THE LAKE DISTRICT HAS 15 OF THE BEST DOG-FRIENDLY PUBS

The Lake District is a popular destination for hikers and dog walkers thanks to its stunning natural scenery, challenging hikes, and relaxing strolls along the lakeshore.

There are dozens of hikes in and around this national park that are appropriate for all fitness levels (for our recommendations, see our article on the best dog walks in Cumbria), and thankfully, the Lake District is also home to a large number of dog-friendly watering holes. We’ve done some research and found 15 bars scattered throughout the national park that are dog-friendly.

BRACKENRIGG INN

The terrace at the Brackenrigg Inn offers stunning panoramas of Ullswater. This Lake District pub is a haven for hikers and their four-legged friends, providing them with a welcome respite from the rigours of the fells and a place to refuel and relax.

The pub’s upstairs rooms are dog-friendly, and it serves hearty, homemade food and even has its own microbrewery.

Postal Code: CA11 0LP Watermillock, Penrith
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 17:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Sunday.

WASDALE HEAD INN

The Wasdale Head Inn, a historic and cosy tavern and B&B, is one of the nearest to Scafell Pike, which is only one of the many reasons why it is so popular. In addition to being the spot where British rock climbing was first developed, this is the sole hotel in the remote Wasdale Valley.

Towels and a basket of treats are provided free of charge to canine visitors when they stay in one of the dog-friendly rooms, camp out, or have a drink at the quaint bar.

Wasdale Head, Gosforth, CA20 1EX is the address.
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 23:00 p.m., Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 22:00 p.m.

THE MORTAL MAN

If you’re looking for a great pub close to Windermere that also welcomes dogs, look no further than The Mortal Man.

Dogs are welcome in this warm and welcoming pub, which serves up traditional pub fare and an impressive selection of beers and ciders. Nevertheless, this classic watering hole is remarkable for not only its breathtaking scenery, but also its literary and folk art heritage.

Troutbeck, Windermere, LA23 1PL is the address.
The “Always Open” slogan is misleading; it’s best to call ahead to confirm hours.

ODDFELLOWS ARMS

The Oddfellows Arms is a hidden gem in the centre of Caldbeck in the northern Lake District. You can easily find parking, but I recommend calling ahead to get a table at this popular watering hole.

The staff is usually welcoming and helpful, whether they’re dealing with humans or dogs, but the canines undoubtedly get more attention. Although dogs are not permitted in the dining room, they are welcome in the bar, where they will find water dishes and even homemade dog chow.

In case you and your four-legged companion need a place to lay your heads, you’ll be pleased to know that the pub has comfortable guest rooms that welcome dogs.

Postal Address: Caldbeck, Wigton, CA7 8EA
Store Hours: 11 a.m. – Midnight, Daily

THE RED LION

Located in the heart of Hawkshead, near to the Beatrix Potter gallery, is this magnificent 15th-century bar. The Red Lion is conveniently located near Esthwaite Water and directly in the midst of the route between Windermere and Coniston.

Inside, you’ll find a warm and welcoming space that is well adorned but has a relaxed vibe that will have you and your dog wanting to linger for hours, especially if you indulge in some of their delicious food.

Postal Code: LA22 0NS Main Street, Hawkshead
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 12:00 a.m. to 23:00 p.m., Sunday, 12:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m.

THE WOOLPACK

The Woolpack, located near the River Esk, welcomes all customers, including those with children and well-behaved pets. This ancient watering hole has taken up the CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year award in West Cumbria on no fewer than three separate occasions.

There are guest rooms, a shop, a cafe, a restaurant, and a vodka bar all crammed into the space between the rafters. After a long day of hiking, the bar is the perfect place to unwind on one of the many comfortable sofas or armchairs.

Holmrook, CA19 1TH is the address.
It’s best to call ahead to confirm the “always open” opening hours.

RATTY ARMS

Ravenglass, the lone beach village in the Lake District, is home to the Ratty Arms, a dog-friendly pub. After a long day at the beach, both you and your dog deserve a break, so “pup” in for a fuss and some refreshments, and your dog can munch on some complimentary water and gravy bones.

It’s located in a renovated railroad station, which adds to the Ratty’s rustic charm. Or you could always just go to The Inn down the road, which is also pet-friendly and very popular.

Croftlands Drive, Ravenglass, CA18 1SN is the address.
Open 11:30-21:00 (Mon-Sat) and 12:00-21:00 (Sun)

THE BLACK COCK INN

Located in the heart of picturesque Broughton-in-Furness, the Black Cock Inn is a fine example of a traditional English country tavern. If you’ve worked up an appetite while hiking the Duddon Valley, you may relax in front of one of the open fireplaces or enjoy the sun in the beer garden.

