Little May, Newquay

Little May is a small cottage in the countryside at Colan, a few minutes' drive from Newquay, and its main draw for dog owners is the enclosed field beside it. Guests can use it, the gate can be shut, and much of the feedback from people travelling with dogs comes back to the same thing: somewhere safe to let a dog off the lead first thing and last thing at night, and somewhere to dry one off after the beach.

The owners live next door and keep a dog of their own. Treats and dog biscuits on arrival get mentioned often, as does how clean the cottage is kept, which matters when you are coming back off the sand every day. The setting is genuinely quiet, down a lane away from passing traffic, with views over open fields.

There is one thing to know before booking, and it comes up repeatedly from guests with dogs. The owner runs swimming lessons at the house next door, and the yard beside the cottage, the same area guests park in and cross to reach the field, takes the visiting cars. In practice that means a steady flow of vehicles roughly between 4pm and 6pm on weekday evenings and on Saturday mornings. Guests generally note their own parking bay is kept free. Dog owners are more mixed on it: some found their dogs barked at the coming and going, and some did not want to leave the back door open during those hours. If your dog is reactive to strangers and car doors, plan around those windows.

The beaches are the reason to be here. Crantock, Holywell Bay and Perranporth are all a short drive, and Newquay itself is close enough for an evening out. There are no shops within walking distance, so this is a car-based stay.

Best suited to people who want a quiet countryside base with safe off-lead space on the doorstep, and who can work around a busy hour or two in the yard. On that basis it earns a 4.4/5 paw rating.