Dog- Friendly Lake District

This summer, we packed up the car and headed north with our two dogs, Edith and Gladys, for a much-needed escape to the fells. We based ourselves in the charming town of Ambleside, and I can honestly say, I don’t think we’ve ever felt more at home — tails included.

Nestled at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is one of those picture-perfect Lake District towns that somehow manages to be both lively and peaceful at the same time. And for anyone travelling with dogs, it’s a dream.

We stayed in a lovely dog-friendly cottage just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. It had a little garden for early morning sniffs and was stocked with thoughtful touches like dog bowls, and even a few welcome treats for Edith and Gladys. The town itself is dotted with water bowls outside shopfronts, and it’s rare to pass a café without spotting a snoozing dog under the table.

What struck me most was just how dog-friendly the Lake District is. We had no trouble finding places to eat, drink, or relax where the dogs were not only allowed but welcomed.

During our stay we had some lovely meals, a favourite was the Flying Fleece Pub, a real gem of a local, complete with log fires and dogs at every table.

Our favourite walks during the week have to be Rydal Cave and Grizedale Forest.

This trip reminded me that holidays with dogs don’t have to be limiting — they can actually be more relaxing, more grounded, and far more fun. Watching Edith and Gladys race across open fields, sniff every fern in a 3-mile radius, and crash out at the end of the day felt like the very best kind of reset.

If you’re thinking of heading to the Lake District with your dog, do it. Ambleside was the perfect base, the locals were warm and welcoming (to humans and hounds alike), and the sheer variety of dog-friendly experiences made this one of our favourite UK holidays to date.

We loved it so much that we've already booked to return in December.