Owl's Rest, Weymouth

Owl's Rest is a whole-house rental on a quiet residential street in the Rodwell area of Weymouth, a walk from the harbour and the seafront. It is set up thoughtfully for dogs in a way self-catering places rarely are: there is a stair gate so the dog can be kept downstairs overnight, and the enclosed patio at the back is secure enough to let them out without worrying about the road.

Two dogs are accepted, and dog owners who have stayed describe a genuine home from home - airy, clean, comfortable beds, and quiet enough that an older or nervous dog will settle quickly. The street itself is calm, and you can often park directly outside, though spaces are easier to come by during the day than in the evening.

The thing to know before booking is the outdoor space. The garden is decked from end to end with no grass at all, and a dog used to relieving itself on grass can find that genuinely difficult. The nearest small green space is a children's play area rather than somewhere to take a dog, and guests have found the closest patches of grass poorly kept. The decking's own condition has drawn comment too, so it is worth a look before letting a dog charge about on it. If your dog is particular about surfaces, plan on a short walk towards the harbour each time rather than a quick trip outside.

Weymouth's main beach restricts dogs along the central stretch over the summer season, with the quieter ends open year-round, and the coast path runs west towards Portland from nearby. For a couple or small family with a settled, walk-ready dog wanting a quiet base near the harbour, Owl's Rest is a comfortable choice and earns a 4.5/5 paw rating - just take the decked garden into account.