Beachside, Polzeath

Beachside is a whole house directly across the road from the sand at Polzeath, with a private, securely fenced garden - the combination that makes a dog holiday straightforward. The grass is enclosed and not overlooked, there is a courtyard that catches the sun, and free parking sits right in front of the house, so bags and dogs go straight indoors rather than trailing from a car park.

The practical touches suit sandy, salty animals. An outside shower is there for surfers and wetsuits, and it does the same job for a dog that has been in the sea. The upstairs living room and balcony look out over the beach towards Pentire Point, and a well-stocked shop is a couple of minutes on foot, so short trips out do not need the car.

Polzeath is one of the better-known dog beaches in north Cornwall, though many Cornish beaches restrict dogs over the summer, so check the current rules for the main beach before you travel. The South West Coast Path runs either side of the village, and Daymer Bay and the Camel estuary are a short drive for longer walks.

Two caveats belong here. A strong animal urine odour has been reported in two of the bedrooms, obvious with the doors shut and the heating on, and it was not resolved during the stay - worth raising with the property before you book, not least because an unfamiliar animal smell can unsettle a dog. Storage is also tight: the cupboards are largely given over to crockery and the fridge is a small under-counter one, so a big food delivery will not fit.

One dog is welcome by prior arrangement, so let the owners know when you book and confirm any charge at the same time. For an owner who wants an enclosed garden and a beach they can reach on foot, Beachside earns a 4.4/5 paw rating.