Petteril House, Penrith

Petteril House sits in a quiet country lane at Greystoke Gill, a few miles from Penrith on the northern edge of the Lake District, and it's a genuinely excellent choice for a group holiday with dogs. This is a whole-house rental, so there are no shared spaces to manage, and the feature dog owners return to again and again is the enclosed garden at the back - guests travelling with dogs repeatedly highlight how secure it is, which makes it easy to let dogs out without worrying about them wandering off.

The house is roomy enough to absorb both people and pets comfortably. Guests have arrived with everything from a Great Dane to a pair of Labradors alongside young children and extended family, and consistently report there was plenty of space for all of them. A drying room, washing machine and tumble dryer - features that walkers mention warmly - are exactly what you want after a wet day on the fells with a muddy dog.

The location works well for owners who want a mix of gentle local walks and bigger Lake District days out. There are dog-walking routes straight from the door, with Penrith about fifteen minutes away for supplies and Ullswater and Pooley Bridge within easy reach. The owners, who live next door, come in for particular praise for being helpful and welcoming without being intrusive. Pet charges aren't listed on the booking page, so it's worth confirming any fee directly when you book.

One gentle note: this is red squirrel country, so keeping dogs under close control on walks around the immediate area is sensible. Otherwise Petteril House suits almost any well-behaved dog - its space, secure garden and drying facilities make it especially well suited to larger dogs and multi-dog households that struggle to find room elsewhere.