The Shepherd's Nook, Keswick

The Shepherd's Nook is the kind of place dog owners daydream about: a snug little retreat tucked onto a working farm on the quieter, eastern side of Keswick, with lambs in the fields, big Lakeland views and next to no passing traffic. It is a self-catering bolthole rather than a hotel, so you and your dog have your own private space, your own patch of outdoors and the run of the surrounding countryside from the moment you arrive.

Dogs are genuinely part of the picture here. Guests travelling with dogs describe it as a proper home from home, with a private outdoor area where you can sit with a morning coffee while your dog watches the lambs, and easy access to walks straight from the door. Because it sits on a working farm, there are resident farm dogs, and visitors report them as friendly and well-mannered, happy to say hello and no trouble, though it is worth knowing they are around if your dog is nervous of other animals or inclined to chase livestock.

The cottage itself is warm, cosy and clean, with comfortable beds, a good shower and plenty of storage for a short stay. The hosts earn a lot of praise for small, thoughtful touches such as fresh eggs, milk and a genuinely welcoming manner, which go a long way when you are travelling with a dog and want to feel looked after. A decent pub serving food is within walking distance, handy for an evening out the dog can join.

This is a simple, rural retreat rather than a feature-packed hotel, so set expectations accordingly - the odd guest wished for a cafetiere rather than instant coffee. But for a couple or a solo walker with a well-behaved dog who wants peace, views and livestock-friendly manners, The Shepherd's Nook is hard to beat as a short Lake District escape.