Highbeck, Bowland Bridge

Highbeck is a spacious holiday house in the Lyth Valley that works brilliantly for multi-generation family breaks where the dogs come too. With four en-suite bedrooms, an extra kitchenette upstairs and sweeping views across the valley, there is room for a big group without anyone getting under each other's feet, and guests travelling with dogs give it a 4.4/5 paw rating.

Up to two dogs can stay. Families regularly bring a pair, from small cockapoos to larger breeds, and the enclosed area of garden behind the house is the feature mentioned most: a safe spot for dogs to run around and for a last trip out at night.

The house itself is praised as warm, comfortable and very well equipped, with a log fire, great beds and a balcony off the main bedroom. Many guests come back year after year. The location suits walkers, with the quieter southern lakes on the doorstep, and a couple of good pubs a few minutes' drive away, including the Punch Bowl.

The garden is where the caveats are, though. It slopes steeply, and only part of it is fully enclosed. Several owners of small dogs found gaps in the fencing or a gate that would not stop a small dog reaching the road, and dogs have got out onto the road. The front gardens open towards steep steps with drops, the driveway gate cannot be closed because it is shared with a separately let cottage next door, there is a shallow pond in the grounds, and sharp nails on the rear gate frame have caught a dog. The road outside is narrow, winding and busy with no pavement, so walking to the pub means walking in the road.

None of that has stopped people loving the place, but it does mean bringing a portable barrier or a long line if your dog is small or an escape artist. For larger, well-behaved dogs and families who want space and views in the south Lakes, Highbeck is an excellent choice.