Ocean Terrace, Ilfracombe

Ocean Terrace is a 4.5-star 4-bedroom whole-house rental on Chambercombe Terrace in Ilfracombe on the north Devon coast, set up properly for multi-generational family stays with dogs. The 8-person capacity suits the larger-family or two-couples-with-dogs format that other Ilfracombe rentals often don't accommodate, and the sea views from the big windows are the detail recent guests return to most.

One well-behaved dog is welcome as standard, and any additional dog is charged extra, so if you are bringing two it is worth agreeing the cost with the host before you book. No weight cap or breed restriction is published. The hosts get repeated praise for their pre-arrival communication, including a useful welcome book with emergency contacts, appliance instructions, local recommendations and dog-sitting support information, which is the kind of organised setup that smooths out a multi-day stay with kids and a dog.

Location is what sells the property for dog walkers. The South West Coast Path runs directly past, with the hillfort and Hillsborough Nature Reserve walks immediately accessible for off-pavement exercise. The beach, town centre and harbour are short walks, and Ilfracombe's seafront has a generous spread of dog-friendly pubs and cafes, with the Lime Kiln cafe about eight minutes away on foot. The dog-walking quality is the property's single most consistently mentioned strength.

Inside, the house is described as cosy and well-appointed with comfortable sofas and beds, a freshly-decorated bathroom and kitchen, and plenty of supplies including soap, washing-up liquid and other arrival essentials. A high chair, cot and beach equipment (with a lending-library system for windbreaks) make it particularly easy for families with younger children alongside the dog.

One practical caveat from multiple recent guests: the house has a single shower for a property that sleeps eight. Smaller groups manage with a rota; larger groups or anyone with fixed shower-time preferences should factor that in. On-site parking is included, a real benefit on the Ilfracombe seafront, and there is an EV charging point at the leisure centre directly opposite if you are driving an electric vehicle.

Best suited to multi-generational families or groups of up to eight travelling with a dog who want a sea-view base in Ilfracombe with proper coastal walks immediately on the doorstep, on-site parking, and well-organised hosts, and who can manage with a single shower across the party.