Ed Roberts
01 April 2021
Bowness-on-Windermere is a dog-friendly paradise with its easy access to the lake, hundreds of walks, and plenty of pet-friendly pubs. You might fancy a drink or two in a beer garden on a sunny day, head out for a slap-up breakfast in the morning, or re-energise after a day hiking the fells. Whatever your reason for seeking a pet-friendly pub in Bowness, here are the excellent places on offer!
The Flying Pig Pub
Family- and dog-friendly, The Flying Pig Pub serves up seasonal meals using the best locally sourced ingredients. The contemporary interior is bright and welcoming with wood burners and some lovely quirky features. The delicious food ranges from an indulgent All Day Breakfast Burger to fresh mussels, so there really is something to suit all tastes! It’s also very dog friendly and your pup will get plenty of attention with their own treats and freshwater. As if that’s not enough, there’s even a discount available for guests with Sally’s Cottages!
Location: Rayrigg Road, LA23 3BZ
The Albert
Just a stone’s throw from the lake, The Albert offers easy-going dining and home-cooked meals. Add to that an open fire, beer garden, live music, and bingo nights, and you’ve got yourself a perfect pub! The friendly staff will have you feeling right at home in no time, while the delicious food is ideal for getting rid of those hunger pains! Outside is a lovely garden with heaters and even a mezzanine deck.
Location: Queens Square, LA23 3BY
Hole in t’ Wall
Quaint and cosy, the Hole in t’ Wall is the oldest pub in Bowness and is bursting at the seams with character. Think wooden beams, knick-knacks everywhere and an open fire. It has interesting connections to the likes of Charles Dickens and champion wrestler Thomas Longmire, so you’re in good company when you stop off for a drink or meal here! Their Ploughman’s Lunch is amazing, and the fish pie is another popular choice on the menu!
Dogs are welcome outside in the beer garden, which is heated to keep you all cosy!
Location: Robinson Place, LA23 3DH
Boaters Bar
If you simply can’t get enough of the lake, then Boaters Bar is the perfect spot for you and your dog to enjoy a meal and a drink! Overlooking Windermere Marina, you can sit back and watch the gentle bobbing of the boats from inside and out, depending on the weather and your preference! The pizzas are especially good, and an excellent choice of locally brewed beers will keep your taste buds busy. Your dog will also love the selection of doggy drinks and treats available.
Location: Quays, Glebe Road, LA23 3HE
Arts Bar & Grill
Taking its name from an Arts & Crafts textiles artist called Annie Garnett, Arts Bar & Grill lives up to its creative history with its unique and characterful setting. The building used to display Garnett’s textiles to the public and the bar now offers up a range of tasty cocktails and classic pub food with a twist. Thanks to its position close to a number of popular walks, it’s the perfect stop-off point for you and your dog after a hike or a stroll. Guests with Sally’s Cottages even receive a special discount!
Location: Brantfell Road, LA23 3AE
The Angel Inn
Just a short walk from the shores of Windermere, The Angel Inn sits in an elevated position in Bowness and has wonderful views of the lake and surrounding forests. The pretty beer garden makes the most of the outlook, while inside you can warm up after a day around the lake next to the open fire or enjoy a drink in the orangery. There’s also good hearty Cumbrian food on offer!
Location: Helm Road, LA23 3BU
The Westmorland Inn
This family-run pub, the Westmoreland Inn, is extremely welcoming to dogs and people alike and will sort you out with excellent home-cooked pub favourites such as burgers, grills, or bangers and mash. Dig into a meal in the bright ground floor restaurant, or head up to the comfy mezzanine for a drink on one of the squishy sofas. It’s well worth a visit on Sundays, too, for their brilliant carvery. Perfect after a walk in the hills!
Location: Lake Road, LA23 3AP
The Old John Peel Inn
The Old John Peel Inn has everything you could want from a pub: a warm welcome, open fire, good, honest food, and live music events. With its dark wood, patterned carpets and stone fireplaces, it maintains the kind of traditional look that makes you feel right at home. Well known for its extremely friendly staff, this family-run pub has treats available for your dog, as well as a good selection of drinks and food for their human companions.
Location: 2 Rayrigg Road, LA23 3BZ
The Royal Oak Inn
Officially the finishing pub for the 80-mile-long Dales Way walk, you know The Royal Oak is going to be a good place to stop after a day of hiking! This cosy traditional inn has plenty of history behind it and has been welcoming guests for more than 200 years. Nowadays it’s a pet-friendly pub with an excellent atmosphere, a roaring open fire, and outside seating. Even when it’s a little chilly, they have blankets, umbrellas and heaters to keep you cosy. Get your fix of hearty meals with everything from Sunday Roasts to Steak & Ale pie. Yum!
Location: Brantfell Road, LA23 3EG
Stay at a dog-friendly self-catering holiday cottage in the Lake District
We are sure that you and your four-legged pal are going to have an amazing stay in Bowness. Don’t forget to book your perfect pet-friendly holiday cottage if you haven’t already!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.