Self Catering in the Lake District

With its scintillating lakes, beautiful fells and wonderful villages, the Lake District is one of England’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s also home to some of the country’s finest holiday cottages. Self-catering involves renting out an entire home or cottage for a number of nights, rather than staying in just one hotel room. This makes it possible to save money on accommodation without sacrificing comfort.

Families are especially interested in Lake District self-catering because many of the available cottages can sleep up to 8 people. This can significantly cut down on the cost of accommodation compared to a traditional hotel room, which usually only sleeps 4 people. Lake District self-catering is also popular with larger groups who want to take part in

Are you getting the puppy dog eyes because you’re low on supplies?

We recommend the following pet-friendly shops

Fetch the family and get those tails wagging, we’ve sniffed out some cosy…

Pet-Friendly Pubs and Cafes

Golden Rule – traditional Ambleside pub

Golden Rule – traditional Ambleside pub

A real hidden gem in the very heart of Ambleside. With no fancy extras, this is just the spot for a pint and a chat, a pork pie if you’re lucky and of course, the pooch is welcome.  Enjoy the open fire and the superb selection of cask beers and ales whilst soaking up the atmosphere.  This hostelry is popular with locals and tourists alike; muddy boots…and paws are most welcome.

The Drunken Duck - *Bar only

The Drunken Duck - *Bar only

Enjoy an invigorating winter walk to this idyllic location approximately 3 miles from Ambleside.  Rest your paws in front of the roaring log fire and enjoy the relaxed, informal ambience. Please note, dogs are only allowed in the bar area where food is not always served.

Luigi’s Restaurant, Ambleside

Luigi’s Restaurant, Ambleside

Fancy an Italian?  Look no further Nestled in the centre of Ambleside this traditional Italian restaurant doesn’t just welcome your pet, it positively encourages you to bring them along.  With a dedicated ‘doggy floor’ separate from the main restaurant you can treat your best friend to a doggy bed by your feet as you dine on some bellisimo Italian cuisine.

Daisy’s Café, Ambleside

Daisy’s Café, Ambleside

This friendly little place will serve you and your four-legged friend some tasty treats.  Hearty Lakeland breakfasts and wholesome soup and sandwich combo’s make Daisy’s the ‘pawfect’ place for home-cooked food.

Apple Pie Bakery, Ambleside

Apple Pie Bakery, Ambleside

An independent, family-run, Café and Bakery. Since its opening in 1975, The Apple Pie has grown in size and popularity, but we still keep its traditional values at heart, serving fresh and quality products every day to regular visitors, passing tourists and loyal locals.

The Giggling Goose Cafe

The Giggling Goose Cafe

Nestled away above the river this is a nice little cafe with very friendly staff. The food is all homemade and enjoyable. Polite and courteous staff, pretty location, dog friendly. Altogether lovely. The river running through makes for a lovely atmosphere

Chesters by The River

Chesters by The River

Beautiful location and great vegan food. We had lentil and mushroom stew which was yummy. Expect to queue but worth the wait for a table.

Taking your dog fell walking

Fell walking is a great way to explore the spectacular scenery of the Lake District. Many fell walkers take their best friend with them on their excursions as dogs are welcome in most National Park areas. The majority of dogs are well behaved, but there are certain rules that you should follow if you plan on taking your dog out on a fell walk.

  1. The first thing you need to do is decide whether or not your dog should wear a collar when they’re out on a walk with you.
  2. Make sure that both you and your dog are well prepared for the walk. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear good shoes, bring water and food.
  3. It may sound obvious but you really do need to ensure that your dog is fit and healthy before you take them out on a fell walk, especially in winter. The first thing to check is their paws. If they’re cracked or sore then you will need to apply some paw cream or a protective covering such as plastic bags over the top of their paws.
  4. On steeper ground, make sure you have the right kind of collar/harness in case they slip or need assistance over obstacles.

4 top tips from the National Trust for visiting the Lake District with your dog

“Whether you love a long hike through the high fells, a gentle stroll along a lakeshore, or perhaps just a place to settle down and enjoy the view with a cuppa, the Lake District provides ample opportunity for you and your pooch. Its also home to around 3 million sheep and important wildlife.”

– Read more on the National Trust website…

1. Take the Lead

You can reduce the chance of your dog disturbing ground-nesting birds and farmer’s livestock by keeping them on a short lead. Remember, if you’re approached by cattle, the safest thing to do is let your dog go and call them back when safe to do so.

2. Scoop that Poop

Picking up your dog’s litter keeps the area clean for everyone to enjoy. When you’re done pop it in the bin, or, if there isn’t one, take it home with you.

3. Paws for Thought

Are you in the right area? Sometimes we might ask you to walk somewhere else to help us protect you, the places we look after and the wildlife that lives there. Keep an eye out for signs and be extra careful on coastal and clifftop paths.

4. Be on The Ball

While lots of us love dogs, some of us don’t. That’s why it’s important to make sure your four-legged friend doesn’t run up to other people – especially children.

Here’s a small selection of our pet-friendly properties

Be sure to check out our dog-friendly cottage listings on the site today, and contact us if you have any questions about where your furry friend will be staying! We hope this information has been useful. If there is anything else we can do for you, please let us know.