Rosemary Cottage, Burton-in-Kendal

Rosemary Cottage is a whole-house holiday let in Burton-in-Kendal, a quiet village on the border of Cumbria and Lancashire, within easy reach of both the southern Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. Renting the entire cottage means there are no shared corridors or communal spaces to manage with a dog, and the enclosed rear garden gives four-legged guests a secure spot to potter while you take in the views over the surrounding fields.

Up to two dogs can stay, but the owner accepts small and medium dogs only, so this is not the place for a large breed. Within those limits, guests travelling with dogs consistently praise how much thought has gone into the practical side of the stay. There is an outdoor tap for hosing mud off paws after a wet walk, spare bowls and treats are left ready inside, and there are clogs by the back door for quick trips into the garden. The owner is regularly described as warm and attentive, making contact before arrival and happy to talk through anything you need for bringing a dog along.

Walking is the real draw. Footpaths lead straight from the door, with a popular route up to a nearby quarry and gentler strolls into the village and its local shop. The cottage also works well as a base for wider days out, with Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth and Windermere all around half an hour away and the Yorkshire Dales a similar distance in the other direction. Back indoors, a log burner keeps evenings cosy after a day on the trails.

Two things are worth knowing before you travel. The cottage can be slow to warm up on arrival in colder months, so ask about the heating. And the size rule is firm, so confirm your dog qualifies rather than assuming it will be waved through.

Rosemary Cottage best suits couples and small families bringing one or two smaller dogs who want a comfortable, well-equipped rural base with open countryside on the doorstep.