Have a ball in the Lake District with your entire pack, staying at this traditional cottage in the historic hamlet of Hesket Newmarket. Brimming with original features, this charming cottage offers ample accommodation for six guests and welcomes two playful pups. After days wandering over fells, around lakes and past free-flowing waterfalls and dramatic views, return here for sunny afternoons in the courtyard garden. If you don’t feel like cooking, it’s just a few paw-steps to a delightful dog-friendly pub.
Laid out over two storeys, this cottage is every bit as cosy and welcoming inside as it looks from the outside. Exposed beamed ceilings, a warming wood burner, and antique-style furniture combine to offer a relaxed rural charm. Unwind in the warm lounge as you recover from the day’s adventures, or take a cuppa and your current read into the courtyard and let sleeping dogs lie in the sun. Cook up a storm on the colourful range cooker in the country-style kitchen, then wine, dine and chat together around the dining table. When it’s time to rest your head, leave your pups snoozing in their beds and head upstairs to get comfy in three charming and rustic bedrooms – taking care to avoid the sloping ceilings. In addition to the king-size master, there’s a room with zip-and-link beds that can be arranged to meet your needs, plus a room with bunk beds for two children. A first-floor family bathroom, plus a ground-floor shower room and utility room take care of all practicalities.
Let the pups lead the way to adventure as you step out onto the village green and set off on one of the local trails. There’s a lovely winding walk from here to the neighbouring village of Caldbeck (3.5 miles), through ancient woodland and long rivers. For a more challenging hike, take the footpath up to High Pike (5 miles) and across the ridge to Carrock Fell (4 miles) for panoramic views reaching as far as the Solway Coast (18 miles).