The South Lakes Doggy Pawsport

The South Lakes
Doggy Pawsport
page 1
A guide to taking your dog on
holiday in the Southern Lake
District
2 THE SOUTH LAKES DOGGY PAWSPORT
Welcome to The South Lakes Doggy Pawsport
Contents
page
An A-Z Selection of Dog Friendly
Accommodation by Area
3
Hostelries
7
Where Can You and Your Dog Go?
7
Miles Without Stiles
9
Dog-Friendly Attractions
9
Doggy Diary
10
Doggy Snippets
11
Enjoy a collar-cation!
Two million dog owners find that a holiday
just isn’t the same without their canine
friend and are hounded by the thought of
leaving them behind. Here in the South
Lakes we understand this and believe
that our amazing outdoor playground is
the perfect location for a holiday with your
dog.
Our natural environment offers you and
them every opportunity to enjoy some
quality time together and you will find that
you and they are welcome in a wide
variety of hotels, hostelries, attractions
and outdoor locations, as well as at
various countryside events where you can
both enjoy the fresh Lake District air.
Even if you can’t bring your dog, but are
barking mad for all things canine, we’ve
some memorable dog-related things-to-do
and some fabulous food for you to woof
down – remembering to take a doggy-bag
home with you, of course!
Come and see us during 2011 and
unleash your desire to spend time with
your pooch. The South Lakes has plenty
of room for the both of you and we’ll
make sure you enjoy a great collar-cation.
page 2
SOUTHERN LAKE DISTRICT DOGGY PAWSPORT 3
An A-Z Selection of Dog Friendly Accommodation by Area
Southern Lakeland has an abundance of
accommodation options for you and your
dog, ranging from B&Bs and self-catering
cottages to hotels and great campsites.
To make things a little easier for you, we
have listed a selection of dog-friendly
businesses who will give you a warm
welcome.
Prices were correct at the time of going to
press.
Ambleside
Ben’s - sleeps 4 - £495-£755 per week.
(www.thegoodlifecottageco.co.uk)
Black Fell Cottage - sleeps 8 - £440£560 per week.
www.blackfellcottage.co.uk
Brathay Lodge - traditional Lake District
B&B with deluxe & high class rooms.
Tariff £35-£64.50 per person per night
for 2 nights. Dogs £5 per night. Prices
exclude holiday periods.
www.brathay-lodge.co.uk
Elder Grove - accepts dogs, in one of the
standard double rooms, by prior
arrangement. The pet should not be left
unattended or taken into public areas.
Charge is £20 per stay.
www.eldergrove.co.uk
Whilst every effort was made to ensure that
information and prices in this Pawsport were correct
at the time of going to press, South Lakeland
District Council cannot accept any responsibility for
any changes, errors or ommisions, or any
inconvenience arising therefrom.
Ambleside (cont.)
Low Wood Hotel and Waterhead Hotel –
fall under English Lakes Hotels petfriendly policy. Owners to mention dogs
(up to 2) when booking at a cost of £25
for a maximum of 4 days. Dogs are not to
be left unattended in rooms or to be
allowed in public rooms (except guide
dogs). They need to be kept on a lead at
all times whilst in the hotel and grounds.
www.elh.co.uk/lowwood and
www.elh.co.uk/hotels/waterhead
The Old Vicarage, Waterfalls, The Falls you and a small, well-behaved dog can
enjoy the sight and sound of Stock Ghyll
Beck tumbling past the cottage.
www.heartofthelakes.co.uk
Arnside
Rowan Bank House - self-catering, threebedroomed bungalow welcoming one
small, well-behaved pet, with a dog
basket available, if needed.
