Little Wandas, Uplyme

Little Wandas is a self-contained apartment tucked behind the larger house it takes its name from, in Uplyme, just up the valley from Lyme Regis. For dog owners the appeal is the combination: an enclosed garden, a footpath along the River Lim that walks you down into Lyme Regis, and fields immediately behind the property where dogs can run off lead.

The hosts are well set up for dogs. Guests arriving with one have found a dog bed, a spare lead, a towel and poo bags already waiting, and balls have appeared for dogs who like them. Walking routes get explained in person rather than left to a folder, and the beach at Lyme Regis is a short drive or a proper walk away. There is a pub within walking distance and a filling station with a small shop for daily bits.

Two things are worth knowing before booking. The apartment sits below the main house, and noise carries: footsteps and movement from above are a recurring comment from guests, and dog owners have found it unsettled their dogs enough to affect the stay. A dog that reacts to unfamiliar sounds overhead may struggle here. Second, while the garden itself is enclosed, there is no lockable gate on the path running up to the road, so a dog inclined to bolt needs watching on the way in and out. The owners also keep two cats on the property, which is worth factoring in if your dog is not used to them.

Parking is on site but tight for anything large. For a calm dog, and owners who want river and field walks straight from the door with Lyme Regis close enough to walk to, it earns a 4.6 out of 5 paw rating.