Derwentwater Hotel, Keswick

The Derwentwater Hotel sits on the shore of Derwentwater at Portinscale, a mile or so out of Keswick, and for anyone travelling with a dog the setting does most of the work. The grounds run down through mature gardens to the water and walking routes start at the gate, so the first walk of the day happens before anyone gets in the car. Skiddaw, Catbells and Robinson are all within easy reach.

Dogs are specifically allowed and the hotel keeps designated dog-friendly rooms, with up to two pets per booking and no restriction on size or breed. Cats are not accepted. A pet charge applies and the amount is not published, so it is worth confirming when you book. Guests travelling with dogs describe the dog-friendly twins as clean and comfortable, and there is a bar area where dogs are allowed which opens into a conservatory looking over the garden - useful on a wet Lakeland evening when you would rather not sit in your room.

Staff are the strength of the place. Friendly, helpful and unbothered by dogs is the note that comes back again and again, and the buffet breakfast gets consistently good marks for choice.

The honest picture is of a traditional hotel whose decor is tired and whose upkeep shows in the public rooms, even where bedrooms and linen are clean. It is also a genuinely busy dog hotel, and that cuts both ways: guests wanting quiet report barking at various hours of the day and night, and the bar can run late. If your dog reacts to other dogs, or you sleep lightly, ask for a room away from the bar.

It suits owners who want lake frontage and fell walks from the door, and who will trade boutique polish for a hotel where arriving with a dog is completely ordinary.