Dog-friendly Cumbria

Aptly named, Waterhead Studio is set right on the shore of, and with superb views across Lake Windermere. Apart from the small lake frontage, guests also benefit from a balcony, boat storage area and shared use of a jetty. On the southern outskirts of Ambleside, just ¼ mile from Waterhead, where you can take cruises down the lake. The visitor centre at Brockhole, with its 30 acres of award-winning gardens and grounds, is a great place for a trip to this beautiful area. Home to a series of trails, walks, events and activities, it also has an information centre where you can find out all about the local attractions. Close by are Hawkshead and Grasmere. Both villages are inextricably linked to the romantic poet William Wordsworth. Historians and Wordsworth fans alike will find a visit to either Dove Cottage or Rydal Mount an interesting diversion. Wordsworth is not the only literary connection here; both John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter also lived nearby, Ruskin at Brantwood on the shores of Coniston Water, and Beatrix Potter at Hill Top (NT) at Far Sawrey. There are many ways to explore this often frequented area and each visitor chooses his own path, by foot, mountain bike, car, boat or even horse. An ideal holiday base. Shops and pubs 1 mile.

Woodside Cottage has a fabulous open plan living/dining area with a magnificent wood burner taking centre stage of the room. The outdoor terrace enjoys the sun for most of the day and the side door opens straight into the well-equipped spacious kitchen. Upstairs, offers three wonderfully decorated bedrooms and two family bathrooms over two floors. Backbarrow is set in the South Lakes Peninsula and is a perfect gateway to explore many popular attractions, the closest being the Haverthwaite Steam Railway. Take a leisurely train ride into Bowness-on-Windermere and witness the stunning landscape as you go. Guests at Woodside Cottage can also enjoy free membership to the health spa and fitness club in the village during their stay, a 2 minute walk away.
Just a 5-minute drive down the road and you are in Newby Bridge, popular for its fantastic riverside pubs and home to the Lakes Aquarium and Windermere Lake Cruises. Take a wonderful cruse across the largest lake in the UK over to the popular town of Ambleside. If walking is more of what you are looking for then you are spoilt for choice, with 214 Wainwright fells within easy reach you have plenty of options to choose from. There are also an abundance of cycling routes close by or if you want to go further afield, there are many other popular Lake District towns to explore such as Grasmere and Ulverston. Why not head over to Grange-over-Sands or Cartmel, famous for its sticky toffee pudding, Michelin star restaurant and horse racing. This really is the perfect holiday home to enjoy an active and fun family holiday. Beach 8 miles.

Orrest Howe is situated up the famous Orrest Head walk in Windermere, set in a beautiful woodland garden. You can enjoy sitting out on one of the many seating areas or end your day relaxing in the hot tub whilst taking in the local scenery.
This detached five bedroom property is a mixture of modern living combined with the period features of a Lakeland house, with two living rooms, plus plenty of room for dining, and a big modern fitted kitchen, including a large wine chiller, perfect for your party of up to ten. With three of the bedrooms en-suite, a family bathroom with a shower over the bath, plus an extra two separate toilets, your comfort levels are really catered for. There are views onto the front garden from four of the bedrooms which also look out over the tree tops onto Windermere.
With bars, restaurants and shops within an easy walk from the front door you will find your stay very relaxing. Alternatively just a few steps and you can head on up Orrest Head for a bracing walk and take in even more of what the Lake District has to show you! Shop, pub and restaurant 250 yards.

Beautiful stone-built cottage resting in an enviable location with stunning views across rolling countryside, 6 miles south of Appleby-in-Westmorland. Pet-friendly. WiFi. Shop and pub 4 miles

Set in 18 acres of beautiful natural grounds and woodland, this charming wooden holiday lodge has its own private outdoor space along with shared use of an indoor heated plunge pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and table tennis table. Extended and refurbished in 2021, there is a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, a new kitchen, and a large veranda with seating and an external heater.
Right on the doorstep of the magnificent Langdales, 2½ miles from Ambleside and 8 miles from Coniston. It is a perfect base for touring and exploring the footpaths in the area with numerous woodland and hill walks straight from the door. Great for wildlife lovers, with deer and other animals freely wandering through this small, select woodland retreat. The Lake District Visitor Centre near Windermere is worth a visit (activities include high ropes, horse riding etc), as is the nearby water sports centre on Windermere. Pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

A breathtaking barn conversion on the outskirts of Ulverston. Woodburning stove. Pet-friendly. Private garden. Barbecue, Smart TV. Barrow-in-Furness 10.3 miles; Coniston 11 miles; Windermere 16.8 miles

A characterful, detached cottage settled in Greystoke, Cumbria. Off-road parking. Enclosed garden. Pet-friendly. Woodburning stove. Smart TV. Rural location. Penrith 5.7 miles; Keswick 12.6 miles.

This beautifully presented, semi-detached bungalow right next to the beach has all the ingredients for a memorable stay. With a thriving herring fishing industry, Allonby is full of interesting architecture offering a glimpse into its maritime past. Captains Cottage has its own place in history, a former stables once used to house the village donkeys and commanding a prominent position right on the beachside. Now converted, this stunning holiday home offers all the features you would expect from a modern holiday home.

Great for those wanting easy access all on one level, Captains Cottage comfortably sleeps up to six guests in two spacious double bedrooms and one twin bedded room, making it ideal for couples and families. The tasteful décor will appeal to those who prefer a more modern feel to their holiday home, whilst remaining in keeping with its coastal beginnings. The sea can be viewed from the window in the living room and on sunny days guests can enjoy sitting out in the courtyard garden complete with table and chairs, or continue through the gate and within 50 yards you arrive at the famous Allonby Beach. After a long walk along the shore, you can throw a couple of logs on the wood burner and put your feet up in front of the TV. The property also has a bathroom where you will find a shower and a full size bath, perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of exploring. A modern and well-equipped kitchen finishes off this stunning property.

This stretch of coastline has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the growing popularity of this seaside village is evident. With its long stretch of sandy beach it’s the perfect place to bring your pets along for exercise and it’s also great for the kids. You can enjoy views across the Solway Estuary over to mountains in southern Scotland. For those seeking more rugged outdoor adventure you’re only a 10-mile drive to the Lake District National Park, home to the famous Lakes Distillery offering guided tours and tastings, and 16 miles to your nearest lake, Bassenthwaite. Visit the Lake District Wildlife Park with over 100 species of exotic animals, sure to be a fun-filled day out for all ages. The village shop, tea rooms and fish and chip shop are also within easy reach on foot, as are two village pubs, the first of which is just 350 yards away, across the road. Beach 50 yards. Shop 520 yards, pub and restaurant 350 yards.

Delightful traditional, stone-built terraced cottage, located beneath Farleton Knott in the village of Burton-in-Kendal. Stylishly presented. Character features with woodburning stove. Pet-friendly. Walks from the door. Kirby Lonsdale 7 miles.