Price £295-£575 for a week.
www.rowanbankhouse.co.uk
Bowness-on-Windermere
North Lodge - three bedroomed cottage,
sleeps six.
www.lakedistrictholidays.net
The Fairfield - Lake District country
house which accepts doggy guests in
certain ground floor rooms.
www.the-fairfield.co.uk
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4 THE SOUTH LAKES DOGGY PAWSPORT
Coniston
Sunny Bank Farm - cottage with five
spacious bedrooms, set in 16-acre
grounds. Sleeps 12. £880-£2200 per
week. www.sunnybankfarm.co.uk
The Sun - takes a refundable £50
deposit if the room is clean and
undamaged and charges for dogs at
£10 per night. Well-behaved dogs on a
lead are welcome in the pub, as long as
they stay off the furniture. Room tariff
£45-£120 per night.
www.thesunconiston.com
Crosthwaite
Virginia Cottage - medium-sized dogs (no
larger than a Border Collie) may stay by
prior arrangement in the owner’s guest
bedroom and also access all areas except
the breakfast area.
www.virginia-cottage.co.uk
Brigsteer
Plumtree House - 3 star B&B welcoming
pets, walkers and cyclists. Three
bedrooms and a real log fire. One-off
charge of £5 per pet.
www.plumtreehouse.co.uk
Cark In Cartmel
Old Bank House – six-bedroomed, high
quality accommodation, sleeping up to
11 people. Well-behaved pets are all
welcome. Price of a stay is £375-£1450.
www.old-bank-house.co.uk
page 4
Greenbank Cottages – three pet-friendly
cottages costing £240-£750 per week,
for cottages sleeping from 2, 4 and 6.
www.greenbank-cumbria.co.uk
Damson Dene Hotel – three star hotel
where dining includes vegetables from
Victorian kitchen garden. Rooms with
Jacuzzi baths and features such as fourposter beds. Dogs welcome as long as
accompanied by well-behaved owners!
www.damsondene.co.uk
Gilpin Valley
The Famous Wild Boar Hotel - falls
under English Lakes Hotels pet-friendly
policy. Owners to mention dogs (up to 2)
when booking at a cost of £25 for a
maximum of 4 days. Dogs are not to be
left unattended in rooms or to be allowed
in public rooms (except guide dogs).
They need to be kept on a lead at all
times whilst in the hotel and grounds.
www.elh.co.uk/hotels/wildboar
SOUTHERN LAKE DISTRICT DOGGY PAWSPORT 5
Grasmere
Kendal
Little Parrock Large Holiday Cottage 15 minutes’ walk from Grasmere centre.
Sleeps 10, in 5 bedrooms. Pet & child
friendly. Contact owner for tariff.
www.littleparrock.co.uk
Riverside Hotel - luxury leisure hotel on
the banks of the River Kent with 47 en
suite rooms. Sauna, steam room, spa
bath and gym - all in the leisure facility.
Pets welcome if arranged in advance.
www.riversidekendal.co.uk
Knipefold Barn - luxury cottage, 5 star
(VisitEngland) with fabulous panoramic
views towards the Hawkshead fells.
Sleeps 5 - £620-£1025 per week.
Well-behaved pets welcome.
Ings
Meadowcroft Country Guesthouse warm welcome for you and your pet from
guesthouse owners and their working
Cocker Spaniels! Dog beds and food
bowls are available. They should not be
left alone and are not permitted to go into
the dining room, when they should be
taken to the car. They should also be kept
on a lead when walking to the room.
Charge of £10 for a doggy stay. Twolegged stay £35-£42 per person double
occupancy.
www.meadowcroft-guesthouse.com
Watermill Inn and Brewing Co - dogs
welcome in the main bar (and pampered
with Lakeland water and Winalot biscuits)
located by a gated,
dogs’ paradise road!
Charged at £3 per
night with a £1
donation to the Dogs
Trust.
www.watermillinn.
co.uk/itsadogslife.
html
The Glen Guest House, Oxenholme - set
in quiet grounds under ‘The Helm’, which
offers some of the best views of the Lake
District and Morecambe Bay. All types of
room, some with whirlpool. Hot tub
outside. Dogs allowed by prior
arrangement in all except the Four Poster
suite. Tariff £35-£85 per night. Call
owners on 01539 726386 to discuss
pooch arrangements.
www.glen-kendal.co.uk
Cobblestone Cottage & Wallers Barn –
sleeping 10 and 6 respectively in highquality barn conversions. Well-behaved
dogs are welcome, but details need to be
provided on booking. A charge of £25
per dog per week, or £15 per dog per
part week is payable on booking.
