“ideal dog friendly and/or by public transport holiday”
My friend and I met up at the cottage with our little dogs, as it is situated between Carlisle and Liverpool where we live and easy to get to by train.. The cottage is spacious and warm. it isn't in a particularily pretty position but only 7 minutes walk from the bus station and town. it has a gated yard, from the back door, so you don't have to use the front door, which does go straight on to a busy road. however, a smaller dog than my jack Russell would get out between the railings. The owner does not live far away and can give you a wealth of information on your arrival. The cottage info requests you do not allow dogs upstairs or on furniture.
There is a 'corner shop' in Devonshire Road three minutes walk away - open 8-8p.m. it is hidden behind a hedge half way along the road! we discovered it just as we were leaving! Otherwise Ulverston town has a Tescos and a Co-op. We did not find it too difficult to carry groceries back. There is another supermarket with a Cumberland Farmers pet shop next to it - Booths-but that is a bit too far by foot. The Stan Laurel pub is literally yards away and allows dogs in the dining room and does a lovely plate of fish and chips for a fiver on a Friday (your first night), eat 6-7p.m., otherwise you will need to book.
There is a big vets practise 8 minutes walk away by the bus stops..If your dog was on a prescription diet and you didn't want to carry it on the train, they might order it in for you?
The rail station is that little bit too far with a case-we used a taxi 01229 582177. they are o.k. to transport dogs if they stay off the seats. It is downhill from the station to the cottage but beware - uphill going back, plus the away platform is over the other side with steep steps, though the station master will help with your case upon request.
We were very impressed with Ulverston - lots of coffee shops and independent shops, most dog friendly. and a twice weekly market selling fresh veg etc.
The bus services are great-I went to Conniston, Grange Over Sands (lovely promenade dog walk and café), Peil Island, Windermere by steam train and then a lake trip, all dog friendly. My friend went to Conishead Priory (weekday only buses) lovely grounds, beach walk and café with tables outside for you to sit with the dog.
There are also two good local walks - a community run park and fab café, Ford Park, about 15 minutes walk away. And a good canal walk which finishes at The Bay Horse Inn -dog friendly dining room and fabulous views over Cartmel sands, You can get a little bus back to Ulverston.
I have heart problems and can't walk more than about 2/3 miles on a good day. The cottage was a perfect base because of the great bus links, and you can avoid having to climb steep hills quite easily. the cottage also has a downstairs en suite bedroom (2 more with a bathroom upstairs)-so this was great for me, though the stairs are not steep.
There isn't an immediate dog walk, though our dogs had a little wee on some grass in the yard, and you can walk 'round the block' and find some more grass nearby. there is also a little by the bus stops (which are all together by the library). we managed perfectly well.
We were very impressed with the area, nice people, dog friendliness and just the sort of shops we like - I got all my Christmas presents! so if you are looking for a nice easy holiday with your dog, or have to travel by public transport-this would be ideal.