The Swan Hotel and Spa

The Swan Hotel and Spa enjoys one of the prettiest settings in the southern Lakes, sitting right on the River Leven at Newby Bridge where Windermere drains south. For dog owners it is a properly equipped four-star option rather than an afterthought: the hotel keeps dedicated dog-friendly rooms, allows dogs across much of the public space, and has riverside paths and open countryside walks starting from the door.

Guests travelling with dogs tend to praise the location and the relaxed, welcoming attitude to pets, and several note that despite being busy and genuinely dog-friendly the hotel does not smell of dogs, a sign the dog-friendly rooms are looked after separately. The spa, indoor pool and riverside terrace make it an appealing base for a couple or small family who want hotel comforts alongside their dog rather than a purely rural cottage.

There are some honest caveats. The hotel charges £25 per stay for a dog, and at least one dog-owning guest felt that was steep given the room only gets a full clean at the end of the stay; a few rooms were also described as showing their age, with tired furnishings. Because dogs are allowed in the dining areas and the hotel runs at full occupancy in peak season, experiences vary with who else is staying, and some guests have been bothered by barking from neighbouring rooms or by dogs in the restaurant. Booking one of the designated dog-friendly rooms and travelling outside the busiest weekends both help.

On balance, The Swan suits dog owners who want hotel facilities, a spa, a pool, river views and a restaurant, in a standout Lakeland location, and who are happy to pay a modest pet charge for the convenience.