Dog-friendly Bassenthwaite and around

Pub DOGS WELCOME

The Sun Inn, Bassenthwaite

The village pub at The Rake in Bassenthwaite village, on the quiet side of the fells between Skiddaw and the lake and a couple of miles off the A591. Its own website states plainly that it is dog friendly, without setting out any areas that are off limits. It is the nearest pub to the Ullock Pike ridge and to the Sale Fell and Wythop paths, and one of the few places in the village to get a meal.

In the bar

Pub SOME LIMITS

The Pheasant Inn

CA13 9YE

In the bar In the dining room Water bowls Treats

A two-hundred-year-old coaching inn in woodland at the foot of Sale Fell, and one of the more openly dog-minded inns in the north Lakes. Dogs sit in the designated areas of the pub and restaurant, where water bowls and treats are kept, and stay in the dog-friendly rooms; the classic doubles are not among them, so book carefully.

Pub NOT CHECKED YET

Castle Inn Hotel

Castle Inn Hotel is a pub in Bassenthwaite. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

Pub NOT CHECKED YET

Sun Inn

Sun Inn is a pub in Bassenthwaite. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

Sale View North of England · dogs welcome 7 nights from £398

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Cottages you can book near Bassenthwaite

Real dog-welcoming cottages from our booking partner holidaycottages.co.uk — live prices, booked on their site. Booking through these links supports Wagfinder and never changes the price you pay.

Stable Cottage Bassenthwaite North of England · dogs welcome 7 nights from £418

The Stables Dean North of England · dogs welcome 7 nights from £467

Quarry Hill Stables North of England · dogs welcome 7 nights from £520

Black Moss Bassenthwaite North of England · dogs welcome 7 nights from £521

Meadowview Lodge Bassenthwaite North of England · dogs welcome 7 nights from £545

Osprey Cottage Portinscale North of England · dogs welcome 7 nights from £565

Engadine North of England · dogs welcome 7 nights from £577

Marleys Lodge North of England · dogs welcome 7 nights from £619

The Parrock North of England · dogs welcome 7 nights from £650

Walks · 2 All walks in Bassenthwaite →

VERIFIED 30 JUL 2026 VIEW WALK ›

3 MI · LOOP

DOGS WELCOME

Dodd Summit trail, Dodd Wood

Bassenthwaite · CA12 4QE

3MILES

2:30TIME

400mCLIMB

100%OFF-ROAD

Off-lead allowed

Three miles and a steep 400 metres of climbing on forest roads and footpaths from the Old Sawmill car park opposite Mirehouse, up through Sitka and larch to the bare cone of Dodd at 502 metres. The summit is out of the trees and looks down the length of Bassenthwaite Lake to the Solway and across to Skiddaw's western flank. Forestry England grade the green-waymarked route hard, and the upper zigzags are loose in places. The Lake District Osprey Project viewpoints are signed off the lower forest roads, and the Old Sawmill tea room sits at the foot of the hill.

VERIFIED 29 JUL 2026 VIEW WALK ›

5 MI · LOOP

SOME LIMITS

Sale Fell above Bassenthwaite

Bassenthwaite

5MILES

2:35TIME

320mCLIMB

92%OFF-ROAD

Livestock — leads on

Five miles and 320 metres of climb, about two and a half hours: a grassy round of Sale Fell and Lothwaite above the Wythop valley, with the whole length of Bassenthwaite Lake laid out below and Skiddaw behind it. Start from the roadside parking by the old church at Wythop, off the lane between Embleton and Routenbeck - space for perhaps fifteen cars and no charge, but the lane is narrow and blocking gateways causes real trouble for the farms. The fell is all short cropped grass with no rock and no stiles, which makes it easy going for any dog, but it is common grazing with sheep on it every month of the year, there is no water on top at all, and the lower plantation is worked forestry.

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Stays · 11 All stays in Bassenthwaite →

Stay SOME LIMITS

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

CA12 4RE

A country house in four hundred acres of woodland above Bassenthwaite Lake, with a spa, a wildlife park next door and a doggy hairdryer for rain-soaked arrivals. Dogs stay in ground-floor rooms opening onto the patio and garden, and may sit with you in the Hall Lounge between 10am and 7pm, but not in the other public rooms or the spa.

