Cober Hill, Scarborough

Cober Hill sits in its own grounds at Cloughton, a few miles up the coast from Scarborough, and it is the kind of place where a dog simply fits into the day. The house is a rambling historic property with terraced gardens, lawns and quiet corners to wander, and the cliff tops and the Cleveland Way start a short walk from the gate - which means a proper coastal walk before breakfast rather than a lap of the car park.

Dogs are welcomed here rather than merely tolerated. Guests travelling with pets often arrive with more than one, and two-dog parties have stayed without difficulty. They consistently describe staff as helpful and genuinely pleased to see the dogs, and the building and grounds are kept notably clean. Parking sits right by the entrance, which matters when you are unloading a car full of wet dogs.

Two things are worth knowing before you book. Dining with a dog happens in the conservatory rather than the main dining room, and guests with pets have found that arrangement applied unevenly, with some dog owners seated in the main room while others were directed to the conservatory. The conservatory itself gets good reports; it is the inconsistency that grates. Second, the bedrooms sit some way into the building behind a run of fire doors, so reaching yours with a couple of dogs in tow is a bit of a trek.

Rooms are simple and deliberately have no televisions, because quiet is the whole point of the place, so it suits people who want to read, walk and turn in early rather than anyone after evening entertainment. Breakfast is a hearty cooked affair, though popular items have been known to run out. With a 4.6/5 paw rating, Cober Hill is a strong choice for dog owners who want space, coast and a peaceful base, and a weaker one for anyone hoping to eat dinner with their dog in the main dining room.