The Lake District was made for dogs. It has all their favourite things – mountains, streams, beaches, sticks, sheep, and other dogs. We know a holiday isn’t complete without your fluffy (and secretly favourite) family member and luckily, lots of others agree! As a result, the Lake District is teaming with dog-friendly cafes and pub, so you never have to miss out on making the most of your time away and spending quality time with your four-legged companion.
The Copper Pot, Ambleside
With a cosy interior, complete with exposed brick and bespoke wooden benches, this cosy café is the perfect place to seek refuge during a bout of Lake District rain or relax in the garden on a sunny weekend. A bustling hub for locals and tourists alike, enjoy breakfast ciabattas, irresistible loaded fries, and tasty burgers. Serving up lunchtime cocktails, it would be rude not to…
The Apple Pie, Ambleside
An absolute icon of Ambleside’s food scene, serving up irresistible treats since 1975. This traditional bakery offers up a selection of breads, cakes, and pies as well as homemade food in their café. Pop in for a loaf or enjoy a sit-down lunch. Every trip to Ambleside requires a visit to The Apple Pie bakery. We highly recommend the bath buns – gooey, sticky buns laden with cherries and currents, and of course, the apple pie!
Stiles, Ambleside
A great place for a cup of coffee and a hearty post-hike lunch, Stiles offers homemade cakes, all day breakfasts, jacket potatoes, pancakes, and toasties. Dogs are welcome to pull up a chair and enjoy the hustle and bustle. They’ll also be offered a cosy blanket and a tasty treat on arrival. What’s not to like?
The Golden Rule
A hidden gem in the heart of Ambleside, The Golden Rule is a grade 2 listed building, crammed with character and tradition. Popular with locals, and a well-kept secret, this lovely little pub offers a wide range of local ales served up in cosy nooks and crannies, you might find yourself drinking pints in an old broom closet – love it!
There’s also plenty of outdoor space for warmer days and dogs are welcome (if not encouraged) both inside and out. This pub will quickly become a new favourite, and part of your daily routine!
The Badger Bar
Dogs and people are equally welcome at the Badger Bar, serving up delicious Cumbrian ales and whiskies, thaw out by the open fire or bask in the sunshine in the unique beer garden. Even the toilets are built into the slate rockface! This place is a Lake District experience in itself. Visit in the evening where the wildlife cams are streamed live – beer and a badger anyone? Enjoy classic pub food including fish and chips, Sunday roasts and Cumberland sausage and mash. Conveniently located in Rydal, pop in for a pre-walk pint, or a well-deserved feast after a hike round Fairfield Horseshoe.
Image by Ian Cylkowski
