Newby Bridge Hotel

Newby Bridge Hotel is a relaxed three-star country hotel at the southern foot of Windermere, set in its own gardens by the River Leven, and it has built up a genuine following among dog owners. Guests travelling with dogs repeatedly highlight how easy the hotel makes a Lakeland break with a pet: dogs are welcome in the bedrooms, the cosy garden cabins and the bar, there are green spaces and walking routes straight from the grounds, and small touches like dog biscuits get a regular mention.

The setting is the big draw. The hotel sits in an excellent position for the southern Lakes, with the steamer pier and walking country close by, and dog owners consistently praise the friendly, helpful staff and the value, especially when booked through a short-break offer. Families travelling with both children and dogs find it comfortable, with an indoor pool and plenty of ground-floor space, and several note that the bar area in particular is set up to welcome dogs.

It is an older property and that shows in places: a few guests with dogs mentioned tired furnishings and slightly shabby carpets in the public areas, and one found the dog charge on the steep side. A couple of rooms at the back look onto the kitchen and bins and can be warm in summer with little air conditioning, which unsettled one guest's dog. None of these were dealbreakers for the dog owners who raised them, but they are worth weighing if you want a polished rather than characterful stay.

Overall, Newby Bridge Hotel suits dog owners who want an unfussy, sociable base in a standout location, are happy with a comfortable older hotel rather than a boutique one, and value being able to bring their dog into the bar and bedrooms as a matter of course.