The Mardale Inn

The Mardale Inn is a community-owned country pub with rooms in the village of Bampton, near Haweswater on the quiet eastern edge of the Lake District. It is owned and run by several hundred local members rather than a single landlord, and that shows in the welcome: guests consistently describe an easy, locally-rooted atmosphere and a check-in that happens whenever you turn up.

The pet setup here is unusually clear for a country pub, and it is the reason to book. There are designated dog-friendly bedrooms alongside dog-free bedrooms, and a dog-friendly dining area kept separate from a dog-free one. That arrangement works in both directions: guests bringing a dog are not confined to their room at mealtimes, and guests who would rather not eat alongside one can book knowing the choice exists.

Dog treats are put out on arrival, and the rooms have kitchen facilities, which is a practical extra on a walking trip when you would rather not head out again in wet boots. Rooms have been recently renovated and come up as clean, quiet and comfortable, with a large bed and a spotless bathroom.

Bampton itself is a small Lakeland village within easy reach of Haweswater, one of the quietest reservoirs in the National Park, with the High Street range rising straight off the shore. Ullswater and Penrith are a short drive, and the lanes and paths around the village give walking straight from the door. This is a settled rural base rather than a town-centre one.

No pet fee is published on the property's booking listing, so confirm any supplement when you book, and say at that point that you want one of the dog-friendly rooms.

It suits couples or pairs with one well-mannered dog who want a quiet, community-run country-pub base near Haweswater and Ullswater, and it works especially well for a mixed group where not everyone wants to dine with a dog.