Windermere is a wonderful place for a weekend getaway, whether you’re wandering the largest lake in England or the historic villages surrounding it. This area of the Lake District is packed full of stunning scenery, so why don't you check out our top dog walks in Cumbria article to find out where to walk before you enjoy a pint with your pooch.
In this post, we’ve fetched 15 of the best dog-friendly pubs in Windermere for you to try next time you’re out on walkies!
The Drunken Duck features in almost every list of the best pubs in Windermere and it’s easy to see why. The cosy bar is decorated with hops and vintage knick-knacks, with plenty of dark wood and leather to give it a traditional feel.
Meanwhile, the garden offers amazing views across the surrounding countryside and hills. Be aware that although dogs are welcome in the bar, they are not permitted in their guest rooms or restaurant.
Address: Barngates, Ambleside LA22 0NG
Opening Times: Call ahead to check
The Old John Peel Inn is a laid-back, family-run establishment that offers the look and atmosphere of a proper old-fashioned pub.
The menu is a range of tasty pub grub in great portions and fair prices, so it’s the perfect place to stop and fill up after a long walk. They’re also one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Windermere, happy to welcome all waggy-tailed walkers with a fuss and a treat.
Address: 2 Rayrigg Road, LA23 3BZ
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-23:30
Dogs are welcome to join their owners in the bar of The Flying Pig. This family and dog-friendly pub in Windermere is another paw-some spot to warm up and refuel, not least because of the roaring fire and stylish interior.
There’s something for everyone here, from the locally-sourced food, to the wide range of drinks from real ales, a global wine selection, and more usual lagers and ciders.
Address: Rayrigg Road, LA23 3BZ
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-23:00
The Brookside Inn is a pretty stone pub popular amongst the locals, but less visited by tourists as it’s a little out the way. They’re very friendly and usually have water bowls and treats ready for any four-legged visitors.
As for humans, there’s plenty of drinks and a menu full of comfort food to enjoy. If the weather is good, you might prefer to sit outside on the sun-soaked decking.
Address: Brookside, Lake Road, LA23 2BX
Opening Times: Mon-Thu: 15:00-00:00 / Fri-Sat: 12:00-00:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:00
Another very dog-friendly pub in Windermere is The Albert. You’re almost guaranteed to see a dog somewhere here, and the staff are always happy to fuss pups and usually have a few treats for them too.
It can get busy in the evenings, especially if there’s live music on. But generally, it’s a very chilled-out pub with a broader range of drinks and food than most.
Address: Queens Square, LA23 3BY
Opening Times: Every day: 08:00-23:00
The Mortal Man is another contender for the best dog-friendly pub in Windermere. A pub’s stood here since the late 17th century and has been frequented by all sorts of literary greats, including Wordsworth and Coleridge, who must have been attracted by the prime position, unparalleled views, and cracking booze.
It’s the perfect place to drift into after a walk to warm by the fire and refuel. There is sometimes traditional entertainment too, such as live folk music and folk tales. You and the pooch are even welcome to stay in their dog-friendly rooms.
Address: Troutbeck, LA23 1PL
Opening Times: “Always Open” according to Facebook. Best to check ahead!
The beautiful and spacious garden at The Angel with its views over Windermere is a real highlight, at least on a sunny day. But if the weather is wetter and you find yourself needing shelter, you and the pooch are welcome to head into the bar.
Inside it’s perfectly comfy and cosy and the rustic-chic interiors highlight the building’s character features while providing a light and airy environment. There’s tasty food and an astonishing range of drinks, including a glut of gins.
Address: Helm Road, LA23 3BU
Opening Times: Every day: 10:00-23:00
The Boathouse is perhaps the best positioned out of all the dog-friendly pubs in Windermere, as it’s right by the waterside. The outdoor tables have a fab view over the marina, but the whole family are welcome inside, including kids and pups.
