The Traveller's Rest

The Traveller's Rest is a traditional Lakeland inn standing on the A591 a little north of Grasmere village, and it is set up for the kind of stay where the dog gets as much of a day out as you do. High fells rise on almost every side, footpaths leave from the road outside, and the inn has the worn, practical feel of a place that has been taking in walkers for a very long time.

The detail dog owners tend to single out is what happens when you get back. Guests arriving soaked off the hill with an equally soaked dog have been shown to the boiler room to hang up coats, leads and dog towels rather than draping everything over a bedroom radiator overnight. In the central Lakes, where a wet spaniel is the default state of affairs from about lunchtime onwards, that is a more useful facility than most published pet amenity lists. Food is served in the evening too, which removes the awkward choice between eating properly and leaving a dog alone in an unfamiliar room.

Grasmere itself is a ten to fifteen minute walk down the road, and there is a bus stop within a few steps of the door for anyone travelling without a car. Easedale Tarn, Helm Crag and the old Coffin Route over to Rydal are all within walking distance of the inn, so a full day on the fells does not need a drive first.

Set expectations on the rooms rather than the setting. This is a rustic working inn, not a boutique conversion: guests mention dated bathroom ventilation and the occasional wobbly bed, and a room described as having a view may only really deliver one if you sit at the end of it. The inn does not publish pet fees, dog numbers or weight limits anywhere, so agree those directly when you book.

Best suited to walkers and Lake District tourers with one or two settled dogs who want a proper fell-side inn within walking distance of Grasmere.