North Devon Resort, Ilfracombe

North Devon Resort sits on Marlborough Road in Ilfracombe, a walk downhill from the harbour, and it treats dogs as a normal part of the business rather than an awkward request. A block of the accommodation is set aside as pet-friendly apartments and studios, so a dog owner books the right unit rather than hoping for a sympathetic receptionist. It earns a 4.2/5 paw rating.

The charges are clear and worth reading before you book. Thirty-five pounds covers up to two pets when you declare them at the time of booking; turn up with a dog you have not mentioned and it becomes fifty, and only then if a pet-friendly apartment happens to be free. More than two pets in one apartment needs approval first, and registered guide and assistance dogs stay free provided you give notice and bring the paperwork.

Around the resort itself, dogs are welcome in designated parts of the communal areas on a lead, and one side of the restaurant takes dogs, which matters on a wet week in North Devon when eating out with a dog otherwise means hunting for a pub. Carpeted areas are off limits and pets should not be left alone in an apartment. Guests travelling with dogs describe the apartments as spacious and, importantly for anyone nervous about booking pet accommodation, free of any lingering pet smell.

The one real caveat is consistency. The resort's guest score of 8.0/10 across 145 reviews masks a wide spread, and cleanliness is where it shows: alongside guests praising spotless units, others have arrived to a mouldy shower, crumbs down the side of the sofa and empty toiletry bottles, and the buildings are described as tired from the outside. Check the bathroom and the seating when you arrive and raise anything straight away rather than at checkout.

Best suited to dog owners who want an affordable Ilfracombe base with a pool, a shop and food on site, and who will give the apartment a quick once-over on arrival rather than assume it.