3 Bedroom Detached House, Whitchurch

This three-bedroom detached house on Roman Way sits a few minutes' walk from the centre of Whitchurch, and it suits dog owners who would rather have a whole house to themselves than a room in a hotel. There are no shared corridors or communal spaces to negotiate, parking is easy, and the town's pubs, the park and the canal are all walkable - the towpath in particular makes for a straightforward, largely flat walk straight from the door.

The one thing every dog owner should know before booking is that the garden is not fully enclosed. The back garden runs round to the front, leaving a gap a dog can get through, and guests travelling with pets have repeatedly had to improvise a barrier out of the bins or a spare pallet to make it secure. Some have noted the garden looked to be undergoing work at the time of their stay, so this may change, but plan for it as it stands. If your dog cannot be left loose in an unsecured garden, bring a tether or a travel pen.

Beyond that the house earns consistently strong marks. Guests describe it as clean, spacious and well equipped, with a good-sized kitchen, comfortable beds and a supply of basics - bread, butter, jam and milk - waiting on arrival. The host is repeatedly described as attentive and easy to deal with.

The property does not publish its pet terms, so check the number of dogs allowed and any charge when you book. Two small practical gripes recur in the general reviews: there is no lock on the bathroom door, and a vacuum cleaner has not always been available, which matters more than usual when you are clearing up after a dog.

Best suited to dog owners visiting Whitchurch or the surrounding Shropshire countryside who want space, a central location and a well-kept house, and who can work around a garden that is not dog-proof. It earns a 4.3/5 paw rating - the house is excellent, the outdoor space is the weak point.