Birch Cottage, Begelly

Birch Cottage is a self-catering property in the Redberth and Begelly corner of south Pembrokeshire, a short drive inland from the Saundersfoot and Tenby coast, and it makes a genuine effort with visiting dogs. Guests travelling with pets consistently mention a welcome package with something in it for the dog - treats and a goodie box alongside the fresh bakes left for the humans - and the property is set up so pets are expected rather than tolerated. An afternoon tea for the dog is part of what the collection puts out.

The outdoor side is the strong suit. There is a hot tub, a barbecue, a pizza oven and a fire pit, plus a log burner indoors, and smallholding animals including goats and pigs right beside the accommodation, which families with children tend to enjoy. That last point cuts both ways for dog owners: livestock on the doorstep is worth knowing about if your dog is reactive around other animals. Every cottage in the collection has its own private enclosed patio or garden, which is the piece that matters most if you want to let a dog out first thing without finding a lead. Reviewers with pets describe the interior itself as clean, comfortable and thoroughly equipped.

There are real caveats here, and they matter more than usual. Dog owners report a charge of about £20 per dog added on top of the nightly rate, consistently described as an unwelcome surprise rather than something flagged at the point of booking, and parties with two dogs report paying twice. Other extras get mentioned in the same breath, including a charge for firewood and a returnable damage deposit chased shortly before arrival. None of it appears on the booking listing, so confirm the full cost of bringing your dog directly before you commit.

Two practical points close it out. The cottage sits close to a dual carriageway, and guests who slept with the windows open in hot weather found the traffic noise intrusive. Beyond the enclosed patio, grassy space around the property is limited, so this is not a stay where a dog gets a proper leg-stretch without getting in the car first. Housekeeping has also slipped at least once, with dog waste from a previous stay found uncleared outside and on the cleaning equipment. With eyes open on cost and walking, Birch Cottage earns a 4.2/5 paw rating and works best for owners who want hot-tub-and-fire-pit downtime with the dog along.