Beachcomber Cottage, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

Beachcomber Cottage is a small self-catering cottage in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, on the Northumberland coast north of Blyth, and it is set up for dogs in a way that goes past simply tolerating them. Dog bowls are part of the standard kit in the kitchen, sitting alongside the extra blankets, hot water bottles and electric blanket that guests keep mentioning. That is the sort of provision that suggests an owner who expects dogs rather than one who permits them.

Guests describe the cottage as thoroughly equipped and warm on arrival, with the central heating already on, which counts for a great deal on this coast for most of the year. Having the place to yourselves means no corridors, no lifts and no other guests to work around, and the welcome from the host comes up in reviews about as consistently as the cottage itself does.

The location is the obvious draw for a dog. Newbiggin's bay is a short walk away and the coastal path runs along the shore here, so long beach and clifftop walks start at the door and carry on in either direction. Seasonal dog restrictions apply on some Northumberland beaches over the summer months, so it is worth checking which section of sand is open to dogs during your stay.

One practical caveat comes from guests with dogs, and it is a fair one: there is no lock or bolt on the outside door, which makes letting the dog out last thing at night less secure than some owners would like. It is a small thing, but a real one if you are used to opening a door and leaving it open. The published limit is one pet per booking, and no pet fee or size restriction is stated, so settle those with the owner when you book.

Best suited to a couple with a dog who want a warm, well-stocked coastal base and long beach walks that begin without a drive.