A dog-friendly guide to Ambleside

Ambleside is one of the most popular locations in the Lake District and one we love to explore with our dogs. From the great selection of dog-friendly eateries to incredible walks that will suit the most active of pups, there’s plenty to experience here.

The town sits on the northern edge of Windermere lake, England’s longest natural lake and a hive of activity to boot. If your dog is a water baby, there are plenty of spots for a swim, and might they even like to try their paw at kayaking or paddleboarding. In fact, there are plenty of dog-friendly days out to suit all persuasions.

Whether they’re soaked from the lakes and rivers, weary from epic hikes, or wholly content after a heavy day of sniffing, they’ll be ready for a kip in one of our dog-friendly cottages in Ambleside. Take a look and see if you can find your perfect pooch pad in the Lake District.

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• Dog-friendly Ambleside attractions
• Dog-friendly Ambleside walks
• Dog-friendly pubs in Ambleside
• Dog-friendly Ambleside cafes and restaurants

Dog-friendly Ambleside attractions

There's no need to leave the dog behind when enjoying a day out at one of these Ambleside attractions, four-legged friends are welcome to join you on boat trips across the lake and visits to historical sites, gardens and museums.

Ambleside Roman Fort

Owned by English Heritage, Ambleside Roman Fort offers a fascinating look back at our ancestors. The 2^nd-century remains are still clearly visible and are thought to have housed around 500 soldiers at one time. Its main purpose was to guard the road between Brougham and Ravenglass, but we think its position right next to Lake Windermere may have appealed to their better nature too.

Dogs are welcome at Ambleside Roman Fort on leads. Please be aware that livestock often graze on the site.

Windermere Lake Cruises

One of the most popular activities in Ambleside, Windermere Lake Cruises are a dog-friendly treat. This is a superb way for you and your pooch to explore the water and to reach further afield without using the car (and trying to find parking). Sail over the water to numerous other walks and dog-friendly attractions including the grounds at Wray Castle and Brockhole, plus the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway.

Dogs are welcome on all scheduled cruises. They are also welcome on the Summer Evening Buffet Cruise (please note that the noise and length of this trip may mean it is not suitable for all dogs).

The Armitt Museum, Gallery and Library

Image credit: Naik Media

The Armitt Museum, Gallery and Library is a real gem in Ambleside and, rather unusually for a museum, it also welcomes dogs indoors. The Armitt is a fascinating spot that tells all about the history of Ambleside, the surrounding areas, and its people. There are lots of unusual objects to admire, and regular exhibitions that shine a light on specific topics of local interest.

It’s also worth tackling the Armitt Digital Trail after your visit to the museum. Dogs can join you on a tour of Ambleside where you’ll uncover the hidden histories of the town’s beautiful buildings.  

Borrans Park

This lovely lakeside park is perfect for a gentle walk with your dog. Enjoy expansive views of Windermere as you sit on open grass or stroll along gentle paths. Pack a picnic and make use of the picnic tables dotted around the parkland or follow the Roman road to Galava Fort.

Rattle Ghyll Deli is the perfect place to pick up provisions for your picnic and if you grab one of the benches by the lake you can enjoy wonderful views over Windermere as you tuck into a delicious sandwich and homemade pie.

Ambleside motorboat hire

As well as its popular boat trips, Windermere Lake Cruises also offers self-drive motorboat hire . Just book online and head over to Waterhead Pier to start exploring the lake at your own pace. Dogs are welcome on board the motorboats but please be aware that dog buoyancy aids aren’t provided, so remember to bring your own. Adult and child life jackets are provided.

Bridge House

Standing on a tiny bridge and spanning a small stream called Stock Beck, Bridge House is perhaps the quirkiest building in the Lake District. It dates back to the 17^th century when it was originally built for the wealthy Braithwaite family in order to access their lands and store apples in the house. Bridge House is now a National Trust shop and although dogs aren’t able to go inside it’s well worth a visit to see this iconic Ambleside building from the outside.

