UKC

A random post, but I’m looking for somewhere to meet up with family for 3/4 hours nearish to Kendal (J36 is halfway between us).

Will have a baby and a dog so maybe a big pub that is happy for us to sit around for a while, or national trust property/garden centre with cafe.

Main thing is that it’s dog friendly and therefore has somewhere we can nip out for a walk close by.

It would be easy in summer as somewhere like Sizergh Castle would be perfect, but perhaps not the most cozy at this time of year.

Any ideas would be welcomed!

We had similar situation just after new year, three generations, incl dog and baby.

We went to the Wheatsheaf in Brigsteer. Not over  busy and welcoming.

Also had a changing table in disabled toilet.

Similarly, the Black Labrador in Underbarrow or, a bit more upmarket, the Punch Bowl in Crosthwaite, both c. 5 to 10 mins on from Brigsteer.

Sizergh is perfect for what you’re wanting. You’ve got the NT castle and Strickland Arms, as well as some really nice walks.

Brigsteer as Rick suggests, Levens Hall or the Hare and Hounds at Levens are other solid options. 

Have a great time. 

Longlands half way between 35 and 36. Great pub, lovely food and on the canal so you can walk as much or as little as you choose 

ate at the Strickland Arms recently, very impressed

The Inn at Crooklands hotel. Easy walks along Lancaster canal.

This is from their website " There are even several secret nooks for families, friends, dogs and their owners to enjoy their own ‘private’ pub experience."

How about Kirkby Lonsdale (a similar distance from J36 as Kendal but in the other direction, i.e. east, along the A65).  Lots of nice places to eat, things to look at, walks along the river, Ruskin's View (if/when it's open again due to repairs), nice large grassy picnic area by the river, free parking on the cul-de-sac road to the bridge (if you can get in, so don't always have to pay in Booths or elsewhere), nice market square, pretty church, some connection with Peter Pan (apparently it was penned there, I only discovered that recently).  For walking, the Barbon Fells are hard to beat for a quiet, corner struggling to not be eclipsed by their bigger closer neighbours (e.g. the Howgills, the Lake District, and Whernside/Ingleborough).

(No, I don't work for the Kirkby Lonsdale Tourist Board and I have no connection with KL other than as a big fan!)

Don't forget William Sturgeon (invented the first practical electric motor) born in Whittington nearby. I think he has a plaque in/on the church. He's got a blue plaque in Whittington which is itself a nice place. I think Sturgeon did demos in the Snooty Fox in KL.

Can you recommend anywhere in particular for a casual lunch in Kirkby Lonsdale? We drive through there regularly, but usually just go straight through (with the occasional stop in Booths).

Botanica 64 Main Street has inside or outside eating, including covered outside. Nice food.

Soup at the bakery (sit down or takeaway) is usually pretty good, with the benefit that once that's out of the way you can indulge in your choice of cake/scone/pastry/etc!

Thank you. We may investigate that next time we're passing through. 

If you walk down the street from the Market Square towards the church, you will find a number of possibilities for all tastes and budgets along that street, and also in the square itself. And the chocolate shop is a must for chocoholics!

Thanks for the recommendations! Family are coming from Barrow so Brigsteer looks like a good location being basically halfway between us. 

Or if the weather improves, maybe Levens.

Now to just find a suitable weekend…

Thank you. The chocolate shop sounds like a must-visit!