Dog-Friendly Windermere

Windermere, England's largest lake, forms the heart of Lake District tourism. The twin towns of Windermere (on the hillside) and Bowness-on-Windermere (on the lakeshore) provide the region's most comprehensive facilities, whilst the 10.5-mile lake offers cruises, walks, and water activities that welcome dogs warmly.

What makes Windermere special for dog holidays is accessibility. Lake cruises allow dogs aboard, the famous Beatrix Potter attractions lie nearby, numerous pubs and cafes welcome four-legged visitors, and walking ranges from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging fell climbs. Whether you seek a relaxed holiday base or an adventure hub, Windermere delivers.

Lake Cruises and Boats

Windermere Lake Cruises

Dogs travel on all Windermere Lake Cruises sailings, providing effortless enjoyment of England's largest lake.

Routes Available:

• Red Route (Bowness-Lakeside): Southern lake cruise connecting with the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.
• Yellow Route (Bowness-Ambleside): Northern lake cruise to Ambleside's Waterhead pier.
• Green Route (Islands Cruise): Circular cruise around the lake's islands.

Dog Policy: Dogs welcome free of charge. Well-behaved dogs can sit with owners on deck or in covered areas.

Combination Options: Freedom of the Lake tickets allow hopping on and off at various piers throughout the day.

Electric Boat Hire

Hire your own electric boat from Bowness Bay Marina and explore the lake at your own pace. Dogs welcome aboard (calm dogs who won't rock the boat work best).

Rowing and Canoe Hire

Various operators around Bowness offer rowing boat and canoe hire for lake exploration with dogs.

Walks from Windermere

Orrest Head

Distance: 2.5 miles return | Time: 1-1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

The classic first viewpoint for visitors arriving in Windermere, offering panoramic lake views.

The Route: Start from Windermere train station area. A well-signposted path climbs through woodland to the 238-metre summit.

Highlights: Wainwright considered this walk his first love. Views extend across the lake to the Langdale Pikes and beyond.

Dog Considerations: Well-maintained paths suit most dogs. Some road walking at the start. Keep on leads near sheep.

Brant Fell

Distance: 2 miles return | Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

A short uphill walk from Bowness providing panoramic lake views without major effort.

Dog Considerations: Quick, rewarding walk suits most dogs. Grassy summit provides space for exploration.

Post Knott and School Knott

Distance: 6 miles circular | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Extension of the Brant Fell walk, taking in multiple viewpoints above Windermere.

Dog Considerations: Some steep sections. Views reward the effort. Keep on leads near livestock.

The Dales Way (Windermere Section)

The long-distance path starts (or ends) at Bowness, providing excellent walking along the lake's eastern shore.

Sections to Try:

• Bowness to Post Knott viewpoints
• Bowness to Troutbeck via the shore

Dog Considerations: Well-maintained paths. The Royal Oak in Bowness serves as the official finishing pub.

Claife Heights

Distance: Variable | Time: 2-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Woodland and viewpoint walking on the lake's western shore, accessed by ferry from Bowness.

The Route: Take the Windermere Ferry to Far Sawrey. Walking trails climb through National Trust woodland to viewpoints overlooking the lake.

Dog Considerations: Excellent woodland walking with off-lead opportunities in quieter areas. Ferry welcomes dogs.

Latterbarrow

Distance: 3 miles return | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Small fell near Hawkshead offering disproportionate views for modest effort.

Dog Considerations: Easy climb suits most dogs. Popular with local dog walkers.

Bowness-on-Windermere

The lakeshore town provides the area's main attractions and facilities.

Dog-Friendly Activities

Cockshott Point: Flat, scenic lakeside walk just minutes from the town centre. Easy strolling with lake views.

The Glebe: Green space near the steamer pier. Popular dog walking area.

Millerground: Off-lead area north of Bowness where dogs can run before or after town visits.

Shopping: Many Bowness shops welcome dogs. Browse independent boutiques with your four-legged companion.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Bowness offers exceptional choice for dining with dogs.

The Royal Oak Inn: Heart of Bowness. Trading for 200 years. Official finishing pub for the Dales Way. Warm fires, genuine welcome.

The Flying Pig: Cozy traditional pub near the lake. Fish and chips, Sunday roasts, pies of the day. Dog-friendly throughout.

The Angel Inn: Generous portions, lake views available. Indoor areas and garden welcome dogs.

BAHA: Modern Asian-fusion venue over three floors. Ground floor bar welcomes dogs. Water bowls and treats behind bar.

The Albert: Central location. Generous portions. Dedicated dog-friendly dining areas plus beer garden.

Village Inn: Traditional feel with live entertainment. Family and dog-friendly throughout.

Lake View: Central pub with lake views. Dogs welcome.

The Westmorland: Traditional pub welcoming dogs.

Dog-Friendly Cafes

Boardwalk Bar and Grill: Stunning lake views. Outdoor terrace welcomes dogs.

Windermere Jetty Cafe: At the museum (dogs welcome in grounds). Cafe has dog-friendly areas.

Mio Mondo: Walking distance from marina. Dogs welcome.

Monties: Local cafe welcoming dogs.

Windermere Town

The hillside town above Bowness offers shops, restaurants, and train connections.

