5 of the Best Dog-Friendly Cafés in the Lake District
One of the best things about exploring the Lake District with a dog is that you’re rarely far from somewhere good to stop for coffee, cake or a proper post-walk lunch.
From Keswick to Windermere, these are five of our favourite dog-friendly cafés in the Lakes (in no particular order!)
1. Café Hope — Keswick
Sitting in Hope Park, just a short walk from the centre of Keswick, Café Hope is a brilliant stop if you’re visiting with your dog.
It’s well known for being extremely dog-friendly, with water bowls, treats and even a dedicated dog menu for four-legged visitors.
For humans, expect relaxed café food including breakfasts, bacon sandwiches, pancakes, toasties, jacket potatoes, homemade soup and plenty of cakes, traybakes and scones.
While you’re there, don’t forget to get a photo with the Max the Miracle Dog statue in Hope Park - a lovely little stop for any dog lover visiting Keswick.
Best for: A dog-friendly stop before or after exploring Keswick and Derwentwater.
2. Force Café — Ambleside
Tucked away on Stockghyll Lane above Ambleside, Force Café is a great choice for walkers and dogs.
The food is fresh and seasonal, with a strong brunch and lunch menu. Expect dishes such as full English breakfasts, smashed avocado on sourdough, soups, salads, seasonal specials, cakes and good coffee.
If you fancy earning your lunch, combine your visit with a walk up to High Sweden Bridge, a beautiful historic 17th-century stone packhorse bridge crossing Scandale Beck as featured on our photo. It’s a lovely dog-friendly walk from Ambleside and takes you away from the busy town into classic Lake District scenery.
Best for: A proper refuel after a walk to High Sweden Bridge or a morning on the fells.
3. Chesters By The River — Skelwith Bridge
Chesters is one of those cafés that’s worth planning a walk around.
Sitting beside the River Brathay at Skelwith Bridge, it’s perfectly placed for walks towards Skelwith Force, Elterwater and the Langdale Valley.
The menu is predominantly vegetarian, with plenty of vegan options, and usually includes generous salads, sandwiches, focaccia, curries, savoury bakes and seasonal hot dishes.
The bakery counter is also a major part of the attraction, with a huge selection of cakes, pastries and traybakes.
Dogs are welcome at the outdoor riverside tables, making it a particularly lovely stop on a dry day.
If you're staying at Fell Dog's very own cabin www.lakedistrictcabin.com, then this is literally on your doorstep.
Best for: Lunch by the river followed by a walk to Skelwith Force or Elterwater, or even Loughrigg Fell.
4. Freda + Ray — Grasmere
Right in the heart of Grasmere, Freda + Ray has a more contemporary coffee-shop feel and makes a nice change from the village’s more traditional tearooms.
Expect good coffee, cakes, pastries and relaxed brunch-style food, including breakfast rolls, sandwiches and lighter daytime dishes.
Dogs are welcome inside, which makes this a particularly useful one to know about when the Lake District weather isn’t playing ball.
It’s also perfectly placed for a walk around Grasmere, Rydal Water or up onto the surrounding fells.
Best for: Coffee and brunch after a walk around Grasmere.
5. Homeground — Windermere
If brunch is your thing, Homeground is one of the best-known brunch spots in Windermere.
The menu has a more modern feel than a traditional Lake District café, with beautifully presented breakfast and brunch dishes, pancakes, avocado on toast, seasonal specials and excellent speciality coffee.
It can get very busy, particularly at weekends, and operates mainly on a walk-in basis.
Dogs are welcome at the outside tables rather than inside, so this is one to save for a dry day.
Best for: A really good brunch and coffee in Windermere.
Exploring the Lakes with your dog
The Lake District is one of the easiest places in the UK to holiday with a dog, with countless dog-friendly cafés, pubs and walking routes.
Whether you’re heading up a fell or simply enjoying a wander around one of the villages, there’s usually somewhere nearby for both you and your dog to refuel.