The Canine guide to Windermere

Escape to dog-friendly Windermere for a break that you and your four-pawed pal will never forget. With fells and waterfalls to encounter as you explore, there's no end to the opportunity for adventure in this dramatic corner of canine-haven Cumbria. There are also plenty of dog-friendly pubs in Windermere, and restaurants too, so you're never far from a scenic spot to recharge before the next Lake District excursion. 

Stride out on Lake District walks around Windermere or hop in the car and get to know this scenic region; there are many towns and villages on the banks of Lake Windermere bursting with attractions and things to do with dogs.

Read through this guide to uncover our favourite things to do in Windermere, the best walking trails, welcoming towns and villages, the best dog-friendly restaurants in Windermere, and plenty more. You can also start planning your getaway in dog-friendly Windermere today by clicking the button below and exploring our collection of self-catering cottages.

What have we got to get tails wagging?

• Top days out
• Top walkies
• Top dining spots
• Top towns and villages
• Map of dog-friendly Windermere

Days out in Windermere with dogs

From scenic lake cruises to heritage railway journeys and uncovering historic sites with Fido sniffing the way, there are plenty of dog-friendly things to do in Windermere. Read on to discover some of our favourite Lake District attractions nearby. 

Windermere Lake Cruises

Best way to see this magnificent lake: There’s a wealth of dog-friendly things to do in Windermere and the surrounding region, but one of the top attractions, whether you’re a human or a hound, is a peaceful lake cruise. Windermere Lake Cruises welcomes dogs onboard for a tour of this watery destination, taking in magnificent views all around. Where better to take in the sight of the Lake District with your dog than from one of the great lakes?

Why your dog will love it: Any water babies will be thrilled to get out on the water by your side and, if your pup is slightly older, they may simply settle down for a snooze while you enjoy the dramatic surroundings.

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

Best for taking in the landscape: Another way to discover this vast region is via railway. Hop aboard the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and watch the world pass you by as you chug across the landscape. After completing your journey onboard this marvellous old steam train, you may like to pop by the Haverthwaite Station Tea Room for a coffee, visit the gift shop, or take the children and dogs to burn off some energy in the playground and woodland walk.

Why your dog will love it: There’s so much to see out the windows and people to meet onboard, and your pup will be tail-wagglingly excited to join you. The woodland walk at the end will be the cherry on the cake!

Ambleside Roman Fort

Best for uncovering Lake District history: Dig up a little history in dog-friendly Windermere with a stop by Ambleside’s Roman Fort. While it’s not much more than a grassy hillside with lines of stone outlining where the old fortification once stood, you can trace these foundations to pinpoint different rooms where soldiers and mercenaries once converged.

Why your dog will love it: Your canine companion will love the open space for zoomies, unaware of the history beneath their paws.

Dog walks near Windermere

They say the best way to discover a new place is on foot, and that is certainly one of the best things to do in Windermere thanks to the region's natural beauty and many walking trails. With Fido sniffing the way, strike out on our three routes below to discover magical woodlands and forests, waterside paths, and scenic picnic spots.

Ambleside Common Wood Walk

Best for a tranquil stroll by the lake: The Ambleside Common Wood Walk near Windermere will take you through the dappled light cast by moss-covered oak trees, revealing glimpses of Lake Windermere through the branches as you follow this well-trodden trail. It’s an easy 1-mile route with wide dirt paths and markers to keep you on track as you explore.

Why your dog will love it: There’s wildlife hiding throughout this beautiful common for your dog to sniff out.

Grizedale Forest

Best adventure ramble: Grizedale Forest is bursting with things to do for families and, if it’s walking you’re after, there are ten trails for you and your canine companion to choose from! From easy rambles to challenging hikes, explore this magnificent forest on two feet (or four paws) before heading to the café, taking a look at the forest sculptures, or venturing over to Go Ape where the kids can burn off energy on the high ropes.

Why your dog will love it: With so much to see and do, your pup won’t know whether to follow the forest scents, meet other humans passing by or find a big stick for a game of fetch.

Orrest Head Circular Walk

Best for tail-wagging views: A dramatic dog walk overlooking Lake Windermere and the surrounding towns and villages; the Orrest Head Circular offers a bit of a challenge during your Lake District holiday. It’s only 2.8 miles long and considered moderate with steep sections, as you might expect for a hill, and you’ll pass a winding river along your way. It’s a wonderful choice for soaking up this part of the UK with views of the craggy fells, birds swooping over dark forests and tiny white vessels sailing across Lake Windermere.

Why your dog will love it: Your canine companion can survey their holiday territory and allow the wind to sweep through their fur from this vantage point.

