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Explore our recommendations for the most fabulous dog friendly attractions in the Lakes

Bringing the pooch?

A Dog Friendly Guide for The Lake District

We know that The Lake District is one of the best places in the UK to take your four legged friend, with its wide range of open spaces and many pet-friendly attractions and places to eat.

So if you are looking for dog friendly attractions in the Lake District you will be delighted to know there are plenty of places where your dog is very welcome too Below we list some of our favourite walks and also list out the many dog-friendly attractions so you can plan your trip to the Lakes with ease.

Much of the land in the Lake District is used for grazing and farming, so when walking in open spaces please be aware of livestock and dogs need to kept to heel and under control. There are also ground-nesting birds at certain times of year. 

Top Dog Walking Spots

Both you and your four-legged-friend will love the scenic walks you can enjoy when you visit the Lake District. Tick off one of the many Wainwright routes or for the less adventurous, take a stroll around the lake. Below are a few of our favourite walks, all within a short drive of our hotel.

1. Grizedale Forest
Distance from The Swan - 27 mins by car | 10.3 miles
Grizedale Forest Park - set in the heart of the Lake District, is a wonderful place to walk your four-legged friend. There are 8 different marked routes to enjoy; ranging from a suitable for all 1 miler through to the Silurian Way, a strenuous 5hr walk. Grizedale is most famous for its many sculptures that can be found dotted throughout the forest.
View trail map

2. Scout Scar 
Distance from The Swan - 22 mins by car | 9.5 miles
Enjoy one of the best views across the entire southern lakes, Scout Scar offers an incredible panorama view of Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria. There is a popular and fairly easy circular walk for those only wanting a short stroll (1.5 miles), but yet wanting excellent panoramic views. For those that want to head a little further afield the walk can be easily extended
View route

3. Cartmel Fell 
Distance from The Swan - 12 mins by car | 5 miles
Cartmel Fell is a hamlet with a population of just 329 (2011). This circular route is just over 3 miles long, enjoy open hillside, woodland,  traditional buildings and two endearing little tarns.
View route

4. Cockshott Point 
Distance from The Swan - 13 mins by car | 7.5 miles
Cockshott Point is a National Trust property located to the south of Bowness Bay, with meadow, woodland and a long foreshore. There is an easily accessible looped walk suitable for both dogs and pushchairs, so a perfect trip for the whole family. The highlight of the route is the views across Windermere and towards Belle Isle and the Round House. 
View route

5. Windermere West Shore & Claife Viewing Station 
Distance from The Swan - 17 mins by car | 7 miles
Wander in woodlands and stumble upon Claife Viewing Station, an 18th-century tourist attraction. The lakeshore path between Wray Castle and Claife Viewing station is a safe, car-free walk that’s perfect for the whole family. It features great views of the islands, interesting woodland archaeology and the Victorian Gothic Wray Castle and the café in the courtyard is dog friendly too.
View route

 

Dog Friendly Days Out

The Lake District is a great place to bring your dog on holiday especially at one of the most dog friendly hotels in The Lake District.

Take a free ride on Windermere Lake Cruises or enjoy miles of walking trails at Grizedale Forest. As a holiday destination you will find that in towns such as Keswick and Ambleside dogs are welcome in many shops and pubs, whilst cafés often have tables outside.  

Below are our favourite places to visit with pooch. All within a 30 minute drive from The Swan. 

Places to go

Here's what we recommend…

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    Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

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    2.1 Miles From The Swan | 4 Minute Drive

    Just a short 4-minute drive (or 40 minute walk) from your hotel you will find the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway where you can jump back in time and experience the uniqueness of riding in a steam train. At Haverthwaite station, you can also grab a bite to eat at the platform café or the kids can play in the woodland playground.

    Dogs are more than welcome at the railway and travel free on the trains. They are allowed everywhere, including the cafe.

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    Fell Foot National Park

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    1.4 Miles From The Swan | 4 Minute Drive

    Explore the stunning Lakeshore park with impressive mountain views. If you want to stay active you can follow the fell foot’s heritage and garden circular walk. This is a perfect way to see all nature has to offer!

