Cumbria is a great place for dogs. Wherever you go you will see visitors and dogs roaming the Lake District. Whether it’s running up the mountain, pulling the leash through town, running to the lake (always with an impossibly large stick), or sitting nobly waiting for leftover sandwiches, this is dog country. Holiday homes in the Lake District are now pet friendly too.
The locals also love dogs. I can guarantee you’ll see several sheepdogs leaning fearlessly around corners on the back of a tractor or quad, possibly while keeping a paw on a sick lamb. Each farmer has an invisible leash attached to one or two faithful hounds, following him everywhere.
A large number of Self Catering Lake District Holiday Cottages are pet friendly. If you also want to take them to the pub, there are plenty of places to meet you. Many of which are within walking distance of these cabins.
The Boot Inn in Eskdale is a great pub in many ways: friendly company, great food, real ale, and a dog-friendly policy. This traditional oak-beamed pub has a bar, conservatory and cozy space with board games, TV, darts and billiards. The Boot Beer Festival is held in June. Take the dog!
The Woolpack Inn in Eskdale is happy to accept leashed dogs in the bar. The Woolpack is home to the Hardknott Brewery, so a selection of beers is guaranteed.
The Wasdale Head Inn in Wasdale welcomes well-behaved dogs to Ritson’s Bar. In a county full of great views, the Wasdale Head Inn still has something to write home about, with a wonderfully remote location at the foot of the Scafell Range. It is cosily decorated with oak seating and a warm fire. Serves beers and healthy bar food.
The Screes Inn in Nether Wasdale is happy to accept dogs. Their beers and wide selection of whiskeys are best enjoyed sitting by the fireplace after a long day of walking.
The Strands Hotel in Nether Wasdale is another Lake District pub with an excellent microbrewery. A great place to spend the night after a long walk, Strands has real beers, a cozy fireplace, and a game room with darts, a pool table, and foosball. They hold a Beer Festival in May.
The Gosforth Hall Inn in Gosforth is a fabulous Grade 2* (better than normal Grade 2) listed building from the 17th century, packed with original features such as a corner fireplace, stone spiral staircase and hole hidden priest. Serving real ale from the Lake District’s Hawkshead Brewery and a wide selection of homemade cakes. Dogs are welcome in the bar and lounge.
The Black Cock Inn in Broughton-in-Furness is run by dog owners who are happy to welcome visiting dogs. This is a traditional Lake District pub with an honest and hearty menu. An excellent option after a day of sightseeing.
The Blacksmith’s Arms in Broughton Mills, near Broughton-in-Furness, is an attractive pub for dogs. Built as a farmhouse in 1577, it has atmospheric coffered ceilings, slate floors and oak beams. Serving beers from Jennings and Lake Districts guests from local microbreweries.
The Newfield Inn is a dog-friendly pub in Seathwaite, in the Duddon Valley. It has a large garden and fabulous views. The Newfield serves traditional local food, with tasty seasonal specialities.
Shepherd’s Arms at Ennerdale Bridge is a traditional old Lakes family coaching inn with whitewashed walls and large sash windows. It is located at the main crossroads for passers-by, although, today, those passers-by are likely to be walkers on the coast-to-coast promenade. The Shepherd’s is dog friendly and has real beers and plenty of home cooked food.
The Wheatsheaf Inn in Low Lorton welcomes leashed dogs in the bar. It’s a 17th century building, with an open fireplace, book-lined walls and a closed beer garden, serving Jennings and a selection of ales for guests. The views here are second to none, overlooking Whinlatter, Hobcarton, Hopegillhead, Whiteside and Grassmoor.
The Kirkstile Inn is Loweswater’s pub of choice for lunch for two- and four-legged visitors (dogs are not allowed in the bar between 6pm and 10pm). CAMRA’s Pub of the Year is dog-friendly, serving great beer, fabulous food and a great welcome in a traditional Lake District setting.
The Middle Ruddings Inn in Braithwaite, near Keswick, is a labyrinthine Edwardian building with a beautiful garden and open views of the Skiddaw Ranges. They welcome dogs at the bar, where you can choose from their very hearty food selection.
The Sun Inn in Bassenthwaite is the kind of place to collapse after a long walk with the dog. It has a great atmosphere and delicious food. There’s a quaint beer garden, complete with dog bowls filled with fresh water.
The Dog and Gun in Keswick is well known among locals and visitors alike for welcoming dogs, and you can be sure there will be several there at any time of day. It’s a very attractive pub, with log fires, slate floors and low ceilings, serving hearty, unpretentious food.
The Scafell Hotel in Rosthwaite, Borrowdale is fantastically located near the foot of the Great Gable, in the middle of the valley. Just right for a pint and a bite in the middle of a day of hiking. Dogs are very welcome here.
The Tithe Barn in Cockermouth welcomes dogs. It’s a Jennings pub – not surprisingly, since the brewery is in Cockermouth – and serves home-cooked food in its bar and restaurant.
It goes without saying that this list is not exhaustive. Pubs sometimes change their dog policies, especially if they change hands, so if it’s critical to your enjoyment, contact the pub to make sure before you go. If you want to find pet-friendly lake district cabins, follow the link in the resource box.