Woof guide

Bridget heads to Linthwaite House in the Lake District which boasts dog-friendly rooms, great food and wonderful views

Our dog Minnie seemed to know where she was as soon as she got out of the car. It was surprising as we hadn’t been at Linthwaite House in the Lake District for over a year, during which time the hotel has been closed for a multi-million-pound refurbishment.

The changes are immediately apparent even before you enter the hotel as the grounds have had an extensive makeover, thinning out trees so that visitors can see more of Lake Windermere from an extended conservatory and elevated sun terrace.

There are three dog-friendly rooms in the main hotel, one of which we checked into during our autumn break. All freshly decorated and tastefully refurbished, with a soft Johnstons of Elgin throw. Even Minnie was provided with her own snazzy dog bed as well as bowls, while a door leading direct to the grounds was handy for walkies.

Eye-catching sculptures include lions, prowling tigers, deer, a toad and my favourite, a human body on haunches with an elephant’s head titled “Sit”. If only our dog would pay more attention to that word, but she was keen to make friends with what looked like a fellow Jack Russell sculpture positioned close to our room.

The real fires are very welcoming in the reception and lounge and we appreciated the more open view looking out over the autumnal Lake District landscape to the yacht masts and boats beyond as we drank cappuccinos in the conservatory. I also enjoyed casting my eye over the quirky artwork and new furniture – many of the tribal patterns had a hint of South Africa.

There are comical dog ornaments and door handles, while even the wellie boot room had a row of African animal masks – something I’m sure young children will appreciate, along with hunting out the sculptures in the extensive 14-acre gardens. We took a walk with Minnie to the tarn, where there is a rowing boat for guests’ use. One father and young son were already trying their luck with fishing rods. As dogs aren’t allowed in the public rooms, we left Minnie snug in the car while we went for dinner at Stella. The menu, influenced by international celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia, who has restaurants in India, offered a surprising Italian flavour, combined with the best of local Cumbrian produce.

I couldn’t resist the pizza fritta starter, made with Puglian burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes and a drizzle of basil, while Simon enjoyed beef tartare. My tender fillet steak with fresh truffles was superb and Simon opted for the tasty wild boar ravioli.

For dessert, my lapsong suchong pannacotta was melt in the mouth while Simon chose an old favourite with a modern lime and saffron twist – crème brulée.

Breakfast the next morning (the full Cumbrian – what else?) was just as tasty and there was an excellent choice of tempting alternatives as well as fresh fruit, smoothies, juices, cereals and pastries at the buffet.

The hotel is located a short drive from Windermere and the honeycomb villages of Bowness, Ambleside and Grasmere. We were lucky to catch the end of our glorious Indian summer before the first cold snap set in – although we weren’t brave enough to go canoeing or paddle boarding like some other guests.

Having stopped to explore picturesque and dog-friendly Kendal the day before (I recommend Slate for lunch), we headed to Keswick at the north of the Lake District. En route, we pulled over at the Swirls car park off the

We were lucky to catch the end of our glorious Indian summer before the first cold snap set in

A591 where a number of colour-coded routes offered walks from around the lakeside to viewpoints and even a red squirrel hide in the forest.

No wonder this landscape has inspired so many painters and writers – the leaves were a riveting display of russets, golds, oranges and reds. The enveloping mountains looked spectacular lit up in their autumn glory, home to curious Alpacas and deer as well as Herdwick sheep.

Hardly surprisingly, considering the sunshine and the school half-term holidays, it seemed every man and their dog was in bustling Keswick, with its lake, busy cafes, bars, award-winning theatre and independent shops.

Rates at Linthwaite House cost from £200 for two people sharing a double room on a B&B basis with an extra charge of £25 per dog. Visit leeucollection.com or call 01539 488600.