People love to visit Cumbria with their furry friends. From hiking in the fells to wandering around the towns, the county feels like it’s built for dog lovers. The great thing about this is that it’s not hard to find dog friendly hotels in Cumbria.
But there’s a downside to having so many to choose from: it’s hard to know where to stay and which hotel to pick.
Cumbria has so much to offer: cosy villages with dog friendly pubs and cafes, hiking in the fells where your dog can run free, and plenty of swim spots for you and your furry pal to take a dip.
So how do you find the best location for you and your four-legged friend?
At Heather Glen, we understand how important it is to stay in a hotel where both you and your dog feel comfortable and have access to all the things you need for a great trip.
By the end of this article, you’ll know how to narrow your search to find the right dog friendly hotel in Cumbria for you and your pooch.
Why bring your dog to Cumbria?
Before we explain how to find the ideal pet friendly accommodation in Cumbria, let’s take a look at some of the reasons this part of the world is an ideal destination for dog adventures:
- Varied landscapes – from the dramatic peaks of the Lake District to the quieter rolling hills and coastal paths, Cumbria offers endless backdrops for long walks and exciting hikes with your dog.
- Wide open spaces – with miles of countryside, moorland, and woodland trails, there’s plenty of places to visit in Cumbria for dogs to run freely and burn off energy without feeling crowded.
- Plenty of water sources – whether your dog enjoys swimming or cooling off with a splash, Cumbria has various lakes, rivers, and coastline to keep your dog happy.
- Mild climate – the region’s typically cool summers and relatively mild winters mean your dog can enjoy walks all year round without struggling with extremes of heat or cold.
- Various scents and smells – Woodland floors, grassy meadows, and fresh mountain air are all filled with exciting scents from different wildlife, making it a paradise for curious noses.
- Endless walking routes – from short village strolls to full-day mountain hikes, you’re spoilt for choice with dog walks in Cumbria.
All of this makes Cumbria a dream destination for dogs, but also a rewarding and relaxing experience for you as an owner.
While your dog enjoys the open spaces and endless trails, you’ll experience the breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and cosy pubs and cafés where you can unwind after a long day outdoors.
4 tips for finding the perfect dog friendly hotel
Choosing the right place to stay makes all the difference when travelling with your dog. A hotel that truly welcomes pets ensures that your four-legged friend is just as comfortable and cared for as you are.
If you’re hoping to have a quiet holiday in the countryside but choose a hotel in the centre of Windermere in the middle of the peak summer season, you might not get the trip you hoped for!
From deciding where you want to visit to thoughtful amenities, here are four tips to help you find the perfect dog friendly hotel in Cumbria.
1. Decide where you want to visit in Cumbria
Cumbria is a big place and there are lots of pet-friendly hotel options to choose from. Narrow your search by looking for dog friendly hotels in specific locations based on what you want to get from your trip.
Are you looking for an adventurous trip?
Imagine setting off from a pet friendly hotel in the Lake District, with trails leading straight into the fells and wide open spaces where your dog can roam freely. You spend your days hiking around shimmering lakes and your evenings relaxing together in front of a cosy fire.
Sound like an ideal trip? If so, try searching for “dog friendly hotels in Keswick, Cumbria” or “the best dog friendly hotels in the Lake District”.
If you want some of the adventure but the peace and quiet of a rural location, look for pet friendly hotels on the outskirts of the national park.
Heather Glen, for example, is nestled in a quiet corner of Cumbria on the edge of the Lake District, close to the Yorkshire Dales, and near the North Pennines National Landscape (formerly known as North Pennines AONB). It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind but head into the fells for your adventure fix.
Would you like to explore a historic town in Cumbria?
Cumbria is steeped in history, from medieval castles and ruins to quaint market towns. If this sounds like something you’re looking for, take a look at pet friendly hotels in towns like Carlisle or Kendal.
Staying in Carlisle means you and your dog can wander past ancient city walls, explore the grounds of Carlisle Castle, and enjoy riverside walks along the River Eden just minutes from the centre.
