Brackenrigg Inn

The Brackenrigg Inn sits in Watermillock on the western shore of Ullswater, with views across the lake and the surrounding fells. It is a traditional country inn with a pub, restaurant and beer garden, popular with Lake District walkers and one of the more consistently dog-busy stays in the area. Agoda explicitly lists dogs as allowed at this property, and the inn has built a reputation among Ullswater visitors as a place where well-behaved dogs are part of the everyday scene.

For guests travelling with dogs the setup works well. The inn has a sizeable beer garden at the back with picnic space and lake-and-fell views, dogs are part of the bar and dining scene, and the surrounding lanes and lakeshore paths give straight-from-the-door walks. The location, overlooking Ullswater from the western shore, is one of the best in the area for walking-led short breaks.

One important caveat to set expectations honestly. This is a notably dog-heavy property - several recent stays describe a busy mix of guests with dogs in the bar and restaurant. For pet-travelling guests that is a positive (your dog will not be the only one, and staff are well-practised); for guests without dogs who would prefer a quieter dining environment, this is worth knowing before booking. Hygiene-sensitive guests in particular should be aware that mixing dogs with bar and restaurant service is part of the property's character.

The building is older and some rooms have been described as a touch dated, with small en-suites. Bathrooms have been refurbished but bedroom furniture in some rooms is showing its age. None of this is a dealbreaker for a walking-focused stay where the inn is a base rather than the destination.

Best suited to: walkers and Lake District tourers travelling with one or two dogs who want a working country inn on Ullswater with lake-and-fells views and dogs welcome throughout the public spaces.