8 dog-friendly places to visit in the Lake District

With the current restrictions in place, it is important to find time to spend time outdoors and plan for adventures further afield when lockdown is lifted. With plenty of stunning greenery and walking trails within the Lake District, it is one of the best places to visit post lockdown with your furry friend. There are many dog-friendly places to visit all around the region, with some of the best spots detailed below that are perfect to visit with your furry companion this winter post-lockdown. 

Lowther castle and gardens

Located near Penrith, Lowther Castle and its surrounding gardens is a fantastic day out for when lockdown restrictions are eased. Whilst dogs must be on a lead when visiting the estate, the grounds spread over a total of 130 acres, so there is plenty of room to enjoy this day out safely with your bubble. Lowther castle merges both history and culture, whilst walking around the grounds is also a great form of exercise for both you and your dog.

Grizedale Forest

Located in the centre of the Lakes, Grizedale Forest is the perfect family day out, and dogs are invited too! There’s plenty of forest walking trails for you both to explore, a café that does takeaway, cycle trials and a play area for the little ones. Post-pandemic, there will also be an art exhibition, as well as bike hire and Go Ape for a more adventurous day out. Grizedale is a tourist favourite when staying in the Lakes, as it has so much character and is so well located within the Lakes. Despite its small size, there are plenty of dog-friendly places to stay, such as Lake District log cabins from Lakelovers, which cater for all families and their little companions.

Furness Abbey

Located in Barrow-in-Furness, this English heritage site is absolutely stunning with majestic ruins as your backdrop. Again, this is another fabulous family day out that will cater to all your doggy needs, as dogs can roam free off the lead providing there is no livestock nearby. The internal areas are currently closed; however, all outdoor spaces are open to the public to enjoy during weekends. Post- pandemic, the Abbey will also be hosting interactive children activities to learn about the history of the site, making for a fun yet educational experience.

Helvellyn via Thirlmere

For those who like a challenge, this walking trail is the perfect uphill hike. Although steep, the spectacular landscape views are completely worth it. Additionally, there are little to no livestock passed during the walk, so this trail is a great one for having the dogs off the lead and letting them roam free. There is a footpath, however, others are easily avoided as it is all open landscape, meaning it can be completed safely.

Thirlmere to Blea Tarn

This tricky three to four-hour long walk will be great exercise for both you and your dog. Again, the trail is very safe as it passes across widespread open land and your furry friend is able to run free for the majority. The walk is quite challenging, but it is rewarded with a picturesque view, which is breath taking even with drizzly English weather. This route really does showcase England’s natural beauty.

Barrow Park

Another fabulous find in Barrow-In-Furness is the stunning Barrow Park. The park itself is spread across 45 acres and features a gorgeous lake, as well as perfectly pruned flower beds. This park is great for locals to get some fresh air but be sure to keep your dogs on a lead at all times. Its location is perfect for a day out for a kick-about or a jog with your four-legged friend.

Thirlmere to Blea Tarn

This tricky three to four-hour long walk will be great exercise for both you and your dog. Again, the trail is very safe as it passes across widespread open land and your furry friend is able to run free for the majority. The walk is quite challenging; however, it is rewarded with picturesque views, which are breath taking even in drizzly English weather. This route really does showcase England’s natural beauty.

Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve

Sandscale Haws is an incredible National Trust site which hosts a vast open sandy landscape. This nature reserve is perfect for water-loving dogs, as they can run freely across the sandy beach and take a splash in the sea. Equally, there are sand dunes for the little ones to have fun exploring.

Whether you are lucky enough to live locally or are a tourist planning your next getaway, there are an abundance of dog-friendly destinations to enjoy in the Lake District, and the best news is there is no need to leave your furry friends behind.

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