Lowena Cottage, Looe

Lowena Cottage is a self-catering house on the hillside above Looe, a working fishing town on Cornwall's south-east coast. Because it is booked as an entire house, a dog gets the run of a private space with no shared corridors or lobbies to work through, which suits nervous and bouncy dogs alike.

One well-behaved dog is welcome per booking. Guests travelling with dogs have singled out the thoughtful welcome touches, with dog bowls and a blanket left ready in the cottage, alongside an interior that reviewers describe as spotless and carefully kept. The general picture is of a comfortable, well-equipped base rather than a stripped-back let.

Looe itself is easy going with a dog on the lead. The riverside town has plenty of shops and places to eat, and the coast path on toward Polperro is a genuine highlight for walkers. The cottage sits close to the centre while still holding the wide decking views over the town and water.

The main thing to weigh up is the terrain. Lowena sits part-way up a steep hill, and guests with older or less mobile dogs have found the climbs hard going, with one couple whose elderly dog could not manage the slopes choosing to stay put and relax instead. Parking is a walk away and the approach is steep, so factor that in if your dog tires easily. One guest also found the enclosed garden overgrown during their stay and could not be sure it was dog-secure, keeping their dog to the decking, so it is worth checking the outdoor space when you arrive.

On balance, Lowena Cottage suits active dog owners who want a clean, characterful base for exploring the Looe and Polperro coast and do not mind a steep walk to the door. Owners of less mobile dogs, or anyone needing flat, level access, may find the hillside setting a stretch.