friendly Cottages near Penrith & Ullswater
Bring your dog on holiday to the Lake District. Two of our three cottages welcome dogs, with enclosed gardens, dog-friendly pubs on the doorstep and hundreds of walks within easy reach. Book direct and pay no booking fees.
Our Dog-Friendly Cottages
Fern Cottage, Great Strickland — Sleeps 5, Dogs Welcome
A cosy 3-bedroom cottage with an enclosed garden where dogs can run free. The Strickland Arms pub is just 200 yards away and welcomes dogs inside. Step out of the front door onto quiet country lanes — perfect for morning and evening walks without getting in the car. View Fern Cottage →
- Enclosed private garden
- Hard floors throughout the ground floor (easy to clean muddy paws)
- Dog towels and bowls provided
- Dog-friendly pub 200 yards away
- Quiet village lanes for walks straight from the door
- £25 per dog, per stay
Maple Cottage, Great Strickland — Sleeps 6, Dogs Welcome
A stunning 17th-century barn conversion with a private enclosed garden. Maple is our largest cottage, so there’s plenty of room for the whole family — dogs included. The same village walks and dog-friendly pub are right on the doorstep. View Maple Cottage →
- Large enclosed garden
- Spacious interior with room for dog beds
- Dog towels and bowls provided
- Same village location as Fern — dog-friendly pub and walks nearby
- £25 per dog, per stay
Dog-Friendly Walks near Our Cottages
From the Cottage Door
- Great Strickland village loop — A gentle 2-mile circular walk along quiet lanes and field paths. Dogs can be off-lead on much of the route. No busy roads.
- To the ice cream farm and back — A short stroll to J&J’s Ice Cream Farm where you can sit outside with your dog. About 1 mile each way.
- Larch Cottage Nurseries circuit — Walk through the village to this beautiful plant nursery and gallery, about 1 mile from the cottages.
A Short Drive Away (10-20 minutes)
- Lowther Castle grounds — 130 acres of parkland with dogs welcome on leads. Multiple trails through woodland and around the castle ruins. 10 minutes from cottages.
- Ullswater lakeshore walks — Several dog-friendly paths around the lake, including the Howtown to Sandwick section. 15 minutes from cottages.
- Aira Force waterfall — Dogs on leads welcome on this spectacular woodland walk to a 20-metre waterfall. National Trust, 18 minutes from cottages.
- Askham and Lowther valley — Quiet village with riverside walks and the Punchbowl Inn (dog-friendly). 15 minutes away.
- Pooley Bridge to Howtown path — Flat lakeside path suitable for dogs, with options to extend onto the fells. 15 minutes from cottages.
Bigger Adventures (25-40 minutes)
- Helvellyn — Dogs can tackle Striding Edge too (confident dogs only). Start from Glenridding. 25 minutes from cottages.
- Blencathra via Sharp Edge — A dramatic mountain walk with dogs welcome. Start from Scales. 30 minutes.
- Haweswater — Remote and quiet reservoir walk, often deserted. Dogs love the freedom here. 30 minutes.
- Grizedale Forest — Forestry trails with sculptures hidden among the trees. Dogs on leads. 40 minutes.
Dog-Friendly Pubs and Cafes nearby
- The Strickland Arms, Great Strickland — 200 yards from Fern and Maple. Dogs welcome inside. Real ales and hearty food.
- The Beehive, Eamont Bridge — Dogs welcome inside and in the beer garden. 5 minutes from Rittson Cottage.
- The George and Dragon, Clifton — Michelin-recommended gastropub, dogs welcome in the bar area. 3 miles.
- The Punchbowl Inn, Askham — Dog-friendly village pub with a lovely garden overlooking the green. 5 miles.
- Granny Dowbekin’s, Pooley Bridge — Dog-friendly tearoom by the bridge. Perfect post-walk cake stop.
- The Quiet Bar, Glenridding — At the Inn on the Lake. Dogs welcome. Lake views.
Practical Information for Dog Owners
- Dog fee: £25 per dog, per stay (not per night)
- Number of dogs: Up to 2 dogs per cottage, please check when booking
- Gardens: Both Fern and Maple have fully enclosed gardens
- We provide: Dog towels and water bowls
- Please bring: Dog bed, lead, food and any medications
- House rules: Dogs are welcome downstairs but not on beds or sofas, please
- Nearest vet: Penrith Veterinary Surgery, 4 miles away (01onal 762XXX)
- Dog wash: Outside tap available for hosing down muddy paws
Why the Lake District Is Perfect for Dog Holidays
The Lake District is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in England. Most pubs welcome dogs, many attractions allow dogs on leads, and there are hundreds of walks from gentle strolls to mountain adventures. Our location near Penrith gives you easy access to quieter walks that don’t get the same crowds as Windermere or Keswick — meaning more off-lead freedom for your dog and a more relaxed holiday for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all three cottages dog-friendly?
Fern and Maple cottages welcome dogs. Rittson Cottage does not accept pets at this time. Both dog-friendly cottages have enclosed gardens.
How much is the dog charge?
£25 per dog, per stay — not per night. This covers the extra cleaning required between guests.
Can my dog be left alone in the cottage?
We ask that dogs are not left unattended in the cottages for extended periods. If you need to pop out for a meal, most nearby restaurants are dog-friendly anyway.
Is there a good walk straight from the cottage?
Yes — Great Strickland has quiet lanes and field paths ideal for dogs. You can do a 2-mile loop without getting in the car. The village pub (200 yards) is also dog-friendly for post-walk refreshments.
Book a dog-friendly Lake District break
Check availability and book direct →
For more ideas on things to do during your stay, visit our Out & About guide.