Regrettably, no puppies allowed.
www.topthorn.com
Kirkby Lonsdale
Hipping Hall, Cowan Bridge - 17th
century wisteria-draped house with fine à
la carte restaurant and excellent food.
£100-£200 per person, bed and
breakfast. Pets accepted in Room 7.
www.hippinghall.com
Snooty Fox Tavern - AA 4 star Jacobean
inn with cask marque accreditation for
ales. Eight doubles and one twin.
£30-£45 per person per night
www.thesnootyfoxhotel.co.uk
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6 THE SOUTH LAKES DOGGY PAWSPORT
The Sun Inn - five star luxury bed and
breakfast accommodation in a venue
blending the contemporary with the
history of a 17th century Lake District Inn.
Four rooms are dog friendly, by prior
arrangement, and dogs are welcome in
the bar. www.sun-inn.co.uk
Woodclose Park - award-winning and
serene park with 9 acres of land. Touring
area, camping field and even wigwams.
Dogs to be kept on a lead and exercised
off the park, which has wildlife habitats.
£1 charge for dogs.
www.woodclosepark.com
Lindale
Buck Crag - 16th century farmhouse
welcoming pets for a one-off cleaning
charge of £15. Cost of hire £350 -£995
per week.
www.buck-crag.co.uk
Sedbergh
Dragon Cottage, Dent - recently
refurbished and sleeps up to six adults.
Family pet welcome as long as kept at
bottom floor level.
www.dragoncottage.co.uk
Staveley
Brunt Knott Farm Cottages - four self
catering cottages sleeping 2-5, £227£484 per week.
www.bruntknottcottages.co.uk
page 6
Windermere
Beckside Cottage - B&B where dogs are
welcome by prior arrangement and with a
small charge. £25-£35 pppn.
www.becksidewindermere.co.uk
Cedar Manor Hotel - small, well behaved
dogs welcome in the Coach House, but
not in public rooms or main hotel
building. The charge is £10 per day, to a
maximum of £30 per stay. The hotel is
dog-friendly, but has rules, including not
leaving your lovable mutt unattended in
the room.
www.cedarmanor.co.uk
Elim Lodge - an attractive Lakeland
house just a short walk from Lake
Windermere. Welcomes well-behaved
pets. Tariff £25-£40 per person per night,
based on two people sharing.
www.elimlodge.co.uk
The Coppice - B&B with three pet-friendly
superior double-bedded rooms, charging
£10 per night for a dog. The Coppice
encourages owners to bring their own
pet’s blanket and will refrigerate food on
the owner’s behalf. Dogs should not be
left unattended in rooms or be allowed
into the public areas.
www.thecoppice.co.uk
Kays Cottage - guest house sometimes
accepting small dogs if booked in
advance.
www.kays
cottage.co.uk
SOUTHERN LAKE DISTRICT DOGGY PAWSPORT 7
There are 70 cottages in The
Coppermines and Lakes Cottages
holiday portfolio and all welcome pets.
Visit www.coppermines.co.uk for more
details.
Where Can You and Your
Dog Go?
Use the search option at
www.lakeslovers.co.uk to find other
South Lakes properties that will
welcome your dog.
Cumbria has 2,500 sq km of Open
Access land on which dogs can be walked
in many areas. Between 1 March and 31
July, dogs must be kept on a lead when
on Open Access land so that breeding
animals and birds are not disturbed.
Visit
www.golakes.co.uk/accommodation
and search for properties which have
received Pets Welcome accreditation.
