Dog Friendly Activities in the Lake District
With a roadmap for the end of lockdown now in sight, so many of us are looking for a great place for a holiday, especially if we have one or more four legged friends to accompany us. With our dogs as bored as we are of the same routes and walks near our home, a visit to the beautiful Lake District is the perfect choice for a post lockdown getaway that both you and the four-legged members of your family will love!
Dog Friendly Lake District Cottages
We have a great range of dog friendly Lake District cottages located in and around beautiful Coniston. There are so many great walks available both from your door and a short car drive away, but if you want to visit some of the Lake District attractions with your dog here is a quick list of some places we think you and your dog will love.
Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway – South Windermere
Right on the southern edge of Windermere, you can find this beautiful railway. The steam train has original 1950’s carriages and makes for a wonderful trip down memory lane. You can enjoy a journey along the Furness Railway branch line, and if you do want to enjoy a Windermere Lake Cruise, you can get off at Lakeside and combine the two. Dogs travel free of charge on the railway, which is great.
Windermere Lake Cruises – Windermere
Enjoy the beautiful, tranquil waters of the Lakes with Windermere Lake Cruises. This is England’s longest lake, so enjoy the scenery and take some time to relax. Dogs are welcome on the cruises free of charge.
Coniston Launch and the Steam Yacht Gondola – Coniston
Coniston is incredibly beautiful and has some historical significance – it inspired the Swallows and Amazon series of books. You can choose to go for a short or long cruise, either on the Coniston Launch itself, or on the Steam Yacht Gondola (which is owned by the National Trust). Dogs go free, and are allowed on the outer decks, but cannot be brought into the saloons.
Both the Coniston Launch and the Gondolas stop at Brantwood, which welcomes dogs on the grounds and café, as long as they are kept on a lead.
Dog Friendly Attractions a Little Further Away
Muncaster Castle – Muncaster
Muncaster Castle is located in the south west. It’s an incredible location, with plenty to see and do. Dogs are welcomed on leads free of charge, although you won’t be able to bring them inside the house or in the Hawk and Owl Center (which is perhaps to be expected!). You can, however, take your dog into a special viewing area, which will allow you to see some of the bird shows. Dogs are welcome to sit outside the main café, and they’re allowed inside the Bird Garden Tea Room.
La’al Ratty (or the Ravenglass and Eskale Railway) – Eskdale
The Ravenglass and Eskale Railway (otherwise known to locals as La’al Ratty) is located in the south west of the Lake District. It’s a fun accompaniment to some beautiful walks in Eskdale, starting at Ravenglass and ending at Dalegarth, with several stops along the way. Dogs are welcome, but there is a small charge for them. You will get a ‘welcome pack’ for your dog, and there are water bowls at either end of the line, which is a thoughtful touch.
