As more people choose to bring their dogs with them while taking a break in Cumbria, Cumbria Tourism has published its latest guide to help owners plan a relaxing getaway with their faithful friends.
The county’s official Destination Management Organisation’s most recent Visitor Survey found that more and more people are enquiring about friendly breaks for them and their canine companions, prompting the organisation to help dog owners make their planning as easy as possible.
The research found that 15% of day-visitors to Cumbria brought a dog or dogs with them, rising to 17% for staying visitors. That figure increased to 20% for those visiting The Lake District National Park, with a further rise to a huge 25% for visitors to Allerdale specifically – no surprise, given Keswick’s status as Cumbria’s most dog-friendly town.
Tourism in Cumbria generated £3 billion for the county’s economy last year, boosted by the recent World Heritage Site status being awarded to The Lake District by UNESCO.
The handy Dogs Love Cumbria guide is completely dedicated to The Lake District, Cumbria’s dog-friendly accommodation and attractions.
Here are our top five picks to help visitors and their dogs enjoy their next memorable trip, here in what we like to call “The Canine Capital” of the UK:
Attractions welcome hounds to their grounds: Historic buildings and gardens including Lowther Castle, Holker Hall and Fell Foot Park – just to name a few, all welcome dogs. Indoors, a warm welcome awaits them at the Lakeland Motor Museum, where they – along with their awe-inspired owners, can gaze at the collection of more than 3,000 vehicles and artefacts. From road to rail, dogs are also welcome on the Ravenglass & Eskdale and Lakeside & Haverthwaite railways. In addition, dogs are welcome onboard at Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and Windermere Lake Cruises, as well as at the Coniston Boating Centre. Walking routes are also available for dogs when they disem”bark”.
100+ miles of coastline to enjoy: Dogs are welcome* along more than 100 miles of the Cumbrian coast, which boasts 29 beaches. Our top pick is Silecroft beach, where there are no seasonal dog restrictions in place; and where sand & shingle stretch as far as the eye can see.
Dog-friendly accommodation: Visitors who want to bring their dogs along for a break certainly aren’t short of options when it comes to searching for dog-friendly accommodation. From hotels to hobbit holes, to self-catering cottages and camping pitches, dogs are warmly welcomed right across The Lake District, Cumbria. Just check before you book.
Time to explore the fells and forests: Walla Crag and the Great Wood near Keswick is highly recommended for visitors and their dogs, with an unforgettable view of Derwent Water for those who complete the five-mile route. For those pets who fancy a little less climbing and a bit more exploring, Grizedale and Whinlatter Forests are also both a must-see, boasting several waymarked trail routes. Catbells is another popular choice.
Keswick: Cumbria’s most ‘Dog Friendly’ Town: While dogs are widely welcomed across the county as a whole, dog owners may want to specifically drop in at Keswick – a previous winner of the UK’s ‘Dog-Friendly Town’ category in The Kennel Club’s ‘Open for Dogs’ awards. In addition, dogs are welcome in pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels county-wide; many of which feature dedicated spaces, rooms and eating areas for your companion.
Further details of attractions and locations which welcome dogs and their owners are in the Dogs Love Cumbria guide, which is available from the county’s dog clubs, vets’ surgeries, dog-friendly attractions and food & drink outlets.
You can also download a copy, here.
Cumbria Tourism can also send copies in the post. You can request one by calling 01539 822 222.