Hostelries
Fancy a drink with your four-legged
friend? Here are some suggestions:
Ambleside - The Water Edge Inn
Ambleside - The Golden Rule
Cartmel - The Cavendish Arms
Coniston - The Ship Inn
Crosthwaite - The Punch Bowl
Great Langdale - Old Dungeon Ghyll
Hotel
Hawkshead - Kings Arms Hotel
Ings - The Watermill Inn
Kendal - Oddfellows
Kirkby Lonsdale - Plato’s
Sizergh - The Strickland Arms
Winster - Brown Horse Inn
Witherslack - Derby Arms
Rules to follow
Leads must always be used where there
is livestock and it is an offence to allow
your dog to worry animals. If approached
by a cow, particularly when protecting its
young, drop the lead and run to safety.
Your dog will get away safely using its own
intelligence.
You do not have to keep your dog on a
lead when on a public right of way, but
you must keep it under close control.
Having it on a lead is safest, as your dog
could find wildlife scents irresistible and
scamper off, possibly getting lost in
unfamiliar territory.
If you do take your dog out on a long
walk, make sure it is fit enough to tackle
what you have in store. Take water with
you and a water bowl, so that your pal
can stay hydrated. Carry clothing for
yourself and a blanket for both of you.
Always check the weather forecast prior
to departure.
If your dog is panting excessively, move it
into the shade and then cool its whole
body with water, especially its head. Let it
drink cool water frequently and call a vet.
You should carry a small first aid kit for
your dog and check it for ticks, which look
like dark, smooth peas. Do not pull these
page 7
8 THE SOUTH LAKES DOGGY PAWSPORT
out or squeeze them. If you spot any, ask
your vet for advice on how to remove
them, as they are parasites that can
spread harmful diseases.
Veterinary surgeries
Also check your dog’s paws for scratches,
cuts and grass seeds between its toes.
Ambleside
If your dog is stung and the sting is still in
its skin, scrape it away with a fingernail or
credit card. Do not squeeze or grasp it.
Clean the area with a wet cloth to reduce
pain and swelling. If in doubt, call a vet.
Should your dog be bitten by an adder,
keep it still and calm. Carry your dog,
rather than allowing it to walk. Do not try
to tend to the wound and call a vet
immediately.
Veterinary suregries in the South Lakes
can be contacted as follows:
Sansom and Dodwell, Church Street
(015394 32631)
Susan P Richardson, Old Lake Road
(015394 33565)
Grange-over-Sands
Archway Veterinary Practice, Station
Square (015395 32669)
Kendal
Highgate Veterinary Clinic, Highgate
(01539 721344)
Be careful with your dog around water, as
currents in Lake District rivers and
streams can be strong.
Westmorland Veterinary Group, Natland
Road (01539 722692)
You must clean up all dog mess and
dispose of it responsibly in litter bins –
not in plastic bags hung on trees or walls,
which is hazardous to wildlife.
Tithe Barn Veterinary Centre, Kendal
Road (015242 71221)
Kirkby Lonsdale
Milnthorpe
Bay Veterinary Group, The Square
(01524 410867)
Sedbergh
Preston and Bramley, Long Lane
(015396 20335)
Ulverston
Church Walk Veterinary Centre, St Mary’s
Place (01229 583675)
South Lake Veterinary Centre, Victoria
Road (01229 582900)
Windermere
Sansom and Dodwell, Lake Road
(01539 488555)
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SOUTHERN LAKE DISTRICT DOGGY PAWSPORT 9
Miles Without Stiles
There are 39 routes in the National Park
suitable for people with limited mobility
and for dogwalkers with less active dogs.
These routes are graded and gradients
are no more than 1:10.
Visit www.lake-district.gov.uk/index/
visiting/outdoors/mileswithoutstiles.htm
to view the routes.
Dog-Friendly Attractions
Brantwood
Dogs can be taken around Brantwood
garden, but are not allowed in the house.
Owners can use the tying rail provided to
secure their dog whilst they tour the
former home of John Ruskin.
Coniston Launch
Dogs are allowed on board the boats
within the cabins, but not on the seats, at
a charge of 50 pence (free to working
guide dogs). The founders of Coniston
launch owned Flatcoated Retrievers
Saga, Folly and Epic and, to mark the
enjoyment these dogs provided, all
Flatcoated Retrievers still travel FREE of
charge!
