Dog-friendly log cabins: pubs that welcome paws

We’re changing the pace for this blog post – we’ve done walks in the woods and days out with your dog, but now we’re shifting down a gear and finding pubs that welcome paws close to our dog-friendly log cabins. Whether you’re stopping for lunch or an evening meal, or looking for a quick pint after a great walk, here are the watering holes where your four-legged friend will receive the best welcome…

Kendal

The Strickland Arms

Housed in a stunning building, the pub has spacious dining areas, a beer garden, and a roaring fire that’s ideal if you are just stopping off for a pint and a warm through. It’s tucked away to the south of the town, but easy to find if you follow signs to Sizergh Castle. Menus are available at lunchtime and for evening meals and feature local ingredients, artisan breads, and traditional dishes such as Lancashire Hot Pot and Cumberland Sausage and mash. The pub can get busy for meals so booking ahead is a good idea on weekends and during the main summer season.

A couple of dog-friendly reviewers share their thoughts:

“It is on the path of several walks I love with my dog around Sizergh, Levens and Sedgwick. You can take your dog inside – anywhere not just the bar. They have dog bowls handy too and dog treats to purchase at the bar.”

“Dogs welcome, delicious home made traditional food, customer service is excellent, recommend after a day’s walking in the Lakes, look forward to next visit.”

Kirkby Lonsdale

The Orange Tree

A traditional pub located just off the main street, the Orange Tree is known for its hearty food, generous portions and real ales. The feel is that of an English country pub and the menu features sizzling steaks, fresh haddock in local beer batter, and a ‘Millionaire’s Breakfast’ which sees fillet steak served up with black pudding, bacon and a fried egg. There are regular speciality night’s there too – ask when you go. You’ll find the staff helpful and friendly.

Here’s what visitors to the Orange Tree have to say about its dog-friendly status:

“Great selection of beers and wines and very welcoming of our two Bedlington terriers Bella and Squiggle.”

“Our second visit to the pub. Excellent choice of beer, well-priced, food is good and plenty of room for our two greyhounds.”

Ulverston

The Old Farmhouse

In a rural location close to the market town of Ulverston, you’ll find the Old Farmhouse, which has been converted from a stone barn. There’s a bar and lounge eating area, fenced beer garden, local ales and a tasty menu with daily specials. Food is served all day from late morning to 9pm, and dogs are welcome at all times. It’s a family-run pub with a friendly feel and relaxed atmosphere.

We highly recommend the Old Farmhouse, but what do others have to say?

“Dogs were made most welcome in the bar and the steak night with free bottle of decent wine was a reasonable price with good food.”
“Had lunch with friends and dog, made very welcome, warm and comfortable surroundings. Menu choice was good, food was very nice. 2 courses for £10.00 the boys had starters and the girls had sweets. Well done one and all, a throughly enjoyable meal.”

Windermere

The Royal Oak Inn

There’s a lot of competition for dog friendly pubs in the Lakes so it’s hard to choose just one in Windermere. That said, the Royal Oak is really well placed – just down the hill from the fantastic walk at Orrest Head and just up the hill from Lake Windermere. Add to that its reputation for good food and a warm welcome in traditional surroundings and we are won over!

And it’s not just us who recommend this place, check out these reviews:

“This pub is a lovely cosy, friendly and dog friendly pub. It is a traditional English pub, which is a refreshing change. The decor is fitting with tradition and the bar is brilliant with various ales on show. Our cocker spaniels just love that warm fireplace and a few dog biscuits to settle them down.”

“The staff were really helpful and friendly and the pub was nice and clean. If I was ever in the area I would definitely call in again especially with it being dog friendly.”

We look forward to welcoming you and your four-legged friends to our log cabins. Although there’s a growing collection of blog posts to help you make the most of your dog-friendly stay with us, please let us know if there’s anything else you’d like to see us add.

See you soon!

Sheryl, Paul and the Lakeland Lodges team