The Scullery, Marsden

The Scullery is a small, cleverly designed annex on the moor edge above Marsden, and it is one of the rare pet-friendly rentals that means pets rather than just dogs. Guests who have arrived with a cat report being welcomed at no extra charge, which almost never happens in self-catering, and guests with dogs use it as a walking base and rate it just as highly. If you travel with an animal that usually gets you a polite no, this is worth an enquiry.

The building is arranged over three levels and manages to feel roomy despite a compact footprint, which matters when a wet dog needs somewhere to dry off that is not the middle of the living room. There is a wood burner with logs provided, so the place warms up fast after a day out. Outside there is a patio with long views, though it is a fair-weather proposition for most of the year.

Walking is the real draw. Guests hike straight from the door onto the moors above the Colne Valley, and the canal towpath gives a flatter, all-weather alternative when the tops are grim. Marsden itself is about five minutes on foot and carries proper shops, pubs and a well-regarded craft brewery, so you are not driving anywhere for an evening out. The owners come in for consistent praise: welcoming, helpful, and around when you need them without hovering.

Two caveats. The access road is a rough single track, which is fine in a normal car taken slowly but worth knowing if yours is low-slung or if you are arriving after dark. And the property's booking listing publishes no pet terms at all, so there is no record of fees, numbers or size limits. That matters most if you are bringing anything other than one dog, so confirm the arrangement directly before you book.

A 4.7 out of 5 paw rating puts The Scullery near the top of the pet-friendly options round here. It suits walkers with a dog, and it is one of the very few places a cat owner can realistically consider.