Ideally situated 2 mile outside of Windermere on the A591, in the peaceful village of Ings you’ll find the super dog friendly Watermill Inn and Brewery.
This is not the first time we have visited this family run, award winning pub. We first discovered it back in the early 2000’s and have visited around 4 or 5 times since (I should really keep a track). It is however the first time we have stayed over the New Year period and we were all really looking forward to it. Especially so due to originally having booked to spend the New Year of 2020 there, only to find ourselves back in lockdown therefore our trip was postponed to this New Year. The much longer wait was definitely worth it and we were looking forward to our 3 night stay.
We arrived at around 3:30 to check in after spending the day at Whinlatter Forest. You’ll find there is a small carpark and over a bridge a larger carpark and we never have trouble finding a space. If it is really busy, as people visit especially for their amazing food and drink then there’s always the option to park on the lane. Checking into our room was really quick as we are already so familiar with the place and we took advantage of booking a table for that evening, which I recommend doing as tables are reserved extremely quickly here.
The Rooms 
There is a choice of 8 bedrooms, all of which include an ensuite with a brilliant shower, some local toiletries and luxury towels. Included in the rooms are complimentary tea and coffee facilities which we made use of during our stay. If you run out like we did just mention it to the staff, who are more than happy to replenish them for you. You’ll also find a handy hairdryer in there too incase you forgot to bring one.
With there being three of us we had booked room 1, the only family room. Sleeping up to 4 people, consisting of a double bed, single and pull-out single. We have always found the rooms to be extremely clean and comfortable. (Due to covid restrictions, all soft furnishings have been removed.) We found there is adequate storage too, especially when you’re staying for more than one night. There is a spacious wardrobe with hangers, a chest of drawers and bedside tables which have drawers too. And the best part of course, is that your dogs are more than welcome to stay in your room with prior arrangement at a rate of £7 per night per dog. Make sure you bring your dog’s bed/blanket for them to sleep on. For every night a dog stays at The Watermill Inn, they donate £1 to The Dogs Trust.
Food and Drink 
Dogs are more than welcome in the bar area while you enjoy your food and drinks and if you ever visit you’ll always bump into other dog owners while you are there. Included in your room rate is breakfast which is served between 8:30 and 9:30 and when you go downstairs you’ll find your table set up ready for you. When visiting the Lake District you need a hearty breakfast to set you up ready for a day of exploring and that’s exactly what’s on offer. There’s something for everyone. A full Cumbrian breakfast, poached eggs on toast and smashed avocados with cream cheese served with poached eggs on sourdough bread are just a few of the dishes on offer. We sampled all of these and were not disappointed. Ellie went for the breakfast sandwich which is bacon, sausage and eggs served in ciabatta bread. Take advantage of the fresh juice, cereal, croissants and yoghurts too.
From the dog friendly bar, The Watermill offers hearty homecooked food all day and the menu certainly doesn’t disappoint. Firm favourites of ours are their signature Watermill chicken dish, chicken curry and their burgers. You can enjoy your food in the relaxed, cosy atmosphere of their bar and the dogs are always greeted with a biscuit or two. You could even bag a seat next to the inviting log fire.
You can also enjoy your food or drinks in the outdoor seating areas, there’s plenty of space available.
New Years Eve
Guests who were staying for New Years Eve were contacted prior to visiting to reserve a table if they wished to do so and that’s what we did. The menu was slightly different to the classic menu but offered a good selection of delicious starters, mains and desserts. The evening was still the low key, relaxed atmosphere it usually is but with the added bonus of a DJ and us, along with everyone else enjoyed singing along and some people danced. As midnight approached, party poppers were given out and everyone sang Auld Lang Syne. We were one of the last families to leave it was such a good night.
The Award Winning Brewery
Through the port hole window in the bar you can see The Watermill Inn’s impressive beer cellar and their real ales are all brewed on site. With names like Ruff Justice, Collie Wobbles and Shih Tzu Faced, it’s easy to see why this place is so dog friendly. It’s ran by dog lovers! Although I’m more of a gin drinker Norman has sampled his fair share of their range. You can buy cases of their real ale from the website.
The Watermill Inn is a great base to explore the Lake District, with the popular towns of Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick, Hawkshead and more all within reach. They have a wonderful team of hardworking staff who are always friendly and approachable. We couldn’t have picked a better place to spend our New Year break and it’ll be a one we will remember fondly.
Spaniels By The Sea 
Leave a comment