Nine dog-friendly places to eat in the Lake District

1. Stiles of Ambleside

Location: Ambleside

Address: Compston Road, Ambleside, LA22 9DJ

Why dogs love it: Clean dry towels and tasty treats

Stiles of Ambleside is the cosy Ambleside pit-stop every soggy walker dreams of – family-run, friendly and armed with excellent Cumbrian-roasted coffee. Swing by for slabs of home-baked cake, toasties and soups that thaw you from the toes up, then watch as your pup gets the full VIPaw treatment.

Dry towels appear for damp bellies, water bowls materialise like magic and there’s always a biscuit or two to keep tails thumping while you refuel. Rain or shine, it’s a warm hug in café form – the kind of place you “pop into” and somehow lose an hour to.

Place to stay: Enjoy the open fire and stunning countryside location of Dovecot Cottage.

2. The Black Bull

Location: Coniston

Address: Coniston, The Lake District, Cumbria LA21 8DU 

Why dogs love it: Treats

The Black Bull was built over 400 years ago and sits proudly in front of the imposing ‘Old Man’ of Coniston. Family-run for decades, it deals in proper pub comfort: steak pies, fish and chips, doorstep sarnies and daily specials built on Cumbrian produce.

The cask-ale line-up is a local tour in itself. Dogs are welcome in the lounge and beer garden – water bowls, treats and plenty of fuss on standby – while you defrost happily by the fire and plan the next leg.

Place to stay: Your dogs will enjoy the warmth of the wood-burning stove in the open plan living area while you enjoy the hot tub at Yew Tree Cottage.

3. The Pig & Whistle

Location: Cartmel

Address: Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6PL

Why dogs love it: Their own private part of the pub

The Pig & Whistle is a handsome village pub in Cartmel with its priorities straight – great beer, great grub and a proper welcome for four-legged regulars. There’s a designated dog-friendly nook inside, a sun-trap beer garden outside and an extensive wine, spirits and award-winning cask ale list for the humans.

Expect home-cooked British classics done right, and a special doggy menu packed with treats so nobody feels left out. Tucked away from the crowds, it’s the kind of spot where sunset pints turn into supper without trying.

Place to stay: Pear Tree Cottage is a really pretty Edwardian cottage with an equally-beautiful garden for relaxing.

4. The Wateredge Inn

Location: Ambleside

Address: Borrans Road, Ambleside, LA22 0EP

Why dogs love it: The warm open fire

Situated on the edge of Lake Windermere, The Wateredge Inn will provide the perfect backdrop for a break with your four-legged friend. Dine al fresco on the lakeside terrace or let your dog curl up in front of the open fire inside the bar area. There are water bowls aplenty for your dogs and the servers have been known to give pooches a treat or two when the puppy dog eyes are out in full force – from your dog, to be clear.

Place to stay: Right in the heart of Ambleside, Riverbank is a great option for enjoying balcony views and the convenience of all those shops and pubs close by.

5. The Flying Pig

Location: Bowness

Address: Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BZ

Why dogs love it: Designated taps and water bowls for a refreshing drink

The Flying Pig nails that modern-meets-cosy sweet spot – all polished timber and warm chatter with the heart of a classic British pub. Set right in pretty Bowness-on-Windermere, it works for everything from a post-walk pint to a full three-course linger.

The seasonal menu leans local – Cumbrian steaks, proper pies and fish that’s practically waved at the lake – and the drinks list keeps pace. Dogs are very much part of the plan, with the website saying they may get a friendly stroke from staff "if they're cute enough" – which of course your pup qualifies for.

Place to stay: The Wonky Burrow is the paw-fect place for a romantic getaway for you and your pup (who stays for free), with WiFi also included.

6. The Sun Inn

Location: Kirby Lonsdale

Address: 6 Market St, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth LA6 2AU

Why dogs love it: The log fire and a proper dog-friendly dining space

The Sun Inn is the most dog-friendly pub in Kirkby Lonsdale – they even have their own resident pooch called Charlie. There’s a dedicated dog-friendly dining space within the main bar, so you can tuck into the two-AA-rosette menu while your sidekick snoozes under the table.