Stagshaw Gardens

Stagshaw Gardens is something of a hidden gem, though don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t your typical garden with grass lawns and flower beds. Instead, you’ll find 8 acres of beautiful woodland gardens bursting with azaleas and rhododendrons in the spring. Listen for the rippling beck that flows down the steep hill and look out for glimpses of the lake from the garden’s elevated height.

Dogs are welcome to join you as you explore this beautiful National Trust garden although they must be kept on a lead due to grazing animals.

Dog-friendly Ambleside walks

With the excitement of a new place, your dog will no doubt be raring to get out and about to sniff and explore new nooks and crannies. Fortunately, there are plenty of walks right from the centre of Ambleside that will suit anything from the most active collie to the laziest greyhound.

Stock Ghyll Force

Take a pleasant stroll along the river and through the woods to reach Stock Ghyll Force. This easy 1-mile walk starts in the heart of Ambleside and winds through Stock Ghyll Woods. It’s relatively flat underfoot, though along a rough path that can get muddy in parts. There are two sets of waterfalls to enjoy along the route, and then you just head back the way you came.

Wansfell Pike

If you’d like to view Ambleside from above, with all its accompanying scenery, then the peak of Wansfell Pike will give you just that. It’s a moderately easy mountain walk for those who are reasonably active with just over 5 miles and up to 600 metres of climbing. You’ll wander through woods, past waterfalls and along rough mountain paths. Note that there isn’t always a ready supply of water, so consider taking extra for your dog.

Skelghyll Wood and Jenkins Crag

Lots of trails wend their way through Skelghyll Wood, so take your pick and wander to your heart’s content. Dogs will love sniffing the trees and catching the scent of woodland creatures that have scurried by recently. As part of a 3-mile circular walk you'll make your way up to Jenkins Crag for a magnificent view of Lake Windermere before taking a pathway around Stagshaw Gardens and following the Ambleside Champion Tree trail, where you will find the tallest Grand Fir tree in England .

Dog-friendly Ambleside pubs

As it happens, just about every pub in Ambleside is dog friendly, giving you plenty of options for catching a game, enjoying a relaxed drink in the evening, or resting your weary legs after a day on the fells.

The Golden Rule is a hidden gem. One of a few remaining wet pubs (no food served), it’s tucked away from the main road and is a Grade II-listed building. Small and cosy, this is a quintessentially British pub with low ceilings, wooden beams and carpeted floors.

At the Royal Oak your dog will be given the right royal treatment. Super dog-friendly, this Ambleside pub might even take a snap of your four-legged friend to pop on their photo wall. Or try The Unicorn with its live music and bustling atmosphere.

If you like to sup a pint with the water in sight, then try the Waterhead Inn or the Wateredge Inn, both of which offer great views of Windermere lake. The Wateredge Inn has an incredible beer garden on the water, plus its own pier. Perfect on a hot day if your pup wants to launch itself into the water to cool down!

Dog-friendly Ambleside cafes and restaurants

Where to eat in Ambleside with your dog? Fear not, as it is a dog-friendly town there are plenty of eateries where you can both enjoy refreshments.

Dog-friendly cafes include Mr H’s, a vintage tearoom that does a great cream tea as well as a selection of cakes and breakfasts that will fuel you up for the day ahead. Alternatively, Stiles Coffee Bar has a wide choice of home-made meals, an ever-evolving selection of 12 flavours of ice cream, and various speciality teas to sample.

Luigis is a more typical restaurant that has an entire floor dedicated to dog-friendly dining, with dog beds, water and treats. So, you can enjoy a delicious Italian meal while your dog relaxes in utter comfort. Now that’s what we call a dog-friendly restaurant!

Dog-friendly places to stay in Ambleside

If you have been inspired by all these dog-friendly things to do in Ambleside and are ready to start planning your next Lake District getaway, you'll find lots of lovely places to rest your head dotted around this charming Cumbrian town. Whether you are looking for a cosy countryside retreat or a holiday home close to Lake Windermere, take a look at our full range of Ambleside cottages to find your perfect base.