Hury Lodge, Bowes

Hury Lodge is the kind of place dog owners book once and then keep coming back to. This small, cosy cottage sits in deep countryside above Hury Reservoir in Teesdale, on the County Durham moors near the Cumbrian border, and its whole appeal is built around exactly the things a dog needs: an enclosed garden, spectacular open views, and good walks that start right from the door.

The enclosed garden is the detail owners mention most - a safe, private space where dogs can be off-lead without a second thought. Beyond it, the walking is superb: quiet lanes, moorland footpaths and a circuit around the reservoir that makes for an ideal morning outing with a dog or two. One sensible note that comes up again and again in guest accounts is that this is working sheep country, so dogs need to be kept under close control on the open ground.

Dogs are genuinely welcome here rather than merely permitted. Arriving guests often find thoughtful touches waiting - a welcome pack with chews for the dog, and cake and milk for their owners - and the owners, who live next door, are helpful without ever intruding on the sense of privacy. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, with up to two pets noted per booking; it is worth confirming any pet charges directly when you book.

The lodge itself is warm, clean and well equipped, if compact - a proper retreat rather than a large group base. There is deliberately no Wi-Fi, which suits the away-from-it-all feel, and the dark, quiet setting makes for excellent sleep. One small honest note: an occasional guest has felt it could use a little light refreshing in places.

It suits dog owners after a peaceful, scenic bolthole with walks on the doorstep - couples and small families with one or two dogs who want proper countryside rather than town comforts will get the most from it.