Getting Between: 15-minute walk or regular bus service connects Windermere and Bowness.

Train Station: Direct trains from Manchester and connections from London. Dogs welcome on trains.

Nearby Attractions

Beatrix Potter World

The World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness tells the stories through interactive displays. Dogs cannot enter the attraction itself, but the surrounding area offers dog-friendly options.

Hill Top (Beatrix Potter's House)

National Trust property near Hawkshead. Dogs on leads welcome in the garden and surrounding walks. Cannot enter the house.

Windermere Jetty Museum

This lakeside museum showcases boats and lake history. Dogs on leads welcome in the grounds and outdoor areas.

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

Heritage steam railway connecting with lake cruises at Lakeside. Dogs welcome on trains.

Fell Foot Country Park

National Trust parkland at the lake's southern tip. Dogs welcome throughout (on leads in certain areas). Beach areas for swimming, woodland trails, cafe.

Surrounding Villages

Troutbeck

Traditional village above Windermere with excellent walking access.

Dog-Friendly Pub: The Mortal Man offers stunning views, traditional atmosphere, and genuine dog welcome. Perfect post-fell refreshment.

Near Sawrey and Far Sawrey

Beatrix Potter country accessed by ferry. Quiet lanes and woodland walks.

Dog-Friendly Options: Tower Bank Arms welcomes dogs in this characterful village.

Hawkshead

Historic village with Beatrix Potter Gallery and traditional character. Many cafes and pubs welcome dogs.

Staveley

Mill village with artisan food producers. Dog-friendly cafes and walks along the River Kent.

Accommodation

Windermere and Bowness offer the Lake District's widest accommodation choice.

Location Choices

Bowness Lakeside: Direct lake access, maximum facilities, busy atmosphere.

Windermere Town: Quieter, train access, uphill from lake.

Surrounding Countryside: Quieter settings, often better walking access.

What to Look For

Lake views add to the holiday experience.

Parking matters in busy Bowness.

Enclosed gardens help manage dogs in tourist areas.

For more options, see our guide to dog-friendly Lake District accommodation.

Practical Information

Getting There

By Train: Direct services from Manchester (approximately 2 hours). Connections from London via Oxenholme. Dogs welcome on trains.

By Car: M6 Junction 36, then A590/A591. Approximately 1 hour from Manchester, 2.5 hours from Birmingham.

Parking

Parking in Bowness can be challenging, especially on summer weekends and bank holidays.

Main Car Parks: Pay and display throughout Bowness and Windermere.

Early Arrival: Helps secure spaces in peak periods.

Park and Ride: Consider parking further out and using lake cruises or buses.

Best Times to Visit

Spring: Daffodils, lambs, moderate crowds.

Summer: Full facilities, longest days, busiest period.

Autumn: Golden colours, atmospheric mists, quieter.

Winter: Cosy atmosphere, Christmas markets (November-December), some attractions closed.

Windermere Ferry

Vehicle ferry crossing the lake between Bowness and Far Sawrey. Dogs welcome. Provides access to the western shore without driving round.

Schedule: Regular crossings throughout the day.

Cost: Foot passengers free, vehicle charges apply.

Combining with Wider Lake District

Windermere's central position provides excellent access to wider Lake District attractions:

Ambleside: 5 miles north. Smaller town with excellent walks.

Keswick: 30 minutes north. Different character, Derwentwater access.

Coniston: 20 minutes west. Quieter lake, Old Man walking.

Hawkshead: 10 minutes west via ferry. Historic village charm.

Consider combining Windermere with Keswick or Ambleside for varied Lake District experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs go on Windermere lake cruises?

Yes, dogs welcome free of charge on all Windermere Lake Cruises sailings.

Is Bowness dog-friendly?

Very much so. Numerous pubs, cafes, and shops welcome dogs. The lakeside promenade and surrounding walks are popular with dog owners.

What's the best walk near Windermere with a dog?

Orrest Head provides classic views for moderate effort. For easier walking, Cockshott Point offers lakeside strolling. Claife Heights (via ferry) provides woodland exploration.

Can I hire a boat with my dog on Windermere?

Yes, electric boats and rowing boats can be hired from various operators around Bowness. Calm dogs work best.

Are there dog-friendly pubs in Bowness?

Many, including The Royal Oak, The Flying Pig, BAHA, The Albert, and The Angel Inn.

Can dogs visit Beatrix Potter attractions?

The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness doesn't allow dogs. Hill Top (her house) welcomes dogs in the garden but not indoors.

Is the Windermere Ferry dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs welcome on the ferry crossing between Bowness and Far Sawrey.

Where can dogs swim in Windermere?

Various access points around the lake allow dog swimming. Fell Foot Country Park has beach areas. Check for blue-green algae warnings in warm weather.

Discover England's Largest Lake

Windermere delivers the complete Lake District experience with exceptional facilities for dog owners. Cruise the lake, climb the fells, browse the shops, and settle into welcoming pubs where four-legged visitors receive genuine hospitality.

Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly Windermere accommodation and discover why this magnificent lake has drawn visitors for generations.

Luke explores Windermere with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys lake cruises and post-walk refreshment at The Royal Oak.