By Expedia Team, on March 12, 2020

The Best Dog-Friendly Things to Do in the Lake District

“The Lake District is a wonderland for dogs – their owners, too. There are miles of walking paths along lake shores and up, lots of canine-friendly pubs to relax in and accommodation that will put up you and your pup. Read on for more on the best dog-friendly things to do in the Lake District.

Be Free in Forests and on Felltops
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The Lake District is a paradise for walkers – and a playground for dogs. There are fells to scamper up and forests in which to run off-lead. If you have a dog that’s particularly energetic, there’s lots of longer walks that’ll give them the chance to really let off some steam.

The 10-mile (16km) Derwentwater Circuit starts and ends in the Lake District’s most dog-friendly down, Keswick. It skirts Derwentwater’s shoreline and passes through plenty of woodland with birds and squirrels to chase. There are also several dog-friendly cafes along the way, as well as spots for a picnic.

Several dedicated forest areas nearby allow dogs to roam off-lead. Whinlatter Forest has miles of waymarked paths to get muddy on, while the Grizedale Forest has a unique sculpture walk, where 40-odd outdoor works of art line the walking paths, keeping humans and dogs alike interested.

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Go for a Refreshing Lake Swim
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There are 16 bodies of water in the Lake District that come in all shapes and sizes. One of the best lakes for a doggie swim is Buttermere. A walking path encircles the entire lake, and there are plenty of beaches and areas of flat shoreline that offer easy access to the water.

One thing to note about taking your dog for a swim in the Lake District is that sometimes the lakes are affected by blooms of blue green algae, which can be toxic to animals. Keep an eye out for signs posted near the lake shore and, if you spot algae in the water, it’s best to keep your dog on dry land.

Ride the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
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One of the most popular attractions in the Lake District is the dog-friendly Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, a heritage train that crosses seven miles (11km) from Ravenglass to Boot. Along the way, the train passes through the scenic Eskdale Valley, and you can choose to sit in an open-air carriage for maximum doggie air sniffing time. Dogs must be kept on leads and they also require a ticket (£1.50).

Not only are there water bowls at the stations, dogs also get given their own welcome packs. They can visit the gift shop, too. There are good walks at both ends of the journey, particularly Ravenglass Beach, which has no dog restrictions.

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Go in Search of Peter Rabbit
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The wonderful Lingholm Estate was the country manor where Beatrix Potter and her family spent summer holidays. The estate continues to offer elegant cottage accommodation, with a maximum of two dogs allowed to stay.

Even if you’re not staying the night, the Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden is a popular restaurant to dine in (it also served as the inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit). The kitchen welcomes pooches and the walled garden is particularly nice, with shaded terrace seating and a greenhouse.

Take a Cruise Around Windermere
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If your pup doesn’t swim, or you’d prefer to take to the water without getting wet, then a cruise around Windermere is a good option. Windermere Lake Cruises offers a whole variety of different boating options, from scheduled cruise sailings to self-drive and rowing boats. Dogs are welcome on all of Windermere Lake Cruises’ vessels, so long as they are well-behaved and stay on a lead.

To boot, there are a number of dog-friendly attractions and cafes where pups are welcome at the boats’ calling points, including the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway, Brockhole, Wray Castle and cafes like the Boatman’s Cafe in Bowness and the Pier Cafe Bar in Ambleside.

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Nose Around the Grounds of Lowther Castle
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Dogs on leads are allowed around the 130-acre grounds of Lowther Castle in Penrith. The castle, which was built in the 1800s, especially encourages pooches to visit during its annual Wags and Tails event, which features doggy playgrounds, vet checkups, workshops, training events and terrier races.

Cosy Up in a Pooch-Friendly Pub
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The Lake District is brimming with dog-friendly pubs – and after a long day of muddy fell or lakeshore walkies, there’s nothing better than drying your boots (or paws) by the fire in a local pub.

The Dog and Gun in Keswick goes above and beyond its poochie name. Not only does it welcome dogs into the pub, it also serves its own canine-inspired house beer, the Woof & Bang golden ale.

Find somewhere to stay by checking out our hotels in the Lake District.”