Leeward Lodge, Totland Bay

Leeward Lodge is a self-catering lodge just off The Broadway in Totland Bay, at the quiet western end of the Isle of Wight, five minutes on foot from the seafront and within easy reach of the island's best coastal walking. For dog owners that walking is rather the point: Tennyson Down, Freshwater Bay, Alum Bay and The Needles are all reachable without getting back in the car.

Dogs are properly welcomed here rather than merely tolerated. Guests arriving with a dog have found a welcome card and treats waiting for them, and the hosts come up again and again as responsive and genuinely helpful, going as far as coordinating a baggage courier's delivery and collection around a stay. The lodge itself is described as spotless, well equipped and comfortably furnished, with plants, cushions and warm lighting giving it more character than a standard holiday let.

The location does a lot of the work. There is a shop at the end of the road, a handful of places to eat within walking distance and a bus stop nearby, so the car can stay on the private drive for most of a stay - a real advantage when a wet dog and a car boot are otherwise part of every outing. The coast path is close enough for a first walk before breakfast.

The one thing dog owners consistently flag is the outside space: there is no side gate, so the grounds are not fully enclosed. Guests describe the spot as quiet and secure, but a dog that cannot be trusted off the lead will need to stay on it in the garden. No pet fee, dog limit or house rules are set out on the listing, so confirm the terms with the hosts when you book. For couples, small groups and families who want a walking-led Isle of Wight break with the dog along, Leeward Lodge earns a 4.6/5 paw rating.