It’s quite rare to read about a new idea in tourism and they have a few really great suggestions for days out.

There’s the:

• Wordsworth Trail
• Valentine’s day trip (available every day! Now how romantic is THAT!)
• Ale Trail
• Cake and Cocktails (I think I know someone who’d like that one)
• Culture Vulture Tour

…and even better they are dog friendly so you don’t need to worry about leaving your best friend at home!

The Lake District is a haven for dogs to take their owners on some fabulous walks. There are loads of web sites which detail local walks. On the Walking World site there are even some walks that can be done from the cabin door – just type in “LA23 1PA” or “Troutbeck” into the search box. Be sure to check out our doggy page for advice about safety on the fells though!

2. Go for a ride in a boat

The steamers on Ullswater and Coniston and the cruisers on Windermere and Derwentwater all accept dogs for a small charge. You can also take dogs on the hire boats from Shepherd of Windermere.

3. Go for a swim

Not all dogs are keen but our retriever can’t keep out of the water. For a really magical moment put on a wet suit and get in with them!

4. Go to a pub

The Lake District is the home to some of the finest traditional pubs in the land, and many accept dogs. Our three favourite doggy pubs are The Mortal Man and The Queen’s Head in Troutbeck and the Watermill at Ings. The Mortal Man has a fantastic beer garden and the Watermill has a great selection selection of beer. Both do good unpretentious food at reasonable prices. The Queens Head thinks it’s a bit more “upmarket” with prices to match. Did someone say “gastropub”?

5. Visit the gardens of a big house

It’s always worth checking before you go as some place don’t allow dogs – It’s a shame that Holehird Gardens near the lodges isn’t dog friendly as it would make a great walk, but places like Hutton-in-the-Forest and the Brockhole visitor centre do (at the time of writing)

6. Go to the beach

Grange and The Lakeland peninsulas have some lovely dog-walking beaches on them, and St Bees in the North has a magical beach with rock-pools, herons, and oyster catchers. You can even watch for porpoise in the Irish Sea if you bring binoculars.

7. Seek out some history

Hardknott Roman Fort, Ambleside Roman Fort, Lanercost Priory, Muncaster Castle, Sizergh Castle, Mayburgh Henge and Ravenglass Roman Bath House all allow dogs in the grounds.

8. Spoil your dog

Pop down to our favourite pet shop in the Lakes – Paws by the Lake (015394 32014), an original shop at Waterhead, Ambleside which combines both a pet shop and gift shop for pet lovers, and buy your best friend a toy.

You can also try Lakeland Pet Supplies at 28 Main Rd, Windermere, LA23 1DY, (015394 44458) or if you want a bigger choice there’s a Pets at Home in the South Lakeland Retail Park, Kendal.

If you want to have your dog groomed you could take him to Studio K9 in Bowness.

9. Give your dog’s legs a rest and take him for a train ride

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway both allow dogs.

10. Bring your dog to stay at the best dog friendly pine lodges in The Lakes!

If your dog could talk he’d have phoned us to book either Otter Lodge or Kingfisher Lodge already.