Lake House Loft, Windermere

Lake House Loft is one of a small set of apartments at Meadowcroft in Storrs Park, on the quieter side of Bowness-on-Windermere towards Storrs Hall, and the thing dog owners notice first is that someone has actually prepared for them. Guests arriving with dogs have found treats waiting alongside a folder of local walks written up with notes on how each one goes, which saves an evening of phone research into which paths have stiles and which run through sheep.

Two well behaved dogs are welcome. The listing does not publish a pet charge, so ask when you book rather than assuming it is included. The apartment is a genuine home-from-home: a proper kitchen with everything already in it, comfortable furniture, and enough room that a pair of dogs are not competing for floor space. The grounds are well kept and there is garden to step out into, which is a real advantage over the town-centre flats a mile up the road.

The location suits a walking trip. The lake shore is a short stroll away, Bowness village and its dog-friendly pubs are within easy reach on foot, and the southern end of Windermere means the road outside is not the summer crawl you get in the centre. Guests consistently rate the space, the cleanliness and the views.

Two practical points. The building has no lift, so an upper-floor apartment means carrying bags up, and several flights a day for an older or arthritic dog; ask which floor you are being allocated. Cleaning kit is not always stocked either, which matters more with dogs than without, so bring what you need for muddy paws. With those sorted it is a comfortable 4.4/5 base for two dogs in Windermere.