A proper Lakeland town wrapped around a market square, with a lake, a ring of fells and forest trails on the doorstep. Here is how we would spend a day in Keswick with your dog.
Keswick is the walkers' capital of the northern Lakes, a grey-stone town of outdoor shops and tea rooms sitting between the shoulder of Skiddaw and the shore of Derwentwater. Nearly everything here is set up for boots and paws, from the fell paths that start at the edge of town to the launches that carry dogs free around the lake. It is, quite simply, one of the great dog towns of England.
A fell or a forest in the morning, a stroll along the lake, a hearty lunch and a pint by the fire is the shape of a Keswick day. This is how we would spend it, with the real, well-reviewed places we would actually take our own dog.
1
Morning: a fell for every dog
Keswick's genius is that there is a hill to suit any pair of legs. Catbells, the shapely little ridge across the lake, is the classic, short but with the whole of Derwentwater at your feet. Latrigg is a gentle grassy climb straight from town with a huge view for very little effort, and Walla Crag gives you a proper airy edge above the water. Keep dogs under close control near the sheep on all of them.
Whichever you pick, this is big-sky, big-view walking of the kind that makes a dog think it has died and gone to heaven.
For a wetter-weather option, Whinlatter is England's only true mountain forest, laced with dog-friendly trails, a Wallace and Gromit walk for children and a cafe that welcomes dogs. Down at the water, the Keswick Launch carries dogs free around Derwentwater, so you can hop off at Catbells or the far shore and walk back. The Lingholm Kitchen and its walled garden, right by the lake, welcomes dogs in the cafe and grounds.
Keswick knows how to feed a hungry walker. Fellpack is the standout, a brilliant dog-friendly spot built on proper Lakeland cooking, Merienda does excellent brunch and coffee with dogs warmly welcomed, and Little Chamonix is a cosy dog-friendly favourite. Best of all, Cafe Hope gives dogs their own menu, so yours can order lunch too.
The Dog and Gun is the one everyone means when they say the Keswick pub, a snug old boozer with water bowls, doggy biscuits and hearty, much-loved food. The Wainwright has oak floors throughout and dogs welcome across the lot, and the Bank Tavern is a friendly town local where the staff hand out fuss and treats to any dog that wanders in.
For a lakeside base, Mary Mount up in Borrowdale lets dogs stay free with direct access to the shore, and the Borrowdale Gates Hotel has several dog-friendly rooms in one of the loveliest valleys in the Lakes. In town, the Inn on the Square takes up to two dogs and provides a bed and bowl, and Ravenstone Manor is rated one of the most dog-friendly boltholes around.
A fell for every pair of legs, a lake launch that carries dogs free and a pub that feeds walkers well. Keswick was practically built for dogs.
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 Keswick dog friendly?
Extremely. Keswick is one of the most dog-friendly towns in England, with fell paths from the town centre, dogs travelling free on the Derwentwater launches, and almost every cafe and pub keeping a water bowl by the door.
What is the best dog walk in Keswick?
Catbells is the classic short fell with huge views over Derwentwater, Latrigg is a gentle grassy climb straight from town, and Whinlatter Forest offers dog-friendly trails for wet weather. Keep dogs under control near sheep.
Can dogs go on the Derwentwater launch?
Yes, dogs travel free on the Keswick Launch around Derwentwater, so you can take the boat out to Catbells or the far shore and walk back. Keep them on a lead on board.
Which Keswick pubs take dogs?
The Dog and Gun is the famous one, with water bowls, doggy biscuits and hearty, well-loved food, while the Wainwright has oak floors and dogs welcome throughout and the Bank Tavern hands out treats.
Where can I stay in Keswick with a dog?
Mary Mount in Borrowdale lets dogs stay free with lakeside access, the Borrowdale Gates Hotel has several dog-friendly rooms, and in town the Inn on the Square takes up to two dogs with a bed and bowl provided.
Keswick through the seasons
Spring
The fells green up, the lambs arrive (so leads near sheep) and the town is quiet before the summer. A gentle Latrigg climb and a Fellpack lunch is spring in Keswick at its best.
Summer
Long light for the big fells, but start early to beat the crowds and the heat, and always carry water. The forest at Whinlatter and a cooling Keswick Launch trip make fine hot-day plans.
Autumn
Arguably the best season here. The bracken turns copper, the light goes golden and the crowds thin. Big walks, empty lakeshore and cosy pubs make for a perfect autumn day.
Winter
Snow on Skiddaw and fires in every pub. Wrap up for a bracing lakeshore walk, keep to the lower fells in poor weather, then thaw out at the Dog and Gun with a muddy dog at your feet.