If there’s one question we often get asked here at John Norris, it’s about the best dog-friendly places to stay at in the Lake District. Being able to take your four-legged friend along on trips is so important to many of you, and understandably so, as dogs are after all part of the family.
So we’ve rounded up our favourite dog-friendly hotels and country houses in the Lakes, to give you plenty of options when taking your next weekend break.
The George & Dragon Hotel
Clifton, near Penrith, Cumbria
The
George & Dragon hotel is a country estate inn, set within its own tranquil grounds of the Lowther Estate. Having received commendable recognition from the likes of The Independent, it boasts a variety of family, standard, superior and deluxe rooms, all of which are dog-friendly when booked in advance.
Dogs are welcome within the bar but not the restaurant, and dog-owners can take their pup for a stroll through the Askham Hall gardens, where much of the hotel’s fresh produce is grown.
Leeming House
Watermillock Ullswater, near Penrith, Cumbria
Leeming House is an exquisite contemporary hotel boasting a spa, function rooms, and Christmas and New Year break packages all on the shores of Lake Ullswater. Dogs are welcome for a charge of £15 per night in any of the ground floor Executive rooms, and a comfy cushion and dog bowls are provided upon arrival.
Your dog will enjoy the spacious patio and gardens for running around in, and he’ll also be welcome within the hotel conservatory and library. Leeming House is also happy to recommend a local provider for dog sitting and dog walking services – just ask at reception.
Royal Oak Hotel
Main St, Keswick
The
Royal Oak is set within the beautiful market town of Keswick, where there is always plenty to see and do. This traditional coaching inn provides cosy contemporary rooms with comfy beds, walking guides and books, and a cushion and water bowl for your pooch. When you stay at the Oak, you’re never far from the stunning views of Mount Keswick and the surrounding walking trails, and can find plenty of inspiration from the guides that the Oak provides.
Dog-friendly rooms at the Oak are subject to availability, so make sure you book first!
Wild Boar Inn
Windermere, Cumbria
Enjoy roaring open log fires, free wifi and use of its sister hotel’s leisure club when you choose to stay at the
Wild Boar Inn. Dog-owners will love taking their dogs for long, lazy walks through the hotel’s private woodland and walking trails, and there’s even an onsite smokehouse and brewhouse, where you can engage in whiskey tasting and learn to smoke your own meats.
Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners in the lounge for all mealtimes.
Rampsbeck Country House Hotel
Watermillock, Lake Ullswater
Located on the shores of Lake Ullswater, Rampsbeck Country House is a peaceful, energy-renewing place of harmony and is even said to be the place about which Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils’ was written. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in either of its two homely cottages and also some ground floor rooms. Your four-legged friend can also accompany you in the hall, where you can take afternoon tea by a relaxing open fire.
Water bowls and treats are provided for all dogs, with just a £15 supplement for the duration of your stay.
Sharrow Bay Hotel
Lake Ullswater, Penrith
Sharrow Bay Hotel has been described as the “epitome of English country living”, nestled within the peaceful setting of Lake Ullswater and surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains. Non-residents are also welcome to stop by the hotel’s restaurant and bar for a meal or a coffee, which is great news for walkers and cyclists looking for a comfy pitstop.
Should you choose to stay, you’ll have choice of Sharrow Bay’s 17 rooms, each one just as elegant and traditional as the next, with extraordinary views over the lake.
Holbeck Ghyll Hotel
Holbeck Lane, Windermere
This traditional country house was the Silver Winner of VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence in 2013, which is an immediate sign of the quality and service you can expect. Dogs are welcome in some rooms and all of the hotel grounds for a one-off charge of £25 per dog, and even get their own welcome pack!
Holbeck Ghyll staff will also be able to recommend the best walks for you and your pooch, including plenty of dog-friendly pubs and cafes to stop at along the way.
For an extra charge of £50 per dog, owners can choose to upgrade their dog to a VIP package, provided by London pet outfitters Mungo & Maud. These lucky pooches will receive a luxurious bed, a Mungo & Maud blanket and bowl, organic dog treats and a toy.
Wateredge Inn
Ambleside, Cumbria
Everyone is welcome at the
Wateredge Inn, from families to couples to hardcore hikers. Staff will go out of their way to provide you with your perfect stay, whether it’s outdoor adventure or rest and relaxation. Anglers may be interested to know that the building was originally fisherman’s cottages dating back to the 17th century!
Dog-friendly rooms are limited so must be booked in advance, and dogs are allowed to join their owners in the lower bar area for meals and drinks. Although not allowed to exercise in the grounds, dogs can be walked into the beautiful Dorran’s Park adjacent to Wateredge Inn. Dogs are at a cost of £10 per stay.
Cragwood Country House Hotel
Windermere, Cumbria
Cragwood Country House is located in its own secluded, 20 acre estate of beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland. With stunning views and informal, friendly service, dog-owners will enjoy kicking back in this little piece of laid back paradise, with just a small charge of £20 per dog per stay.
You canine guest is welcome in any of the bedrooms as well as the lounge, bar or dining room for a truly relaxed stay. Cragwood advises however that owners bring all of their dog’s own bedding to help them feel at home.
