Pet friendly holiday cottage, sleeps 2 - Gilcrux, Cumbria

A cosy cottage for two in the quiet village of Gilcrux is perfectly placed for exploring the beautiful Western Lake District and Solway Coast. You can share your holiday with two canine companions and pets are also welcome at the village pub. There are shops and restaurants in the nearby Georgian market town of Cockermouth (5.5 miles), while tranquil Loweswater and Bassenthwaite lakes are within easy reach.

This charming cottage has bags of character and a lovely, homely feel, with comfortable seating in the lounge where you can curl up in front of the wood burner after a great day out. A handy breakfast bar in the neat kitchen is ideal for dining in. Upstairs, the pretty double bedroom has a fine feature fireplace and there is a bathroom with a shower over the bath, perfect for a soak after long walks.

A dog bed and bowls are provided for your pets. Outside, a small, shared yard has a shed for bikes or paddleboards and a seating area. The pub in Gilcrux serves homemade meals, along with real ale and there's also a post office.

Look for the seven natural springs which can be seen around the village and explore the ancient church, thought to date back to 1100. In Cockermouth, visit the childhood home of the poet William Wordsworth, preserved by the National Trust. Enjoy a walk along the promenade in the coastal town of Maryport (6 miles), with views of the Scottish mountains, and meet the fishy residents of the Lake District Coast Aquarium.

Hire a traditional rowing boat for a peaceful trip around Loweswater (7.5 miles), keeping a lookout for glimpses of rare, red squirrels.