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but
keep them off the seats!
Rydal Mount
Dogs are allowed in the garden, if kept on
a lead.
Sizergh Castle
Dogs on leads are welcome around the
estate, but not the gardens. Owners and
dogs can enjoy a walk to Helsington
Barrows and Scout Scar from the car
park.
Steam Yacht Gondola
Dogs are allowed in outside areas of this
steam-powered boat, which sails on
Coniston.
Windermere Lake Cruises
All dogs travel free on these picturesque
lake cruises that can hook visitors up with
beautiful walks.
For more information on attractions is the South
Lakes, visit www.southlakeland.gov.uk/tourism
Fell Foot Park
Dogs are allowed on leads and owners
can enjoy a cup of tea and a cake on
picnic benches outside, sharing their
treats with their dog - if they are feeling
generous!
Grizedale Forest Park and Visitor Centre
Dogs are allowed in the Forest Park and
can be taken on certain walks/events
arranged there.
Lake District National Park Visitor
Centre (Brockhole), Windermere
Dogs are welcome if kept on a lead at all
times.
page 9
10 THE SOUTH LAKES DOGGY PAWSPORT
Doggy Diary
July-August
Cross Bay Walks, Arnside
Dogs are welcome on these organised
walks across Morecambe Bay.
July
Cumbria Steam Gathering
Cark Airfield, Flookburgh
Event celebrating steam and headlined
by the Elaine Hill Sheepdog Display.
www.steamgathering.co.uk
July
Ambleside Sports, Ambleside
Hound trails, traditional sports, other
entertainment.
www.amblesidesports.co.uk
August
Cartmel Show, Cartmel
Country show encompassing a dog show
and hound trail.
www.cartmelagriculturalsociety.org.uk
August
Lake District Sheepdog Trials
Hill Farm, Ings, Near Windermere
Sheepdog trials, Cumberland and
Westmorland wrestling, fox hound trails,
Terrier Show, craft displays.
Tel: 015242 71584
August
Vale of Rydal Sheepdog Trials
Rydal Park, north of Ambleside
Featuring The Rydal Class Novice
Sheepdog Trials, The Le Fleming Stakes
Advanced Sheepdog Trials, Coniston
Foxhounds, Beagle Show, Shepherd
Crooks and Sticks Competition, Working
Terrier show, Open Hound Trail, Gun Dog
demonstration, Fell Foxhound show,
page 10
Puppy Hound Trail, Dog Dash, Open
Restricted Hound Trail. Day starts at 9am.
www.rydalshow.co.uk
August
Hawkshead Agricultural Show
Dog classes covering sheepdogs, working
terriers and foxhounds
www.hawksheadshow.co.uk
August
Grasmere Sports and Show, Grasmere.
Dog shows, hound trails, wrestling,
mountain biking, races.
www.grasmeresportsandshow.co.uk
September
Westmorland County Show
Crooklands, Kendal
Featuring dogs and hounds, many other
animals, crafts, Cumberland and
Westmorland wrestling, Food Hall and
cookery demonstrations. Dogs welcome
with visitors to the show.
www.westmorlandshow.co.uk/page/
advance_tickets
For more information on events throughout the
South Lakes, visit www.southlakeland.gov.uk/events
SOUTHERN LAKE DISTRICT DOGGY PAWSPORT 11
Doggy Snippets
Whilst living at Dove Cottage in Grasmere,
William Wordsworth had a Border Terrier
called Pepper. This pet was given to the
Wordsworths by Sir Walter Scott – a
breeder of Border Terriers, all of which he
named after spices.
Visitors to Dove Cottage today can see a
portrait of Pepper proudly displayed.
Entrance to Dove Cottage costs £7.50 for
an adult, £4.50 for a child (under 6 free)
and £17.20 for a family ticket for 1 or 2
adults and 1-3 children. More details are
available at www.wordsworth.org.uk
Beatrix Potter grew to be a true lover of
collie dogs and other working sheepdogs,
but her first encounter with these dogs
was less than pleasant.
