Exploring Grasmere 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, Grasmere 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

Dogs love walking as much as we do and Grasmere offers some spectacular walks that both owners and dogs will enjoy. From relaxed lakeshore strolls and woodland hikes with lakes for a doggy swim, to energetic mountain days, Grasmere has it all… 

  • Rydal Water and Rydal Mount Circular

This circular walk is a doggy paradise, taking in woodland trails, lakeshore paths, a waterfall and a stunning dog-friendly garden! The route is a 2.9 mile flat loop with no technical difficulties so is suitable for most dogs. You will need to navigate a few gates and footbridges but there are no stiles. Starting in the nearby village of Rydal, the route follows a path up to Rydal Mount, William Wordsworth’s former home. Here, you can explore the stunning gardens, which were originally designed by Wordsworth himself; dogs are welcome but must be on a lead to avoid a chase with the grounds wandering cat Dora! From here, join the old Coffin Road to the woodland above Nab Cottage. You will soon pass White Moss Waterfall before heading through more woodland before finishing at Rydal Water, where puppies can have a lovely swim!

  • Dora’s Field

Dora’s Field is a semi-open woodland in Rydal with plenty of space for energetic dogs to have a run around and older dogs to have a relaxing snooze on the grass! The woodland is renowned for its fine displays of bluebells and daffodils and was once owned by William Wordsworth. The field is named after his daughter Dora who sadly passed away in 1847. William alongside his wife and sister planted hundreds of daffodils here in her memory.

  • Easedale Tarn & Tarn Crag

A hike for fit, energetic dogs who are comfortable with incline, the hike from Grasmere to Easedale Tarn and up to Tarn Crag is an exciting day out for both owners and their four-legged friends. The route passes the stunning falls of Sour Milk Ghyll and up to Easedale Tarn where your dog can be rewarded for the climb with a cooling swim in the tarn. To extend your route, head up to the Wainwright Tarn Crag that towers over the water and return back to Grasmere for a pint and tasty treat at the dog-friendly Tweedies Bar!

  • Dog friendly accommodation

No one likes leaving there dog at home when they go away, so finding dog friendly accommodation is always a relief. Luckily, there are a few options in Grasmere… 

  • Lancrigg Hotel

Lucky for dog lovers, Grasmere is home to one of the best-reviewed dog-friendly hotel in the entire Lake District! The Lancrigg Hotel is proud to welcome guests with two legs and four with dedicated rooms for dogs and staff who love to spoil them with attention! Your dog will sleep well in their rooms after exploring the hotels widespread grounds, woodland and gardens alongside the nearby activities in Grasmere that are within walking distance of the hotel.

  • Traveller’s Rest Inn

The Travellers Rest is a 16th century coaching Inn filled with charm and character complete with a spacious beer garden for your dogs to explore! The hotel is welcoming of overnight doggy guests and charges £10 extra on your room price. Dogs are welcome in most areas of the hotel apart from sections of the restaurant. Your tired poochies will love the cosy snug bar complete with an open fire!

  • Marys Cottage

For a bit more freedom for couples with pets, Mary’s Cottage in Grasmere is a classic self-catering cottage with a contemporary twist welcoming two people with up to 2 dogs. The luxury home is complete with a cosy log burner, secluded private garden and hot tub. Guests are dogs are gifted with a welcome hamper filled with prosecco, chocolates and doggy treats!  The cottage is also a great base for nearby activities and walks in Grasmere.

  • Dog friendly pubs

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

  • Tweedies Bar

Tweedies Bar is set in the centre of Grasmere village and is a proud, dog-friendly pub with a large beer garden for your dog to explore in the summer and a cosy, snug bar to cuddle up in during wintertime. You can enjoy a pint from the well-stocked bar famous for its extensive choice of real ales whilst your canine companion sips from his or her own water bowl with a little treat.

  • The Good Sport

Set on Grasmere’s busy village street, The Good Sport bar is a dog-friendly pub owned by Grasmere Brewery and is the only place in the village you can trial all of the breweries drinks! Enjoy an ale or two whilst your dog sleeps beside the cosy fireplace or lounges in the sun. The outside seating area is set on a busy street meaning there will plenty of passing walkers that will likely give your dog a pet and some attention! 

  • Traveller’s Rest Inn

Situated on the main road below Helm Crag, the Traveller’s Rest Inn is aptly named, as it is the perfect spot for a rest after a day exploring the surrounding fells and village. The staff are very dog-friendly and have been known to bring plates of treats out for dogs whilst owners enjoy a plate of home cooked pub grub.