Dog-friendly places to eat and drink in the Lake District

The Lake District is one of the UK's most beautiful places to visit for so many reasons. Breathtaking scenery, glistening lakes and, of course, fabulous dog-walking country. It's also the place to come to if you're a bit of a foodie, with an array of excellent pubs, restaurants and cafés to discover during and after long country walks with your favourite hound.

Here at Canine Cottages, we believe that our four-legged friends deserve a treat after all that exploring too. The question is, where can you have a bite to eat with a hound or two in tow? We've put together a selection of the best dog-friendly pubs and restaurants to visit – the places to head to after mountain and lakeside walks; those much-loved establishments which will welcome you even if you have more than one set of paws with you. You'll even find those places that are brave enough to welcome four legs and children at the same time, as well as a few dog-friendly pubs for that well-deserved pint after a solitary walk. Look for more Lake District ideas in our guide.

For even more great places to chow down with your pooch, why not go out for a dog's dinner at the UK's most dog-friendly pubs or the UK's most dog-friendly cafes? Have a read through our guide to the best pet-friendly places to eat in the Lake District and find somewhere to stop and pause a while. We have some wonderful places to stay, why not click on the button below to find your perfect Lake District accommodation?

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Best dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District

There are lots and lots of friendly pubs that welcome dog owners all across the Lake District. Here's a handful of our favourites that are guaranteed to get your dogs' tails wagging.

Old Dungeon Ghyll, Ambleside

When it's just you and your dog looking for a place to rest weary limbs after a few hours of solitary walking through the Langdales, then the Old Dungeon Ghyll is a good ol' traditional pub that offers open fires, a friendly atmosphere, great ales and pub grub to tempt you both in. Dogs are allowed both inside and outside but not in the formal dining room. There are water bowls and tasty snacks on offer in the Walkers Bar, where four legs are as welcome as two. 

Hawkshead Brewery and Beer Hall | Stavely 

Traditional pub grub at good prices awaits you at the Hawkshead Brewery and Beer Hall, set in the pretty little village of Hawkshead a few miles from Lake Windermere. Dogs are welcomed inside where they can slurp from one of the water bowls, and there are lots of excellent walks nearby when Rover gets itchy paws.

The Dog and Gun | Keswick 

Image courtesy of @leebolton

The northern Lake District also has some lovely expanses of water, including Bassenthwaite Lake and Ullswater with its spectacular Aira Force waterfall. With a name that would tempt any working hound, the Dog and Gun is an extremely dog-friendly pub that will not only fill hungry human tummies with its hearty food (try the amazing Hungarian goulash), but it also has its own doggy menu for puppers who can feel their post-walkie tums rumbling too. 

The Lanty Slee at Sticklebarn | Ambleside

A fabulous place to stop after exploring Sticklebarn and the Langdales, this pet-friendly pub called The Lanty Slee at Sticklebarn is run by the National Trust and welcomes multiple mutts. There's a warm fire to cosy up with the resident dogs and a terrace with shade for sunny days, not to mention the finest ale and tasty, planet-friendly food for the humans of the group. It's a short drive from Ambleside, one of the most dog-friendly towns in the Lakes.

The Cuckoo Brow Inn | Far Sawrey

 Head to this lovely pub after a walk over Claife Heights and Windermere Viewing Station. No matter that you come with wet dogs, muddy boots or even grumpy children; you and your hoard will be welcomed with open arms at the Cuckoo Brow Inn. Championing local produce wherever possible, the game for the delicious steak and Flakebridge cheese pie is from the area, as are the excellent real ales.

The Golden Rule | Ambleside

It's a bit off the beaten track and tucked away up a steep hill, so perhaps better for the more active dog, but it's worth it to experience this gorgeous old-fashioned pub known as The Golden Rule. Excellent beers, friendly locals and a secluded beer garden make this hidden gem a superb end to a day's hiking. If truth be told, this dog-friendly pub only offers snacks, but it had to be included as one of our Lake District favourites.

Best dog-friendly restaurants and cafes in the Lake District

Here is a small selection of our favourite restaurants and cafes that welcome dogs. These Lake District cafes and restaurants are brilliant places to stop for refreshments or a good meal with your dog when you are out and about.

The Punch Bowl | Crosthwaite

 An inviting and relaxed affair, ideal when you don't want to cook after a long day exploring the Lakes, The Punch Bowl is in the heart of the Lyth Valley and it offers both a classic contemporary restaurant and a cosy bar area. Dogs are welcome in the bar area or outside on the terrace – equally as lovely.

Luigi's | Ambleside

All kids love pasta, so you won't go wrong with a meal out at Luigi's, a dog-friendly restaurant in the heart of Ambleside. Introduce young taste buds to the different shapes of pasta while the lovely waiters lay a dog bed at the side of your table for Fido to have a snooze. There may be some begging for the yummy pasta from under your feet, but treats and water are provided so that you don't have to share.

Granny Dowbekins | Pooley Bridge

 Both child and dog-friendly, you won't be worried about taking a large brood of dependants to this traditional English tearoom and tea garden called Granny Dowbekins. The staff are kind to both children and dogs and the food is fabulous: warm, fluffy, home-baked scones, mouthwatering cakes and hearty pies, with superb views of the River Eamont and Ullswater to boot. Children will love the gingerbread biscuits of the nearby bridge so make sure you order some before they run out!

Poppi Red | Hawkshead

 After a gentle stroll followed by a tranquil cruise gliding around Lake Windermere, you can't beat an afternoon treat at the colourful and vintage-style Poppi Red. Choose from the scrumptious selection of cakes and pastries, then sit back, espresso in hand, to look over your photos of the day. On rainy days, this sunny dog-friendly café is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

Map of the best places to eat and drink in the Lake District

Use this handy map to locate the best places to eat and drink in the Lake District 

Come and stay with us in the Lake District!

All that eating and drinking deserves somewhere comfortable and welcoming to return home to. Have a peek through our dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District to find somewhere gorgeous for you all to stay.