Are you looking for the best dog friendly cottages in Windermere? The Lake District National Park is one of the best places for a break, and for that reason, it shouldn’t take you too long to hunt down a cosy cottage or two in the area.
Windermere and Bowness is, without doubt, one of the most dog friendly destinations not only in Cumbria but the whole of the UK. Hundreds of fantastic pet friendly cottages in Windermere are located around the town, close to the shores of the England’s largest lake.
This lovely detached bungalow property is ideally positioned for busy days exploring the the Lakes. The 2 tastefully decorated bedrooms can accommodate 4 guests and there’s a family bathroom and further shower room. The spacious kitchen diner has everything you need to prepare delicious family meals and if you don’t want to cook, there’s a pub serving food nearby.
Positive: Excellent property, warm and welcoming, utility room a great bonus, fantastic views. Lovely walks into the town, clean, spacious, bright, and well-equipped. Dog park around the corner. Brilliant facilities, comfortable accommodation, peaceful location. 20-minute walk into Bowness-on Windermere.
Negative: Not sure whether Google brings up the correct address. The driveway is tiny.
With a handy games room, double-height ceilings and mezzanine reading area, this is one of a number of warm and cosy apartment properties in the heart of this bustling lakeside village and is one of the most popular family friendly holiday homes. There are 3 bedrooms and an equal number of bathrooms, plus a well-equipped galley kitchen and spacious lounge ideal for socialising or entertaining.
Positive: Great amenities, comfortable stay. Light and spacious. Finished to high standard. Wine and biscuits. Pleasant escape.
Negative: Parking is a pain
With lovely views over the nearby Lake Windermere and a bubbling hot tub, feel your stresses fade away when you stay at this welcome retreat set in its own grounds with an elevated private patio. The 5 king-size bedrooms offer several sleeping arrangements for up to 10 guests; there will be no waiting to get ready thanks to the 3 bathrooms and downstairs, there is space for everyone to relax.
Positive: Lovely house, perfect for families, light and roomy. Well equipped, comfortable beds, hot tub a bonus. Pub 10 minute walk. Lakeside views.
Negative: Local badger
Ideal for young families, this timber lodge property has a twin with bunk beds and a king size bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite. It comfortably sleeps four and has a spacious living area that leads onto decking with a private hot tub and space for alfresco dining.
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Rosthwaite Bungalow is a cosy ground floor apartment in Windermere village that’s actually super spacious on the inside! You can bring 2 pets, and the property sleeps 6 across 4 bedrooms. The kitchen comes with a fridge, a freezer, a double oven and more. It’s one of our favourites thanks to the fantastic living room with modern entertainment, too.
Positive: Fantastic location, worth a visit. Spacious bedrooms, bright open dining areas. Large lounge, very clean property. Ideal for groups.
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You would go a long way to find a better setting than this. Nestled in woodland surrounded by nature and overlooking Lake Windermere, it sleeps six in three bedrooms. The living area, with an integrated kitchen and dining space, opens up onto raised decking with a hot tub and place for sundowners and outdoor dining.
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Stone Cottage is in South Lakeland near Windermere and provides quiet self catering accommodation with it’s one bedroom that sleeps 2. You can bring one dog with you here, and despite the rural appearance, it’s full of modern appliances and facilities you’ll rely on from day to day. There’s internet access, a dishwasher, an open fire woodburning stove, a garden with lawn and BBQ facilities. Check out the entertainment on offer, too, and enjoy this beautiful stone fronted cottage.
Positive: Lovely conservatory, perfect location, stunning garden. Comfortable, well equipped, walks on doorstep.
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Lower Thornbarrow is a commanding-looking bolthole that offers peace and quiet and sleeps 4 people across 2 bedrooms, ideal for a small party. You can also bring 2 pets with you to enjoy your break. Offering a ground floor apartment and first floor apartment with private patio, there are en suite facilities, a smart TV, wi-fi, washing machine, off-road parking and your own garden area, complete with BBQ set and enclosed garden.
Positive: Very clean, well equipped, great location. Quiet road, spacious accommodation. Wifi excellent, cot and highchair provided, relaxing escape.
Negative: Attached to a nursery
The Pavilion accommodation property is a bright and lovingly designed perfect holiday home which sleeps 4 people in 2 bedrooms, and there’s space for you to bring a dog. There is an open plan lounge as well as internet throughout, and an outdoor area where your pup can get a bit of sun. The TV living area is well stocked with games and entertainment. Private parking available.
