A Lake District lodge has been named among the best places for a break with pets.

Holiday home owners Clare and Simon Winship are celebrating after scooping gold for the second year running in the Best for Pet-Friendly Breaks category for their cosy three-bedroom cottage, Fellside Lodge. 

The Sykes Gems Awards 2024, run by staycation specialist Sykes Holiday Cottages, saw thousands of entries from across the UK and Ireland – with Fellside Lodge beating tough competition to take home the trophy.

Fellside Lodge in Bowness first became available to holidaymakers in 2021 and has had more than 62 bookings so far this year. 

Clare and Simon, who both work in finance, have five Irish Setters themselves and explained how they were keen to make the cottage a place for people with more than just one or two pets to enjoy. 

Clare said: “We know that people work hard and we want holidaymakers to come to Fellside Lodge to thoroughly relax and enjoy it. 

“We are very excited to have won this category for the second year running. Simon and I have taken great care to make sure the standards of the property remain high, and people can switch off as soon as they step through the door.

“Most of all, we love bringing people to the Lake District to enjoy it with their dogs as much as we do.”

Fellside Lodge is equipped with a professional dog bath and dryer, so owners can pamper their pooches after a muddy walk or lake swim.

The Sykes Gems Awards also recognised Cumbrian holiday lets in two other categories. Crooklands Cottage, a spacious detached cottage just outside Kendal, was crowned Silver winner for Best in North West England.

Meanwhile, Waterfall Retreat, an impressive 10-bedroom holiday home near Tebay, took home Silver for Best Luxury Property.

The Sykes Gems Awards first launched in 2017 and aim to celebrate the best properties in the UK’s holiday let sector.

Properties were judged by a panel of industry experts, including Sykes’ CEO Graham Donoghue and Managing Director James Shaw, as well as The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski.

All holiday homes were judged based on owner entries and guest feedback, alongside photos, occupancy figures and property amenities. This year, there were 31 categories, including Best Luxury Property and Best Renovation, with Best for Activities and Best for Sustainability two new categories introduced in 2024.

The judging panel were impressed by the style and facilities on offer, along with guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort and value for money. 

James Shaw, Managing Director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “It has been brilliant to see so many fantastic properties recognised in this year’s Sykes Gems Awards.

“We know how hard our owners work to ensure their properties remain at a high standard year-round and it is great to be able to reward their efforts. While it was difficult to choose winners after receiving so many wonderful entries, Fellside Lodge was a clear front runner that delivers unforgettable breaks for guests – and their pets.”