If you let your dog plan their perfect getaway, there's a good chance they'd book a short break in the heart of the Lake District. They've probably read our guide on reasons to take your dog on your family holiday, which named the Lake District as one of best places to take your four legged friend away, after all! Home to England's highest mountain, largest lake and (quite possibly) the most charming pet-friendly cottages, this national park welcomes nearly 16 million satisfied holidaymakers every year, making it one of the most visited destinations in the UK.
As far as our four-legged friends are concerned, the Lake District is one large playground. From splashing through Lake Windermere to bounding down Scafell Pike, to them, every inch of this national park is an adventure waiting to happen.
As well as being full of outdoor fun, the Lake District is quite a spectacle to admire. Renowned across the world for its dramatic scenery, the area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands boldly alongside the Taj Mahal and the Great Barrier Reef as a 'site of outstanding importance to the common heritage of humankind'.
The world's finest walking routes
Nothing gets tails wagging like the word 'walk'. As much as you might love the great outdoors, it's got nothing on how our four-legged friends get at the thought of bounding down bright green hills and splashing through woodland streams.
Almost nowhere does walking routes as well as the Lake District. To many, the national park is a series of gorgeous strolls and world-class views. To find one, all you'll need to do is step outside, pick a direction and enjoy the incredible sights along the way.
However, if you're after a Dog Friendly Cottages favourite, we recommend Orrest Head. Famous for being the first fell climbed by the avid hillwalker and guidebook author, Alfred Wainwright, this short stroll through Bowness on Windermere can be completed in just over an hour. Yet, you'll still manage to see the park's most stunning spots.
Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District features as a pace to visit in our guide: Colour Therapy Holidays, which helps find the perfect dog friendly lodge break for you using the psychology of colour in the autumn.
Magnificent mountains and the best walk in Britain
If your dog's got a little extra energy to burn off, why not take a crack at one of the area's many mountain strolls. Cumbria boasts the ten tallest mountains in England (that's right, all ten!). With all those peaks comes dozens of spectacular hikes for any pooch whose grown restless strolling down streets in the city.
At 978 metres, Scafell Pike has the highest, and most famous, peak in England. With dozens of routes to the top, almost every walker can tick this magnificent mountain off their to-do list. However, our top pick, is the walk up Helvellyn. This is England's third-highest peak and was officially voted 'Britain's best walk'. While relatively tricky, it serves up stunning sights of everything the Lake District does best - water, wildlife and wondrous hills.
Award-winning food and drink
The Lake District isn't just for sightseers, it's a haven for foodies too. Thanks to its rich and fertile land, Cumbria is home to a world-renowned range of incredible local produce. The lakes provide the perfect place to grow gorgeous organic vegetables and rear fell bred lamb. Not to mention, there'll be more than enough Cumberland sausage and Kendal mint cake to go round.
Wherever you stay in the Lake District, you'll be near an array of award-winning restaurants, most of whom are dog-friendly! You and your four-legged friends can pick between historic pubs serving hearty meals or Michelin star restaurants offering fine dining.
Friendly accommodation for every excursion
A lot of the time, booking breaks where your dog is welcome means sacrificing on quality. Well, with us, nothing could be further from the truth. Whichever part of the Lake District you're heading for, and however many hounds you're bringing along for the ride, we'll make sure you find the perfect cosy cottage, with whatever amenities you're craving.
Maybe you fancy a short break on a vintage farmstead so your pooch can play sheepdog for the day? Or perhaps you're after a quaint log cabin where you can curl up in front of an open fire? How about adding a little decadence to your dog-friendly holiday cottage, with a soothing outdoor hot tub? Whatever your holiday dreams may be, tell us, and we'll help them come true.
Nearby locations for dog friendly holiday cottage in the Lake District
Check out our favourite Lake District destinations for pet friendly cottages below. Many are situated within reach of pet friendly pubs, walking routes and also feature an enclosed garden too.