Positive: 5 star experience. Wonderful furnishings, mod cons. Well kept and equipped. Spacious inside. 1 mile from Windermere. Great decor and peaceful stay.
Negative: Single track for cars
Upper Thornbarrow, meanwhile, also sleeps 4 people with room for one four legged friend. Another of our favourites, this quaint comfortable pet friendly accommodation in Windermere offers a full bathroom suite as well as washing, drying and cooking in the kitchen. This roomy cottage has lots of storage and is furnished with modern looks.
Positive: Welcome box, lovely walks and spacious kitchen. Extremely comfortable. Clean and well maintained. Town 10 minute walk. Easy parking.
Negative: Adjoins a nursery
A beautiful romantic retreat with a double bedroom and low ceilings. Inside the property, there are steep steps and no children are allowed. Whilst outside, there is a walled patio with garden furniture. Situated between the valleys of Kentmere and Troutbeck there is a range of walks.
Positive: Stunning Cottage, fabulous bathroom, well-equipped kitchen, spotlessly clean and very comfortable. Welcome gift pack. Close to shops. Comfortable beds. Bowls for dogs.
Negative: Small garden
This single-storey cottage has a king-size bedroom and a twin, as well as two bathrooms. Outside there are two patios, one being enclosed, and there’s also private parking for one vehicle. The local shop is 0.3 miles away whilst Grizedale Forest is 11.8 miles
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A delightful villa with an open-planned kitchen diner, as well as two family bedrooms. There’s a wood burner, wifi throughout the property, and a large lawned garden. The world of Beatrix Potter is close by for children, or you can head to Ambleside, which is 7.5 miles.
Positive: Beautiful home. Lovely views. Outdoor seating. Very comfortable and spacious. Walks on doorstep. Very clean. Idyllic views. Good facilities.
Negative: Non enclosed garden
This fantastic spacious holiday home has two bedrooms, a double and a twin, as well as one bathroom. In the lounge, there is a smart TV, as well as a coal-effect gas fire. In the garden, there is a small yard with a bench. Head further afield to Langdale Valley.
Positive: Cosy property, great facilities and off-road parking. Lake Windermere 30-minute walk. Close to Windermere Town Center. Furnished living room and modern kitchen.
Negative: Property needs TLC.
This fantastic grade two-listed cottage has two bedrooms, a bathroom and a wood burner. To the rear of the house, there is a garden with a lawn and patio. Explore Old Man Coniston, which is 13.5 miles, or climb Scafell Pike, which is 12.5 miles.
Positive: Stone’s throw from Windermere, restaurants nearby. Well-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds. Peaceful property, boot room,dishwasher and Netflix available. Downstairs toilet.
Negative: Floors uneven
This charming stone-built cottage has a super king-size bedroom, a king-size, and a twin. There is a smart TV, wood burner and travel cot. Outside there is an outdoor table and chairs with a patio garden. Activities are on your doorstep here with sailing, hill walking and kayaking.
Positive: Fabulous cottage, cosy and in prime location. Walking distance of Lake Windermere. Restaurants on doorstep, one parking space. Property is modern. Gorgeous interior design. Small courtyard.
Negative: Limited parking
A brilliant 17th-century property full of character with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It has underfloor heating in the bathrooms and wine-cooling fridge. Outside there is a large garden with a lawn and fire pit. Head into the local town for a variety of shops, pubs and eateries.
Positive: Majestic cottage. Near South Lakes, Fell views from patio. Quiet location. Games and DVDs. Beautifully decorated, well equipped kitchen.
Negative: Not ideal for elderly or mobility issues
A lovely Lakeland cottage with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Outside there is direct access to a small river, so children should be supervised and there is also a sloped lawn garden, and barbecue. Wansfell Pike is five miles and Grasmere is 8.5 miles.
Positive: Beautifully decorated throughout, impeccably clean. More like a home.Easy access to Windermere.
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As you can see, Windermere has something for everyone. Explore the vast outdoors with your dog by your side before returning to Boaters Bar or The Flying Pig for a lovely meal.
One of the main routes and most popular up to Scafell Pike starts from Wasdale Head, is about 4.2km long with a 900m ascent, and takes 3-4 hours.
These days the amount of dog friendly properties to rent means it’s easy to get last-minute deals properties. Many lodges are available year-round and some have special offers for breaks taken midweek.
Gummer’s How is a bright spot for a picnic on top of rolling hills with excellent views over the lakeside, surrounding countryside and local areas.
