Coastguard Cottages, Bournemouth

Coastguard Cottages sits a short lead-walk from the sea in Southbourne, on the quieter eastern edge of Bournemouth, and that setting is what makes it work so well for dogs. This is a whole Victorian house let to one party at a time, so there are no shared corridors or lobbies to navigate. You and your dog have the run of the place, which suits nervous or excitable dogs far better than a busy hotel.

The location is the standout. Guests travelling with dogs return to the beach walks on the doorstep: the long sands towards Hengistbury Head are ideal for a morning run, and the sea views from the house are a genuine bonus after a muddy walk. The front garden is enclosed, giving dogs a secure space to potter in off the lead, which is a real plus for a self-catering base.

There are honest caveats worth knowing. The rear garden is not fully fenced from the neighbouring properties, and dog owners have reported dogs from either side meeting unexpectedly through the boundary - at least one of those encounters turned aggressive. That is worth bearing in mind if your dog is not reliably sociable, so keep them to the secure front garden or on the lead out back. The house itself draws repeated comment about heating in the colder months and a need for a deeper clean in places, bedding included, so it reads best as a relaxed, beach-focused bolthole rather than a polished boutique stay.

The pet terms, at least, are clear. Up to three small dogs or two larger ones can stay, there is no per-dog charge, and the only pet-related cost is a deep-clean charge if the cottage needs one after your stay - so a towel by the door after beach walks earns its keep. On balance it is a strong choice for owners who want beach walks, sea air and a private house to themselves, and it suits easygoing dogs who will enjoy the sand more than they mind the tired edges.