Dog Friendly Lake District

In our opinion the Lake District is one of the best places for a relaxing holiday, spectacular scenery, lots to see and do, loads of mouth watering places to eat and more walks than you can manage in a whole year!

Whether you opt for the more rugged Northern Lakes, exploring the walks, fells, forests, towns and villages around Keswick, or the Southern fells and the areas around Ambleside and Grasmere you and your canine companions are sure to have a wonderful holiday.
The Plus 2 Dogs top spots for dog friendly places in the Lakes include: Grasmere - this little village is a tourist hot spot and with good reason. If you stay here then the walks from the door are truly amazing - our dogs particularly enjoyed the Alcock Tarn walk, it takes a few hours and has amazing views over the village and the lake. Be sure to take a flask and a snack to have a picnic at the top so you can soak up the views whilst the dogs take a paddle in the tarn (if it's not too cold!!!)

The town itself is very dog friendly and many of the cafes, tea rooms and shops will welcome you and your dog. Several of them even have water filled dog bowls to quench doggy thirst as you all amble around the shops and village centre. There's also a dog friendly park on the edge of the village where Fido and friends can have a run around amidst the glorious scenery.

 Ambleside - the bustling town of Ambleside has loads of walks from the door that are OK for dogs, several eateries and pubs with dog friendly outside seating areas, a very generous park with wide open grass areas where dogs can be safely exercised well away from traffic, plus the lovely Borans Park on the edge of town, sitting on the shores of Lake Winderemere where canines can indulge in a bit of doggy paddling.

 Whinlatter Forest - situated in the Northern Lakes, not far outside Keswick, the Forestry Commission's Whinlatter Forest has great dog friendly walks with the majority being on good width paths and forest tracks on paw-friendly surfaces (i.e. less slate bits and more grass, earth and mud). There are jaw dropping views over Bassenthwaite Lake far below and when you've completed your walk don't forget to call in at the Siskins café at the visitor centre which has a large outside decked area with tables and chairs where you can all enjoy a much needed drink, snack and a sit down.

You might also want to check out the Forestry Commission's Grizedale Forest in the Southern fells near Hawkshead. Our dogs particularly enjoy the 2 ½ hour Grizedale Tarn walk.

Find out more about the dog friendly Lake District:

Plus 2 Dogs website for dog friendly accommodation in the Lakes ( and rest of the UK!)

The Plus 2 Dogs Dog Friendly Lake District pages on Squidoo

Top walk - if you're feeling energetic then try the walk to/from/circular route between Ambleside and Grasmere. One way the walk takes around 2 hours and you can opt for the low level or over-the-fell routes. Alternatively, make a day of it and walk both ways, spending some time in either place for lunch and a look around. Route information is available from most walking guide books and leaflets for the area, visit the walking shops or the tourist information centre in Ambleside for details.