Bayview Cottage, Bournemouth

Bayview Cottage is a whole-property bungalow rental in Southbourne, on the quieter eastern side of Bournemouth, and it suits dog owners for reasons that have little to do with hotel-style pet policies. You get the entire place to yourselves, so there are no shared corridors, no lifts and no lobby to steer an excitable dog through on arrival.

The enclosed garden is the feature guests travelling with dogs come back to most often. It is mostly lawn and fully bounded, so dogs can be let out first thing without a lead, and it doubles as somewhere to dry off and shake out after a walk. Visitors arriving with more than one dog have found the space comfortable rather than cramped, and the interior has come in for praise on cleanliness - no lingering damp-dog smell despite how close the sea is.

Location is the other draw. The seafront at Southbourne is only a few minutes on foot, with beach access and a long promenade for morning and evening loops, and dog owners staying here rate the surrounding streets and seafront paths for walks. Shops are within walking distance too, so a quick supply run does not need the car. Bournemouth's beaches run seasonal dog restrictions on some stretches, so it is worth checking the current rules for the section nearest the property before you travel.

A few practical notes. The property's booking listing does not publish a pet fee, a cap on numbers, or any weight or breed restrictions, so confirm what you plan to bring with the owner at the time of booking. Guests have also flagged that the hot tub was not working during at least one stay, and that the pillows were flatter than expected.

A single-storey layout, a secure garden and beach access within walking distance make this a straightforward choice for a seaside break with dogs, and it earns a 4.4/5 paw rating.