In Kendal, you’ll find cobbled streets, traditional yards, and ruins that hint at the town’s medieval past. On top of this, the town is surrounded by countryside trails that make it easy to balance cultural exploration with leisurely dog walks.
Would you prefer a space to relax and unwind?
Small villages and hamlets dotted around Cumbria offer peaceful escapes where you and your dog can slow down and enjoy the quiet.
In Ainstable, for example, a stay at Heather Glen Country House puts you close to scenic walks through rolling countryside with plenty of tranquil spots where your dog can explore while you take in the views.
It’s also only a short drive from Carlisle and Penrith and less than an hour from Kendal, making it an ideal location to enjoy all Cumbria has to offer.
2. Use review and comparison sites
This might sound like an obvious statement to make, but review sites are a good place to start when narrowing your options.
Most online travel agents (OTAs) and hotel booking sites have filters to find dog friendly accommodation, or try booking direct for the best rates. Dog friendly hotels will always advertise their love of dogs, so it should be easy to see if a hotel allows pets!
At Heather Glen, we have an entire section of our website dedicated to dog friendly rooms:
You can also use review sites to see what other dog owners say about the hotels. For example, does the hotel charge extra for pets or ask for a pet deposit? Is there a limit to the size or number of pets you can bring? Is the space practical for a dog to stay in?
This feedback helps you make an informed decision about whether the hotel is the right fit for you and your pup.
3. Look for hotels with the right facilities
Another way to narrow your search is to look for hotels that have the facilities you need to enjoy your trip and ensure your dog has everything they need.
Say that you want to have access to a spa at your hotel. When searching for dog friendly hotels, review the hotel facilities to see if it offers any spa treatments or amenities.
Looking for these facilities helps you narrow down your search. As a result, you can choose a hotel that allows furry friends and a spa day.
Or if you want to go for a swim, you might search for dog friendly hotels with a swimming pool. Although if you’re near the Lake District, you might prefer to swim with your dog!
It’s also a good idea to consider what facilities your dog might need. For example, will the hotel provide dog beds and bowls? Are there grounds or gardens where your dog can run free or go to the toilet?
To find this information, you might have to dig a little deeper than comparison sites. Head to the hotel websites to see what dog friendly facilities they have. If you can’t find this information, contact them directly.
4. Consider dog friendly restaurants and dining options at the hotel
Pet friendly hotels are happy for you to bring your pooch to the hotel, but what about dog friendly restaurants?
If you think you might dine at the hotel, check whether they allow dogs into the restaurant area. Policies vary, and it’s always best to know before you arrive. If they don’t allow dogs in the dining space, you’ll usually have two choices:
- Leave your dog in the hotel room while you dine – some owners are comfortable with this, especially if their dog settles well and has experience being alone for short periods. Just make sure the hotel is okay with it, and that your pup has everything they need to relax so you can enjoy a peaceful meal without worrying.
- Find a dog friendly restaurant nearby – from cosy pubs serving hearty meals to stylish spots that make the list of the best dog friendly restaurants in the Lake District, you won’t struggle to find somewhere you and your four-legged companion can enjoy together. Many even provide water bowls and dog treats to make your pup feel right at home.
For the most part, dog friendly hotels let you bring your pup to dinner. At Heather Glen, for example, we’re more than happy for you to dine with your dog. Just let us know ahead of time and we’ll book you a spot in our bar lounge area.
Fun fact: Some hotels serve doggy meals in their restaurant. You might spot Sir Woofchester’s meals behind the bar at some venues. The company creates dog bowls, snacks, and drinks – including a roast dinner and dog friendly beer!
Book your next dog friendly holiday with Heather Glen
Finding the right hotel can make or break your holiday. Comparing your options, deciding on the right type of venue, and reviewing its dog friendly facilities are a few of the ways to find the right hotel for you and your four-legged pal.
If you’re looking for a peaceful stay in a beautiful country house, add Heather Glen to the top of your list. Our dog friendly rooms make the perfect base for you and your pup to kick-back and enjoy all that the Cumbrian countryside has to offer.
Book one of our dog friendly rooms today or reach out to us if you have any questions about your pet friendly holiday.
