Macdonald Leeming House

Macdonald Leeming House sits in its own grounds on the northern shore of Ullswater, at Watermillock a few miles south of Penrith, and the setting does most of the work. The lawns run down towards the water, so the first walk of the day is a stroll out of the front door rather than a drive to a car park, and guests travelling with dogs rate that daily lake-shore walk as the best part of the stay. Aira Force, Gowbarrow Fell and the Ullswater steamer piers are all a short drive on when you want a longer day.

Dog-friendly rooms here are arranged rather than assumed. The property asks owners to contact it in advance to confirm a dog-friendly room, so a booking made through a listing page without that call may not end up with a suitable room even when the rate is open. It is worth getting the confirmation in writing, along with any charge, since no pet fee, weight limit or dog number is published.

Inside it is a country house of the traditional sort: open fires, panelled lounges and big windows onto the lake. Guests are warm about the staff and the views almost without exception. They are less warm about the furnishings, which are regularly described as dated, and about restaurant and bar pricing, which comes up often enough to plan around. Several have found the food good but expensive, and bar food in particular has drawn complaints. Rooms vary, and not every room in a category has a lake view, so ask specifically if that is part of why you are coming.

Best suited to owners who want a comfortable country-house base for a walking week on Ullswater with a dog, and who will ring ahead to sort the room rather than turning up and hoping.