Exploring Penrith 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 explore, Penrith 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 Penrith offers some spectacular walks that both owners and dogs will enjoy. From lakeside strolls to woodland and hill hikes, Penrith and nearby areas offer a mixture of walks from lowland, easy hikes for old or little dogs and more strenuous, uphill walks for young, energetic puppies.

  • Askham Fell and The Lowther Valley

Exploring Askham Fell and the Lowther Valley consists of open moorland, lake views and opportunities for a river swim! The route begins in Askham Village and can range from 5-10km and includes incline making it ideal for fit, energetic dogs. The walk takes around 2 hours but can be made shorter by just visiting the summit of Heaughscar Hill, which provides stunning views of Ullswater. The footpath passes by the banks of the River Lowther, where your dog can enjoy a little dip. Once back at the village, the Punch Bowl and the Queens Head are both dog friendly pubs with roaring fires for your pooch to dry off next to!

  • Lowther Estate

Exploring the grounds of the Lowther Estate is a doggy paradise with riverside paths, castle ruins, lost gardens and woodland trails! Starting at Askham Village, follow the signs for Askham Hall leading to a bridleway, which comes to a footpath cutting across a field into woodland. The trail winds down to the Grade II listed stone bridge crossing over the River Lowther. Here, there are a few entry points along the river bank for your dog to have a little swim. From here, you can cross the bridge and either follow the river back to the village, or continue up the road to Lowther Castle and back through the estate to Askham. Although it’s the longer of the two, your dog will definitely thank you for choosing to explore the 130-acre gardens at Lowther Castle! Canine companions are allowed in the castle café too.

  • Howtown to Glenridding trail

A stunning lakeside walk including a trip on the dog-friendly Ullswater Steamers, the Howtown to Glenridding trail is perfect for dogs and owners and is only a short distance away from Penrith. Catch a boat from Glenridding across the beautiful shores of Ullswater to Howtown and return on a 6.5 mile shoreline footpath. There’s plenty of spots for a swim in the lake along the way and the Howtown Hotel Tearoom is a dog friendly café you can stop at for a spot of lunch and refreshment. The walk visits the picturesque Hallinhag Wood, following a forest trail with sticks galore for your dog to chase! On the return path, you will also be able to spot Scalehow Force from a little bridge passing over the beck.

  • 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, there are plenty of options in Penrith ranging from dog-friendly hotel rooms to self-catering cottages and lodges.

  • The George Hotel

Situated in the pretty market town of Penrith, The George Hotel is set in a historic, Victorian building and is the perfect base for exploring the Eden Valley and Ullswater. The hotel is dog-friendly and popular amongst walkers and offers rooms for up to 4 people and 2 dogs charging £10 extra per dog. Four-legged friends are allowed in the hotel bar and are welcome to snuggle up beside the fire with a treat and a doggy bowl.

  • North Lakes Hotel & Spa

For hint of luxury, the 4-star North Lakes Hotel & Spa is a dog friendly hotel within walking distance of Penrith town centre. The hotel has three dog-friendly rooms and a relaxed bar area with an open fire. Owners can enjoy the luxury spa facilities whilst pooches can have a run around the hotel grounds!

  • River Cottage

A pretty terraced cottage centrally located between Ullswater and Penrith, River Cottage is full of character with a large garden running down to the River Eamont. The cottage is dog friendly with plenty of outdoor space for your dog to explore and even have a little dip in the river. Your canine companion can dry off beside the cosy fire in the cottage or in the nearby dog-friendly Beehive Inn pub!

  • Dog friendly pubs

After a long day of exploring, a well-deserved pint and a doggy treat is always a must. Here in Penrith, there are a lot of friendly pubs welcoming muddy boots and paw prints…

  • The Royal

A traditional, 18th century pub on the edge of Penrith town centre, The Royal is a cheery local pub serving local ales and showing sports and live music. Dogs are welcome in every area of the pub with water bowls and treats available on request. There is also a small, outdoor seating area for summer days!

  • General Wolfe Inn

Situated in the centre of Penrith, the General Wolfe Inn is a cosy pub popular amongst friendly locals, who are guaranteed to give your dog plenty of attention! The pub was newly refurbished in 2015 and serves two local hand pulled brews alongside water bowls for dogs.

  • The Beehive Inn 

Located in the nearby village of Eamont Bridge, The Beehive Inn is a cosy country pub and ideal for a bite to eat and drink after exploring walks around the Lowther Estate. This pub is a favourite amongst dogs and their owners due to its dedicated doggy menu serving tasty treats that can be washed down with a special dog ‘beer!’ Dogs are welcome in all areas of the pub and can have a run around in the large beer garden.