Cambridge House

Cambridge House is a small Victorian guesthouse a couple of doors off the main street in Windermere village, and it is one of the easier places in town to bring a dog. Guests travelling with dogs come back to the same detail again and again: a welcome bag waiting in the room, typically with a fleece blanket, treats, bowls and a towel, which makes arriving with a muddy dog after a day on the fells far less awkward.

Dogs are accepted on request, and the booking needs to be confirmed with the host before you arrive rather than at the door. The fee is £15 per dog per stay, a one-off charge rather than a nightly one, and the dog-friendly rooms are the Super King or Twin rooms, so ask for one of those when you book.

The guesthouse runs with a light touch: check-in is self-service and the owners are on hand by message rather than behind a front desk. Guests with dogs like the quick replies and the quiet, and most describe rooms as clean, warm and well equipped, with extras such as a fridge, plates and cutlery.

The location does a lot of the work. Shops, cafes and pubs are a short stroll away, there is a bus stop almost outside, and the lake is roughly 15 to 20 minutes on foot. Parking is on the street, with limited free spaces nearby and a paid car park about five minutes away.

It is not flawless. Some guests describe noise carrying between rooms and on the stairs, and others mention a musty smell, a noisy fridge, dog hair left on bedding from a previous stay, and an extra charge or deposit raised after booking. Rooms are used by dogs, so anyone in your party with pet allergies should think twice. Some rooms are compact for a family.

Best suited to couples or small groups with one or two dogs who want a central, good-value base in Windermere village with walks and pubs on the doorstep, and who do not need a staffed reception. It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating.