Fern Studio, Lyme Regis

Fern Studio is a self-catering studio in Lyme Regis run by hosts who are dog owners themselves, and it shows. Guests travelling with dogs single out how well the owners understand what a dog needs, helped by the fact that they keep two small dogs of their own. For a one- or two-person seaside break with a dog, it is a genuinely welcoming little base.

The studio is nicely decorated and thoughtfully stocked, with a balcony that catches the sun and looks out over the valley below. It sits in a quiet part of town within easy walking distance of the seafront and the shops, so most guests find they can leave the car parked for the duration and walk the dog everywhere.

There are two honest caveats worth knowing. First, outdoor space for a dog is limited: there is no dedicated garden, which guests with dogs mention, though most found it was not a real problem given how walkable the location is. Second, the studio adjoins the owners' own property, and one guest noted you can hear voices through the connecting door and felt conscious about noise if the dog barked. For a calm, settled dog this is a non-issue; for a vocal one it is worth bearing in mind.

On balance Fern Studio earns a 4.7/5 paw rating: a warm, dog-savvy studio in a quiet but walkable part of Lyme Regis, best for one or two people with a well-settled dog who value a thoughtful welcome and a great location over a private garden.