Treats Water bowls

Stay SOME LIMITS

Lake District Castle Inn Hotel

CA12 4RG

A spa hotel at the crossroads of the A591 and B5291 at the northern end of Bassenthwaite Lake, a mile from the Ouse Bridge shore and within reach of Sale Fell and the Wythop valley. Dogs are only taken in the four designated dog-friendly room types, a maximum of two per room, and the hotel is explicit that the rest of its bedrooms are not suitable for pets, so a dog room has to be booked rather than added on arrival. Some of those rooms open straight onto the private gardens.

Barn Cottage

Barn Cottage is a place to stay in Bassenthwaite. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

Bassenthwaite Parish Rooms

Bassenthwaite Parish Rooms is a place to stay in Bassenthwaite. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

Brook House Holiday Cottage

Brook House Holiday Cottage is a place to stay in Bassenthwaite. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

Highside Farm B&B

CA12 4QG

Highside Farm B&B is a place to stay in Bassenthwaite. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

Kiln Hill Barn

CA12 4RG

Kiln Hill Barn is a place to stay in Bassenthwaite. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

Marleys Lodge

This lovingly apartment sits below the main barn on the edge of Bassenthwaite just 7 miles from Keswick. You can enjoy kayaking or canoeing on Derwentwater or explore the North Lakes by foot bike car or bus. The market town of Keswick has a nice selection of restaurants dog-friendly pubs and independent shops to explore. Annually usually in May or June is Keswick s Mountain Festival which is held over three days with world-class sports lots of outdoor activities talks films and live music events which take place beside the lake. Enjoy a day out at Mirehouse and gardens which are under 4 miles away take a walk down to the shore and pop into the small chapel. The Lake District wildlife park is just a short distance from your front door and is a great day out with the kids! As you enter the property you will find yourself in the spacious bright lounge. There are feature beams and original stone walls which really give this place character and charm. The lounge is a great place to relax and catch up there is a TV and DVD player here for watching all your favourite films. From the lounge walk through the hallway towards a king-size bedroom with pretty views. Further along the hallway is a second king-size en-suite bedroom which has direct access to the front of the barn. It offers a great place to switch off and relax after a day out exploring. The en-suite shower room has a shower and WC. There is a formal dining room that leads onto the country-style kitchen which has everything you need to cook up some regional fare with a gas oven and hob fridge freezer dishwasher and microwave. There is a twin bedroom back along the hallway and a family bathroom with a shower over the bath and WC. There is a shared patio area to the front of the barn with picnic benches where you can sit out and enjoy dinner on a summer s evening. There is ample private parking at the front of the property. Need to know: 3 bedrooms 2 king size and 1 twin. 2 Bathrooms 1 en suite bathroom with shower and WC and 1 family bathroom with shower over the bath and WC. Gas oven and hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and microwave. TV/DVD in the lounge. Private parking to the front of the property for 2 cars. Shared laundry room on site. Pubs, restaurant and shop within 2 miles.

Puddleduck Cottages

Puddleduck Cottages is a place to stay in Bassenthwaite. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

Sale View

There are endless opportunities for walking for all abilities from the mighty peak of Skiddaw to a gentle amble around Dodd Wood. Explore the grounds of nearby Mirehouse (6 miles) a beautiful historic house whose gardens stretch from Dodd Wood to Bassenthwaite lake. Bassenthwaite is right on your doorstep and a popular destination for keen sailors. For cyclists the area is a paradise with quiet roads amongst lovely scenery and purpose-built mountain biking trails at Whinlatter Forest Park (8 miles). The bustling town of Keswick 8 miles away has shops cafés restaurants pubs and a thriving theatre whilst Cockermouth 6 miles away has a choice of places to eat a selection of independent shops and a great art and folk music scene. Enter this ground floor apartment and step in to the welcoming kitchen. It s equipped with an electric oven and grill four-ring hob washing machine coffee maker microwave toaster kettle under-counter fridge and under-counter freezer. There is a breakfast bar for two that s ideal for grabbing a quick snack. The living room with high ceilings and Georgian-style features is the heart of the hose and perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Light and bright during the day with wonderful views of Sale Fell the room takes on a cosy atmosphere as the sun goes down and the wood burner is lit. There is a dining table for four and a selection of books games and TV with a DVD player for movie nights. The king-size bedroom has a wardrobe with drawers and the twin room has under-bed storage and a few hooks. The twin beds are standard size but space is quite tight in this room and therefore may be better suited to children. Outside leading from the kitchen is an enclosed patio area with seating where you can enjoy a glass of wine on a balmy evening. The boiler room which houses the oil boiler can also be used as a drying room for wet weather gear if required. There is on-road parking. Need to know: 2 bedrooms 1 king size and 1 twin. 1 shower room with a WC. An electric oven and grill, 4 ring hob, washing machine, coffee maker, microwave, toaster, kettle, under counter fridge and freezer. Wood burner (initial logs provided). TV and DVD. The cottage welcomes one dog of any size & breed, or 2 small dogs. Enclosed patio with bistro table and chairs. On road parking. Pub 600m, shop and restaurant 5.5 miles. The driveway down the side of the house is for access only you are welcome to drop off your luggage here but please then park at the front of the property. The twin bedroom may be slightly small for 2 adults sharing and there is no wardrobe or chest of drawers. The boiler room can be used as a drying room for wet weather gear if required.

