Brock Cottage, Broughton-in-Furness

Brock Cottage is a genuinely easy place to bring a dog. This 1750s self-catering cottage sits in a cobbled courtyard in the heart of Broughton-in-Furness, right on the quiet southern edge of the Lake District, and up to two dogs are welcome to stay free of charge. What makes it work for dog owners is the setting. There is a lovely patch of open ground just a couple of minutes' walk up the road, with wide views and easy access to longer rambles, which is handy for an early-morning leg-stretch before a day out. The cottage is on the doorstep of the Duddon Valley, the landscape Wordsworth loved, with Coniston, Ambleside and Windermere all a short drive away, so there is no shortage of walks once you venture further afield. Because the town centre is right outside, you can leave the car parked and stroll to the pubs and restaurants, most of which are only a couple of hundred yards away. The Old Kings Head is a popular nearby spot for an evening meal, and Broughton's relaxed, small-town feel suits travellers who would rather not drive after dinner. Back at the cottage there is a small courtyard with a patio, garden furniture and a barbecue, a pleasant place to sit out with your dog after a day on the fells. Inside, an open fire and comfortable living space make it an inviting base in cooler months, and the cottage is well equipped for a family stay, sleeping four across two bedrooms. A couple of things are worth bearing in mind. Dogs are welcomed downstairs rather than given free run of the whole house, so it suits owners who are happy to keep their pets to the ground floor. And while the courtyard is a nice extra, it is compact rather than a large secure garden, so dogs that need plenty of off-lead space will be relying on those nearby walks. For a characterful, dog-friendly bolthole that puts you within easy reach of the southern Lakes without the cost of a pet supplement, Brock Cottage is a strong choice and earns a 4.6/5 paw rating.