The most gorgeous dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District

Heading to the Lake District with your four-legged family member is bound to get tails wagging. While hounds with holidays on their mind are wondering what toys and leads to pack, it’s your job to find somewhere lovely for you all to stay, and this guide to our favourite dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District is here to help!

We have a superb selection of stunning, dog-friendly cottages all over the Lake District, with some overlooking vast expanses of water and others nestled deep in the Cumbrian countryside. Read on to uncover our top seven properties that offer both humans and hounds somewhere to rest weary walking muscles and tired paws after days filled with Lake District rambles and scenic adventures.

You can also search for more dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District by clicking the button below and browsing our entire selection, which includes cute cottages for solo travellers and couples, large homes for friends and families, shepherd huts, log cabins and plenty more. 

Shepherds Nook, Kentmere

Sleeps: 1 dog + 2 humans

Why we love it: The stunning country cottage interior and the epic views make it a wonderfully relaxing retreat for a couple and their pup.

Why guests love it: "Such a little gem of a cottage in an amazing setting. The views are spectacular and the walks are literally from your doorstep." – Karen

What’s nearby? Beautiful Kentmere Tarn is just a mile away, offering a scenic and circular walk, while dog-friendly Lake Windermere is only 10 miles away.

Townson Ground House, Coniston

Sleeps: 2 dogs + 14 humans

Why we love it: This 16th-century, picture-postcard cottage is not only immaculately furnished throughout, but offers fantastic, private lake access for guests of the estate. 

Why guests love it: "Lovely, homely and comfortable cottage, with a good number of bedrooms to accommodate large groups. Superb location in a beautiful part of the world." – Nicholas

What’s nearby? The Coniston Launch will take dogs on a jaunt across the lake, and they don’t even have to pay for their ticket! Just make sure that they have sea legs before you go. 

Thorphinsty Barn, Cartmel Fell

Sleeps: 5 dogs + 8 humans

Why we love it: There’s a super-cute shepherd’s hut in the grounds with a roaring wood burner, offering the perfect spot for nights under a star-sprinkled sky or sunny daytime picnics together. 

Why guests love it: "Stunning barn, offering a great space to switch off and spend time with friends. Amazing views, a peaceful location, and lots of great walks nearby." – Steven

What’s nearby? The delightful Lake Windermere is the perfect spot for a canine cruise with Windermere Lake Cruises – dogs even get their very own Rovers Return ticket!

Wheelhouse Cottage, Cartmel

Sleeps: 2 dogs + 4 humans

Why we love it: The bubbling hot tub enveloped by ancient stone walls is just the place for a crisp glass of wine under the evening sky.

Why guests love it: "Fantastic stay in this wonderful, warm, cosy, home-from-home cottage. The location is just perfect, straight out of the door for all that Cartmel has to offer." – Kerry

What’s nearby? Hounds with a need for speed should take their humans to the Lakeland Motor Museum in Backbarrow (5 miles) where they are allowed to peruse the exhibits free of charge.

The Bothy, Windermere

Sleeps: 2 dogs + 2 humans

Why we love it: The cutest, stone-walled courtyard garden is the ideal place to enjoy a coffee with warm and fluffy croissants on summer mornings.

Why guests love it: "Perfect in every way. We couldn't have asked for any better. We fell in love with The Bothy and will definitely visit again." – Donna 

What’s nearby? Pups with adventurous youngsters in their family will love Brockhole on Windermere. With 10 acres of historic gardens and access to the shores of Lake Windermere, this adventure centre will keep little humans busy while one lucky human can take Fido for a quiet stroll around the lake.

The Pavilion At Applethwaite Hall, Windermere

Sleeps: 1 dog + 4 humans

Why we love it: A beautifully appointed apartment in a magnificent Arts and Crafts hall; this impressive property sits in gorgeous, shared gardens with enchanting woodland for evening walkies, and perhaps a spot of deer-spotting.

Why guests love it: "Superbly equipped and furnished, and very clean. The location is quiet and peaceful, and the views are lovely, particularly over Orrest Head which is only a short walk away." – Chieko

What’s nearby? Dogs who love poetry will enjoy a visit to the dog-friendly, National Trust-owned  Allan Bank – William Wordsworth’s former home (14 miles). Pups are positively welcomed inside for a snooze by the fire, treats are usually offered and even muddy paws aren’t turned away!

Barrow Hollin, Cartmel Fell

Sleeps: 3 dogs + 6 humans

Why we love it: The hunting lodge-style décor of this charming, 18th-century cottage makes for a wonderful winter retreat. Lucky hounds even have their own special boot rooms with warm beds next to the radiator.

Why guests love it: "What a beautiful cottage, matched by the amazing views. The cottage had everything we needed and there were a lot of thoughtful touches. The welcome hamper was very much appreciated, thank you!" – Michelle 

What’s nearby? Curious canines can take a trip back in time as they hop aboard the steam locomotives of the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway (8 miles). They don’t have to pay for their ticket either!

Dog-friendly holidays in the Lake District

If our selection of dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District has inspired you to book a human and hound getaway to the national park, then simply click on any of the featured properties above to find out more and book your dates! 

For more dog-friendly cottages across the Lake District, click the button below to explore our full collection. Find cosy cottages for solo travellers and romantic retreats, larger homes for groups of friends and families, quirky alternatives like log cabins and working farms, and plenty more.