Walkers on two legs or four are drawn to the Lake District for the wild landscape, beautiful views, adventurous climbs, and laid-back lakeside ambles.
There are dozens of walks around this national park to suit all skill levels, (check out our top dog walks in Cumbria article too to find out our favourites) and thankfully there are just as many dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District to rest in. We’ve sniffed out 15 pubs across the national park for you and your pup to pop into.
Brackenrigg Inn
The Brackenrigg Inn has gorgeous views over Ullswater from their terrace. Walking boots and waggy tails are welcome here, as this dog-friendly Lake District pub is a regular oasis serving rest and refreshment for those out hiking the fells.
The pub has hearty, homecooked food and even its own micro-brewery, plus there are plenty of dog-friendly rooms upstairs.
Address: Watermillock, Penrith, CA11 0LP
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 12:00-15:00 + 17:00-21:00 / Sun: 12:00-20:00
Wasdale Head Inn
The Wasdale Head Inn has a lot of draws, not least because this historic and homely pub and B&B is one of the closest to Scafell Pike. Plus, it’s the only hotel in the wild Wasdale Valley, and it’s the birthplace of British rock climbing.
You and the pup can refresh in the characterful bar, camp, or stay in a dog-friendly room, and furry visitors are given towels and a box of treats on the house.
Address: Wasdale Head, Gosforth, CA20 1EX
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 11:00-23:00 / Sun:12:00-22:00
The Mortal Man
The Mortal Man isn’t just one of the best pubs near Windermere, and it’s easily one of the best dog-friendly pubs in the entire Lake District.
The pub and rooms welcome dogs and are homely and characterful, packed full of tasty pub grub and an array of ales and real ciders. However, this historic pub stands out for its rich history in literature and folk arts, as well as the breath-taking views.
Address: Troutbeck, Windermere, LA23 1PL
Opening Times: “Always Open” - Best to check ahead!
Oddfellows Arms
Nestled in the heart of Caldbeck in the north of the Lake District, the Oddfellows Arms is considered a hidden gem. There’s plenty of parking but it’s always a good idea to reserve a table for this popular pub.
Humans and hounds are always made very welcome by the friendly staff, but dogs definitely get more cuddles. The restaurant is a dog-free area, but meals are also served out in the bar which is dog-friendly and there are water bowls, and even homemade dog food available for all the furry patrons!
If you're looking to rest your head, the pub even has lovely dog-friendly guests rooms for you and your four-legged friend.
Address: Caldbeck, Wigton, CA7 8EA
Opening Times: Every day: 11:00-Late
The Red Lion
This handsome 15th-century pub is tucked away in the picturesque village of Hawkshead, right next to the Beatrix Potter gallery. The Red Lion’s ideal location close to Esthwaite Water and bang in the middle between Windermere and Coniston makes it a perfect rest stop.
The inside’s inviting and beautifully decorated, but with a laid-back atmosphere that lulls you into whiling away hours relaxing with the pooch, especially if you’re filling up with some of their scrummy food.
Address: Main Street, Hawkshead, LA22 0NS
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 12:00-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:00
The Woolpack
Well-behaved adults, children, and dogs are all warmly welcomed in The Woolpack beside the River Esk. This historic inn has won West Cumbria’s CAMRA Cider pub of the year no less than 3 times.
There’s something for everyone here, with guest rooms, a shop, cafe, restaurant, and vodka bar packed in beneath the beams. The pub is super cosy, with a real fire and plenty of sofas to perch on and relax after a hard day’s walking.
Address: Holmrook, CA19 1TH
Opening Times: “Always open” best to check ahead.
Ratty Arms
The Ratty Arms is a dog-friendly pub in the Lake District’s only seaside resort of Ravenglass. After walkies on the beach, you and the dog can “pup” in for a fuss and some refreshments, and your dog can tuck into some free water and gravy bones.
It’s housed in an old railway station with lots of train-themed memorabilia, adding to the Ratty’s unique character. Otherwise, The Inn down the road is just as dog-friendly and equally well-loved!
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 11:30-21:00 / Sun: 12:00-21:00
The Black Cock Inn
Tucked away in the beautiful market town of Broughton-in-Furness is the classic country pub, The Black Cock Inn. There are open fires to warm up beside after a hard day walking the Duddon Valley, or a secluded beer garden to soak up some sun in warmer weather.
