Victorian House B&B, Kendal

If you are travelling to Kendal with a dog and do not mind sharing the house with a few cats, this hosted room in a Victorian villa is a genuinely warm welcome. Set on a hill overlooking the town and the fells, with woodland and walking paths right on the doorstep, it suits dog owners who want a friendly, homely base rather than an anonymous hotel room. Guests travelling with dogs consistently describe the host as going out of her way to make their dog feel at home, with a garden to enjoy and easy access to walks from the door.

There is one thing to be clear-eyed about before booking: this is a lived-in family home, and the host keeps several cats. Most dog-owning guests report the arrangement works fine - the cats are friendly and are not allowed in the guest bedroom - but it only works if your dog is relaxed around cats. Just as importantly, guests mention that a back door is often left open on a chain so the cats can come and go, so a dog that might bolt or chase needs careful supervision. A calm, cat-tolerant dog will be very happy here; a flighty or high-prey-drive dog is a poor match.

With that caveat understood, the dog welcome is the real draw. The setting is excellent for walks, with woodland and hills immediately accessible and Kendal's amenities a short way down the hill. The host's hospitality - a guided tour of the characterful house, help-yourself breakfast, homemade muffins - comes up again and again, and several guests singled out how welcome their dog was made.

For a sociable, cat-tolerant dog and owners who enjoy a personal, characterful B&B over a standard hotel, the Victorian House B&B earns a 4.5/5 paw rating. If your dog is anxious around other animals or prone to bolting, one of Kendal's whole-cottage options will suit you better.