The Mary Mount Hotel

Paw rating: 4.5/5 from five guests travelling with dogs. The Mary Mount Hotel sits on the shores of Derwentwater just outside Keswick and has built up a reputation for welcoming canine companions into both its bar area and — perhaps surprisingly — its dining room, which makes it a strong pick for owners who prefer not to leave their dog behind at meal times.

Guests with dogs consistently call out the staff's warm, relaxed attitude toward four-legged guests and the convenience of being able to eat with their pet in tow rather than dashing back to the room. The bar serves as the unofficial dog-social hub. That said, one returning visitor noted that the bar can feel cramped when several dogs are in at once, so calmer dogs and smaller breeds tend to fare better than larger or more reactive companions.

Pet rooms are limited and allocated subject to availability — the hotel's own booking notes flag this clearly, so book directly and confirm pet allocation when reserving. Rooms themselves are on the cosy side; reviewers travelling with a dog plus dog bed and food bowls noted that floor space gets tight quickly, so it's worth requesting a larger room category if your dog needs more room to settle.

Derwentwater is on the doorstep, and the surrounding fells offer some of the Lake District's most varied dog walks within a short drive — from gentle lakeshore paths suitable for older or smaller dogs to longer ridge routes for high-energy breeds.

Best suited to: small-to-medium breeds, calm dogs comfortable around other animals, and owners planning Lake District walking holidays. Less suited to: large, boisterous, or reactive dogs who would struggle in a smaller bar and dining area where other dogs are present.

Pet policy at a glance

• Pets are only allowed in certain rooms, subject to availability — request and confirm when booking.