Sharrow Cottage, Howtown

Sharrow Cottage sits at Howtown on the quiet eastern shore of Ullswater, reached by the narrow road round from Pooley Bridge, and the setting is what brings people back: fell views from the bedrooms, walking straight from the door, and livestock wandering past the windows. For a dog that is content on a lead in open country, it is close to ideal.

One dog is welcome and there is no pet charge at all, which is unusual around Ullswater and makes a week here noticeably cheaper than the alternatives once fees are counted. The trade-off is that dogs must stay on a lead throughout, because this is working sheep country and the cottage sits among grazing land. That is not a formality here; the fields around the property are in active use.

The point to understand before booking is the garden. It is not fully enclosed, and dog owners have arrived to find they needed to improvise a barrier out of the outdoor furniture to stop a determined dog getting out. If you rely on a secure garden for quick toilet breaks, or for leaving a dog outside while you cook, this property will not give you that. Owners of escape-minded breeds should plan on the lead going on every time the door opens.

The cottage itself is traditional and unfussy rather than polished, with a log burner, old-world decor and views guests rave about. Walking from the door is genuinely excellent: Hallin Fell rises directly behind and the Ullswater shore path runs past towards Patterdale, and the steamer pier at Howtown means you can walk one way and come back by boat with the dog aboard. Set against that, upkeep reports vary more than you would like, with occasional complaints about kitchen appliances and cleanliness sitting alongside the glowing ones, and the 4.3/5 paw rating reflects that unevenness. Best suited to a family with one steady, lead-trained dog who want walks and views ahead of comfort and finish.