The best dog-friendly places to eat and drink in the Lake District

Dogs play an important role in people’s lives, and when it comes to a family, they can enhance the unit so much more by just being there. Those who don’t have dogs don’t understand, but those who have chosen to include a furry friend in their lives never live to regret it.

Any living creature is a responsibility to their owner, and in the past having a dog put limitations on going away. You would need to locate a trustworthy kennel or ask a good-humoured family member for a favour which you would most likely have to pay back. However, nowadays there are so many more options for taking the dog on holiday with you thanks to the likes of dog-friendly accommodation and places to eat and drink!

But where to go? With all of the options come decisions, and you want to be able to take the dog somewhere where it can stretch its legs alongside the rest of your family and have lots of fun playing outside. The Lake District is a great place for a holiday with your dog, and at Lakeland Hideaways, we offer a wide selection of dog-friendly properties.

Throughout the Lake District there are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes that welcome you and the four-legged friend to come and enjoy good food and ale, fresh baking and home-cooked grub. There is nothing like chilling in the sun, surrounded by friendly locals and other holiday makers, with the pooch lying close by. It also gives them a chance to make friends and socialise too!

Here are some of the best dog-friendly places to eat and drink in the Lake District…

Dog-friendly pubs in Hawkshead

Hawkshead is a charming traditional village in an area that offers plenty of low, level walks as well as mountains nearby.

The Kings Arms Hotel - With its oak beams and open fire, you and your dog are ensured a warm welcome as you walk through the door of this 500-year-old-inn. Location: LA22 ONZ

Red Lion Inn - A traditional 15th-century Lakeland inn (the oldest pub in Hawkshead), this pub is very dog-friendly, offering dog snacks and a doggy menu, and also welcomes well-behaved owners. Location: LA22 0NS 

The Queens Head allows dogs in the bar and guests can enjoy a great selection of quality food and local beers. Location: LA22 0NS

Dog-friendly places to eat Coniston

Coniston is a good centre for walkers and climbers, and those wanting to investigate the Tilberthwaite Slate quarries. Perfect exploring for the dog!

The Black Bull has been standing for over 400 years and sits in an amazing spot in front of the impressive Old Man of Coniston. Enjoy a pint in the bar area or a yummy meal in the dining area and sample the locally sourced ingredients. Location: LA21 8DU 

Steam Bistro is a small bistro in the heart of the village which focuses on simple and relaxed dining, with food sourced from local ingredients and cooked by talented chefs. Vegetarian friendly, vegan and gluten-free options. Location: LA21 8ED 

The Ship Inn Situated on the hill overlooking the town of Coniston and only a short distance from the famous lake where Donald Campbell made his final attempt at the water speed record with his jet boat ‘Bluebird’. It offers Great British homecooked dishes served with a smile! Location: LA21 8HB 

Dog-friendly pubs in Cartmel

The village of Cartmel houses a variety of interesting shops and traditional pubs around its main square. On the market square is Cartmel Village Shop, famous for its sticky toffee pudding - you better not let the puppy in….

The Pig and Whistle is a trendy pub with an impressive wine list, spirits range and award-winning cask ales. It offers Great British homecooked dishes served with a smile and welcome the dog into their special dog-friendly room. Location: LA11 6PL 

Royal Oak Inn is a traditional country pub with a beautiful roaring log fire, and extensive heated riverside beer garden and BBQ. There is a charming drinking and dining area for everyone to enjoy, and where you can sit and relax with the pooch to soak up the rays. Location: LA11 6QB 

Cavendish Arms Hotel boasts a delicious menu which changes with the seasons and provides visitors with wonderful home-cooked meals and a fun, friendly atmosphere to enjoy. Set slightly back from the village square, this is a lively pub which welcomes everyone in. Location: LA11 6QA 

Dog-friendly eateries in Ambleside

Ambleside, a small town in the Lake District, has now become a major tourist resort with shops, restaurants, cinema and a large selection of places to stay. It is very popular with walkers and climbers and is one of the best bases for exploring the Lake District.

Stiles of Ambleside is a popular coffee bar which even offers dry towels and biscuit treats for your dog. Location: LA22 9DJ

Wateredge Inn is on the edge of Lake Windermere; the views here are stunning and the Wateredge Inn is the perfect place to rest after long lakeside walks with your dogs. Not only are dogs welcome but you will find water bowls outside and dog biscuits given out to keep tails wagging. Location: LA22 0EP 

Luigi’s Restaurant is a great option if you fancy some Italian food. It not only offers treats and water, but even goes the extra mile and lays a dog bed by your table. Location: LA22 0BZ 

Dog-friendly places to eat in Bowness-on-Windermere

Windermere is undoubtedly the Lake District's most popular holiday destination and offers its visitors a wide variety of activities and attractions, and the dogs have loads of fun too in the surrounding wilderness.

The Village Inn Bar and Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner - it's a laid-back venue kitted out with Buddha figures and wicker chairs, offering cocktails and an eclectic menu. Doggies are welcome in the bar area. Location: LA23 3DE

The Albert is found at the heart of the town centre and offers an extensive menu as well as frequent live music. Just a stone’s throw from England’s largest lake, Lake Windermere. Location: LA23 3BY

The Flying Pig is a trendy pub located close to Lake Windermere. It is the perfect place to enjoy good quality, freshly made food, all at a reasonable prices, and an extensive range of local cask ales. It welcomes dogs into the bar area and has dedicated taps and bowls outside where they can enjoy a refreshing drink. Location: LA23 3BZ 

Other popular dog-friendly eateries in the Lake District

• Pack Horse Inn – Keswick, CA12 5JB
• Dog & Gun – Keswick, CA12 5BT
• The Bridge Hotel – Stramongate, Kendal, LA9 4BD
• Shakespeare Inn – 78 Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4HE

For more villages to explore in the Lake District, read our helpful guide. 

Dog-friendly places to eat and drink map

Find all of the great pubs, cafes and restaurants which welcome dogs mentioned above in the handy map below.

Dog-friendly accommodation

The Lake District is a great place, not only to eat and drink with your pet by your side, but also a great place to stay and explore! Check out our full collection of dog-friendly Lake District cottages and discover this spectacular National Park together.