The Lake District is like Disneyland for doggies. With mile-upon-mile of fantastic walks, plenty of dog-friendly pubs and attractions alongside glamp sites where your pooch will feel right at home, a dog-friendly holiday in the Lake District in Cumbria, in the north west of England, is bound to get tails wagging.
As dog lovers ourselves, we know that your pooch is part of the family, and so with YHA’s dog-friendly glamping available throughout the Lake District National Park, there’s no need to leave anyone behind.
With all the fun of camping but without any of the hassle of setting up, plus a little added luxury, glamping – or ‘glamorous camping’ – is the perfect activity for a break with your dog.
Read on to find out more about dog-friendly glamping holidays in the Lake District.
4 Pet-friendly glamp sites in the Lake District
Follow your nose, and you’ll sniff out YHA’s dog-friendly glamp sites in the Lakes. Here are four of our favourites which are just paw-fect for pups – and humans will love them, too.
All of these Lake District locations are home to our festival-style tipis. Tipis sleep up to four people, with one double and two single beds, so they’re great for going away with the kids, a group of friends, or a romantic break for two.
Tipis are spacious inside, so you can bring up to two dogs, and they’ll have plenty of space to wander and lie down. They also have a wood burner so you can all cosy up together after a day of exploring. Dogs (and humans) will love stretching out in front of the fire and resting their tired legs!
Travelling with your furry best friend means you have to bring lots of extra things away with you – leads, dog beds, bowls, and (most importantly!) treats. Good news – all bedding is provided in the tipis so you can leave those sleeping bags and pillows at home, saving space in the car for your four legged friend and their gear.
Travelling with your furry best friend means you have to bring lots of extra things away with you – leads, dog beds, bowls, and (most importantly!) treats. Good news – all bedding is provided in the tipis so you can leave those sleeping bags and pillows at home, saving space in the car for your four legged friend and their gear.
1. YHA Hawkshead
Pop YHA Hawkshead on the top of your list for a weekend away with your pup. Set in the beautiful countryside of the Lake District National Park, the hostel has extensive grounds which are great for giving your dog a morning or evening walk.
YHA Hawkshead overlooks the tranquil Esthwaite Water, so you can enjoy gorgeous views during your stay. There’s an atmospheric glamping village here with camping pods, cabins, and tipis.
Hawkshead also offers canvas bell tents. Bell tents sleep up to five humans on a double bed, two single beds, and a futon. There’s space for up to two dogs, making them great for family holidays.
Cosy bedding is provided, and there’s eco-friendly solar lighting, comfy bean bags, and a wooden storage trunk that you can pop your belongings in. It also works well as a coffee table for drinks and snacks.
There’s an integrated wood burner inside and a fire pit outside, so you can choose whether to warm your hands (and paws) al fresco or under canvas.
2. YHA Coniston Holly How
With some of the best views in the Lake District, YHA Coniston Holly How is the perfect place for getting away from it all. It’s close to excellent walks for all levels, including the Old Man of Coniston, one of the highest fells in the Lake District.
Alongside the tipis, YHA Coniston Holly How is also home to quirky Landpods. Landpods are half tent, half glamping pod and sleep up to four people and two dogs. They’re similar to a traditional camping experience as they don’t have heating, but don’t worry, our cosy bedding makes for a snug stay.
Underneath one of the double beds, there’s a large handy storage area where you can also let sleeping dogs lie. Pups will also love curling up beside the outdoor firepit. One of the most unique things about the Landpods is that they have an all weather, insulated canopy roof which can be raised up so you can appreciate the sights and sounds of balmy summer evenings or stargaze in the evenings.
3. YHA Windermere
Wake up next to stunning views over England’s largest lake, the Coniston Fells, and the Langdale Pikes with a stay in the glamping accommodation at YHA Windermere. Choose from Landpods, tipis, bell tents or even a vintage Airstream caravan!
There’s so much outdoor space here, with woodland, gardens, and fields to explore before you even leave the hostel grounds. And once you do leave the hostel grounds, it’s only two miles to the small but buzzing town of Windermere with its many shops and restaurants.
YHA Windermere has a licensed bar and restaurant where dogs are also welcome. Grab a well-deserved pint or glass of wine and indulge in a hearty meal like pie and mash from our menu to refuel. We challenge you to ignore those puppy dog eyes while you chow down!
4. YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe
For budget dog-friendly glamping in a peaceful location, look no further than YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe. Benefitting from superb views over the local area and a fantastic location within walking distance of the centre of the village, there’s plenty of glamping accommodation here for those who love camping but don’t like roughing it.
It’s just two minutes’ walk to the centre of the chocolate-box village of Grasmere – but more on that later! In addition, there are some spectacular walks almost right from the door. Try a moderate walk to Silver How for some incredible views over the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, the Pike o’ Blisco, Helm Crag, The Band, Steel Fell, Fairfield, and Heron Pike. The walk finishes in the village, where you can grab a tasty snack from one of the takeaway cafes to replenish your energy.
Things to do with dogs in the Lake District
There’s no shortage of activities in the North West of England which your furry friend will love. Whether they’re an active pup with a head for heights or they prefer to curl up in front of a pub fire with a bowl of water beside them, you’ll easily find something to keep both you and your pooch busy.
Take your pick of walkies
A pup’s favourite thing to do is walkies, so grab their lead and fill your pocket full of treats as you embark on an epic adventure together. There are walks for all abilities in the Lakes. If your dog is fit and used to walking a long way over rugged terrain, try scaling one of the area’s highest peaks.
Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, or the Old Man of Coniston, make for challenging yet rewarding routes. Take pleasure in the epic views in every direction as your dog burns off some energy.
For a flatter, more leisurely stroll, try wandering around one of the lakes which gives this national park its name. There are some lovely routes around the shores of the mighty Windermere, or try a circular walk around Derwentwater, near Keswick.
Explore villages and towns
If your dog prefers to potter around a picture-perfect town or quaint village rather than run wild in the fells, there are plenty to choose from in the Lakes.
The towns and villages in the Lake District are very dog-friendly, and most shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants welcome dogs.
Visit Grasmere, one of the most popular villages in the Lake District and home to William Wordsworth in the early 19th century. You’ll even find his grave here at St Oswald’s Church in the centre of the village. It is one of the most-visited literary shrines in the world.
In Grasmere, you’ll find cute gift shops, plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, and a spectacular lake with a picturesque island in the middle. Don’t forget to try the famous Grasmere gingerbread that’s made here – it’s just for humans, though!
Ambleside is also a good choice for an afternoon of pottering. There are lots of outdoor shops here where dogs are welcome. You can also head to Waterhead Pier, just a short distance from the centre of town, for superb lake views, picnic spots, and boat trips around Windermere.
Pop into the Ambleside Tap Yard for a pint and some food. There’s a wood burner here, so it’s a great pitstop if the weather isn’t on your side. After all, let’s face it: this is the Lake District, a location with 200 wet days a year on average, so some shelter may be needed.
Dogs are welcome in selected areas of the bar and restaurant and on the outdoor terrace, and bowls and treats are provided, too. Waggy tails and muddy paws are made to feel most welcome here.
Take a lake cruise
Bringing your dog away with you can sometimes get in the way of some activities you’d like to do. Fortunately, the Lake District is very geared up for our four-legged friends, and dogs are welcome on many boat trips and lake cruises.
Windermere Lake Cruises allows dogs on all of its sailings, and they travel for free, so you can make the most of a doggy day out with the whole family. Cruises depart Ambleside, Brockhole, Bowness, and Lakeside so you can choose the most convenient starting point for you.
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