Exploring Ambleside with Dogs 

We all love a holiday with our four legged friends, and the Lake District is an ideal place for a getaway with your dogs. Walkies galore, dog-friendly pubs and plenty of places to swim, Ambleside is an ideal spot for a dog walkers holiday… 

Please note when adventuring with your dog to be aware of livestock and keep your dogs on leads when passing. 

  • Dog friendly walks in Ambleside

Dogs love walking as much as we do and Ambleside offers some spectacular walks that both owners and dogs will enjoy. From lakeside strolls to woodland and hill hikes, Ambleside offers a mixture of walks from lowland, easy hikes for old or little dogs and more strenuous, uphill walks for young, energetic puppies. 

  • Ambleside Common Wood Walk

Dogs love woodland trails with plenty of sticks to find and chase! The Common Wood overlooks the busy Windermere but is a quiet, relaxing walk filled with wildlife and moss-covered oak trees. This hike is perfect for furry friends who prefer peace and quiet in nature. 

  • Waterhead and Skelghyll Woods 

Combining a lakeside stroll with woodland is a doggy paradise! This 3 mile hike starts at Waterhead Pier, where your dog can jump into the lake and have a little pre-walk paddle! The walk incorporates a short detour around the peaceful Stagshaw Gardens before heading up through the woods, along a riverside track and on to Jenkins Crag. This hike is ideal for energetic pups who love a bit of everything! From lake and river swims, to hill hikes and woodland trails, this walk has it all. 

  • Dog friendly accommodation in Ambleside

No one likes leaving their dog at home when they go away, so finding dog friendly accommodation is always a relief. Luckily, there are plenty of options in Ambleside ranging from dog-friendly hotel rooms to self-catering cottages and lodges. 

  • Brae Cottage 

Set in a remote corner of Ambleside, this self-catering cottage is the perfect holiday home for two humans and up to two poochies. The cottage is a traditional building set on the doorstep of nearby attractions such as Windermere lake and the surrounding hills. The cosy cottage is complete with an open fire for tired dogs to cosy up beside and a south-facing, enclosed garden for dogs to soak up the sunshine in the summertime! 

  • The Waterhead Inn

Situated opposite Waterhead Pier, the Waterhead Inn is ideally situated for doggy guests who love exploring the lakeshore and Ambleside village. The hotel welcomes four-legged friends and offers dog-friendly rooms for an extra £10 per night. The hotel bar is also suitable for dogs alongside the spacious beer garden, which is dotted with dog bowls. Staff are also renowned for spoiling furry guests with dog treats on arrival! 

-The Ambleside Inn

Placed in the heart of Ambleside town, the Ambleside Inn is a comfy spot for a good nights sleep for both human and dog travellers. The hotel offers dog friendly rooms at an extra charge of £10 per night to cover cleaning costs. The Inn has a pet-friendly area where dogs can enjoy a drink of fresh water and complimentary treats and strokes! 

  • Dog friendly pubs in Ambleside

After a long walk, a well-deserved pint and a bowl of water is always a must. Here in Ambleside, almost all the pubs are welcoming of muddy boots and paw prints! 

  • The Wateredge Inn 

A dog-friendly pub with stunning views, the Wateredge Inn is placed right on the lakeside at Waterhead and boasts a cosy bar area and spacious beer garden. The pub serves 6 cask ales alongside lagers and wines to drink whilst soaking up the sun in this pretty little corner of Lake Windermere. Dogs can paddle in the lake whilst you enjoy a pint in the sun! 

  • The Golden Rule 

This Grade II listed pub is a traditional gem in Ambleside offering a place to enjoy a locally brewed beer whilst sitting in a character filled interior complete with wooden beams and classic pub décor. This pub is great for canine guests as they don’t serve food and allow dogs in all areas at all times! The pub also has a beautiful beer garden for your dog to explore and sit in the sunshine.