Jasmine Cottage, Lanchester

Jasmine Cottage is a self-contained country cottage just outside Lanchester in County Durham, and the feature that matters most for a dog owner is the garden. It is gated and enclosed, which means a dog can go out first thing without a lead and without a negotiation - the single most useful thing a self-catering let can offer, and the thing dog owners mention first in their feedback.

One pet is allowed per booking and it has to be requested rather than assumed, so flag your dog when you reserve. Beyond that the hosts are consistently described as friendly and welcoming, and a welcome pack on arrival comes up in almost every piece of feedback. The cottage itself is comfortable rather than basic, with two bathrooms, an optional hot tub and long views over open countryside.

The walking is the other reason to come. Lanchester sits in the valley of the River Browney with the old railway path running through it, which gives miles of level, traffic-free walking straight from the village, and the western edge of County Durham rises towards the North Pennines within a short drive. Places to eat are a few minutes away by car rather than on foot, so this is a stay that assumes you have one.

Two practical notes. The approach to the cottage is poorly lit, so arriving after dark with a dog and luggage is more awkward than it needs to be - bring a torch. And this is a one-dog cottage, so it will not suit a household travelling with a pair. For a couple or a small family with one dog who want an enclosed garden, quiet countryside and walking from the door, it is a straightforward recommendation and earns 4.5/5 paws.