If you’ve ever tried to plan a holiday around a dog, you know the drill. Can we actually bring them? Will the garden be enclosed? Is there anywhere decent to eat that won’t banish us to a draughty annexe? The Lake District is one of the best places in Britain for a dog holiday, but it helps to know the details before you go.
We’re dog owners ourselves, and our cottages near Penrith welcome well-behaved dogs. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Lake District with your four-legged companion.
Why the Lake District Is Brilliant for Dogs
Put simply: space. Miles of footpaths, open fells, lakeshores, and woodland where your dog can run, swim, sniff and do all the things that make their tail go. The eastern Lakes around Penrith and Ullswater are particularly good because they’re quieter than Windermere and Keswick — fewer crowds, more room to breathe, and plenty of dog-friendly pubs and attractions.
Dog-Friendly Walks
From the Doorstep
Both Fern and Maple Cottages are in Great Strickland, a quiet village surrounded by farmland and footpaths. You can walk straight from the cottage door into the countryside — no driving required. The circular walk through the fields towards Morland takes about an hour and is mostly flat, perfect for an evening stroll before dinner.
A Short Drive Away
- Ullswater lakeshore (15 minutes) — the path from Pooley Bridge along the lake is flat, scenic, and dogs can paddle in the shallows. Most of the lakeside is accessible
- Lowther Castle grounds (10 minutes) — dogs on leads in the gardens, off-lead in the wider parkland. Beautiful any time of year
- Askham to Helton (15 minutes) — a lovely circular walk through two pretty villages with river crossings and fell views. About 4 miles
Big Days Out
- Hallin Fell — a short but rewarding fell walk above Howtown with incredible Ullswater views. Dogs love the open summit. About 1.5 hours return
- Aira Force to Gowbarrow — combine the famous waterfall walk with a climb up Gowbarrow Fell for panoramic views. Dogs should be on leads near the waterfall. 2-3 hours
- Helvellyn via Swirral Edge — for experienced walkers with confident dogs. The ridges require a sure-footed hound. Not for the faint-hearted but unforgettable
Dog-Friendly Pubs
The Strickland Arms, Great Strickland
Our local, and it’s just 200 yards from Fern and Maple. Dogs are welcome in the bar area, there’s water provided, and the food is proper pub grub done well. It’s the kind of pub where muddy boots and wet dogs are expected, not merely tolerated.
Other Dog-Friendly Pubs Nearby
- The Crown, Eamont Bridge — traditional village pub, dogs welcome, 5 minutes from Rittson Cottage
- The Punchbowl, Askham — a lovely pub in a picture-perfect village, with a garden for summer days
- The George and Dragon, Clifton — dogs welcome in the bar. The food is outstanding — worth booking ahead
Dog-Friendly Attractions
- Lowther Castle & Gardens — dogs on leads in the formal gardens, off-lead in the wider estate. A brilliant day out
- Ullswater Steamers — dogs travel free on the historic steamers. A cruise up the lake with your dog beside you is a properly special experience
- Brougham Castle — dogs on leads welcome in this English Heritage ruin. Free to enter the grounds
- Penrith town — most independent shops welcome dogs, and there are water bowls outside several cafés
Where to Stay with Dogs
Two of our three cottages welcome dogs:
Fern Cottage — From £145/night
Sleeps 5. The dog-friendliest cottage you’ll find. It has a fully enclosed garden (essential for dogs who like to wander), a wood-burning stove for drying off after wet walks, stone floors that can handle muddy paws, and the pub is literally 200 yards away. We provide dog bowls, towels, and a treat on arrival.
Maple Cottage — From £165/night
Sleeps 6. A stunning 17th-century barn with oak beams and original character. The enclosed courtyard garden is perfect for dogs, and there’s plenty of space for larger breeds to stretch out inside. If you’re bringing the whole family — two-legged and four-legged — Maple is the one.
See all our dog-friendly cottages →
Practical Tips for Dogs in the Lake District
Enclosed Gardens Matter
Both Fern and Maple have fully enclosed gardens, which makes a huge difference. You can let your dog out first thing in the morning without worrying, and they have a safe space to relax between walks. If you’re comparing cottages elsewhere, always check whether “garden” actually means enclosed.
Livestock Awareness
The Lake District is farming country. Sheep are everywhere, especially in spring during lambing season (March–May). Keep your dog on a lead near livestock — always. It’s the law, and farmers have the right to protect their animals. Most fell walks will pass through farmland at some point.
Water Safety
Most dogs will want to swim in the lakes and rivers. Ullswater and the River Eamont have gentle access points, but be aware of currents after heavy rain. The becks (streams) on fell walks can also rise quickly. Let your dog paddle, but use common sense.
Dog Waste
Bag it, bin it, or take it home. There are bins in most car parks and villages. On open fell land, the “stick and flick” approach is accepted — flick it off the path into the undergrowth. Never leave bags hanging on fences.
Packing List for Your Dog’s Lake District Holiday
- Lead and long line (for farmland sections)
- Poo bags — more than you think you’ll need
- Towels for drying off (we provide some, but bring your own too)
- Their bed or blanket — familiar smells help them settle in a new place
- Food and treats
- Water bowl for car journeys and walks
- A coat or fleece for smaller or short-haired breeds — Lake District weather is unpredictable
- High-visibility collar or light for winter evening walks
- Any medication
Book Your Dog-Friendly Cottage
Ready to plan your Lake District break with your dog? Take a look at Fern Cottage and Maple Cottage, or use our cottage quiz to find your perfect match. Book direct with us for the best price and a personal service — we’re always happy to answer questions about walking routes, dog-friendly pubs, and anything else your hound might need.