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Getting Around Windermere with a Dog
๐ฌ๐งWindermere, United KingdomยทUpdated 25 July 2026
Windermere is one of the easiest UK places to reach and explore with a dog because trains, local buses and the lake boats all take dogs. There is no airport at Windermere itself; most visitors arrive by the branch railway line that runs from the West Coast Main Line at Oxenholme straight into Windermere station, then walk or take the short bus down to Bowness and the lake.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| National Rail trains | Under the National Rail Conditions of Travel, every passenger may bring up to two dogs free of charge on any train in Great Britain. Dogs must be on a lead or in an enclosed carrier, are not allowed on seats or in restaurant cars, and a third dog would be charged half the adult fare. The scenic Windermere branch line from Oxenholme is short and dog-easy. | ๐ก |
| Windermere Lake Cruises | All dogs travel free on the scheduled lake cruises and self-drive boats and do not need to be booked in advance. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and off the seats, and there are dog water bowls on board; on the busiest sailings staff may ask you to move to give space to other passengers. | ๐ก |
| Local buses and taxis | Stagecoach buses, including the 599 open-top that links Windermere station, Bowness and Ambleside, generally allow well-behaved dogs at the driver's discretion; keep the dog on a lead and off the seats. Taxis are also at the driver's discretion, so mention the dog when booking to avoid a refusal. | ๐ก |
Arriving in Windermere
Windermere has no airport of its own. Drivers come off the M6 at Kendal, while by rail you change at Oxenholme (Lake District) on the West Coast Main Line onto the short branch line into Windermere station, all dog-friendly and free for up to two dogs. The nearest airport is Manchester (MAN), roughly 90 minutes away by road, with Glasgow and Newcastle also within reach for a hire car.
Around the lake
Windermere town, Bowness and the lakeshore are close enough to link on foot, and the mile between the station and the pier is a pleasant downhill walk. The 599 bus shuttles between them if the weather turns, and once you are at Bowness pier the lake cruises double as dog-friendly transport, dropping at Ambleside, Brockhole and Lakeside, where the Lakeland Motor Museum and a heritage steam railway are close by.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on the train to Windermere?
Yes. On National Rail, up to two dogs travel free with each passenger; they must be on a lead or in a carrier and are not allowed on seats. You change at Oxenholme onto the short Windermere branch line, which is one of the most scenic dog-friendly rail approaches in England.
Do dogs go on the Windermere lake boats?
Yes, and for free. Windermere Lake Cruises welcome all dogs on a lead at no charge, with no need to book, and provide water bowls on board. On very busy sailings you may be asked to move so nervous passengers have space.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Windermere
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Beaumont Windermere - Adults-Only Boutique Guest House- Free Parking & Wellness Access
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.4/10
โฌ120/night
Langdale Chase Hotel
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.4/10
โฌ120/night
Applegarth Villa Hotel & Restaurant (Adult Only)
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.2/10
โฌ120/night
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