The Tobacco Loft

The Tobacco Loft makes an easy base for anyone exploring the Lake District with a dog in tow. It is a whole-house rental tucked into Collin Croft in central Kendal, which means you get the run of the place to yourselves - no shared corridors and no reception to navigate at the end of a muddy walk, just your own front door to come and go through with the dog.

Guests travelling with dogs have been warm about the welcome here. The host has a reputation for thoughtful touches, and dog owners mention being met with a welcome hamper that included treats for their pet, the kind of small gesture that suggests a property genuinely expects four-legged visitors rather than merely tolerating them. The house itself is described as cosy and full of character, with quirky, well-considered decor that makes a self-catering stay feel like more than just a roof for the night.

Location is a big part of the appeal for active dogs and their owners. Kendal sits on the south-eastern edge of the Lake District, so you are well placed for long walks and only a short drive from Windermere, Ambleside and the Rydal valley. The town has plenty of relaxed bars and coffee stops to refuel at before and after a day out. Parking, often a headache in central Kendal, is handled by a resident permit the property provides, so there is no scramble to find a space when you arrive tired and the dog needs a stretch.

A couple of things are worth confirming directly before you book. The listing does not spell out a formal pet policy, so there is no published fee, weight limit or cap on the number of dogs - if you are travelling with more than one dog, or a larger breed, a quick message to the host will set expectations. As a characterful period house it suits a settled dog more comfortably than a boisterous young one. For couples and walkers who want a self-contained Kendal base with their dog alongside them, it is a genuinely welcoming choice.