Bramblewick Cottage, Robin Hood's Bay

Bramblewick Cottage sits on The Bolts, part-way down the steep lanes of Robin Hood's Bay, and its position is the reason to book it with a dog. The old village is one of the most dog-friendly places on the North Yorkshire coast, with pubs, cafes and the slipway down to the beach all within a couple of minutes' walk, and the Cleveland Way runs along the clifftop above the village for longer outings.

The cottage itself is a small whole-house rental with a garden, and the dog-specific feedback is straightforward: it takes dogs, it has its own outdoor space, and there is room for two people plus a dog without it feeling cramped. The shower comes in for praise, which counts for a lot after a wet walk along the cliffs. The terms are reasonable and now published: a £20 pet charge for the whole stay rather than per night, and up to two dogs allowed.

Be realistic about the building. This is a genuinely old cottage and guests describe it as basic and a little tired inside, which is fine for a few days by the sea and less so if you want a polished interior. The stairs are very steep, worth thinking about if your dog is elderly, large or unsure on its feet. The garden has been reported as overgrown with awkward access, so don't count on it as the main outdoor space, and the sofa also comes in for criticism. Four adults would be a squeeze; two plus a dog is the right occupancy.

The other thing to plan for is the village itself. The old part of Robin Hood's Bay is effectively car-free, with the main car park at the top of the bank, so expect to carry bags down the hill and to walk back up at the end of the week. With a dog that is rarely a hardship, but it does shape the arrival.

It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating. Best suited to a couple with one dog who want to step out of the front door into a village where almost everywhere welcomes dogs, and who are happy trading polish for position.