Dale Cottage, Crantock

Dale Cottage sits in the middle of Crantock, a village of thatched roofs and cream-tea cafes a couple of miles from Newquay, and it is built for the sandy end of a dog holiday. Crantock beach is about ten minutes on foot, the coast path runs above it, and the cottage has a side access that lets you bring a wet, sandy dog and a pile of body boards round to the back without walking any of it through the house. There is a hose by the back door for the same reason.

Up to two pets can stay, at a pet fee of £40. The booking listing does not state whether that is charged per stay or per dog, so confirm it when you book. Dogs are not allowed upstairs at any time. The garden at the back is private and sunny, and dog owners describe it as a genuinely safe spot to let a dog out. Welcome packs have included dog biscuits alongside the scones, cream and prosecco, and the property manager gets consistently warm mentions for being easy to reach and quick to help.

One thing to check on arrival. There is a shared right of access down the side of the property, and the gates are the weak point: the connecting gate to the neighbouring property has been found left open, leaving a route from the garden through to the street. That has been the single biggest complaint here, and it soured a full week for the party it happened to. Other guests report no trouble at all, and point out that the front gate has a bolt on the inside that can be drawn across so it cannot be opened from the street. Secure both before letting a dog out unsupervised.

Smaller niggles include no wardrobes for hanging clothes, no sink in the outhouse for rinsing wetsuits, and the odd item missed under a bed on changeover. It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating.

Best suited to families who want a walkable village base near a dog-friendly beach and a private garden, and who will take a minute to check the side gates.