South View

CA12 4RG

South View is a place to stay on North Row, Bassenthwaite. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

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Attractions · 1 All attractions in Bassenthwaite →

Attraction SOME LIMITS

Mirehouse and its lakeside grounds

CA12 4QE

A family-run historic house on the A591 with grounds running down to the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, opposite the Dodd Wood car park and the Old Sawmill. The interest for a dog is the grounds rather than the house: a walled bee garden, the Poetry Walk through the woods and a path out to the lake shore and St Bega's church. Dogs are welcome in the grounds on a short lead but are kept out of the four adventure playgrounds, and the walks cross working farmland with stock in the fields. It is open April to October only.

Livestock — leads on

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Know a Bassenthwaite pub, cafe or place to stay that lets dogs in? Tell us and we will go and check it.

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Also within 10 miles · 490

Attraction 4.4 mi DOGS WELCOME

Whinlatter Forest

Braithwaite · CA12 5TW

England's only true mountain forest, rising steeply above Braithwaite with waymarked walking trails, red squirrels and a visitor centre and cafe. Dogs are allowed on the trails; keep them clear of the mountain-bike descents, which cross the walking routes.

Stay 4.4 mi SOME LIMITS

The Cottage in the Wood

Braithwaite · CA12 5TW

A restaurant with rooms on Magic Hill, a thousand feet up the Whinlatter Pass above Braithwaite, looking across at Skiddaw. Exactly one bedroom takes dogs, the Garden Room, chosen because it is the largest, opens straight onto the garden for the middle of the night and is set apart from the other rooms. Dogs may sit with you in the lounge until six in the evening but not in the restaurant, so dinner means leaving the dog in the room. The Whinlatter forest trails start from the door.

Off-lead allowed Water bowls

3 MI · LOOP

SOME LIMITS

Whinlatter Forest from the visitor centre

Braithwaite · CA12 5TW

3MILES

1:40TIME

200mCLIMB

98%OFF-ROAD

Three miles and about an hour and three quarters of forest walking on gravel roads and surfaced tracks, climbing steadily above the visitor centre for the view across Bassenthwaite to Skiddaw. Start at the main Whinlatter car park, which is pay-on-exit - twenty minutes free, then two pounds ninety for the first hour and fourteen pounds for a full day, with free parking for Forestry England members and anyone arriving by bus or bike. Dogs are welcome throughout the forest and the tracks are traffic-free, well drained and usable in any weather, which makes this the reliable wet-day option in the northern Lakes; the ospreys nest in the valley below, so keep out of the fenced-off areas, and the mountain bike trails cross the walking routes at several points - a lead at those junctions.

VERIFIED 29 JUL 2026 VIEW WALK ›

Stay 4.9 mi SOME LIMITS

The Ruddings

Braithwaite · CA12 5RY

In the bar In the dining room

A family-run inn on the Keswick side of Braithwaite, at the foot of Grisedale Pike and a short walk from the Coledale and Whinlatter paths. Every bedroom takes dogs and there is no charge at all when you book direct on the website or by telephone, which is unusual for the northern Lakes. Dogs eat with you in the bar areas at breakfast and dinner but are shut out of the main restaurant, so the bar tables get booked up. There are dog washing facilities in the front porch, which is worth knowing after a day on Coledale.

Stay 5.0 mi DOGS WELCOME

The Coledale Inn

Braithwaite · CA12 5TN

A family-run Victorian hotel tucked above Braithwaite, with Grisedale Pike and the Coledale round starting from the garden gate. It advertises itself as a dog-friendly hotel and welcomes dogs to stay with their owners.

