Low Mill Guesthouse

Low Mill is a restored water mill turned guesthouse in the Wensleydale village of Bainbridge, where the old mill workings are still part of the decor and a stream runs past the bedroom windows. Dogs are a natural part of the household here, and the property earns a 4.6/5 paw rating from owners who have stayed with one.

Dogs are charged a flat £10 per stay rather than a nightly rate, which keeps a longer Dales break affordable. They are welcome in the bedrooms, and owners travelling with a larger dog have found the bigger rooms give her plenty of space to spread out. The one firm rule is that dogs are not allowed in the dining room at breakfast time. In practice, guests have been able to leave a settled dog in the room while they eat, so it is worth agreeing with the hosts how they would like to handle it when you book.

The welcome is what dog owners come back for. The hosts are warmly used to four-legged guests, and the guesthouse itself is quirky, spotlessly clean and full of character, with comfortable rooms and a homemade breakfast that guests rate highly, gluten-free choices included. There is an honesty bar and an open fire, and small touches such as fresh milk and ground coffee in the room come up again and again.

The setting is quintessential Dales: peaceful, green and scenic, with the sound of running water outside and walking straight from the door into Wensleydale. Askrigg, Hawes and Aysgarth Falls are all a short drive.

Two things to weigh before booking. This is a lived-in family home as much as a guesthouse, with a resident cat and a resident dog of its own, so flag it in advance if your dog is reactive to other animals. Guests in the room below have also heard the owners' dog moving about early in the morning, which made for an earlier start than they had planned, though dog owners tended to take it in good part.

Best suited to a dog owner who wants character, an outstanding breakfast and a personal welcome in a beautiful Dales setting, rather than anonymous hotel rooms.