Cobble Cottage, Northam

Cobble Cottage is a small, cosy holiday cottage in the middle of Northam, on the north Devon coast above the Torridge estuary, and it puts more effort into arriving dogs than most cottages of this size. It earns a 4.4/5 paw rating.

The welcome is the standout. Guests travelling with dogs arrive to a proper pet package alongside the human one, with bowls, a blanket, poo bags and treats set out next to the wine, scones and cream tea. The cottage itself is consistently described as spotless, well equipped and genuinely snug, with a fireplace and an electric recliner, and the village centre is on the doorstep.

The location suits dogs well. Northam Burrows Country Park is close by and gives you a wide open expanse of grass, dune and beach, with dogs on the lead near the grazing livestock, and Appledore's quay and the Tarka Trail are both a short hop away. Local cafes and pubs are used to dogs and guests describe the village as a friendly one.

Two caveats matter. Guests travelling with dogs have reported being asked not to leave dogs alone in the property, and that this was not flagged at the point of booking, so if you were counting on leaving your dog while you eat out, check it directly first. The cottage is also genuinely small: the bedroom is tight to move around in, the spiral staircase takes care with luggage or a dog that needs carrying, kitchen storage is limited and parking in the village is difficult. A slight damp smell in the kitchen has come up more than once.

Best suited to a couple with one or two dogs that will be with them all day, who want a village base for the north Devon coast and beaches and do not mind a compact cottage.