Restaurant 5.1 mi DOGS WELCOME

The Chalet Tearooms

Portinscale · CA12 5RD

A long-standing tearoom and restaurant in Portinscale, the village across the Derwent from Keswick reached by the suspension footbridge and on the way to the Hawes End and Catbells lanes. It is open all year, has its own car park, and its website states that it is dog friendly and that ramblers and their dogs are welcome. The site does not break that down by indoor and outdoor seating, so ask on the door if the weather is against you.

Pub 5.4 mi SOME LIMITS

The Wheatsheaf Inn

Lorton · CA13 9UW

A country inn in the Lorton valley between Cockermouth and Crummock Water, with Jennings ales and a bar got up like a gamekeepers lodge around an open fire. Dogs are allowed in the bar as long as they are on a lead; the restaurant is a separate matter.

In the bar

VERIFIED 29 JUL 2026 VIEW WALK ›

5 MI · LOOP

SOME LIMITS

Latrigg from Keswick

Keswick

5MILES

2:26TIME

260mCLIMB

90%OFF-ROAD

Livestock — leads on

Five miles and 260 metres, about two and a half hours: the graded zigzag up Latrigg's south side for the classic look down on Keswick and the whole length of Derwent Water, returning by Gale Road and the old railway path. It starts in Keswick at the top of Spooney Green Lane, with a footbridge over the bypass - the small Gale Road car park at Underscar knocks 200 metres of climb off but holds only a dozen cars and the lane to it is single-track. The zigzag is a broad, well-drained grass and gravel path with no stiles, which makes it one of the easier fell tops for an older dog, but the summit plateau is grazed by sheep and the north edge drops away steeply into the Glenderaterra valley.

Stay 5.6 mi SOME LIMITS

Inn on the Square

Keswick · CA12 5JF

A four star hotel on Keswick market square, above the Brossen Steakhouse and the Front Bar. Dogs stay in twenty-five of the thirty-four bedrooms, up to two per room, and are welcome in the bar and lounge; reception hands out dog towels and puts up beds and bowls on request. Dogs are not allowed on the furniture in the rooms and must not be left alone in a room while you are out of the hotel. Parking is a paid extra, which matters in Keswick.

In the bar Water bowls

Restaurant 5.6 mi DOGS WELCOME

Merienda

Keswick · CA12 5JD

An all-day cafe and evening bistro on Keswick main street, artisan coffee and cake by day, a globally minded menu after dark. It describes itself as a relaxed dog-friendly space, so wet dogs and hungry hikers are treated as the normal trade rather than an inconvenience.

Stay 5.6 mi SOME LIMITS

The Skiddaw Hotel

Keswick · CA12 5BN

In the bar In the dining room Water bowls

A large Main Street hotel overlooking the market square, with a glazed conservatory on the front that acts as the dog room. Dogs are welcome in the conservatory all day and can be with you there for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the restaurant proper is out of bounds. Twenty-seven of the forty-three bedrooms accept dogs, up to two per room, with beds and bowls on request. Being in the middle of town it is a short walk to the Greta and the start of the railway path, though there is no on-site parking to speak of.

Pub 5.6 mi DOGS WELCOME

The Oddfellows Arms

Keswick · CA12 5BL

In the bar In the dining room

A Main Street pub in the middle of Keswick, a minute from the Moot Hall and the market. Its own dog page says four-legged friends are welcome in the whole pub, so there is no separated-off dog corner and no rule about which room you eat in. That is worth knowing on a wet afternoon in Keswick when the town fills up and most of the alternatives will only take a dog in the bar.

Stay 5.6 mi SOME LIMITS

The Royal Oak at Keswick

Keswick · CA12 5HZ

In the bar In the dining room Water bowls Treats

An eighteenth-century coaching inn on Main Street with twenty-three en-suite rooms, a couple of minutes from the Moot Hall and the start of Spooney Green Lane for Latrigg and Skiddaw. Dogs are welcome in the bar and the restaurant, so there is no separate dog-only room to eat in, and they stay in selected dog-friendly bedrooms which come with bowls, treats and towels. Not every bedroom takes a dog, so the hotel asks you to say so when booking rather than turning up with one.

Pub 5.7 mi SOME LIMITS

Kings Arms Hotel

Keswick · CA12 5BL

A Main Street coaching inn a few doors from the Moot Hall, with a refurbished beer garden at the back that catches the afternoon sun. Dogs are welcome in the bar and lounge all day but not in the restaurant, so an evening meal means eating on the bar side. Nine of the thirteen bedrooms take dogs, and beds and bowls are put out on request, which makes it one of the few places you can walk Skiddaw and be back at your room without moving the car.

In the bar Water bowls