Labour in Vain, St Ives

Labour in Vain is a character cottage in the middle of St Ives, a couple of hundred metres from the harbour and within easy walking distance of three beaches. For dog owners the appeal is simple: you can leave the car parked for the week and walk everywhere, and the real wood floors throughout mean the sand and salt water that come back with a dog sweep up in minutes. It earns a 4.4/5 paw rating.

Dogs are genuinely welcome here and up to two can stay. Guests have brought dogs in family groups and over Christmas without any fuss, and the cottage is warm and cosy in winter, which matters when a wet dog needs to dry off. The layout is quirky, spreading over several floors, with a games room in the basement that is a bonus in summer and too cold to bother with in midwinter.

The most important thing to know before booking is that there is no outdoor space. Guests travelling with dogs have arrived expecting a yard or garden on the strength of the listing description and found neither, and that is worth planning around if your dog is used to being let out last thing at night. The town makes up for it, with the coast path and the beaches minutes from the door, though several St Ives beaches operate seasonal dog restrictions over the summer, so check the current rules before you travel.

Two more practical points. There is no parking at the property; the nearest option is the Island car park a short walk away, and it is paid. And the cottage has a lot of steps and stairs, inside and on the approach, which suits an agile dog but is hard work with an elderly one. Housekeeping draws mixed reports, with some guests finding the cottage needed more attention on arrival than they expected.

Best suited to a family or couple with a town-happy dog who will spend the days on the beach and the coast path, rather than anyone who needs a garden.