The Best Dog Friendly Hotels in the Lake District

Treat both yourself and fido to a relaxing countryside break at these pawsome pads in Lakeland.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

With its raggy hilltops, mountain tarns and glittering lakes, the Lake District, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2017, makes for the pinnacle of country breaks. The best bit? For those who don’t want to leave their furry companions behind, this dreamy corner of the UK is also home to a whole host of dog-friendly hideaways where your four-legged friend will feel just as pampered as you do.

Whether you’re sipping a pint in a cosy pub, unwinding in a luxurious spa or tackling trails through scenic landscapes, our favourite dog-friendly spots in the Lake District have something for every canine adventurer.

1The Forest Side, Grasmere

Surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, The Forest Side, tucked away in the heart of Grasmere, is the perfect place to head out on long walks that, most importantly, end at the pub (there are plenty just a stone’s throw away).

Back at the hotel, settle down in one of the six charming pet-friendly rooms, where every dog enjoys its own welcome pack comprising a personalised welcome letter, a dog bed, two dog bowls (water and food) and a selection of tasty treats. Dogs are also welcome in the bar where they can settle down by the fire while you enjoy a stiff drink, while outside they have the freedom to explore the 43 acres of woodland in the grounds.

Max. 2 dogs per room; £25 per dog per stay; theforestside.com

Aerial view of The Forest Side, Grasmere

2Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere

If you’re after a dose of luxury for both you and your furry friend, Holbeck Ghyll has you covered. Perched on the edge of Windermere, this 19th-century country house offers the kind of elegance that’ll make you all feel like royalty. Both the Lake View Suite with Hot Tub and Lake View Junior Suite Rooms are dog friendly, coming complete with a dog bed and dog bowls, and they can even eat beside you by the inglenook fireplace and in the bar area at quiet times.

Treat yourself to a massage at the spa while your dog sleeps, and when it’s his/her time to play, there’s lush grounds and the fresh, countryside air right on your doorstep. Don’t worry about being too formal - this place is all about relaxed luxury, so your dog will be welcomed with open arms (and probably a treat or two).

£25 per dog per stay; holbeckghyll.com

Golden retriever sat outside Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere

3Rothay Manor, Ambleside

Whether you own a Pomeranian or a St Bernard, all dogs are treated like family at Rothay Manor, a charming lakeside manor house which sits right on the edge of Ambleside, allowing easy access to the stunning lakes and trails of the Lake District.

After a day of adventures, unwind in one of their many dog-friendly rooms, where you and your furry friend can kick back in comfort, literally – dogs are provided with George Barclay dog beds and Ruff and Tumble dressing gowns, while they’re also welcome to accompany you to dinner in the snug Brathay Room. The nearby pubs welcome dogs too if you fancy a change of scenery, but with those breathtaking views of the surrounding fells, we highly doubt you will.

£25 per dog per stay; rothaymanor.co.uk

4The Inn on the Square, Keswick

In the heart of Keswick, The Inn on the Square is a lively and welcoming spot for dog owners who want to be in the thick of the action. Perfect for pups that love a bit of hustle and bustle, this stylish inn puts you right in the middle of the vibrant town centre, with all the dog-friendly cafes, shops and scenic walks on your doorstep. In fact, Keswick was voted the UK's most dog friendly town by the Kennel Club.

It's back at the hotel where it's really your pup's time to shine, however - not only will they be treated to a dog bed and a bowl, they can join you for food and drinks all day long in the chic Front Bar, comfy lounge and relaxed Back Bar, while there's a highly specialised dog spa and boot washing system to visit after a day of exploring the town and nearby fells, making it easy to give them a quick clean before returning to your room.

Max 2 dogs per room; £25 per dog per night; innonthesquare.co.uk

Small white dog in bedroom at The Inn on the Square, Keswick

5.Another Place, Penrith

A must visit for both adventurous pups and owners, Another Place is the ideal launchpad for a wild and wonderful escape. Set in a sprawling 18-acre estate, this laid-back retreat offers plenty of space for your dog to roam, and with the fells just a stone’s throw away, you can embark on some seriously scenic walks.

Dogs are welcome in the shepherd huts, treehouses, family cottages, lake view suites and double rooms in the main hotel, as well as the Living Space bar and restaurant and the Glasshouse close to the shoreline. After a day of exploring 18 acres of secluded Lake District National Park, there's no better place to treat your pup to some much-needed downtime.

Max 2 dogs per room; £15 per night for the first dog and £5 per night for an additional dog; another.place

aerial view of another place, penrith showing extensive grounds

6The Cuckoo Brow Inn, Far Sawrey

For a more intimate, village-style vibe, check out The Cuckoo Brow Inn. Located in Far Sawrey, near Lake Windermere, this traditional inn offers a homely atmosphere with picturesque walks on your doorstep and a cosy bar serving local ales, where your dog can curl up by the fire while you sip a drink and plan your next adventure. All of the 14 bright and airy bedrooms are dog-friendly, and also come complete with powerful showers, deep baths, flat screen TVs and super king-size beds. What more could you ask for?

£10 per night; cuckoobrowinn.co.uk

Dog biscuit tin on the bar Cuckoo Brow Inn, Far Sawrey

7Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Windermere

After a luxurious lakeside retreat? Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is the place to be. Located right on the shores of Windermere, it's a resort perfect for those who want to pamper their pooch, complete with dog-friendly rooms that promise a restful night’s sleep for you all. Its prime location offers a plethora of lakeside walks, and after a day on foot you can leave the dog snoozing in the room while you relax in the spa or enjoy a meal at one of the two stellar restaurants. Keep in mind that dogs aren't allowed in the Winander Club, both hotel restaurants and spa, but everywhere else if fair game.

Max 2 dogs per room; £30 per night; englishlakes.co.uk

View over lake Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Windermere

8The Queen’s Head, Troutbeck

While not all rooms at The Queen’s Head in Troutbeck are dog-friendly, the eight that are make for a pristine escape to rest those paws. A traditional country inn that combines old-world charm with modern comforts, you'll find it sitting pretty in the peaceful village of Troutbeck, just a short walk from some of the best hikes in the area. The inn itself specialises in warm, hearty meals for both you and your dog (as well as house beer named ‘Patterd’Ale’ after the Landlady’s pooch), and after a day of exploring, there's no better place to curl up by the fire.

Max 1 dog per room, £10 per night; queensheadtroutbeck.pub