Exploring Coniston with dogs

We all love a holiday with our four legged friends, and the Lake District is one of the best places in Britain to take a holiday with your dog. The national park is home to a number of dog-friendly Lakeland towns, including Coniston. From walkies in the woods to paddles in the lake, Coniston has a range of activities to keep you and your canine companions occupied.

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

  • Dog friendly walks

Dogs love walking as much as we do and Coniston offers some spectacular walks that both owners and dogs will enjoy. From lakeside strolls and colourful parks and gardens to exciting, muddy mountain days, Coniston has it all… 

 - Tarn Hows circular

An easy, 2- mile walk around the popular beauty spot of Tarn Hows is ideal for older and less active dogs. There are woodland paths to explore with plenty of sticks to grab! The main path runs alongside the water providing many spots for a jump and swim.

  • Brantwood gardens

Brantwood, the 250- acre estate once owned by John Ruskin, offers unique and beautiful mountainside garden walks that can be enjoyed by you and your dog. Walks in the estate range from lakeshore meadow strolls to high, open fell hikes to suit both older, slower dogs and young energetic pups. A trail guide of the estate is available in the shop.

  • Dow Crag

For an exciting mountain hike with your dog, Dow Crag is a handy fell near Coniston towering above Goats Water. The paths are well maintained posing no difficulty for fit dogs; Goats Water also provides the perfect swimming and drinking opportunity, which is a must on hot days to avoid your dog overheating.  Although there is space on this hike for your dog to wander, it is advisable to keep your dog on a lead when passing any quarries, sheep or on a footpath near to any cliff edges.

  • Dog friendly accommodation

No one likes leaving their dog at home when they go away, so finding dog friendly accommodation is always a relief. Luckily, Coniston offers a range of dog friendly hotels and self-catering accommodation so your four legged friends don’t have to miss out.

  • The Coniston Inn

A modern, Inn Collection Group hotel based in the centre of Coniston, the hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the area with your dog. Pets can stay in rooms that are specifically advertised as dog friendly, with an additional charge per dog, allowing a maximum of two dogs per room.

  • Oak Tree Cottage

A small, cosy self-catering cottage situated in Coniston offering extensive views of the surrounding fells, providing a perfect starting point for hikes with your dog. The cottage has snug wood burner to place your dog’s bed after a long day exploring. The cottage sleeps two adults and one dog.

  • Holly Tree Cottage

A larger cottage for families sleeping up to 4 people and 2 dogs, Holly Tree Cottage is a traditional, stone-built Lakeland house set in Coniston’s beautiful countryside. The surrounding area is perfect for muddy walks and swims for you and your dog.

  • Dog friendly pubs

After a long day of exploring Coniston, a well-deserved pint and a bowl of water and doggy treat is always a must. Here in Coniston, almost all the pubs are welcoming of muddy boots and paw prints…

  • The Yewdale Inn

Situated in the centre of Coniston, The Yewdale Inn is a cosy pub, hotel and pizzeria.  A central spot to rest after a busy day walking, the inn welcomes dogs in the bar area which offers a roaring log fire to curl up next to. 

  • The Sun Inn

Tucked away high up above Coniston, The Sun Inn is the place to be for a brew and view, whether you’ve got four legs or two. The Victorian age pub sits beneath The Old Man of Coniston welcoming passer-by walkers and their dogs, serving real ale beside a warm fire.

  • The Black Bull Inn

A traditional, 16th century pub full of character, the Black Bull Inn sits in the heart of Coniston welcoming muddy boots and paws. Dogs can sit in the bar area with a bowl of water and a biscuit whilst you enjoy a pint of locally brewed Coniston Ale and a home-cooked meal.

  • Herdwicks Café

We know this isn’t a pub, but it is possibly the most dog friendly place in the Lake District, with the café selling ice cream made especially for dogs, doggy treats and even presenting a canine wall of fame filled with adorable photos of doggy guests! For humans, there’s no beer here but you can enjoy hot drinks alongside tasty light bites and meals.