IT'S not always easy identifying a good day out where your dog is welcome too, but Cumbria’s Living Heritage – a cluster group of amazing visitor attractions across the county - have made the task a whole lot easier.

The best places to visit with your four-legged friends, which will appeal to owners and pets alike, have been rounded up in this very handy guide.

The criteria for the first of these recommendations is a view to die for, whilst the second is a very practical suggestion as to where man’s best friend could find a full water bowl, a doggy treat, or something else very special. The result is a brilliant canine itinerary to follow in 2016.

Top places at which to "paws for thought":

  • At Hutton-in-the-Forest , near Penrith, where owners will find an idyllic shady seat on which to sit with their dog, whilst enjoying the gorgeous walled garden. This spot has been recommended by the House Administrator at Hutton, Pamela Davidson, who often sits there with her Staffy, Lottie, who appreciates this nice, cool spot on a warm summer’s day.
  • In the Bee Garden at Mirehouse , near Bassenthwaite, where canine friends and owners can enjoy a garden planted especially for bees and butterflies, on benches that enable both to bask in Cumbrian sunshine. This was voted one of the prettiest picnic spots in the county by Cumbria Life magazine and doggy friends will love the interest and colour of the herb beds and heather path maze.

  • Ron Mein and Gem at the Lakeland Motor Museum At the Captain’s Seat at Kirklinton Hall and Gardens , north of Carlisle, where a spectacular cascade mesmerises and the mysterious carved face of Maelgwyn the Fair entrances and stirs the imagination.
  • In the Leven Valley Heritage Centre at the Lakeland Motor Museum near Haverthwaite, which celebrates the industrial heritage of the area. Historian and regular local visitor Ron Mein recommends this spot, as dogs like his well-behaved companion, Gem, are always welcome and appreciate the water bowls on hand and the good-sized exercise area immediately adjacent to the main car parking area.
  • At Holker Hall , near Grange-over-Sands, just inside the gated entrance to the Estate, where dogs and owners can indulge in a view across the parkland, soaking up the stunning view of the Lakeland Hills and spying Ulverston’s famous Hoad Monument through the trees. Dogs need to be kept on a lead, as there are lots of free roaming deer and livestock around, but this will add to the interest for your faithful friend.
    Holker Hall's dog-friendly gardens
  • By the river at English Heritage’s Brougham Castle , where pooches and their master or mistress can take in views of the River Eamont, whilst wandering through the ruins of Lady Anne Clifford’s former home.
  • At the National Trust’s Allan Bank , where there are plenty of benches with scenic views from them, including a breathtaking vista of Grasmere. However, the view of the fire in Wordsworth’s Study could be the best one, for both dog and owner, on a chilly day.
  • In the gardens at John Ruskin’s former home at Brantwood , beside Coniston Water, where there is enticing woodland and many shady spots in which to sit, have lunch and admire the view. Alternatively, head to the café terrace, overlooking the tranquil lake, where a spot of sunbathing suits most pampered pooches.
    By the lake at Brantwood
  • From the top of the Cannonbank, by the front door at Muncaster Castle , at 4pm each day, when the wild herons fly into feed - as long as they promise not to bark. Alternatively, your dog will love everything they see whilst winding their way through more than 70 acres of wild, woodland gardens, on their lead.

If that’s not enough to have a dog lover packing their bag for Cumbria, Cumbria’s Living Heritage has its best places for a look back to the past.


Where to go to "lap up" some heritage:

  • At <b>Brockhole</b>, The Lake District Visitor Centre, dogs on a lead have licence to roam throughout the grounds, including along the lakeshore path. Well behaved dogs can even trot on board a boat and sail the lake for free – as long as they take their owners too.
  • At <b>Dove Cottage</b>, in Grasmere, pooches will secretly revel, without their owners’ knowledge, in seeing the portrait of Wordsworth’s dog, Pepper – a gift from Sir Walter Scott. Whilst Pepper graces the wall, there is no portrait of Mrs Wordsworth!

  • At <b>Stott Park Bobbin Mill</b>, dogs are very welcome on tours of this last remaining working bobbin mill in the Lake District, where visitors can watch bobbins being made.



  • Henry, at Stott Park Bobbin Mill At <b>Kirklinton Hall and Gardens</b>, dogs will love the 14 acres of gardens and grounds. Highlights include the walks through the Fairy Glen, the mature beech woodland high above Longcleughside Beck and the bluebell walk down to the River Lyne. If it’s a dull day, they can even stretch out in front of a log fire in the Carriage House.
  • At <b>Muncaster Gardens</b>, which are full of exciting smells and interesting corners to explore. Whilst dogs cannot enter the Hawk and Owl Centre, where they could frighten the birds, or the Castle itself, they can stroll the Stable Yard area and gift shop and enjoy watching the exciting Sky Hunters flying display, every day at 2pm, from the reserved Doggy Viewing area.

Doggy water bowls are provided at Muncaster, Allan Bank, Brantwood, Dove Cottage, Lakeland Motor Museum, Holker Hall, Brougham Castle, Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Furness Abbey and Kirklington Hall and Gardens and doggy treats or biscuits will be found at dog-friendly Allan Bank and the café at Brockhole.

It’s a dog’s life – and a very joyous one – on tour in Cumbria, with Cumbria’s Living Heritage.`

More information about all the dog-friendly members of Cumbria’s Living Heritage can be found at www.cumbriaslivingheritage.co.uk