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

  • Near Sawrey to Moss Eccles Tarn

A delightful, short walk suitable for most dogs, the trail from Near Sawrey to Moss Eccles Tarn explores nearby woodland finishing at the man made tarn perfect for a doggy paddle. To reach Near Sawrey from Windermere, take a ride on one of Windermere’s Lake Cruises; all boats are dog friendly with 4-legged guests riding for free!  At the end of the walk, the Tower Bank Arms is dog- welcoming pub providing dog bowls and treats.

  • Common Woods

At the foot of Orrest Head, Common Woods is a peaceful hidden gem just outside of Windermere with wide-open countryside for your dog to have a run around and look for sticks in the woodland.  This is a great place if your dog is shy and wary of other animals; the fields are often quiet here and there is a lot of space. Once you’ve explored the woodland, why not walk up to Orrest Head? The viewpoint is great and the track is dog-friendly.

  • Wild Boar woodland trail

The ancient woodland of 72 acres surrounding The Wild Boar pub is a spectacular place for a dog walk, with a range of different trails suited for both older dogs and energetic puppies.  The woodland is home to range of trees and wildlife and some interesting artistic sculptures. Finish the day off with a pint and bowl of water beside the Wild Boar pubs roaring fire. The pub is around 10 minutes away from Windermere town centre.

  • 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 Windermere ranging from dog-friendly hotel rooms to self-catering cottages and lodges.

  • Cragwood Country House Hotel

A welcoming, dog-friendly place, the cosy Cragwood Country House Hotel have hotel rooms suitable for dog guests and include a dog welcome pack in the room including free Bonio biscuits and dog poo bags! The ground floor rooms have patio doors overlooking stunning gardens allowing your dog to have a little explore. The hotel is set in a beautiful building around 2 miles away from Windermere town centre. 

  • Windermere Manor Hotel

An extremely dog-friendly hotel, The Windermere Manor Hotel takes pride in their ‘paw-star accommodation’ welcoming all dogs and their owners. The hotel has a number of dog friendly facilities including a dog grooming room, a fenced grass area for dogs to run free, dog towels and a dog water bowl in the hotel entrance and a dog bed, fleece and bowl in your chosen hotel room.  The hotel allows two dogs of any size to stay at an extra cost of £5 per dog, per night. 

  • Myrtle Cottage 

A traditional, Lakeland slate cottage situated beside Windermere town centre, Myrtle Cottage is a beautiful 2-bedroom holiday home with access to an outdoor area for your dog to explore. The living room is complete with a cosy log burner with plenty of surrounding space for a dog bed! 

-The Nook Cottage 

A pet-friendly holiday home in Windermere town, The Nook Cottage is a quaint, stone built 2-bedroom home with a spacious garden area and patio with plenty of space for your dog to run around. The cosy living room has a log burner for your dog to snuggle up beside after a long day exploring. 

  • Dog friendly pubs

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

  • The Wild Boar 

A traditional, cosy pub around 10 minutes away from Windermere town centre, The Wild Boar offers a snug bar set amid a crackling open fire to warm up muddy paws and boots. The bar offers a variety of locally brewed cask ales and water for pooches. The pub even has its own extensive woodland surroundings ideal for a dog walk! 

  • Brookside Inn

A relaxed, community pub set on Lake Road in Windermere, The Brookside Inn is a typical Lakeland pub offering a large selection of real ales and showing live sport. The pub has an outdoor area but dogs are allowed inside too; ask behind the bar for a dog bowl and some tasty treats! 

  • The Crafty Baa

A unique pub serving over 100 different craft beers including 2 of the worlds strongest! Although those don’t really appeal much to your dog, the roaring open fire and warm atmosphere filled with friendly locals to sneak a stroke from will! The staff at the pub pride themselves on their dog friendly status and will accommodate all your dogs needs if you ask!