The Dog and Gun based in Keswick village centre welcomes dogs, has a range of beers, and is renowned for its Hungarian Goulash.
On the doorstep of these dog friendly properties in Windermere, you can enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions with your pet. For outdoor enthusiasts, you have hiking trails which vary in difficulty, such as the Orrest Head Walk or the Brant Fell & Post Knott trail. For those who love watersports, head onto the Lake with canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing all available.
Stroll around the historic Ambleside Roman Fort, which the National Trust owns. It has plenty of sights and smells your dog will love, or take them up through the woodland to the waterfalls at Stock Ghyll Force, where there’s a viewing platform before heading back into Ambleside town.
From Hawkshead, you can try the renowned Tarn Hows circular walk. The whole trail is 3.2km long and will take you roughly one hour with the dog. It’s quite an easy terrain, and most people can do it comfortably. If you have limited mobility, there are scooters available to borrow so you can keep up with the dog.
Experience the 65-foot waterfall with your dogs at Aira Force. Head through the dense woodland trails with red squirrels and stop at the nearby tea room. For great walks, the Ullswater Way is a 20 mile walking route which goes around the entire Lake, and you can do it all at once or in intervals.
Kendal Castle is a must when in this neck of the woods. The likely 12 century Castle now ruins you can explore with your dog whilst admiring the views down to the town. Once you’ve finished, head into The Globe pub in the town centre for a bite to eat as it welcomes dogs.
If you’re staying here and love the outdoors, the Troutbeck and Froswick Circular Walk is worth trying. A challenging hike which is about 16 km and takes 5-6 hours, you will climb to the summit of Yoke Fells before descending back into valleys. You can expect majestic views as well as windy conditions.
Coniston Launch is a great way to spend time with your dog and experience the full magnitude of Coniston Water. Book the type of Coniston cruise you want and hop on and off at the different jetties around the third-largest Lake in the Lake District.
When staying in the village, it’s worth setting aside 30 minutes to stroll into the Wordsworth Memorial Daffodil Gardens, a small tribute garden to William Wordsworth. Afterwards, you can walk around Grasmere Lake, a mile long and half a mile wide.
Take a delightful stroll near Sawrey around Esthwaite Water which is teaming in the Summer months with fish and wildlife, as well as outstanding views of the countryside. Winter holidays are also superb here when the Lake freezes, providing picturesque photos.
From woodland settings to lakeside locations, dog friendly accommodation in Windermere doesn’t have to be one type of property. These alternative luxury properties will impress and provide something entirely different to regular cottage holidays on Lake Windermere’s shoreline.
Suppose luxury self catering cottages around Windermere weren’t for you. In that case, you’re in luck, as we have a dedicated page with a variety of idyllic Windermere log cabins and lodges that welcome dogs.
With a wide range of leisure activities, stunning scenery and Lakes on your doorstep, it’s a popular holiday destination for dog owners all year round. Windermere’s renowned as the adventure capital of the UK, and has a plethora of attractions and activities to experience with your dog. These include climbing mountains or the nearby hill for a splendid view, walking through the Fells or exploring Belle Isle, the largest and one of 18 islands on Lake Windermere.
The Lake is England’s largest, measures 10.5 miles in distance, is just under 1 mile wide, and at its deepest point is 219 feet. It’s trendy among tourists who come to try a whole host of watersport activities. These include wild swimming, sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. The Rivers Brathay and Rothay are both the primary inflows into the Lake, and these happen at the north end, whilst the central outflow is through the River Leven to Morecombe Bay.
Other fantastic attractions you can try with your dog include Windermere Lake Cruises. You and your pet can enjoy a trip around the Lake and stop off at different points on the journey to see other attractions, which include the Lakeland Motor Museum, Windermere Jetty Museum and the Lakes Aquarium.
We hope you enjoyed our selection of cottages in Windermere that welcome pets. As you can see, the whole area is highly pet friendly. From its local pubs within walking distance to its hiking trails, there is always something to do or somewhere to go when visiting this part of England with your dogs.
A boat trip on Lake Windermere is, without doubt, a must when visiting here, you may have to pay a slightly higher price on bookings if you are taking more than one dog. A trip on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway is also worthwhile as it will provide a memorable day out for the whole family. Dog friendly holidays in Windermere should be near the top of your list no matter what type of dogs allowed rentals you want!
For more fantastic dog friendly cottages across the Lake District it’s here.
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