There are few things more satisfying after a day hiking the fells and exploring in the Lake District with your dog than winding down in a proper Lakeland pub. The kind of places where the atmosphere is as full and wholesome as the plates, these welcoming mountain, river and valley-side haunts make for the perfect pitstops to rest and refuel.
If you are ready to rest your boots and fill your tums in one of the best dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District, read on for our list of all the top places to eat.
Rothay Manor Restaurant, Ambleside
From pint-sized Poms to great St Bernard’s, all dogs are welcome at Rothay Manor in Rothay Bridge, Ambleside. With a dedicated dog-friendly dining room and bar, this Regency-style country house has plenty of room for all the pack to get comfortable and tuck in. Recommended by the Michelin Guide and awarded 3 AA rosettes, the quality of food here certainly won’t disappoint – perfect if you’re looking for a fine-dining experience with your pup in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
The Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite
The Punch Bowl Inn is a dog-friendly 17th Century Lake District inn set in the Lyth Valley in the hills above Windermere. Michelin-recommended, it serves up classic British and French dishes in tandem with the seasons, prepared with local, Lake District ingredients. Some of their best-known offerings include their twice-baked Lancashire cheese soufflé and lemon tart with damson sorbet. Be quick though, the dining area only has two dog-friendly tables so booking ahead is very much recommended to make sure you don’t miss out.
Hare & Hounds, Levens
A characterful 16th Century coaching inn, the Hare and Hounds on the edge of the Lake District National Park is one that’ll appeal to all generations of two and four-legged diners. From its hand-rolled-to-order pizzas to its dribble-worthy burgers, its delicious menu is locally sourced and made in-house. Take a seat in the dog-friendly bar area or dine alfresco on one of the outdoor tables with your canine chum and enjoy the feel-good vibes of this popular gastropub. Takeaway options are available too.
The Woolpack, Boot
A real walkers’ pub popular with all, the Woolpack Inn (and Hardknott Bar and Café) is one of the best dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District. Located in Boot in the gorgeous Eskdale valley, this thriving local hub is open throughout the week and fills its calendar with lots of events and themed nights, including its pizza oven Fridays. Head on over and grab a seat inside or outside. Just remember to keep your pup on their lead here, as it’s not unusual to see neighbourhood sheep wandering through the pub garden.
The Mortal Man, Troutbeck
The Mortal Man is one of the most well-known pubs in the Lake District, renowned for its gorgeous views and dog-friendly beer garden that’s often proclaimed as one of the best in the country. Recommended in both the CAMRA guide and the Good Pub guide, the pub doesn’t use its stunning location to rest on its laurels and instead offers up a delicious mix of classic favourites and creative specials. Your dog may also be very interested in the lovely walks right on the pub’s doorstep.
The Dog & Gun, Keswick
One of the most dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District, the Dog & Gun in Keswick is so dog-friendly that four-legged diners often outnumber two-legged. Alright, not quite. Among the pub’s dog-friendly features are fresh water bowls and doggy biscuits, while for two-legged diners the treats are manifold. Though the kitchen team here pride themselves on not serving any shallow or deep-fried food, the real must-try is the pub’s now-legendary homemade Hungarian Goulash which comes in small and large portions.
Ratty Arms, Ravenglass
One of the best dog-friendly activities in the Lake District is a ride on the Eskdale to Ravenglass railway – especially if you combine it with a meal in the Ratty Arms (named after ‘La’al Ratty, or “little railway” in olde Cumbrian). Situated in the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, the Ratty Arms is only a ball’s throw from the sea – perfect for long, windswept walks with your pup. When you’re ready to unwind, this cosy pub with its vintage train-themed memorabilia offers up a menu of hearty favourites.
The Wateredge Inn, Ambleside
Perched on the water’s edge, the Wateredge Inn is a real hit amongst waggy-tailed punters. Dogs are welcome both inside the pub’s dining and bar areas and on the outdoor terrace, and there’s also lots of space outside to sit and stroll too. Encompassing an acre of private grounds, the inn’s gardens all but tumble down to the shoreline, providing the most thrilling space for dogs to walk, sniff and play. With incredible views and flavourful pub fare served all day, every day, we’re pretty certain that you will enjoy it too.
Old Dungeon Ghyll, Great Langdale
The Old Dungeon Ghyll is a super, spit and sawdust pub with a dog-friendly bar (known as the Climbers Bar) at the head of the magnificent Langdale Valley. Recommended by the Good Pub guide, it boasts a simple menu of warming pub grub and a well-stocked drinks collection that perfectly hit the spot after a day of walking. And, speaking of walking, this pub is ideally located to suit the needs of energetic pups, with the summits of Scafell, Bow Fell and the Langdale Pikes all within reach of the pub’s door. Dungeon Ghyll Force waterfall is also a must-see nearby.
The Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates
Set on a crossroads high in the hills between Ambleside and Hawkshead, the exceedingly popular Drunk Duck Inn commands far-reaching views over the Lake District fells. Now served by its own micro-brewery, this attractive pub with its sophisticated interiors has been hosting diners for 300 years and is now one of the most famous in the Lakes. Dogs are welcome in the bar and the garden, just not in the restaurant – but that’s okay, as to secure a restaurant table here you often have to book weeks in advance.
The Queen’s Head, Troutbeck
The Queen’s Head in Troutbeck is a pub that is sure to set tails wagging. So dog-friendly is this pub that it even has its very own dog menu, containing irresistible canine offerings such as minced lamb, topped with potato and gravy; chipolata sausage, mashed potato and gravy; white fish pieces, new potatoes and broccoli and chicken breast pieces, mashed potato, carrots and gravy. If that wasn’t enough, they even serve dog-friendly drinks including dog-friendly beer and wine. Not to be missed.
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