A handsome little town at the head of Windermere, ringed by fells and waterfalls, with a lake cruise that carries dogs free. Here is how we would spend a day in Ambleside with your dog.
Ambleside sits at the head of Windermere where the lake gives way to the high fells, which makes it the perfect base for a dog that likes options. You can climb a proper Lakeland fell, wander to a waterfall in the middle of town, potter round a lake or hop on a cruise, all before lunch. It is walkers' country through and through, and the cafes and pubs welcome muddy paws as a matter of course.
A fell or a waterfall in the morning, a cruise on Windermere, a hearty lunch and a pint by the fire is the shape of an Ambleside day. This is how we would spend it, with the real, well-reviewed places we would actually take our own dog.
1
Morning: fells, water and a waterfall
For a big morning, Loughrigg Fell is the local favourite, a modest height with a view out of all proportion to the effort. Gentler is the lovely low circuit around Rydal Water, past Rydal Cave and plenty of spots for a lakeside dip. And right in the middle of town, a short climb up beside the beck brings you to Stock Ghyll Force, a genuine waterfall a five-minute walk from the shops. Keep dogs on leads near the falls and any livestock.
For a flat leg-stretch, Rothay Park and the Borrans Park lakeshore both give a dog easy grass and water without leaving town.
From Waterhead pier at the edge of town, Windermere Lake Cruises carry dogs free on every boat, so you can take to the water and see the fells from the middle of the lake. It is one of the best-loved dog days out in the Lakes, and a fine way to rest a pair of paws that have done a fell in the morning. The little Bridge House, the tiny landmark that straddles the beck, is right in town for a photo.
Ambleside feeds its walkers very well. The Copper Pot welcomes dogs in every area, bar included, and is a genuine favourite, Mr H's Tearoom is a lovely traditional stop that takes dogs, and the Apple Pie is an institution for pies and cakes with dog-friendly areas. Force Cafe is a bright, easy spot that welcomes a dog too.
The Golden Rule is the pub of choice, a proper unspoilt local with dogs welcome inside and water bowls always out. The Royal Oak makes a fuss of dogs with treats and even a zero-percent doggy beer, and a short drive out at Barngates the Drunken Duck Inn is a destination in its own right, with dogs welcome in the bar and on the terrace.
The Old Vicarage is a standout, with every room pet-friendly and dogs staying free, and Rothay Manor is a smart country-house hotel with eight dog rooms kitted out with beds, towels, bowls and treats. Down by the water, the Waterhead Inn takes up to two dogs with a dog bed provided, a lakeside base right by the cruise pier.
A waterfall in the middle of town, a fell for the afternoon and a lake cruise that carries dogs free. Ambleside packs a whole Lakeland holiday into one day.
What to pack for a day out
The short list that turns a good day into an easy one. Throw it in the boot before you set off.
Water bottle and collapsible bowl
Towel for the boot
Poo bags, always
Spare lead and a long line
Treats for the pub
ID tag and vaccinations up to date
Questions dog owners ask
Is Ambleside dog friendly?
Very. Ambleside is a walkers' town where fell paths, waterfalls and the lakeshore all start close to the centre, dogs travel free on the Windermere cruises, and almost every cafe and pub welcomes a dog.
What is the best dog walk in Ambleside?
Stock Ghyll Force is a waterfall a five-minute walk from the shops, Loughrigg Fell is a modest fell with a huge view, and the Rydal Water circuit is a lovely low walk with lakeside dips. Keep leads near falls and sheep.
Can dogs go on the Windermere cruises?
Yes, dogs travel free on Windermere Lake Cruises, which run from Waterhead pier at the edge of Ambleside. It is a relaxing way to see the fells from the water and rest tired paws.
Which Ambleside pubs take dogs?
The Golden Rule is a classic unspoilt local with dogs welcome inside, the Royal Oak lays on treats and a doggy beer, and the nearby Drunken Duck Inn welcomes dogs in the bar and on the terrace.
Where can I stay in Ambleside with a dog?
The Old Vicarage has all rooms pet-friendly with dogs staying free, Rothay Manor has eight dog rooms with beds and treats, and the Waterhead Inn by the lake takes up to two dogs with a bed provided.
Ambleside through the seasons
Spring
The fells green up and the waterfalls run full after the winter rain. Watch for lambs and keep leads handy near sheep. A Rydal Water circuit and a Copper Pot lunch is spring here at its best.
Summer
The town gets busy, so start walks early and carry water for the fells. A Windermere cruise is a cool, easy way to spend a hot afternoon, and Stock Ghyll is shady even at midday.
Autumn
Copper bracken, golden light and quieter paths make this a glorious season. Big fell days, full waterfalls and cosy pubs by the fire are Ambleside at its finest.
Winter
Snow on the tops and fires in the pubs. Keep to the lower walks in poor weather, wrap up for a lakeshore stroll, then thaw out at the Golden Rule with a muddy dog at your feet.