The headline dog day out in Keswick is Derwentwater itself, and a cruise on the Keswick Launch welcomes dogs free of charge. Around the town, several attractions let dogs in too, from an open-air prehistoric stone circle with a mountain backdrop to England's only true mountain forest, so you rarely have to leave your dog behind.
The classic way to see Derwentwater, on launches that circle the lake and call at seven jetties, from the Keswick landings round to Hawes End and Lodore. Dogs travel free on every sailing, so you can hop off for a fell walk and sail back to town.
💡 Take the launch to Hawes End and walk Catbells, then sail back; the open decks are the nicest place for a dog on a clear day.
One of the earliest and most dramatically set stone circles in Britain, standing in an open field ringed by the northern fells just outside Keswick. It is a free, open English Heritage site, and dogs on leads are welcome in this atmospheric spot at any time of day.
💡 Come at sunrise or sunset for the light on the fells and the quietest circle; it is grazed farmland, so keep your dog leashed and clean up.
England's only true mountain forest, run by Forestry England in the hills west of Keswick, with waymarked walking and cycling trails, an osprey viewpoint and a visitor centre café. Dogs are welcome on the forest trails on a lead, making it a good all-weather option under the tree cover.
💡 The tree cover makes it one of the best places to walk a dog in heavy rain; keep to the waymarked trails and out of any active forestry areas.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Chaucers Nook
★★★★★ · 9.8/10
€120/night
Hazel Bank Country House Borrowdale Valley
★★★★★ · 9.7/10
€120/night
Forge Cottage
★★★★★ · 9.5/10
€120/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Keswick also welcome your dog.