On her first visit to the Lake District, when
aged 16, she noted in her journal: ‘went
to Hawkshead; lost continually, alarmed
by collies at every farm.’
By 1896, when she was aged 30, she
stayed at and fell in love with Sawrey.
Having to return to London, she noted:
‘Perhaps my most sentimental leavetaking was with Don the great farm collie.
He came up and muddied me as I was
packing. I accompanied him to the
stable-gate where he turned ... and
gravely shook hands. Afterwards, putting
his paws firmly on my shoulder, he licked
my face and then went away into the
farm.’
By 1905, Beatrix had developed a deep
love of working dogs and had her own
dog, Kep, to whom she was devoted.
Kep features in ‘The Tale of Jemima
Puddle-Duck’ (1908), rescuing the naïve
and silly Jemima from the clutches of Mr
Tod the fox.
Beatrix produced numerous sketches and
watercolours of Kep prior to the dog’s
death in 1917. Dogs she owned in
subsequent years included Fleet, a black
and white bobtail, Nip, a collie, and
various pups produced by Nip.
Dogs are welcome at National Trust
countryside properties as long as they are
kept under control, or on leads where
necessary. They are not allowed into
mansion properties or gardens, but there
is usually a spot where they can be tied
up outside buildings – as long as they are
patient whilst waiting for their owners.
Visit www.sardalakes.org.uk/dogblog.html
to follow the trials and tribulations of
Dottie, a tri-coloured Border Collie and
search dog with the Lake District
Mountain Rescue Search Dogs team, who
has had to train a human (Kaz Frith) to
work with her.
SARDA – the Search and Rescue Dog
Association – performs valuable work in
the Lake District as an adjunct to the
Mountain Rescue Service. SARDA Lakes
has around 12 graded dog teams and a
large number of dogs and handlers in
training. On average, three dog teams
grade each year, ensuring a constant
rescue service for the public.
In 2009, SARDA were called out 73 times
and you can read about some of these
rescues and see photos of the team at
www.sardalakes.org.uk
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12 THE SOUTH LAKES DOGGY PAWSPORT
A SARDA roll of honour and individual
stories of handlers and dogs can be
found at the SARDA Lakes website. This
year’s callouts can also be seen there.
SARDA Lakes is a voluntary organisation
and needs to raise funds to train
members and their trainee or qualified
dog. Some trainees travel from afar and
need to be accommodated overnight in
mountain huts or village halls, which have
to be paid for. These members get no
personal benefit, so SARDA strives to pay
their travel expenses.
As well as once-a-month weekend
training, there is a week-long training
course held in the Scottish Highlands,
which again needs funding, as this allows
SARDA Lakes to gain experience in bad
weather conditions.
Most rescues occur at night and in
inclement weather. Good quality,
waterproof clothing is essential, along
with torches, high visibility dog jackets,
light collars and a specialist winching
harness for the dog, in case it needs to
be lifted out by helicopter. Warm fleece
jackets are then needed when the dogs
return home.
Add to this dog insurance and the need
for charitable donations is very real. The
team who carry out this valuable rescue
work do so for no personal benefit and
really do need your assistance.
If you wish to help, make a cheque
payable to SARDA (Lakes) and send it to
SARDA Lakes, Hazelhurst Cottage, Hazel
Street, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1EL.
A completed Giftaid form (available at
www.sardalakes.org.uk) will increase the
value of your donation.
page 12
You can also donate online with a credit
card or become a Friend of SARDA Lakes.
Alternatively, you can buy a poloshirt or
sweatshirt that will help raise funds for
this wholly self-funded organisation that
receives no Government or Lottery
funding.
Each year, an individual handler and dog
cost the Association in excess of £500,
as well as £400 coming from the
handler’s own
pocket. Please
do what you can
to help.
If you need to
call out
Mountain
Rescue whilst in
the Lake District
with your dog,
dial 999 and ask
for Mountain
Rescue, or send
an SMS text to
the police on
07786 208999.