Heyden Cottage, Minehead

Heyden Cottage is a secluded cottage tucked into the woods at Bratton, just outside Minehead on the edge of Exmoor, and it is the kind of place dog owners come back to year after year. Woodland walks start straight from the door, with longer routes into Minehead and Dunster that need no car, and trees and fields of sheep all around.

The outdoor space is a big part of the appeal. There is a large garden, an orchard that many owners describe as fully enclosed and gated, a small enclosed courtyard and a campfire area. Experiences of how secure it all is do vary, though: some guests found the reliably enclosed area to be the paved part and kept their dogs on leads on the grass in case they slipped out, so check the boundaries on arrival if your dog is an escape artist.

Inside, the cottage is roomy, warm and homely, with a kitchen-diner at its heart and a log burner with a generous supply of wood for after a long walk. The housekeeper is friendly and helpful without intruding, and returning guests say it is kept as fresh and clean as ever.

This is a low-tech retreat. There is no TV, and WiFi is limited, generally only working in the lounge. Smaller niggles include an uncomfortable single bed, some kitchen utensils due for replacing and very hot tap water, so take care with children. Shopping means a short drive, though the main road is close by.

For walkers who want peace, woodland on the doorstep and room for the dogs to roam, Heyden Cottage earns a 4.4/5 paw rating.