Bancroft, Camber Sands

Bancroft is a whole-house holiday let on Draffin Lane at Camber Sands, and the garden is what sells it to anyone travelling with a dog. It is fully enclosed, big enough for a family to spread out in, and fitted with a hot tub, a pizza oven, a barbecue and proper garden furniture, so the dog has a secure patch to potter about on while everyone else settles in. Guests travelling with dogs describe the outside space as the part that made the stay work.

Inside, the house is let to one party and sleeps a large group comfortably. Parties regularly arrive as a family of six with two dogs and report no shortage of room. The kitchen is well equipped, the beds get consistent praise, and there is a large smart TV and a separate upstairs room that suits teenagers. A relaxed attitude to muddy paws comes up more than once, and the owner is quick to reply and helpful with practical questions before arrival.

Camber Sands itself is the draw. The beach is within walking distance across the dunes, and the approach is a genuine climb, steep and sandy rather than a level path. Dog access is seasonal: in summer only certain stretches of the beach allow dogs, so the quieter months are when this coast comes into its own for a dog holiday. A bus stop a few minutes away puts Rye and Hastings within easy reach without moving the car.

Two caveats. The exterior is looking tired in places, and while that does not carry through to the inside, arrivals have found the first impression underwhelming. And the written pet terms run to little more than a two-dog limit, so anyone travelling with more than that, or with anything unusual to arrange, should settle it with the owner before booking.

At 4.4/5 on paws, Bancroft suits a family or group with one or two dogs who want an enclosed garden, a hot tub and a big sandy beach on foot, and who can travel outside the summer beach restrictions.