Chaffinch Lodge, Highampton

Chaffinch Lodge sits on a small working fishing farm at Highampton in west Devon, looking straight out over one of five coarse lakes, and it is the kind of quiet, self-contained spot where a dog can be part of the holiday rather than an afterthought. Woodland and lakeside paths start at the door, there is a field at the back where dogs can be let off, and guests travelling with dogs are among the most likely to rebook. It earns a 4.7/5 paw rating.

Up to two pets are allowed per booking and no pet fee is published. Around the rest of the site dogs are generally expected to stay on the lead, which matters because of the one thing every dog owner should know before booking: the owners live next door and their own three dogs and two cats have the run of the place off-lead. For a sociable dog that is a non-issue, and plenty of guests never mention it. For a nervous or reactive dog it is a genuine problem, and guests who brought one have said they would not have booked had they known.

The veranda is worth checking too. Some guests with dogs describe closed-in, gated decking that let them relax outside without watching the dog constantly. Others, in a newer lodge, found the veranda open and wrapping round out of sight, and wanted a gate fitted. Ask which you will be getting if enclosed outdoor space matters to you.

Otherwise this is a straightforwardly good dog holiday. The lodge is warm, clean and well equipped for self-catering, with a gas fire and lake views from the porch. Wildlife is everywhere, from the birds on the feeders to the alpacas and sheep along the walking route. The owners are on hand without hovering and know the fishing inside out. Bude and Clovelly are a short drive, the nearest shop is at Hatherleigh, and there is a dog-friendly pub about three miles away at Sheepwash.

Two practicalities: there is no wifi and mobile signal is patchy, which most guests treat as the point rather than a problem, and being a pet-friendly lodge, the odd dog hair and faint doggy scent do get noticed.

Best suited to anglers, walkers and anyone with a confident, sociable dog who wants peace, water and woodland. Owners of reactive dogs should look elsewhere.