There’s a more interesting and global menu than a traditional pub, and the cafe vibe makes it a pleasant hangout during the day. It’s also open early enough for you to “pup” in for breakfast before exploring Windermere on your walkies,
Address: Windermere Marina Village, LA23 3JQ
Opening Times: Mon-Fri:11:00-23:00 / Sat-Sun: 09:00-23:00
Although it isn’t as historic or handsome on the outside as some of the other pubs, The Ship does boast great views over the lake from its terrace. This child and dog-friendly pub will also happily seat you inside to enjoy a drink or a meal.
The menu features fairly standard comfort food staples, but this is the perfect spot to pause and enjoy a pint overlooking the water.
Address: Glebe Road, LA23 3HE
Opening Times: Every day: 11:00-23:00
This 16th-century stunner isn’t just all good looks, The Mason Arms offers a tremendous range of tipples and a top-notch menu packed with locally sourced and hearty food, plus a few interesting offerings you might not expect from a traditional pub. (Cumbrian pork schnitzel anyone?)
They also have pet-friendly rooms available. It’s a bit further out than the other pubs on this list, but it’s well worth the trip.
Address: Strawberry Bank, LA11 6NW
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 12:00-22:00 / Sun: 12:00-20:00
Right at the northern tip of the lake inside some old fishing cottages is the Wateredge Inn. This is another fabulous family and dog-friendly pub worth making the trudge to visit, or you can stay here in one of their dog-friendly rooms.
Your pooch is welcome in the lower bar and can join you for meals as long as they’re on a lead. Like most pubs around here, it has beautiful views over the lake to lure you outside while you enjoy some local ale.
Address: Borrans Road, LA22 0EP
Opening Times: Every day: 10:00-23:00
The Newby Bridge Hotel offers both pet-friendly accommodation and a cosy dog-friendly pub, The Huntsman. The staff fuss every puppy patron, whether they’re staying the night or “pup”ping in for a drink with their human.
The bar itself looks pretty traditional with its wood panelling and real fire, which gives it a calm and homey vibe. It’s just south of the lake and tucked in beside the River Levin, and the equally pet-friendly The Swan is just on the other side of the river.
Address: Newby Bridge, LA12 8NA
Opening Times: Listed as “always open” so it’s best to check ahead.
If you want to escape the bustle of Bowness, take a three-mile trip to Winster to visit The Brown Horse Inn. This quaint 1850s coaching inn offers an idyllic place for travellers to rest and refresh themselves, with rooms available as well as their welcoming bar.
If your kids are in tow as well as the pooch, you’ll be pleased to see there is a play area outside. Meanwhile, the food looks (and tastes) incredible, with a variety of pub grub plus rustic offers like the game bird of the day.
Address: A5074 Near Windermere, LA23 3NR
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 8:30-23:00 / Sun: 10:30-22:30
The Golden Rule is a bit of a hidden gem, perched atop a steep hill but well worth the short climb and you and the pooch will be welcomed warmly into their rustic bar.
There’s a good stock of board games to keep you busy as well as dozens of drinks ranging from award-winning ales from Robinson’s brewery to more standard classics and cans. There’s no meals and menus here except for a few bar snacks.
This traditional pub is where locals and tourists alike come to relax and chat, and you and the dog are sure to appreciate the calm haven this pub offers.
Address: Smithy Brow, LA22 9AS
Opening Times: Sun-Thur: 11:00-22:00 / 11:00-23:00
Perhaps we saved the best until last with The Cuckoo Brow Inn. This family and dog-friendly pub in Windemere is perfectly located for walkies around the lake or Beatrix Potter’s home.
This quiet oasis is also one of the best-looking pubs around and offers pet-friendly rooms, having been voted one of the best places to stay in all of the Lake District.
Muddy boots and wet paws won’t be turned away, and the friendly staff are happy to fuss any furry visitors and offer them a drink and a treat of their own while the humans tuck into delicious local food.
Address: Far Sawrey, LA22 0LQ
Opening Times: “Always open” so check ahead!