1 / 24Old School House - Matterdale
Matterdale, Cumbria
A characterful house for eight high above the Ullswater Valley at Matterdale, with fell views from every window, a wood burner, walks from the door and two dogs welcome.
High above the Ullswater Valley, Old School House looks out over fields and fells from every window, and the walks start from the door, so two dogs and their people can leave the car behind. This dog friendly house in the quiet village of Matterdale sleeps eight, and it is brimming with character.
The porch has plenty of room for boots, leads and coats. In the open plan lounge and diner, antique chairs are arranged around the wood burner in its majestic fireplace and beautiful carved antique furniture is dotted about, with two dogs drying off in front of the fire once everyone is home. Up three steps, the kitchen has a range style oven and everything needed to cook for a crowd.
On the ground floor, a twin bedroom with fell views, convertible to a super-king, has the shower room next to it. Upstairs, past a mezzanine landing with fantastic views, are a double with an en suite, a twin, and a king-size whose bathroom, with fellside views, can serve as an en suite or a family bathroom. Over the quiet lane, an enclosed garden has seating for a drink in the sun, and a gravelled area behind the house, with a table and chairs, catches the evening sun, the dogs flopped beside the chairs.
Aira Force waterfall is a 1.5 mile walk away, and from there you can climb to Gowbarrow terrace for spectacular views of Ullswater. At Glenridding, 4.5 miles off, the Ullswater Steamer takes dogs in tow for a cruise of the lake, with stops at Howtown, Pooley Bridge and Aira Force to wander the villages and fells.
We research every description carefully and believe it to be accurate, but details can change. Please confirm anything important, especially dog rules, with the booking agent or property owner before you book.
Book your stay
from £1,135 for 7 nights
Old School House - Matterdale takes 2 dogs and is booked through holidaycottages.co.uk.
Book with holidaycottages.co.ukPrices are a guide only, checked 27 August 2026, and change with dates and availability. We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
At a Glance
- Dogs Welcome
- 2 dogs
- Enclosed Garden
- Yes
- Over the lane, an enclosed garden has seating so you can take a drink outside and bask in the sun
- Sleeps
- 8 guests
- Rooms
- 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
- Price
- from £1,135 / 7 nights
- Grading
- 4 star
- Arrival
- in from 16:00, out by 10:00
- Facilities
- Open fire, Parking, Wifi
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Old School House - Matterdale from £1,135 for 7 nights
Book with holidaycottages.co.ukFrequently Asked Questions
Is Old School House - Matterdale dog friendly?
Yes, Old School House welcomes up to two dogs. The house is set up with them in mind from the start — there's a porch designed for boots and leads, gravel behind the house to let them out, and a ground floor bedroom so your dog can sleep beside you without navigating any stairs.
Are dogs allowed at Old School House - Matterdale year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, so it's worth contacting the owner directly to confirm availability for your dates. Given the nature of the property and its surroundings, it seems well suited to dogs in any season.
What should I know before visiting Old School House - Matterdale with my dog?
The house takes a maximum of two dogs, so it's not the right fit if you're bringing a bigger pack. The location is brilliant for dog walking — Ullswater is just 1.5 miles down the road with quiet paths at its northern end where dogs can be let off, and Great Mell Fell, Little Mell Fell and Gowbarrow are all within easy reach for a good morning out on the fells.
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Old School House - Matterdale from £1,135 for 7 nights
Book with holidaycottages.co.ukWhat’s Nearby?
Walk1.5 mi awayAira Force and Ullswater Viewpoints
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A spectacular National Trust waterfall with winding woodland paths and high viewpoints over Ullswater, a dog friendly favourite.
Walk3.5 mi awayUllswater Lakeshore: Howtown to Patterdale
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The most beautiful lakeshore walk in England, a gentle point to point along Ullswater made for dog friendly wanderers.
Side Farm Campsite
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A dog friendly farm campsite in Patterdale at the southern end of Ullswater, overlooked by Place Fell, with fell walks and lakeside paths close at hand.
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A long, wild Helvellyn day via the secret valley of Grisedale, a serious dog friendly mountain outing for fit hounds and owners.
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The mighty northern ridge of Blencathra from a quiet hamlet, a dog friendly fell classic for sure-footed hill dogs.
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A family run, dog friendly campsite on the shores of Ullswater at the foot of Barton Fell, with two lakeside camping fields and a working farm all around.