At Lake District Hotels, we understand that dogs are part of the family. That’s why all seven of our hotels across the Lake District are proud to be dog-friendly. We have created a helpful guide and a 48-hour itinerary to help you plan the perfect dog-friendly stay in the Lake District.
We have hotels in Keswick, Borrowdale and Ullswater. All three areas make great bases for dog-friendly stays, from walks to food, to cosy accomodation.
Dog-Friendly Dining in the Lake District
Keswick
Keswick is often praised for being one of the most dog-friendly towns in the UK and that includes some wonderful dining options.
- Kings Arms – A cosy Cumbrian pub, with over 300 years of history, serving wholesome and hearty, homecooked food.
- Inn on the Square – Dog-friendly dining available in the Front Bar, Back Bar and lounges with different food options from quality steaks to authentic butter chicken.
- Skiddaw Hotel – The conservatory at the Skiddaw is one of the best spots for people-watching with your dog whilst enjoying some authentic tapas or a traditional suet pudding.
Borrowdale Valley
Borrowdale Valley is a short 10-min drive from Keswick (also accessible by a dog-friendly bus or boat) and is perfect for riverside walks and access to the fells. Having a range of dog-friendly dining options to enjoy post-walk is what makes Borrowdale so great for dogs and owners alike.
- Falls Brasserie – In the dedicated dog lounge, your dog will feel right at home. You can order a breakfast, lunch and dinner from the Falls Brasserie menu or treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea.
- Mizu Pan-Asian Restaurant – Dog-friendly dining available on the outdoor terrace with views of the Falls and Fells, delicious dishes from sushi to ramen, or even a pan-asian afternoon tea. Patio heaters and cosy blankets are available to keep you cosy in the colder months.
- Borrowdale Hotel – The dog-friendly lounges, beautiful gardens, and conservatory make a perfect stop on your walk through the Borrowdale. Order from any of the menus, including the all-you-can-eat Sunday Carvery which you can enjoy with your dog in the conservatory.
Ullswater
With shoreline paths and surrounded by fells, Ullswater is the perfect spot for those who love to walk and be immersed in the beauty of the Lake District.
- Inn on the Lake – Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with your dog in the Orangery & lounge, Rambler’s Bar and outdoor terraces.
- Patterdale Hotel – Recently, this popular hotel has become dog-friendly, allowing dogs to join you on your adventures. Dog friendly dining is available in the beer garden, lounge and bar area.
Dog-Friendly Activities in the Lake District
There are so many dog-friendly things to do in the Lake District. So we’ve put together a handy guide to help you plan your trip.
Walks
Of course, dog-friendly walks are a priority for any owner, so we have created a list of our favourite ones for you to try on your next Lake District trip.
Catbells – A moderate walk suitable for agile dogs. Approximately 3.5 miles (3 hours plus stops).
Derwentwater Circular – A scenic, mainly flat trail with stunning views, suitable for most dogs. Approximately 10 miles (3-5 hours plus stops).
Ullswater Way – This route is best enjoyed mixed with rides on local buses or the Ullswater Steamer (dogs can join for a small fee). Approximately 20 miles (10-14 hours plus stops).
Car-free Transport
You don’t need to rely on a car for getting around your favourite areas of the Lake District.
Keswick Launch – Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard free of charge and give you hop-on, hop-off access around Derwentwater.
Ullswater Steamer – Dogs are allowed onboard for a small fee of £1.50, with piers in Glenridding, Pooley Bridge, Howtown, Aira Force.
Ullswater Bus – As part of local organisation SITU (Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Ullswater), there are three routes operated by Stagecoach available to hop on for £3 per person. Dogs are allowed to travel for free at the driver’s discretion.
Open-top Bus – The open-top Borrowdale Bus (Service 78) generally allows well-behaved dogs to travel free of charge at the driver’s discretion.
Things to See and Do
Puzzling Place, Keswick – The perfect all-weather activity, full of opitical illusion fun for all the family.
Shopping in Keswick – This town is one of the best places to shop, with Keswick Market taking place every Thursday and Saturday, as well as a wide selection of independent shops around the town.
Hope Park – This park in Keswick is one of the most dog-friendly parks with dogs welcome in all areas of the park, including the on-site cafe.
Aira Force – Earning a three-pawprint rating from the National Trust, this stunning waterfall is worth the visit.
Whinlatter Forest – England’s only true mountain forest is very dog-friendly with amazing trails, and stunning views. Lake District Hotel guests also receive a 15% discount at Go Ape, so your family can enjoy a treetop adventure and you can bring the dog to watch from below.
Dog-Friendly Accomodation in the Lake District
At Lake District Hotels we understand that dogs are part of the family, which is why we are proud that all seven of our hotels are dog-friendly.
