Our top dog-friendly hotels in Lake District
With breathtaking scenery, endless wild swimming opportunities and some of the UK’s most spectacular hikes, the only thing that could make a trip to the Lake District more idyllic is bringing your four-legged best friend. When so much of your holiday is spent getting active, hotels are the perfect choice – you can walk and sightsee yourself silly knowing that tonight’s dinner is in good hands and the comfiest bed awaits your return.
We’ve done the work for you and rounded up five of our favourite dog-friendly hotels in the Lake District.
1. Lancrigg
This lovely hillside retreat is one of our favourite dog-friendly hotels in the Lake District for exploring Grasmere, which is just a short walk away. Lancrigg is loved for its friendly, laid back atmosphere, welcoming everyone from families with children to solo travellers and dog walkers. The Poet’s Bar provides a sophisticated spot for drinks and snacks, and the dining room is perfect for more formal affairs. The menu features creative dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients, and friendly staff will ensure you’re well looked after. Seek out gingerbread in Grasmere, wild swim at Easedale Tarn, hike Helm Crag or simply stay at the hotel and roam the surrounding woodland.
2. Another Place – The Lake
Dog friendly hotels in the Lake District don’t get much more luxurious than this one. Everything about staying at Another Place feels like a real treat, from the spectacular Ullswater location near the lake shore to the glass-walled pool, treatment rooms and hot tub. The building features ornate ceilings, marble fireplaces and panelled walls, and there’s a fantastic restaurant serving delicious local food. You and your dog will love exploring the gardens and shoreline around the hotel, and further afield there are numerous stunning walks and hikes to keep you busy. We recommend the Ullswater Way – a 20-mile trail around the lake that takes in plenty of breathtaking Lake District scenery.
3. Rothay Manor Hotel
If you’re looking for dog-friendly hotels in the Lake District that feel truly private, this one’s for you. Surrounded by mature gardens, there are no immediate neighbours, so you can relax in rural peace in this stunning part of the Lakes. Your pooch will be welcomed with open arms, and there are several dog-friendly rooms with private garden areas. The restaurant has three AA Rosettes and offers an excellent fine dining menu, and the lounge is the perfect cosy spot to enjoy a fireside drink after dinner. Stroll to Ambleside for shops, restaurants and art galleries, or head to Lake Windermere for amazing walks and picturesque scenery.
4. Askham Hall
This Grade I-listed manor house is one of the most beautiful dog-friendly hotels in the Lake District. The building is grand and steeped in history, but owner Charlie grew up here and it retains its homely, laid back feel. Contemporary art adorns the walls and roaring fires keep things cosy. The stylish drawing room hosts an honesty bar, and a spa and outdoor pool add a touch of luxury. The 40 acres of grazing land surrounding the hotel are where Charlie rears his own meat for the hotel’s Michelin star restaurant, and the food is an absolute delight. Spend your days adventuring in the Eden Valley, with its many stunning walking and hiking routes through lush woodland and up fells.
5. Howtown Hotel
A historic farmhouse in a stunning location on Ullswater, framed by dramatic Lakeland fells. The hotel is located in its own hamlet and has been hosting guests for 117 years, and this is reflected in the interiors – a panelled bar, William Morris wallpaper, cosy coal fires and a lot of brass. Dinner time is signalled by a gong, and delicious dishes made from local produce are served up at oak tables. Expect culinary delights such as stilton soufflé, venison loin and steamed marmalade pudding. You’re in a sleepy corner of Ullswater and beautiful walks start from the front door, so you’ll have no trouble filling your days.
Written by
Claire Maguire
Claire combines her twin loves of writing and travel to create inspiring blog content. Rudi combines his twin loves of baths and chasing squirrels to excuse getting as muddy as possible whenever he can. He hates missing out, so finding dog-friendly places is an absolute must. Claire loves a place with a stunning interior and is thankful Rudi is well-behaved enough to leave it the way they find it, unless there are slippers to be eaten.
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