Think polished pub cooking, local producers and plates that feel properly celebratory after a day on the fells. Muddy? No bother – the handy dog-and-boot shower outside sorts paws and soles in minutes. Warm service, roaring fires and wagging tails as standard.

Place to stay: Courtyard Cottage is situated in the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale and is perfect for outdoor lovers, with walks available right from your doorstep.

7. The Cuckoo Brow Inn

Location: Far Sawrey

Address: Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LQ

Why dogs love it: Friendly staff and warm

Situated in the quaint village of Far Sawrey, The Cuckoo Brow Inn is a lovely dog-friendly pub – think flagstones, log fires and walks in every direction. Dogs are treated like VIPs, with warm hearth space for drying off and water bowls on standby, while humans get a strong line-up of real ales and crowd-pleasing pub classics cooked by award-winning chef Loredan Gargalac.

When the sun plays nice, nab a table outside for views towards Windermere and Hawkshead. How often a quick pint becomes lunch and a lazy afternoon here...

Place to stay: Low Ashmead Cottage is a delightful Lakeland cottage, furnished with cosy country charm. 

8. StickleBarn Tavern

Location: Great Langdale

Address: B5343, Great Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9JU

Why dogs love it: Warm fire and attention from staff

Sticklebarn Tavern is a walker’s haven in Great Langdale – trailheads on the doorstep, mountains for company and a post-hike pint that hits differently. Inside it’s all stone floors, big smiles and a fire that actually earns its keep.

Dogs aren’t just allowed, they’re adored – expect water bowls, doggy towels for post-downpour shake-offs and treats at the ready. The menu deals in hearty, no-nonsense plates and local ales poured with pride. Refuel, thaw out and then roll back out for one more valley loop.

Place to stay: Set in the heart of Ambleside, Briardale Cottage has a beautiful garden space for pups to enjoy, with its own charming views.

9. Granny Dowbekin’s Tea Room & Garden

Location: Ullswater

Address: Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2NP

Why dogs love it: Mouthwatering smells of food

Granny Dowbekin’s is Pooley Bridge at its most charming – a proper tearoom with the smell of fresh bakes drifting out to the river. Settle in for still-warm scones, generous sandwiches and slabs of cake that defeat the best intentions, with views over the River Eamont towards Ullswater doing the heavy lifting on ambience.

Dogs are welcome – the space is cosy, so very large pups may be limited at busy times – and there’s plenty of outdoor seating when the weather behaves. Classic, comforting and exactly where you want to press pause after a loop around the lake.

Place to stay: Danika East is a delightful stone cottage that's a short distance from Ullswater, and a great base for mountain hikes.

The Royal Hotel, Dockray

Location: Penrith

Address: A5091, Dockray, Penrith CA11 0JY

Why dogs love it: Staff who will fuss and fuss over pups

Perfectly placed for Aira Force and Ullswater loops, the Royal Hotel is a classic country inn where muddy boots and wagging tails are part of the décor. Think crackling fires, flagstone floors and hearty plates – steak pies, Cumbrian sausages, sticky toffee to finish – poured over with proper pints.

Dogs are welcomed warmly in the bar and snug, with water bowls on standby and staff who instinctively offer a fuss. Walk first, feast after, then watch your pup coil contentedly under the table while you plan tomorrow’s circuit over a nightcap.

Place to stay: The Old Brewery Barn is a comfy spot with a fabulous garden and patio – the outdoor fireplace and hot tub are fantastic touches for a relaxing break.

The Greyhound Inn, Shap

Location: Shap

Address: Main Street, Shap, CA10 3PW

Why dogs love it: Central to some epic walks

Right on the old A6, the Greyhound is a lifeline for Coast to Coast walkers and Lake District roamers alike – friendly, unfussy and reliably good at the basics. Expect a wood-burner that earns its keep, local ales and crowd-pleasing pub classics done well.

Dogs are very welcome in the bar areas, with treats behind the counter and a corner kept cosy for damp companions. With the fells, Haweswater and quiet moorland on the doorstep, it’s the perfect bookend to a bracing stomp – warm plates, warmer welcome, happily snoozing hound.

Place to stay: Ghyll Bank Barn is a lovely barn conversion with some of the best views around – your dog will be champing at the bit each day to get out and explore.