The Dog Friendly Map
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Days Out Are For Dogs Too
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Indoor Welcome Last Verified:
21 Oct 2026
Bowness Pier is the main departure point for Windermere Lake Cruises, sitting right in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District. From here, scenic cruises, self-drive boats and pier-hopping adventures open up England's largest lake in every direction — and dogs travel free on all scheduled sailings.
Cruises range from a 45-minute Islands circuit to a 90-minute Yellow Cruise south to Lakeside, a 75-minute Red Cruise north to Ambleside, or a full Freedom of the Lake day ticket for unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel. Dogs must stay on leads throughout boarding and the journey, and there are no dog toilets on board, so it's worth timing longer cruises with that in mind.
For a dog-friendly Lake District day out, it's hard to beat the combination of fell views, lake air and a dog who gets to ride a steamer for free — noses firmly into the wind the whole way.
Good to know:
Water bowls available
Free treats available
Doggy menu available
Dog Policy:
Dogs travel free on all Windermere Lake Cruises sailings and self-drive boats — leads on throughout, paws firmly planted on the deck rather than the seats. A proper Lake District adventure, no pavement-waiting required.
Also nearby...
Boardwalk Bar and Grill
Quayside
Boaters Bar
Lake View Garden Bar
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