Heron, Milford Haven

Heron is a smart, contemporary house perched right on the water's edge at Black Bridge, just outside Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire. The setting is the star: guests wake to the tide moving up and down the estuary, with swans, ducks and wading birds arriving on the water. It sleeps larger groups across several bedrooms, most with their own bathroom, and has a terrace and balcony overlooking the creek.

For most dog owners the stay lands well. Guests travelling with pets repeatedly praise the secure balcony over the river, the estuary walk just across the bridge, and the wider Pembrokeshire coast - Broadwater and other dog-friendly beaches are a short drive, and Tenby is an easy day out. Several parties have brought two dogs and reported them thoroughly worn out and happy after a week of walks.

There are, though, some honest caveats worth weighing before you book. On-site dog walking is limited - you can walk along the edge of the pill at low tide, but otherwise you will be driving to the better routes, and muddy paws are part of the deal, so pack a towel. The internal wooden staircase is slippery; one family with a dog found it a real hazard and added grip mats themselves. One guest also reported their dog picked up fleas during the stay. And most seriously, a guest travelling with an assistance dog was charged an extra cleaning fee for dog hair after the stay and left feeling the welcome fell short - so it is wise to confirm exactly what the pet terms and any cleaning expectations are, in writing, before arrival.

Heron works best for dog owners who value a spectacular waterside setting and do not mind driving to walks - and who clarify the pet and cleaning policy up front so there are no surprises at checkout.