Borrowdale, Nr Keswick
- Dogs can stay in most bedrooms
- Up to 2 dogs per room
- £25 per night per dog or FREE when staying 2 nights or more
- Welcome in our dog friendly lounges, conservatory, and gardens
Derwentwater, Keswick
- Dogs can stay in most bedrooms
- Up to 2 dogs per room
£25 per night per dog (£35 in suites) - Outdoor terrace
- Welcome in our dog friendly lounges
Ullswater, Glenridding
- Dogs can stay in 15 bedrooms
- Up to 2 dogs per room
- £25 per night per dog
- Outdoor terrace
- Welcome in our dog friendly areas
Keswick
- Dogs can stay in 25 out of 34 bedrooms
- Up to 2 dogs per room
- £25 per night per dog
- Outdoor seating areaqs
- Welcome in our bar and lounge
Keswick
- Dogs can stay in most bedrooms
- 1 dog per room
- £20 per night per dog
- Outdoor seating areas
- Welcome in our dog friendly bar and lounge
Keswick
- Dogs can stay in 27 out of 43 bedrooms
- Up to 2 dogs per room
- £25 per night per dog
- Welcome in our dog friendly conservatory
Patterdale, Ullswater
After acquiring the Patterdale Hotel in April 2026, it is now proud to be dog-friendly.
- Dogs can stay for £20 per night per dog
- Dog beds and bowls available on request
- Welcome in our dog friendly bar and lounge
- Spacious beer garden
Top 3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in the Lake District
Based on location, facilities, and reviews, these three Lake District Hotels stand out for being dog-friendly across the Lake District.
Derwentwater
The Borrowdale Hotel has just been nominated for the Dog Friendly Awards 2026. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay in a number of rooms, a custom dating back to when the hotel opened in 1866.
With dog friendly gardens, lounges, and conservatory, there are plenty of places to enjoy your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Location-wise, being in the pretty Borrowdale valley at the tip of Derwentwater, there are scenic walks from our doorstep and many nearby attractions.
Top tip: If you book 2 nights or more, up to 2 dogs stay free!
Keswick
Located in the centre of Keswick Market Square, you and your dog will have plenty of independent shops and cafes just outside your room to enjoy.
You can dine or grab a drink in the dog-friendly bar and lounge area, or people-watching on the outdoor benches. This quintessential Cumbrian pub-charm hotel makes the perfect stay for locals and tourists alike.
There is also easy access to walks and fells with dog-friendly public transport such as the Keswick Launch, so you can explore Derwentwater together before returning back to to the hotel for a well-deserved drink.
Ullswater
This award winning 4 star hotel in Glenridding is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the Lake District, and with 15 acres of grounds among the shores of Lake Ullswater, it is the perfect place for any dog and owner to explore.
There are 15 dog-friendly rooms to choose from, and a range of dining areas from an outdoor terrace overlooking the lake, to the inviting Ramblers Bar, and more.
48-Hour Dog-Friendly Lake District Itinerary
There is so much to see and do with your four-legged friend in the Lake District so we’ve made this helpful (and realistic) 48-hour itinerary that you can use to plan your next adventure together.
Day 1
9:00am – Breakfast at the Borrowdale
Wake up to stunning views of Borrowdale Valley and enjoy a full Cumbrian breakfast (and maybe a sausage for the dog!)
10:00am – Explore Derwentwater
Hop on the Keswick launch and explore the beautiful Derwentwater scenery.
12:00pm – Explore Keswick
Enjoy browsing all the independent shops and catch the market if visiting on a Thursday or Saturday.
1:00pm – Pub Lunch
You can’t beat a proper pub lunch at the King’s Arms.
2:00pm – Derwentwater Circular
Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the shores of Derwentwater on this relatively flat but beautiful route back to the Borrowdale.
6:00pm – Dinner in the Conservatory
Enjoy a wonderful meal in the dog-friendly conservatory.
8:00pm – Drinks at the Hotel
Retire in the cosy lounge for post-dinner drinks, with a book or a board game.
Day 2
8:00am – Rise & Shine
Enjoy a cuppa and and early start overlooking the beautiful hotel gardens.
9:00am – Hike a Fell
Depending on your dog’s ability, pick a fell or a route you’ll both be comfortable with. Make sure to pack appropriately and check weather forecasts regularly.
1:00pm – All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Carvery
Sundays at the Borrowdale are the best. Fill your boots with proper post-hike fuel and enjoy as many helpings as you like (including unlimited meat). Enjoy in the conservatory with the dog.
6:00pm – Tea & Scones in the Garden
Watch the sun set in the stunning Borrowdale Hotel gardens with a British classic of tea and scones. Jam or cream first?
9:00pm – Night-cap in the lounge
After a log and rewarding day exploring, a tipple in the lounge by the fire is just what you deserve.
Tips for a Safe Dog-Friendly Visit to the Lake District
The Lake District is home to some of the most beautiful dog walks in the country and consists of woodlands, valleys, lakes, tarns, coastal paths and over 350 fells. It is also home to more than 3 million sheep and other important wildlife, so it is important to keep you and your dog as safe as possible at all times.
- Wildlife – Best practice is to keep your dog on a short lead around any wildlife and keep a safe distance from them, especially if young calves or foals are present, consider an alternative route where possible.
- Water – Blue-green algae is highly toxic and can be fatal if dogs are exposed to it. Please keep your dog from swimming and drinking in suspected areas. If you suspect your dog has ingested blue-green algae, contact a vet immediately.
- Weather – The Cumbrian weather is often unpredictable, and can vary hour to hour. Please check the weather forecast regularly for the entire day and plan accordingly. Be sure to pack extra layers, waterproof dog jackets, towels, suitable footwear and drinkable water.
