Primrose, Poole

Primrose works for dog owners because of how it is set up rather than because of any pet package: you get the whole house to yourself, so there are no shared corridors, no lifts and no lobby to steer a lead through. The rear garden is enclosed, which is the detail most people travelling with a dog care about, and it has been described as secure and genuinely dog friendly. Pet-specific feedback on the house is still limited to a single stay, so treat that as an encouraging sign rather than a long track record.

The property is listed as pet friendly, but the booking listing does not spell out the finer terms - whether a pet charge applies, how many dogs are allowed, or whether there are size or breed limits. Send the owner a quick message before you book, particularly if you are travelling with more than one dog or a larger breed.

Inside it is a refurbished family home rather than a boutique let: clean, bright, well equipped, with two bathrooms and enough room for a family or a group of friends. Guests consistently praise how tidy and well kept it is, and hard-wearing family furnishings are easier to live with after a muddy walk than a room full of soft furnishings. There is space to park on the driveway, though it is narrow enough to need care.

The location is a strong point for walks. Poole Park is a few minutes away and gives you a large open circuit right on the doorstep, with the town centre and the harbour an easy stroll further on and the beaches a short drive. Several pubs are within walking distance, though it is worth checking which of them take dogs.

Two things to weigh up. The garden is the main draw for anyone bringing a dog, but guests have repeatedly found it overgrown and in need of cutting back, and there are steep steps in it - worth knowing if your dog is elderly or unsteady on its feet.

Best suited to families and groups who want a straightforward, spacious self-catering base in Poole with an enclosed garden and a big park on the doorstep. It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating.