The Swinside Inn

The Swinside Inn sits out in the Newlands Valley a few miles from Keswick, ringed by fells, and it makes one of the more scenic dog-friendly bases in the northern Lake District. Walks begin at the door, with Cat Bells and the Newlands round within easy reach, so dogs get a proper day out without anyone having to drive first.

Dogs are welcome throughout the bar, and that shapes the whole stay. Owners repeatedly mention bringing their dog along to breakfast and to the evening meal rather than leaving them upstairs, and two king-sized rooms are set aside for guests travelling with dogs. The rooms have been renovated recently and the cooking is a cut above standard pub food, which matters given how far you are from Keswick's restaurants. Parties arriving with two dogs have been accommodated, and the family-run feel comes through in how unfussed the staff are about four-legged guests.

The setting is the main reason to come. Fell views from the windows, quiet lanes and Derwentwater a short drive away make this a base for a walking week rather than a one-night stop.

A few things to weigh up. The rooms can feel tight for two people and a dog, so ask about size if you need floor space for a bed or a crate. Walls and floors are on the thin side and the bar below runs late enough that light sleepers notice. And because dogs really are everywhere here, some guests have been bothered by barking from neighbouring rooms and heard it in the restaurant too, which is a fair warning if your own dog is easily wound up by others. The restaurant also closes on some midweek evenings, so check before planning to eat in.

For dog owners who want fell views, walks from the doorstep and an inn where the dog is welcome at every meal, The Swinside Inn earns a 4.6 out of 5 paw rating.