Pollywiggle Cottage, Heacham

Pollywiggle Cottage is a relaxed, well-kept base for a dog-friendly break on the north-west Norfolk coast. It is a whole house on a quiet residential street in Heacham, so there are no shared corridors or neighbours' doors to worry about, and the owners clearly set it up with dogs in mind. Guests travelling with dogs regularly mention finding bowls, poo bags and treats waiting on arrival, alongside small extras for the people such as a bottle of wine.

The back garden is the big draw. It is south-facing, has a summer house plus a table and chairs, and dog owners describe it as a safe place for dogs to potter about. One caveat is worth knowing, though: part of the boundary drops from a tall fence to a low fence and gate, and a dog that jumps can clear it, so agile dogs may need watching in the garden rather than being left out alone. The lawn can also look tired in dry or wet spells.

For walks, the beach is roughly 15 minutes on foot, which makes morning and evening sea walks easy, and Hunstanton's cliffs and the wider north Norfolk coast are a short drive away. There are a couple of pubs and a handful of shops within walking distance. Some guests feel Heacham itself is quieter and less polished than the villages further east along the coast, so expect to drive for cafes and days out.

Inside, the house is described as clean and cosy, though a few guests found the towels and duvets on the small side and the kitchen short on basics like salt, pepper and oil. Bring your own store-cupboard staples.

For couples or families with a dog who want a homely, good-value cottage within walking distance of the sea, Pollywiggle Cottage earns its 4.4/5 paw rating.