Windermere is a thriving village in the heart of the Lake District. It’s popular destination among families and friends with pets due to a large number of dog friendly days out in Windermere.
The Best Places To Take Dogs in Windermere
Whether you enjoy long walks in the countryside with your pet, bike rides with your partner or simply gazing at the abundance of wildlife that Windermere has a lot of activities for dogs, we’re sure there’s something for everyone here.
Below, we have compiled our top 7 dog friendly attractions in Windermere to help you get started:
Activities & Things to Do
Find below 7 of the best days out in Windermere for dogs
1. Windermere Lake Cruises
Your dog can travel on all Windermere cruises apart from the evening dining ones. It’s a great way to view the spectacular scenery and you are guaranteed some instagrammable photos. You can stop off and explore the grounds at Wray Castle and Brockhole visitor centre too.
2. Walk to Orrest Head
There are hundreds of miles of walks, trails and paths to enjoy in the Lake District, but the one from Windermere to Orrest Head ranks as one of the best. From its starting point by the A591, the walk climbs for 20 minutes up to the top of Orrest Head, one of the thousands of hills and mountains in the area. The view from the top is one of the finest in England, and the walk down the other side takes you and your furry friend through the beautiful St Catherine’s Wood.
3. Brockhole Visitor Centre
Dogs aren’t allowed full access to Brockhole, mind you, we don’t think the tree top nets would hold much attraction anyway, they also can’t go in the adventure playground or the nature reserve but they are allowed in the shop, main café, terrace and extensive grounds perfect for a leisurely stroll
4. Experience Claife Viewing Station
Take your pet to Windermere’s dog friendly West Shore for a walk by the lakeside, and climb up to the superb Claife Viewing Station. Especially built to take in as much of the surrounding landscape as possible, the Station was built in the 1790s for tourists to make the most of the natural beauty of Windermere and the Lakes in general. The site was expanded over the years, and now includes courtyards, paths and woodland. The Cafe in the Courtyard is open every day from 10 am if the view and walks make you hungry.
5. Enter Wray Castle
This gothic splendour overlooking the lake can be accessed by boat on a cruise from Ambleside. Scale the towers and see the dramatic fells stretching out before you. Take in the atmosphere of this National Trust run fortress; and bring a picnic if you like, to enjoy on the huge lawns. Take your dog for a walk on a lead around the grounds. Make the most of the regular guided tours which tell you all about the castle’s history.
6. Ride on the Steam Train
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co Ltd run a steam locomotive service on tracks which once carried materials for the industry which thrived in the Lake District, and around Windermere in particular. Started in 1973, this family run railway manages some quite steep inclines under steam power, up to the superb Lakeside Station, where you can hop off for a steam cruise across Windermere. Step back in time at Haverthwaite Station, a perfect snippet of Victorian life. Take tea and enjoy the superb surroundings.
7. Visit Grizedale
A trip to Windermere wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Grizedale, a magnificent preserved woodland in the heart of the Lakes. Take yourself and pooch off on a walk through the trees, on quiet paths which might lead anywhere. Along the way, you might bump into one of the sculptures in the forest, or follow your nose to the fabulous restaurant to replenish yourselves in the loveliest of surroundings. A total escape from the stresses and noise of the 21st Century.
Looking at Visiting the Area?
That’s our top pick dog friendly places in Winderemere for a great day out. If you are looking to take a mini-break or longer holiday then we have an excellent selection of accommodation and a guide to dog friendly pubs in Windermere.
Holiday Cottages
Nothing beats Windermere’s dog friendly cottages, with their roaring fires and original features.
Log Cabins
If you’re looking for rural and secluded properties then dog friendly lodges in Windermere are a perfect choice.