Content Team
22 February 2021
The Lake District has to be one of the most dog-friendly places in the country! Keswick has been named 'Most dog-friendly town in Britain’ for 3 years on-the-trot by the Kennel Club, and there’s plenty of pet-friendly attractions, walks and accommodation across the whole national park.
Dogs really do become members of the family, so a long walk together is made even better when you can finish off with a hearty pub meal and a drink somewhere you know your four-legged companion will be made just as welcome! Here's our guide to some of the Lake District's top dog-friendly pubs and inns.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in the Northwest Lake District
The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite
Perfect for a drink after a walk around Bassenthwaite Lake or on the fells of the area, The Pheasant has designated dog-friendly areas with complimentary treats and freshwater, so your pup can feel refreshed, too. For the people in your party, there’s a good range of hand-pulled and cask ales, bitters and lagers, and malts.
The Coledale Inn, Braithwaite
The Coledale Inn is a genuine country inn that started out life as a woollen mill in around 1824, and which is peacefully situated above the village of Braithwaite. Filled with Victorian furnishings, it serves good honest food, and dogs can join you in the bar.
The Bridge Hotel, Buttermere
The Bridge Hotel in the pretty village of Buttermere serves traditional bar meals, including vegetarian options, and Cumbrian cask beers. Dogs are made welcome on the outside patio and in the Walkers Bar (named after its founder, Reverend Robert Walker, not after the surrounding fells!).
The Dog and Gun, Keswick
The Dog and Gun pub in KeswickThe Dog and Gun is in the heart of Keswick and is very welcoming towards dogs. They have a great selection of beers and are renowned for their Hungarian Goulash! It's also home to the Woof and Bang, brewed exclusively for the Dog and Gun by Keswick Brewery!
Stay at one of our dog-friendly cottages in Keswick.
The Swinside Inn, Newlands Valley
The gorgeously situated Swinside Inn is in the heart of the beautiful Newlands Valley. As well as amazing views from the beer garden, fabulous food, and multiple dog-friendly bars, they also boast their very own Swinside Ale and produce their own sausage!
The King's Head Inn, Thirlmere
A former 17th-century coaching inn at the foot of Helvellyn, The King's Head looks towards St Johns in the Vale, Blencathra and Skiddaw. Pooches on leads can join you whilst you eat in the bar – they’ll love spreading out in front of the fire!
The Horse and Farrier, Threlkeld
The Horse and Farrier is a traditional Lakeland inn built in 1688 and situated beneath Blencathra, with views towards Helvellyn. It has a large selection of local ales, wine, and excellent food, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the bar.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in the South West Lake District
The Wasdale Head Inn, Wasdale
The Wasdale Head Inn in the Lake DistrictThe only pub in the remote valley of Wasdale, which is known as the birthplace of rock climbing, The Wasdale Head Inn is a great dog-friendly pit stop after a day of hiking or rock climbing. Its Ritson's Bar is named after its first landlord, Will Ritson, a teller of tall tales and the first 'World's Biggest Liar'!
The Woolpack Inn, Eskdale
This historic inn, The Woolpack, has good food and great ales and has been a CAMRA cider pub of the year multiple times! Your dog can join you in the Hardknott Bar, which has a contemporary feel with wooden floors, a slate bar, and a giant sports screen! There's also a lovely beer garden with an enclosed children's play area to keep little ones happy too!
The King George IV Inn, Eskdale
The King George IV Pub in EskdaleThe King George is full of history and dates back to the 15th century. It serves real ales and great pub grub, including locally sourced food wherever possible. Dogs are very welcome in the bar.
Stay at one of our dog-friendly cottages in Eskdale.
The Inn at Ravenglass
This 17th-century inn sits with the mountains behind and the sea ahead. Thanks to its location, it specialises in locally sourced fish (although there's much more on the menu!) and has a good selection of real ales. You can dine alongside your companion in the bar area, or why not enjoy a beer while watching a spectacular sunset over the estuary?
Dog-Friendly Pubs in the North East Lake District
The Punchbowl Inn, Askham
The Punchbowl is an 18th-century inn with a traditional bar and original timber ceiling - coins were once forced into the splits of the beams for luck! It’s set in the picture-postcard village of Askham and serves up a range of foods, including options for various dietary needs.
The White Lion, Patterdale
A whitewashed inn in the small village of Patterdale, The White Lion dates back to the early 1800s and has an extensive menu of pub favourites ranging from Cumberland Sausage to curry. Your dog won’t miss out either, with dog treats available at the bar!
The Pooley Bridge Inn, Pooley Bridge
Only moments away from the shores of Ullswater, The Pooley Bridge Inn serves everything from a quick snack to a hearty meal. On warm days you can sit out in the front beer garden or in the Stable Courtyard away from the road.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in the South East Lake District
The Golden Rule, Ambleside
Tucked away on the steep Kirkstone Road near Bridge House in Ambleside, The Golden Rule is a Grade II listed multi-room pub. Though it doesn’t serve meals, it’s a great place for a drink and snack with traditional fare such as scotch eggs, nuts and crisps available. It also has a secluded beer garden where you and your pooch can relax in the sun!
Stay at one of our dog-friendly cottages in Ambleside.
The Flying Pig, Bowness-on-Windermere
Burger at The Flying Pig in Bowness-on-WindermereStop for a pint or enjoy a full three-course meal at The Flying Pig in Bowness – either way, you’ll be glad you did! The contemporary interior maintains the warmth and welcome of a traditional pub, and there’s plenty of ales, ciders, wines and locally-sourced foods on offer.
Stay at one of our cottages in Bowness and Windermere.
Tweedies Bar, Grasmere
This award-winning pub, Tweedies Bar, in Grasmere serves up fantastic pub grub and is best known for its immense Sunday lunch sharers, where everyone digs into crispy roasties, ginormous Yorkshire puddings, and lashings of gravy. Their Beer Bat is a sample of three third-of-a-pint guest beers.
The Sun Inn, Kirkby Lonsdale
In the pretty historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, The Sun Inn is incredibly dog-friendly, and its dog-loving owners – plus their pooch, Charlie the Labrador – welcome all shapes and sizes. There’s a pet-friendly dining area where you can choose from the delicious two-AA-rosette menu with your faithful companion by your side. It gets busy, so booking is advised!
The Eagle and Child Inn, Staveley
On the outer edge of the village of Staveley, The Eagle and Child can be a tranquil retreat on some days and a bustling hub on others! They are particularly proud of their food offerings, sourced from local producers, and also have a great selection of local ales and regular guest beers. There’s also a lovely riverside beer garden.
The Britannia Inn, Elterwater
Nestled in the breathtaking Langdale Valley, The Britannia Inn is a 500-year-old building that was converted to an inn in the 19th century. Dogs receive a very warm welcome, and there's lots of space to sit outside and admire the views on a beautiful summer's day.
We hope this helps you find a selection of some of the top dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District. There are even more too so, wherever you’re staying, be sure to explore to find a fantastic gem.
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Stay at a self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottage in the Lake District
Before you set off and go touring this vast and beautiful region of England, take a look at our range of dog-friendly self-catering holiday cottages throughout the Lake District. Find the perfect holiday property to provide the right backdrop for your Ambleside adventure, whether you plan to go boating, hiking or mountain climbing. Search our collection today.
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.