1 / 16Skimming Stones
Keswick, Cumbria
A Victorian town house for eight over four floors in the middle of Keswick, with three bathrooms, a wood burner and an enclosed west facing yard, two dogs welcome.
Skimming Stones is a Victorian town house of four floors in the middle of Keswick: four bedrooms, three bathrooms, beds for eight and two dogs. The enclosed gravelled yard behind faces west and gets the last of the light rather than the first, which makes a dog friendly base for a party that would sooner walk out of the door than drive anywhere.
The house sorts a group vertically. The ground floor is the working end: a lobby for coats, then a lounge and dining room in one high ceilinged space with a wood burner under the bay window, and the kitchen behind. A twin and a king with a shower room to itself take the first floor, and the last two sit under the roof with the longest views in the house. A dog that follows people upstairs will be doing plenty of it.
Half past eight and the yard still has sun on it. Both dogs are out in it and neither is coming in while that lasts. A washing machine is running in the garage with a day of wet gear inside. Somebody upstairs has claimed the top room and will not negotiate, and below them the burner is lit and eight places are being laid by people who cannot agree on the order of anything.
Keswick sits in a bowl with fells all round it, so the walking starts wherever a dog is pointed. East, the river gives a flat mile out of town. West and south the ground goes up at once and keeps going, worth a full day or an hour, as asked. None of it needs a car, which in a house of eight is the saving that counts.
Book your stay
from £979 for 7 nights
Skimming Stones 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
- Enclosed rear yard | Unrestricted roadside parking | Storage for bikes and outdoor gear in garage | Shops, pubs and restaurants within 300 metres | Please note the wood burner in the dining area is de
- Sleeps
- 8 guests
- Rooms
- 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
- Price
- from £979 / 7 nights
- Grading
- 4 star
- Arrival
- in from 16:00, out by 10:00
- Facilities
- Open fire, Wifi
Skimming Stones from £979 for 7 nights
Book with holidaycottages.co.ukFrequently Asked Questions
Is Skimming Stones dog friendly?
Yes, Skimming Stones welcomes up to two dogs. The house has an enclosed gravelled yard at the back that catches the afternoon and evening sun, giving dogs a safe outdoor space to settle in after a day on the fells.
Are dogs allowed at Skimming Stones year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, and the house is set up as a practical base for active groups in all weathers — there's a lobby for wet gear and a washing machine in the garage. It's always worth confirming directly with the owner before booking.
What should I know before visiting Skimming Stones with my dog?
The house is on four floors, so a dog that likes to follow people around will get a good workout just indoors. The location is ideal for walkers — fells to the west and south start immediately from the door, and the river path east gives a flat mile out of town, all without needing to load dogs into a car.
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Skimming Stones from £979 for 7 nights
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