Dog-friendly places to eat in Windermere

With all the dog-friendly things to do in Windermere and walking trails to conquer, it won't be long until you're hunting down places to eat where Fido is welcome. Read on to discover three of our favourite foodie destinations, including gastropubs, welcoming cafes and family-run restaurants.

The Flying Pig, Bowness-on-Windermere

Photo credit: The Flying Pig

Best dog-friendly pub near Windermere: If you're looking for dog-friendly pubs in Windermere, then this stylish gastropub is a perfect choice. Dogs are welcome inside The Flying Pig where they serve up hearty food from a crumbly pie to a classic fish and chip dinner. You could also stop by for a pint and bowl of water after your travels, and relax by the roaring wood burner – the perfect place to warm toes and paws after lakeside rambles.

Why your dog will love it: The pub serves biscuits and bowls of fresh water to dogs, and a couple of members of staff might even come over to make a fuss, so your pup will feel more than welcome here.

Brockhole Cafe, Brockhole-on-Windermere

Best dog-friendly café in Windermere: There are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants in Windermere, but if you're looking for something a bit more relaxed that is surrounded by outdoor activities, look no further than the Brockhole Cafe at Brockhole-on-Windermere. Brockhole-on-Windermere itself is a lively activity centre with boating, mini golf, and a Faerie Woodlands Trail on offer, but you’re welcome to stop by the Brockhole Cafe, which boasts a delicious seasonal menu.

Why your dog will love it: Dogs are very welcome in the main cafe but there’s a covered terrace you may prefer for a bit of fresh air, which provides views of the lake and fells, and the Mawson-designed gardens where your canine companion will enjoy an after-lunch stroll.

Luigi's, Ambleside

Best dog-friendly restaurant by Windermere: Dog-friendly restaurants in Windermere don't come much better than Luigi's in Ambleside, because this furry friend-welcoming Italian restaurant has a dedicated floor just for Fido. The choice of pasta dishes is impressive, as are the main courses, and dogs are sure to be sniffing for their own little portion. 

Why your dog will love it: Fido will enjoy meeting other furry friends on the dog-friendly floor of this restaurant. 

For more tasty dishes throughout this national park, take a look at our guide to the most welcoming dog-friendly places to eat in the Lake District.

Dog-friendly towns and villages near Windermere

The Lake District is known for its charming and vibrant towns that buzz with outdoor enthusiasts all setting off or returning from adventures, and Windermere is up there with the very best. For some more local inspiration, read on to discover three of our favourite towns and villages nearby that Fido will love. 

Ambleside

Best for poets and artists: Set at the head of Lake Windermere, the town of Ambleside is lined with crooked stone houses and shops, boasts a river cutting through, as well as towering fells all around – creating the perfect backdrop for your dog-friendly holiday to Windermere. Rydal Mount and Gardens was once the home of the poet William Wordsworth and dogs are welcome in the grounds on a lead, while The Bridge House in the centre of town is a whimsical 17^th-century house built on a bridge over the river.

Why your dog will love it: Strolling around the Rydal Gardens offers all kinds of interesting scents and foliage for your dog to investigate.

Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere

Best for families and adventurers: These bustling towns on the eastern banks of the famed lake are connected by Lake Road and complement each other with an array of pubs, shops and attractions to discover. Windermere has a train station which you can use to get out and about with your four-pawed companion, while Bowness has a golf club for keen putters, and both have visitor centres for you to pop into. All along the waterfront are boats for hire and cruises you can book with your dog to experience the magnificent lake up close.

Why your dog will love it: Your four-pawed pal will have a great time exploring the attractions of the town by your side with the occasional trip down to the water for a spot of paddling and swimming.

Near and Far Sawrey

Best for anyone searching for tranquillity: Two quaint hamlets scattered with charming tea rooms, chocolate-box cottages and history-infused pubs, offering a beautiful space for a day’s exploration or a quiet destination to stay on your dog-friendly holiday. Near and Far Sawrey are wonderfully central, located between the lakes of Windermere and Esthwaite Water so you can pick and choose which direction you’d like to go exploring.

Why your dog will love it: It’s a peaceful place for old dogs who enjoy an escape from the hustle and bustle, and there’s plenty to see on long, winding walks. 

Map of dog-friendly Windermere

Explore our map below to discover all of our favourite things to do in Windermere, including dog-friendly days out, walking routes, places to eat, and towns and villages nearby. 

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Dog-friendly cottages in Windermere

Now you're clued up on all the best things to do in Windermere, it's time to start planning your Lake District getaway with Fido! Across dog-friendly Windermere, we offer a wide range of self-catering cottages, ideal for both humans and hounds. Click the button below to start exploring our collection of properties and find dog-friendly retreats for solo travellers, outdoor-loving couples, families and groups of friends.