Heading to the Lakes with your pets? We know it can be a hassle to find some of the best dog friendly pubs in Cumbria – so, let us take some stress and strain off your hands. We’ve listed seven brilliant pet friendly drinking and dining spots for you and your pup so you don’t have to spend hours traipsing around in the wet!
The Best Pubs in Cumbria where Dogs are Welcome
Generally speaking, Cumbria is very dog friendly with plenty of pubs that welcome dogs. Of course, with such wild and beautiful landscapes, it’s only natural for people to want to spend time roaming the hills and the lakes with man’s best friend. There are also plenty of inns and hotels that would be happy to welcome you and your pup.
Cumbria also happens to be England’s wettest county! On a cold, wet day, after hours of hiking, fishing, boating and generally enjoying the wider region, what better thing to do than to go for a nice cold beer and a pub meal?
Trust us – we know that getting out of the rain into somewhere warm and welcoming is a must when you’re touring with dogs! Take a look at our guide to dog friendly walks in Cumbria, too, if you’re stuck for ideas.
Our Top 7 Choices
The Black Bull Inn
This traditional British pub has been situated in the village of Coniston for approximately 400 years. The pub is known to the locals for its fantastic home-brewed Real Ales, one of which, The Black Bull Inn’s Bluebird Bitter, even won the Champion Beer of Great Britain award!
This large pub and inn is surrounded by rolling hills, typical of the area, making it quite a picturesque spot. This is the perfect spot to have a rest in the middle of a hike. You can sit on the terrace outside on a warm summer’s day, with a glass of something cold in your hand and a bowl of water for your furry friend.
The Dog and Gun
This Keswick pub is the perfect stop if you’re in the mood for some good pub food, from steak pie to their speciality – Hungarian Goulash! You won’t be the only one spoiled for choice, however, as the Dog and Gun even has its own dog friendly menu, as well as a fresh bowl of water for all of the pups that come in!
As it is so well-known for being dog friendly, the pub is often filled with pups. If you happen to be walking around the town of Keswick, then be sure to stop for a treat at the Dog and Gun – the clue’s in the name! It’s close to some great dog friendly days out in Cumbria, too.
The Drunken Duck Inn
This pub, based in the lakeside village of Ambleside, is the ideal spot for a warm meal after a long day’s walking. The food from the restaurant is one of the key selling points of this pub, having even been well reviewed by famed food critic, Jay Rayner.
The Drunken Duck Inn also offers real ales as well as traditional beers, some of which have even been brewed in the pub itself.
The pub being quite high up on Ambleside, you will be able to admire the stunning views from the pub, especially from the beer garden, outside.
The Royal Oak Keswick
The Royal Oak Keswick is well known for its fresh, locally sourced cuisine. There is no doubt that having this kind of grub after a long day in the countryside is the perfect reward for Lakeside walking.
The Royal Oak is also open to dogs. They are proud to feature photos of pups on their website, each sat beside their owners in the pub. You may in fact have already heard of this pub as it has been host to some very famous authors – such as Alfred Lord Tennyson, Robert Louis Stevenson, and more.
The Golden Rule
The Golden Rule, also known as the Hidden Gem of Ambleside, is a traditional British pub that is popular among hikers, walkers, climbers and locals. People come to this dog-friendly pub for the huge selection of beers and return thanks to the location and the hospitality.
You’ll find the pub hidden off of the main road, which gives it a fantastic atmosphere. You can go straight from the pub for a hike in the hills and along the lakeside with your pups. Best of all, you’ll be able to take your dog into the warmth, to sit by the fire and enjoy some nice British pub comfort. There’s a beer garden for brighter days here, too.
The Wasdale Head Inn
This world famous inn is known for being the birthplace of climbing, as it is surrounded by England’s highest mountains. It is definitely the perfect place to stumble across during a hike or a climb, or is the perfect starting point for such a journey. It’s one of the best pubs that take dogs close to the hills.
Sit outside and marvel at the mountainous arrays, or head inside to enjoy the lovely, traditional atmosphere – it’s one of the best-looking Cumbria pubs that allow dogs. Don’t feel you have to chain Fido up outside!
The White Lion Inn
Based down in lovely Patterdale, this dog friendly pub dates back to the 1800s, and has welcomed world famous visitors such as Wordsworth, as well as grateful locals and dog lovers, ever since opening centuries ago.
It is a family favourite thanks to its traditional beers, delicious food and stunning views. The pub is situated on the edge of quaint Patterdale and is definitely a go-to if you’re taking time out from lakeside walking. Your dog will be welcomed inside with open arms and can enjoy a fresh drink with you, before taking on the surrounding mountains.
Last Word
We’re absolutely enamoured with Cumbria as a dog friendly holiday spot, and in fact, we’ve listed some top dog friendly cottages in Cumbria for you to stop in close by. Walking and hiking through the Lakes and surrounding hills is definitely thirsty work, which is why we absolutely recommend you check out pub grub and more at the above picks.
Own a hidden gem amongst Cumbria dog friendly pubs? Get in touch and we might have a spot for you in this list!