Church Farm Dairy, Whissonsett

Church Farm Dairy is a converted farm building in Whissonsett, a quiet village in the middle of Norfolk, and dogs are clearly part of the plan rather than an afterthought. The best of it is the enclosed field beside the cottage: a fenced paddock where dogs can run off the lead without anyone having to think about roads or gates, which is a rarer thing than it should be in self-catering.

Arrivals get a welcome hamper, and guests travelling with dogs consistently mention a second one for the dog, with treats and a towel for drying off after a muddy walk. Touches like that come up in nearly every review from a dog owner, alongside the eggs from the farm's own hens and how immaculate the cottage is on arrival.

The farm animals are part of the appeal. Goats and a resident sheep live out the front, and families report the animals being a highlight of the week, though a dog with a strong prey drive is worth keeping on the lead until you have seen how it reacts to a goat at close quarters.

The setting is quiet and rural, with walks straight from the door and easy access to the north Norfolk coast and the market towns when you want a day out. Inside, the kitchen is well equipped for cooking family meals, the bedrooms and bathrooms draw consistent praise, and there is a garden seating area and a gas barbecue for warm evenings. The hosts come across as friendly and approachable without hovering.

The only recurring gripe is cosmetic: a garage area that was still unfinished at the time of recent stays, which nobody felt affected the visit. Guests rate the property 9.8 out of 10 overall, and dog owners in particular have very little to complain about.

Best suited to families and groups who want a comfortable rural base in Norfolk with somewhere secure to let the dogs run, and who like the idea of a farmyard on the doorstep. It earns a 4.7/5 paw rating.