Leading the Pack in Stylish Dog-friendly Escapes

This International Dog Day, meet Ted – the beagle inspiring high-quality, dog-friendly escapes filled with character in the Lake District.

For many dog owners, a holiday simply would not feel complete without their four-legged companion. Yet finding genuinely dog-friendly accommodation can often mean compromising on quality, location or comfort. Based in Windermere, Laik is a forward-thinking holiday let design and management company whose approach to dog-friendly travel was inspired by one very special companion: Ted.

This International Dog Day (26 August), Laik is celebrating Ted, the pup whose love of adventure, long walks, and cosy stays sparked the idea for its carefully curated collection of dog-friendly, self-catering properties. Described by colleagues as ‘Chief Morale Officer’, Ted is an expert in stress reduction, biscuit detection and greeting visitors.

Working with independent property owners in Cumbria, Laik hand-picks holiday homes that combine high-quality accommodation with the practical touches that make travelling with dogs effortless. From incredible interiors and direct access to miles of walking trails, to welcoming eateries nearby and an abundance of dog-friendly attractions on the doorstep, the company uses their expert local knowledge to help guests find holidays where every member of the family feels at home. 

Examples include:   

Upper Oak House (Sleeps 6): A spacious, modern Windermere home featuring a beautifully landscaped, enclosed garden with a hot tub, located near Queen's Park for effortless morning walks. 

Myley Ghyll (Sleeps 4): A peaceful Troutbeck retreat boasting panoramic valley views and endless fell walks from the front door.

Crossriggs: (Sleeps 6): Splendidly renovated, contemporary living midway between the vibrant towns of Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere, with an enclosed garden ideal for relaxing with your four-legged friend. 

Niall Mellonie, Director and Co-Founder of Laik, said: “As dog owners ourselves, we know the challenge of finding somewhere special that genuinely welcomes dogs. Ted has influenced the way we look at every property we represent. We don't just ask whether a property allows dogs, we ask whether we'd happily stay there with our own.

We have seen a steady increase in enquiries for dog-friendly stays over the past year and noticed that occupancy rates for our dog-friendly properties are higher than for like for like properties. Lead times for bookings are also typically earlier, so we would advise dog owners to book early to secure the holiday accommodation of their choice.”

The UK market for dog-friendly holidays has grown considerably in recent years, driven by increased dog ownership and changing consumer behaviour. Academic research from the University of Surrey describes dog-friendly accommodation as a 'thriving’ market, concluding that, ‘owners believe that travelling with dogs enhances the dogs’ wellbeing and happiness’. Meanwhile, Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Cumbria Visitor Survey 2025’ reveals that nearly a fifth of visitors were accompanied by a four-legged friend. This demand has encouraged accommodation providers to differentiate themselves through premium, pet-focused amenities.

This International Dog Day, Ted may be celebrating with a well-earned nap and a biscuit or two, but his biggest legacy is helping ensure that visiting dogs and their owners can enjoy unforgettable Lake District holidays together.

For details of all dog-friendly properties available with Laik, including prices, visit www.laik.co.uk.