Yalbury Cottage, Lower Bockhampton

Yalbury Cottage is a small, characterful bed and breakfast in Lower Bockhampton, a quiet hamlet a couple of miles east of Dorchester in the heart of Hardy country. The building is around 350 years old, the rooms are generously sized, and guests who bring a dog describe a relaxed welcome in which the owners make a proper fuss of the dog on arrival.

Dogs are charged at £8.50 per night. The property notes that some restrictions apply to dogs without spelling out what they are, so it is worth mentioning the size and number of dogs in your party when you book rather than on the doorstep. No weight limit or maximum number of dogs is published.

Guests travelling with dogs are consistently positive. The rooms come across as spacious, spotless and comfortable, the breakfast gets warm praise, and the owners are described as helpful and easy to deal with. Visitors from abroad have singled out the walking with dogs as a highlight too.

The setting is the real draw for dog walkers. Thorncombe Wood and Puddletown Forest are close by for woodland tracks, there are riverside walks nearby, and Stinsford church, where Hardy's heart is buried, makes an easy short circuit. Dorchester is a few minutes' drive for shops and restaurants.

A couple of practical points. There are few places to eat within walking distance in the evening, so plan dinner in Dorchester or bring something back. It is also a small property, so if you are travelling with more than one dog or a larger breed, check it suits before you book.

Best suited to couples or solo travellers with a well-behaved dog who want a quiet, comfortable Dorset base with good breakfasts and woodland walking close to the door. It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating.