Meadow Cottage, Fowey

Meadow Cottage is a converted barn in a quiet rural spot near Fowey, on the south Cornwall coast, and it is about as dog-friendly as a self-catering cottage gets. The clue is in the name: the property looks out over a large meadow, and guests travelling with dogs mention it again and again as the thing that makes a stay here special.

Dogs have real space to enjoy. Reviewers describe an enclosed garden at the cottage plus the adjacent meadow or field, which owners repeatedly call perfect for exercising a dog several times a day - a genuine bonus over cottages where you have to drive to find a walk. From the property there are footpaths and coastal walks, with beaches a short drive away and the village of Golant, complete with a friendly pub, within walking distance down the hill. The walk back up is steep, which is worth knowing, but guests consistently say it is worth it.

The cottage itself earns warm, repeated praise: clean on arrival, comfortable, well equipped and peaceful, laid out over a converted-barn floor plan. The owners, who live on site, come up in almost every review as welcoming, responsive and helpful without being intrusive, on hand for the odd practical hiccup like a tripped fuse or a cooker issue. As a whole-house rental, dogs are not sharing space with other guests.

Meadow Cottage suits families and couples travelling with one or two dogs who want a secure garden, open space for walks right outside, and a peaceful Cornish base within reach of the coast. With a genuinely enclosed garden and a meadow on the doorstep, it is a strong choice for owners who want their dog to be able to get out safely - a step up from the many pet-friendly lets with no secure outdoor space at all.