The personnel at this dive bar are known for their excellent food and friendly service, and they will go out of their way to make your dog feel welcome by giving them water and biscuits and making a big deal out of them.

Broughton-in-Furness, Prince’s Street, LA20 6HQ
When planning your visit, keep in mind that the “always open” opening time is subject to change.

CROWN & MITRE INN

From Haweswater Reservoir’s general direction, you can find the quiet community of Brampton and its local watering hole, The Crown & Mitre Inn, to the north-northeast. There are just as many residents as there are tourists at this historic Lakeland watering hole.

Multiple walking trails begin at this pub, and its proximity to the Coast to Coast Walk (which is less than two miles away) makes it a popular destination for hikers. The innkeeper, Jane, is a wealth of local knowledge and will happily share it with you, and the big breakfasts will set you up for the day.

Penrith, California, 10 2QR
Most days open at 17:00 but please call ahead to confirm!

THE SUN INN

Bassenthwaite’s lone watering hole, The Sun Inn, is a fantastic starting or ending point for hikes up Skiddaw thanks to its stunning location.

You can enjoy a mountain of delicious food with your four-legged companion at one of the most dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District. In this bar, you can buy bags of all-natural snacks for your dog so that he or she can share your meal.

It is located at The Rake, Bassenthwaite, CA12 4QP.
Schedule Variability: Facebook for Hours

THE BANK TAVERN

Locals and visitors alike frequent The Bank Tavern, one of Keswick’s most popular and welcoming watering holes. Conveniently situated for tourists and locals alike, it serves as a great base from which to explore Derwentwater.

It’s a classic watering hole that serves up hearty amounts of pub cuisine and regional beers. A fuss and some snacks of their own are always appreciated by pups, too. However, a word of caution: the ceilings are low, so watch your head.

The address is 47 Main Street, Keswick, CA12 5DS.
Sunday through Thursday, 11:00-23,000, and Friday and Saturday, 11:00-23:30

OLD DUNGEON GHYLL

Almost in the exact centre of the Lake District is where you’ll find this beautiful stone bar. Located in the picturesque Langdale Valley, the Old Dungeon Ghyll is used to serving the area’s residents and hikers, whether they’re on two feet or four.

Since the 1980s, the Walmsley family has been the inn’s proprietors, and they’ve done a wonderful job of preserving the inn’s history and character while creating a welcoming and exciting environment and providing hearty pub fare that can satisfy even the most ravenous of fellwalkers.

Upstairs, there are rooms that are suitable for both you and your dog, or you can choose to stay and enjoy the live music.

Great Langdale, Ambleside, LA22 9JY is where you’ll find us.
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 11:00 p.m. – 23:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 22:30 p.m.

THE WHITTINGTON CAT

The Whittington Cat, voted Cumbria’s number one pub, is another dog-friendly Lake District pub we wouldn’t want to leave off the list. It’s a perfect location to stop and rest after walking the Whitehaven segment of the Cumbrian Coastal Way.

Dogs are allowed indoors as well as in the newly renovated garden, where you can enjoy some of the best Sunday roasts in town.

The location is 21 Lowther Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7DG.
Daily hours of operation are 10:00 PM to 00:00 AM.

THE MINERS ARMS

The Miners Arms can be found farther down the coast in Silecroft, just outside the Lake District. It’s the nearest watering hole to Black Combe, making it a convenient halt for hikers.

You and your dog are welcome to enjoy the cosy atmosphere, delicious pub grub, and wide variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages at this family-owned establishment.

Postal Code: LA18 5LP Main Street, Silecroft
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 18:00-23:30; Friday, 16:00-23:30; Saturday, and Sunday, 12:00-23:30

THE BRIDGE INN

If you’re hiking around Buttermere Lake, Crummock Water, or Robinson Peak, this is the ideal rest stop. The Bridge Inn is another hugely dog-friendly Lake District bar, and it’s one of the few in the area.

Although walkers, both human and canine, are welcome at The Walkers Bar, the establishment was originally named after its proprietor. These days, anyone who needs a pick-me-up or a place to rest their tired paws and feet can “pup” in.

With accommodations available for longer stays, everything has been recently renovated to ensure an experience nearly on par with the breathtaking surroundings of Buttermere Round.

Postal Code: CA13 9UZ Buttermere, Ontario
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 23:30 p.m., Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 22:00