Lakes, Cakes and Automobiles We’ve just had a week’s dog-friendly stay in Pepper Cottage located in Hawkshead near Ambleside in the Lake District. This is myself, my husband and our three Basset Hounds...Buddy-love (10), Peach (7) and Daisy (5). Pepper Cottage is fab, a two bedroomed single level cottage with slate flooring, large enclosed garden and huge dog bed! We visited many dog-friendly locations over the week. In fact I’d go as far to say dogs were encouraged let alone accepted! In Hawkshead itself, all the pubs and cafes allowed dogs plus to my amazement, most of the shops. On the first day we went to Derwent Water and took the Hounds on a lake cruiser where dogs travelled free. We enjoyed a 50 minute cruise around the lake. We also took the Hounds to Carlisle Castle being as we are English Heritage members who are notoriously dog-friendly at over 90% of their sites. The dogs were allowed everywhere in the castle apart from the cafe although there were seats outside and luckily the weather was kind. From here we went to Birdoswald Roman Fort Hadrian’s Wall where again, dogs were welcomed. On the way back we called into Lanercost Priory where the dogs were allowed everywhere including in the church. There was a dog-friendly seating area in the cafe called “Bark and Brew” however the extremely low tables were a huge temptation for the Hounds especially when cake appeared (and I’m not talking liver cake!). Buddy-love took a dive for it but luckily my reactions were quick enough to save the cake however the coffee took a tumble! Next we have the Lakeland Motor Museum where much to my amazement again, the dogs were allowed everywhere apart from the cafe. I’m sure the Hounds enjoyed immensely walking around while we reminisced over our first cars and remembered longingly our parents and grandparents cars! From here we went to Old Hall Farm and met some of the resident shire horses and other animals including a young calf, donkeys and Shetland ponies. Buddy-love was nose to nose with a black sheep while the two girls were interested in the rabbit! So refreshing to go on holiday with your dogs and be able to enjoy experiences like this with them. After all, people are able to do it with their children so why shouldn’t our furry children be allowed?
I’ve already mentioned English Heritage being extremely accepting of dogs at their sites well I must also mention the National Trust and specifically Allan Bank in Grasmere where again unusually for the National Trust, the dogs were allowed inside the house. Much to their joy they were given dog treats on arrival. My opinion is that you would almost be in the minority if you went on holiday to the Lake District without a four legged companion tagging along! Having been on several holidays with our dogs over the years, this area by far is winning hands down in the dog-friendly awards in our opinion. |
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