Culture with a dog

Dog friendly log cabins: days out with your dog

Now that you’ve found our dog friendly log cabins, here are our recommendations for a great day out with your pooch. We’re located close to the southerly edge of the Lake District National Park, which means there’s no end of fabulous walks to enjoy, but did you know that many of the Lake District’s historic and iconic locations also welcome your four-legged friends? Read on…

Allan Bank

“The National Trust’s Allan Bank is best known for being the home of William Wordsworth from 1808 to 1811. It was also occupied at various times by Dorothy Wordsworth, Dora Wordsworth, Thomas De Quincey, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Thomas Arnold, Matthew Arnold and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley.”

Not only are the woodland grounds at Allan Bank great for dog-walking, but dogs are also allowed anywhere in the house: “A romp through the woods, followed by a doggy treat and a long snooze by the fire, what’s not to love?” We honestly can’t think of a better day out than one where the whole family is welcome and no one gets left standing outside with the dog!

Opening: Allan Bank opens from February 10th, please check their website for full details of opening times.

Lake Windermere

“Windermere is England’s largest lake, in the heart of the Lake District. No matter where you start your journey, be it Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside the spectacular voyage gives the traveller magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands. Add to this the opportunity to break your journey with some fantastic local attractions and you have the makings of a perfect day out.”

Windermere Lake Cruises are completely dog-friendly (canine companions travel free) and offer cruises from 45 minutes to 3 hours – you can even spend all day on and around the lake with their fantastic Freedom of the Lake ticket. Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside each have dog-friendly cafés for you to refuel in mid-adventure, and the opportunities to take in a good walk are endless. We highly recommend the boat and boot section of the Windermere Lake Cruises website where you can download any of 15 walk options connecting with their cruises.

Opening: Windermere Lake Cruises sail every day other than Christmas Day. The full cruising schedule can be found on their website (along with the walking guides that we mentioned).

Stott Park Bobbin Mill

“Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally millions of wooden bobbins vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries. It is the only working bobbin mill left in the Lake District today. The story of the Bobbin Mill is brought to life with tours and an exhibition. Visitors can also see the journey from tree to bobbin first hand during production on the original belt driven machinery. A hands-on family trail with dressing up for children helps visitors to imagine what it was like to work at the mill.”

Stott Park Bobbin Mill is an English Heritage Site located in Finsthwaite at the southern end of Lake Windermere (close to Newby Bridge and Ulverston). You’re welcome to take dogs on site and they can even join the regular guided tours of this fascinating 19th century mill. There are walks aplenty close to the site and, combined with a visit, they make a lovely day out for you and your four-legged friends.

Opening: The Mill opens for the main season at the end of March, please check their website before visiting.

We’ll add to this selection over the coming months so please keep visiting to see our latest recommendations. And don’t forget to read our dog walking posts too – there are so many lovely routes nearby to explore on foot!

We’re looking forward to welcoming you soon!

Sheryl, Paul & the Lakeland Lodges team