Badger Close, Kendal

Badger Close is a smartly presented cottage on Castle Crescent, a short stroll from the centre of Kendal, and it suits dog owners who would rather walk into town with a dog than drive everywhere. It is a whole cottage to yourselves, so there are no shared spaces to negotiate, and there is a small outdoor space at the rear for a dog to potter in.

Read the dog rules before you book, because they are specific. One small to medium sized dog is permitted, so this is not a place for two dogs or a large breed. Dogs stay downstairs and off the furniture, and they must not be left unattended in the cottage, which rules out leaving a dog behind for a day on the fells or a long lunch in town.

Within those limits it works well. That rear space is the detail dog owners pick up on, a handy little suntrap that suited their dog nicely, and the central position means short walks are simple, with the footpaths around Kendal and the southern Lakes within easy reach once you have settled in. Inside, the cottage is beautifully presented and spotlessly kept, with cosy rooms and a well-equipped feel that guests consistently praise, and shops, cafes and places to eat are all a few minutes away on foot.

The outdoor space is compact rather than a proper enclosed garden, so a dog that needs room to run off-lead will rely on the walks nearby instead. No pet charge is published up front, so confirm that directly when you book.

On balance, Badger Close earns a 4.5 out of 5 paw rating and suits a couple or family with one smaller dog who want a smart, central Kendal base with town amenities on the doorstep and do not need a garden.