Grasmere is a small and perfectly formed village in the very heart of the Lake District. The lake sits on the River Rothay, with its own lake only 0.5 miles from the village. The little gem of Grasmere lies conveniently on the main ‘vein’ running through the Lakes, the A591, between Keswick in the north and Ambleside to its south. You will have some of the finest walking territory right on your doorstep, including Wainwright’s Coast to Coast running though Grasmere. So we know you’ll want to bring the whole family along on a holiday to the Lakes, including your much-loved pet.

This is why Lakelovers have a superb collection of dog friendly self-catering accommodation in Grasmere. We offer the best locations and Lakeland properties in this truly idyllic village. Famed Romantic poet William Wordsworth made his home there for fourteen years and described as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. Grasmere is a superb choice for a self-catering holiday because of its enviable rural setting, well-serviced village centre and quick access for day trips to larger Lakeland towns and attractions.

Now just comes the tricky choice of choosing from our hand-picked collection of Dog Friendly Cottages throughout the region of Grasmere. And we know you’ll not be disappointed. You’ll find some of the best examples of Lakeland pet friendly Grasmere Cottages, which is simply a gorgeous Lakeland village.

Grasmere is a small and perfectly formed village in the very heart of the Lake District. The lake sits on the River Rothay, with its own lake only 0.5 miles from the village. The little gem of Grasmere lies on the main ‘vein’ running through the Lakes, the A591, between Keswick in the north and Ambleside to its south. You will have some of the finest walking territory right on your doorstep. Including Wainwright’s Coast to Coast running though Grasmere. So we know you’ll want to bring the whole family along on a holiday to the Lakes, including your much-loved pet.

This is why Lakelovers have a superb collection of dog friendly self-catering accommodation in Grasmere. We offer the best locations and Lakeland properties in this idyllic village. Famed Romantic poet William Wordsworth made his home there for fourteen years. He described it as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. Grasmere is a superb choice for a self-catering holiday because of its enviable rural setting. It also has a well-serviced village centre and quick access for day trips to larger Lakeland towns and attractions.

Now comes the tricky choice of choosing from our hand-picked collection of Dog Friendly Cottages throughout the region of Grasmere. You’ll find some of the best examples of Lakeland pet friendly Grasmere Cottages.

Wood burning stoves are a mainstay of many of our pet friendly cottages in Grasmere. A firm favourite with four legged holidaymakers.

Things to Do In Grasmere

Grasmere Sports has been a popular annual event since 1868. People travel especially for this family summer event. It features Puppy and Hound Trail, Terrier Show and Pet Dog Show.

Not a quiet day out, with dogs barking and brass bands playing! But the racing hounds is a quite a spectacle and is an over 200 year old tradition. The wrestling championships are the most notable in the Lakes. They have been attracting crowds for years, along with the notorious fell races.

Dog friendly self-catering holiday in Grasmere

Let’s take a look at some of the doggy friendly treats a self-catering holiday in Grasmere holds. Grasmere to Rydal is a 5.6 mile circular walk and a must when staying in the area. It takes in some important historical sightseeing, including Wordsworth’s graves at the beautiful St Oswald’s Church and former home, Dove Cottage. As well as The Wordsworth Museum next door, and then on to part of the famous old Coffin Road. This walk circumnavigates Grasmere Lake as well as Rydal Water, with plenty of opportunities for dogs to refresh and enjoy a splash. Take care crossing the busy A591, which you have to do at both ends of the walk.

Follow in the footsteps of William and Mary Wordsworth who loved the route up to Easedale Tarn above the village. It gives splendid views worthy of a major summit, without the effort!

If you’ve got dogs with lots of energy, take on the more challenging Fairfield, Silver How or Loughrigg to name a few great accessible peaks from Grasmere.

The famous Helm Crag walk is a perfect early evening ramble or good for days when you and your dog need a blast of exercise and fresh air but the weather doesn’t look like it’s on your side! On this exhilarating walk look out for the famous ‘Lamb and Lion’ stones that can be seen from the village.

For non-walking days, Grasmere is a charming village itself with plenty going on right on your doorstep. Its location on the A591, running the length of the National Park, gives easy access to busier Lake District hotspots. For stocking up your self-catering cottage, Grasmere has a Cop-op mini market and fab delicatessens. There are plenty of dog friendly tea rooms, great restaurants and pubs as well as an art gallery and shops.

Tweedies Bar in The Dale Lodge Hotel is a particularly great dog friendly pub to end your day at. With great food, real ales and open fire, this is a proper village pub with a very warm welcome to both holidaymakers and dogs. As well as its location in the centre of the Lakes, Grasmere is a popular holiday destination for its history and
its link with the Romantic poets, in particular William Wordsworth, who wrote some of his most famous works whilst living here.

In Spring when the daffodils and bluebells are in full splendid bloom, Grasmere is a popular place with many visitors. Some may be heading to the most popular literary shrine in the UK, Wordsworth’s grave in St Oswald’s Church, as well as his ‘Rock of Names’, which can be found off the path behind the centrally-located Wordsworth Museum, and is carved with the initials of William, his sister Dorothy and brother John as well as Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

The 17th Century church is on the banks of the River Rothay, passing right through Grasmere and we have lovely properties sitting right on it.

Larger Lakeland towns are only a short drive or bus ride away from Grasmere. The 599 is an open top bus service running in good summer weather. It takes you to Ambleside and Windermere where dogs in particular enjoy an elevated seat with a view!

The 599 stops at must-see attractions such as Wordsworth properties Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage. As well as the National Park Visitor Centre, Brockhole, which is a particularly excellent trip out for families with pets. There’s lots of open space, informal gardens and wooded grounds for dogs to enjoy whilst on a lead. And whilst pets are not allowed in the cafe, they are welcome in the adjoining orangery and outside terrace. Lots of families use Brockhole so be mindful of picking up dog mess, there’s lots of bins scattered about.

Plus dog friendly Windermere Lake Cruises make a pickup at Brockhole. Boat-confident pets and their owners can hop on and take in more of the south Lake District.

Heading north, it is about a 20 minute drive (13 miles) trip north to Keswick. It was voted the UK’s most dog friendly town in 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the Kennel Club’s annual ‘Open for Dogs awards’. Hop on the 555 bus.

Open seven days a week, Doggy Paws in Keswick is a well stocked dog supply shop. The staff are knowledgeable so if you’re looking for a new harness or accessory for your favourite little hound they look forward to offering a ‘fitting’ service. Now that’s some real doggy retail therapy!