Bert's, Bonsall

Bert's is a large, handsomely restored house on the High Street in Bonsall, a hillside village above Matlock in the Derbyshire Dales, and it is one of those places where bringing the dog barely needs discussing. The whole house is yours, there is an enclosed yard and outdoor space where dogs and children can be let out, and the village itself is small, quiet and walkable in every direction.

Guests travelling with dogs describe it as comfortably dog-friendly rather than dog-themed. There is no pet package and no published pet fee or size limit, so check what applies with the owners when you enquire. What comes up instead is space: several rooms to spread out in, a yard that actually gets used, and a property big enough that a dog isn't underfoot when a group is in.

It gets booked for occasions - family gatherings and wedding parties among them - and being able to bring a dog to those is part of the appeal. The interiors get consistently strong feedback: tasteful decoration, good beds and linen, artwork and books, and a kitchen and dining table built for a crowd. The owners are described as helpful and accommodating, including when plans change at short notice.

Bonsall is a good dog village. It climbs steeply, so walks tend to start uphill, but the lanes and footpaths out of it lead straight into Dales countryside, and Matlock, Matlock Bath and the Derwent Valley are all a few minutes' drive. The village church and the local cafes get mentioned often by guests exploring on foot.

A few things to be aware of. The hot water runs extremely hot, hot enough that guests have flagged it as a scalding risk, which matters if you are filling a bowl or rinsing a dog. The heating controls aren't clearly explained, the wi-fi has dropped out mid-stay, and nightly rates move around a lot depending on when you look.

It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating. Best suited to a family or a group bringing one or two dogs who want a characterful whole house with outdoor space, in a village that rewards walking.