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    Grizedale Forest

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    7.9 Miles From The Swan | 24 Minute Drive

    With 10 walking trails and 9 cycle trails, there is plenty to do to keep active in the Grizedale Forest. If walking or cycling isn’t your thing, why not hire a Segway and ride around in style. You could even grab a bite to eat in the café.

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    Lake Windermere Cruises

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    1 Miles From The Swan to Lakeside Pier | 3 Minute Drive

    Discover the largest lake in the Lake District by cruise and see the breath-taking mountain scenery and hidden bays. If you want to make a full day of it, you can even combine your cruise with a day out exploring many of the other local attractions Windermere has to offer.

    Dogs travel for free on all Windermere Lake Cruises' scheduled cruises and they even get their own ticket

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    Grasmere

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    Grasmere was the home to William Wordsworth and here you can visit his Dove Cottage. Just like any village, there are plenty of shops and places to eat so you can make a full day of it.

    Also home to Allan Bank, a lovely National Trust house which sits proudly in luscious grounds with stunning views over Grasmere and the fells beyond - a real Georgian gem. Allan Bank is a dog friendly house in Grasmere, offering a warm welcome to well-behaved pooches.

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    Hawkshead & Brewery

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    Hawkshead is a village rich in history with buildings dating from the 17th Century. Hawkshead is also home to its own brewery and is definitely worth a visit and downstairs in the bar this place is super dog friendly with a great atmosphere.

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    Claife Viewing Station & Windermere West Shore

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    Wander in woodlands and stumble upon Claife Viewing Station, an 18th-century tourist attraction. Explore the west shore of Windermere on foot or bring your bike.

    The lakeshore path between Wray Castle and Claife Viewing station is a safe, car-free walk that’s perfect for the whole family. The café in the courtyard is dog friendly too. 

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    Wray Castle

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    Wray Castle is a National Trust owned family friendly mock-Gothic castle on the shores of Lake Windermere with turrets, towers, informal grounds, and Peter Rabbit adventure rooms.

    Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads and there are also some very good walks along the lake where you can let dogs off leads. 

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    Lakeland Motor Museum 

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    Lakeland Motor Museum has a unique collection of 30000 exhibits including classic cars, motorcycles, scooters and bicycles.

    Much more than just a motor museum, with local history and period shopping displays, authentic recreations and picturesque riverside cafe makes it a great day out for the whole family.

    Well behaved dogs are welcome in all areas of the museum.

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    Ullswater 'Steamers'

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    Ullswater 'Steamers' is a boat company which provides leisure trips on Ullswater. Operating one of the largest heritage vessel fleets in the world, you are in for an experience you will never forget. Cruises connect to some of the most famous and iconic walking routes in the Lake District National Park.

    Dogs are welcome on board!

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    Coniston & Coniston Water

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    Coniston Water is about five miles long and half a mile wide. The lake is about half a mile down from the village, and you can hire motor boats, rowing boats, paddleboards at Coniston Boating Centre. Or take a cruise on the steam gondola or Coniston launch. Coniston itself is a great centre for walkers and climbers,

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    Brantwood

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    Brantwood is a historic house, museum and vibrant centre for the arts, John Ruskin’s former home has a wealth of things to see and do for the whole family. 

    Filled with many fine paintings, beautiful furniture and Ruskin’s personal treasures, visitors are free to explore the rooms plus there are a range of quizzes and activities for children to enjoy.

    Dogs on a lead are allowed in the gardens.

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    Rothay Park

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    Rothay Park in Ambleside is an adventurous child's haven. With beautiful backdrops, various pitches and activities. 

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    Old Hall Farm Bouth

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    Visit this vintage dairy and ice cream farm and step back in time at a historic working Lakeland farm. Dogs on leads welcome!

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Find Us

The Swan Hotel & Spa
Newby Bridge, Cumbria
LA12 8NB United Kingdom

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