A Guide to Dog-Friendly Pubs in Cumbria

Taking your beloved pet with you on holiday is something most of us would like to do, but often it is just not feasible to do so.

The Lake District, however, is great for those who want to take their dogs with them. The region offers visitors a number of fantastic trails where walkers can take their dogs for a long walk, and holiday accommodation that will be a delight to return to.

Another great perk that the area boasts is the number of dog-friendly pubs that are on offer to visitors, and here we take you through some of the best dog-friendly pubs in Cumbria…

The Black Bull Inn, Coniston

© The Black Bull Inn

The Black Bull Inn was built around 400 years ago in the picturesque village of Coniston. It was originally a coaching inn providing accommodation for travellers, coachmen and horses.

The jewel in the crown of this pub is its cask of Real Ales that are actually brewed on the premises. The Black Bull Inn’s Bluebird Bitter has even gone on to win a number of awards, such as the Champion Beer of Great Britain.

The Black Bull Inn also welcomes dogs into its pub and they can happily sit next to you whilst you enjoy a drink or some food.

The pub is also famed for welcoming a number of famous stars, such as Turner the artist; Donald Campbell, when attempting his water speed records; and the crew from the film Across the Lake starring Anthony Hopkins.

So if you have been walking around the Coniston area and have a long trip back to your Lake District cottage, then come in with your dog and rest your legs before the trip back.

The Red Lion, Lowick Bridge

© The Red Lion

A warm welcome awaits at The Red Lion in Lowick Bridge, a Lakeland family-run pub. This traditional pub has beautiful exposed oak beams inside, as well as a roaring open fire, which is perfect for those chilly winter nights.

Surrounded by stunning scenery and just two miles from the tip of Coniston Water, the Red Lion is within walking distance of a number of great walks in the Lake District.

The pub is famed for its delicious home-cooked, old-fashioned pub grub, and a choice of regularly changing excellent cask ales.

Every second Thursday in the month a very popular acoustic jam night is put on. If it is a nice day, you, your family and your dog can sit in the beer garden and enjoy the terrific views of the mountains and Coniston Old Man.

The Drunken Duck Inn, Ambleside

 

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If you’re staying in one of our Ambleside holiday cottages, then you should visit the Drunken Duck Inn. The Drunken Duck Inn is set high above Ambleside and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

One of the top things to do in the Lake District is to try a local ale, and this pub is renowned for its real ale offering. Traditional beers are even brewed at the Duck as well!

Dogs are welcome at the pub and you can bring them with you when tucking into the delicious food at the restaurant. Check out the menu for the Drunken Duck Inn here. If you need any more persuasion, check out this review from renowned food critic Jay Rayner.

The Ship Inn, Coniston

© The Ship Inn

Staying in Coniston, The Ship Inn, Coniston is a great pub to eat or drink at, and if you have your dog with you then you can bring it into the bar, so long as they are on a short lead and under control.

Located right in the heart of the Lake District, the pub is close by to the likes of Tarn Hows, one of the most beautiful places in the region, and Coniston Old Man and its range of walking trails.

If you like your ales then you have come to the right place, as there are a variety of cask ales available.

If you need a bite to eat, then the Ship Inn Coniston serves food from 12-2pm, and again at 6-8.45pm. If you can’t make those times then you can enjoy a delicious pizza instead, which is served throughout the day.

The Royal Oak Keswick

 

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One of the best pubs in Keswick is The Royal Oak Keswick, formerly known as The Inn at Keswick. This 18^th century lodge welcomes all types of visitors, from those with their dogs to a family with a whole brood.

The Royal Oak at Keswick is not just one of the best pubs, but is one of the best restaurants in Keswick, serving up local and fresh produce that is sourced from local suppliers.

In fact, all the dishes are cooked from scratch, which your tummy will really appreciate after a long day walking in The Lakes. Your four-legged friends are even offered a bowl of water!

The Golden Rule

© The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule pub has been dubbed the hidden gem of Ambleside as it is tucked away from the main road.

This traditional pub is hugely popular amongst local residents and holidaymakers as it commonly welcomes walkers, mountain bikers, climbers and writers who are visiting the region.

Dogs are allowed inside the pub. Once inside, visitors will be amazed by the selection of beers that are on offer. From regular beers to changing cask beers from Robinsons Brewery, The Golden Rule has a large choice for people to choose from.

Some of the most popular beers are the Robinsons Dizzy Blonde ale, the Hartleys Cumbria Way and the Robinsons Double Hop premium ale.

Fancy sampling the flavours of these dog-friendly pubs in Cumbria for yourself? Book one of these Lake District cottages and place yourself right in the heart of the action!