This rustic pub has gained a reputation for being a great place to eat, and the dog will be happy too since they’ll get water and biscuits from the staff as well as a big fuss.
Opening Times: “always open” so check ahead.
Crown & Mitre Inn
If you wander north-east of Haweswater Reservoir you’ll come to the sleepy hamlet of Brampton and their local, The Crown & Mitre Inn. This is another traditional Lakeland pub with as many locals as tourists through the doors.
It attracts a lot of walkers as there are a number of routes starting from the pub, and it’s just over a mile from the Coast to Coast route. Jane the innkeeper always has some local tips to share should you need, as well as large portions of hearty food to fuel you for your next adventure.
Address: Penrith, CA10 2QR
Opening Times: Most days from 17:00 - Call to check!
The Sun Inn
The only pub in Bassenthwaite, The Sun Inn boasts beautiful views of Skiddaw and makes a great start or endpoint for walkies up the fell.
It’s also one of the most proudly dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District, and your furry friend will have plenty of space to stretch out by the table while you tuck into your own mountain of tasty food. There are bags of natural treats available to buy for your furry friend, so the pup can munch their own pub lunch too.
Address: The Rake, Bassenthwaite, CA12 4QP
Opening Times: Various - Check their Facebook
The Bank Tavern
One of the most popular and friendly pubs in Keswick is The Bank Tavern, which draws in locals and tourists alike. It’s ideally located for anyone who’s been exploring Derwentwater, or just passing through town.
It’s a traditional pub that focuses on local ales and unpretentious pub grub served in great portions. Pups are always welcome to a fuss and a few treats of their own too. One word of warning though, mind your head on the low ceilings!
Address: 47 Main Street, Keswick, CA12 5DS
Opening Times: Sun-Thu: 11:00-23:00 / Fri-Sat: 11:00-23:30
Old Dungeon Ghyll
This gorgeous stone pub is almost smack-bang in the middle of the Lake District. The Old Dungeon Ghyll is a little out the way and nestled in the beautiful Langdale Valley, so it’s used to serving locals and walkers on two legs or four with a smile.
The Walmsleys have run the place since the 80s and have done a smashing job at keeping the history and charm alive, curating a warm, lively atmosphere and serving proper hearty pub classics sure to fill up even the hungriest fellwalker.
You and the pooch can then retire upstairs to a dog-friendly room to rest for the night, or stick around to listen to some live music.
Address: Great Langdale, Ambleside, LA22 9JY
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 11:00-23:00 / Sat: 09:00-23:00 / Sun: 09:00-22:30
The Whittington Cat
The Whittington Cat is another dog-friendly pub in the Lake District we’d be remiss to leave off the list as it’s been named Cumbria’s #1 pub by popular vote, and it’s a great place to pause and rest after the Whitehaven section of the Cumbrian Coastal Way.
The garden’s recently been revamped, but dogs are welcome inside too where they serve some of the best Sunday roasts in town!
Opening Times: Every day: 10:00-00:00
The Miners Arms
Further down the coast in Silecroft on the fringes of the Lake District, you’ll find The Miners Arms. It’s probably the closest pub to Black Combe, so it’s an ideal rest stop for anyone taking the climb.
This family-run pub offers homely food, super friendly staff, and a selection of awesome ales as well as plenty of other tipples to tempt you while you and the pooch settle down inside the bar together.
Address: Main Street, Silecroft, LA18 5LP
Opening Times: Mon-Thu: 18:00-23:00 / Fri: 16:00-23:00 / Sat-Sun: 12:00-23:00
The Bridge Inn
Buttermere is the perfect pit stop for anyone walking the lake, Crummock Water, or the Robinson peak. And out of the few watering holes in the area, The Bridge Inn stands out as another massively dog-friendly Lake District pub.
The Walkers Bar might welcome hiking humans and hounds, but the name actually comes from the first landlord. Nowadays, everyone can “pup” in for a pick-me-up and chance to rest their weary feet and paws.
If you need a longer rest, they’ve even got rooms and everything’s been recently refurbished so it looks almost as good as the views of the Buttermere Round!
Address: Buttermere, CA13 9UZ
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 08:00-23:30 / Sun: 08:00-22:00