North Lakes town voted most dog friendly

The North Lake District market town, Keswick, has been voted by the public as the most Dog Friendly Town in the national 2012 Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs Awards. Situated just north of Derwent Water, and a short distance from Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick has been recognised for its canine friendly attitude. The awards, which have been going since 2006, are based on the views of the public for the most welcoming dog friendly businesses, towns, and public places. Thousands of nominations flooded in from dog lovers across the UK giving their votes for places that roll out the red carpet for our four legged friends or simply offer them a drink of water. Keswick came out on top of 28,000 other towns and places listed on the Open for Dogs website. If you’re coming to Keswick and planning to bring the whole family, you will find plenty of town centre accommodation that’s pet-friendly and welcoming for all. After a walk through Whinlatter Forest or around Cat Bells you can visit the many local pubs and shops happy to welcome you and your four-legged friends. Visit B&Bs that provide dog towels, and cottages with secure enclosed gardens. Other pets including horses are also welcome. [space height=”20″]

Some of the best places to go

[space height=”20″] The Dog and Gun A warm and snug traditional pub with charm, oak beams, flag stone floors and a real log fire. Popular with walkers and climbers the Dog and Gun offers a good selection of beers, lagers and real ales as well as good quality home cooked pub food available 7 days a week. Winning ‘Dog Friendly Pub of the Year’ in 2009 (awarded by The Kennel Club) they are also home to the Keswick Mountain Rescue and Northern Air Ambulance which they support with their regular charity quiz night. A special menu with bags of treats is available for the four legged patrons. www.tripadvisor.co.uk www.pub-explorer.com Larry’s Lodge A charming bed and breakfast in Keswick town where the owners have named their lodge after their first puppy, Larry. The bedrooms are named after Larry’s seven puppies, who are now successful guide dogs with Guide Dogs For the Blind. www.larryslodge.co.uk Lake District Hotels Each of their dog friendly hotels either allow dogs in all bedrooms or have an allocated number of rooms which guests can bring their dogs into. Dog beds and bowls are also available so you don’t have to fill the car with all the extra baggage. They even make their own dog cakes at The Borrowdale Hotel, ready for your arrival for guests who call and order them in advance. www.lakedistricthotels.net/blog/wewelcomedogs Horse & Farrier Inn This traditional Lakeland Inn has enjoyed an idyllic location in the centre of the picturesque village of Threlkeld, just 4 miles east of Keswick in Cumbria, for over 300 years. Expect a warm welcome, mellow Lakeland stone, traditional architecture and a peaceful setting perfect for a quiet pint, delicious food and a short break “away from it all”. With most rooms being dog friendly and a number of superb Lakeland walks on the doorstep the Inn is ideally situated for walkers and their best friends. www.horseandfarrier.com Low Nest Farm This small, family run farm offering guest accommodation is sourrounded by the beautiful Lake District fells. Conveniently located just two miles south of Keswick it gives easy access to the local town and many things to do. Low Nest Farm say they strive to provide the ultimate dog friendly accommodation. Additional facilities include kennels, agility equipment, and a designated stock free field (4 Acres+) for off lead exercise. www.dogfriendlylakedistrict.co.uk Cumbrian Cottages one of the finest selections of Lake District cottages available, with over 900 holiday cottages, houses, lodges and apartments situated in all the very best and most sought after locations within the Lake District National Park and throughout Cumbria. And they have hundreds of pet friendly cottages to choose from. www.cumbrian-cottages.co.uk Lynwood Keswick Guest House A large Victorian House built in the 1850’s using local slate. An impressive house, Lynwood has retained many of its orginal features. It has six spacious ensuite bedrooms. The rooms at the front of the house look out over the roof tops to Walla Crag and Cat Bells whilst those at the back have views out to Skiddaw. One of many pet friendly guest houses in the area. www.lynwood-keswick.co.uk More information on the Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs campaign can be found at www.openfordogs.org.uk.