Exploring Cartmel with dogs

We all love a holiday with our four legged friends, and the Lake District is an ideal place for a getaway with your dogs. Walkies galore, dog-friendly pubs and plenty of places to swim, Cartmel is an ideal spot for a dog walkers holiday…

Please note when adventuring with your dog to be aware of livestock and keep your dogs on leads when passing.

  • Dog friendly walks

Dogs love walking as much as we do and Cartmel offers some spectacular walks that both owners and dogs will enjoy. From lakeside strolls to woodland and hill hikes, Cartmel and the surrounding area offers a mixture of walks from lowland, easy hikes for old or little dogs and more strenuous, uphill walks for young, energetic puppies.

  • Fell Foot Park

The nearby Fell Foot Park is a doggy paradise boasting woodland trails and lakeside paths with plenty of sticks to chase and opportunities for a refreshing swim! The south meadow is an ideal place for you dog to burn off some energy and have a free run around the field (providing there are no cattle grazing.)

- Park End Moss, Sizergh Estate

Less than half an hour away from Cartmel, dogs are welcome to explore the wider Sizergh estate, which is filled with ancient woodland and vast meadows providing plenty of space for energetic dogs to have a bolt around! The circular walk to Park End Moss wetland explores around three miles of the estate following paths through historic parkland to the wetland, which is a haven for wildlife, especially birds and butterflies. If you have a chilled out dog, a pretty butterfly might just land on their nose if you’re lucky!

  • Dog friendly accommodation

No one likes leaving their dog at home when they go away, so finding dog friendly accommodation is always a relief. Luckily, there are plenty of options in Cartmel ranging from dog-friendly hotel rooms to self-catering cottages and lodges.

  • Cavendish Arms Hotel

The Cavendish Arms is a 450 year old hotel situated in the centre of Cartmel. The charming inn has held its character over the years, boasting a quaint interior complete with low-beamed ceilings, quirky antique furniture and a blazing log fire. For warmer days, the hotel has a spacious garden ideal for dogs to play or lounge in the sunshine! Up to two dog guests are welcome to stay for the night in one of the hotels dog friendly rooms at an extra cost of £15 to cover cleaning.

  • Cartmel Hill

Cartmel Hill is a self-catering country house ideal for large families with large dogs, sleeping up to 5 humans and two doggies! The stunning 18th century barn conversion is set in the rolling hills above Cartmel village in a peaceful, remote location surrounded by woodland and meadows, perfect for letting dogs explore. The house also has 2 large, enclosed gardens where your dog can run around freely!  You can walk to Cartmel village from here via a 20-minute, downhill hike passing meandering streams, fields and meadows.

  • Ducks Haven Cottage

Ducks Haven is a lovely self-catering cottage set in the countryside of Cartmel valley.  The cosy cottage is set beside a beautiful ducks pond to have a walk around with your dog. Energetic puppies can let off some steam in the spacious garden, courtyard and surrounding countryside. The cottage sleeps up to 4 people and 2 dogs.

  • Dog friendly pubs

After a long walk, a well-deserved pint and a doggy treat is always a must. Here in Cartmel, there are plenty of pubs welcoming muddy boots and paw prints…

  • The Royal Oak

A classic country inn set in Cartmel village, The Royal Oak is owned by Fell Brewery, serving over 6 of their own cask ales. The pub loves the company of four-legged friends who are more than welcome to take a seat beside the cosy fire or lounge out in the riverside beer garden. Ask the pub’s friendly staff for a dog bowl and some biscuits!

  • The Pig and Whistle

The Pig and Whistle is a friendly, country pub popular amongst dog walkers due to its cosy interior complete with a real wood fire. Enjoy some home-cooked good and a pint of ale with your canine companion right beside you. The staff and locals are super friendly and love to make a fuss of doggy guests spoiling them with plenty of treats.

  • The Cavendish Arms

The Cavendish Arms is a 450 year old hotel situated in the centre of Cartmel. The charming inn has held its character over the years, boasting a quaint interior complete with low-beamed ceilings, quirky antique furniture and a blazing log fire. For warmer days, the hotel has a spacious garden ideal for dogs to play or lounge in the sunshine! The pub is just a stone throw away from popular, dog-friendly walks including Cartmel valley, Morecambe Bay and Windermere.