Ridge Cottage, Longhorsley

Ridge Cottage sits on a quiet farm lane outside Longhorsley, a good ten miles inland from Morpeth, and it is the sort of place people book precisely because nothing is close by. For dog owners that isolation is the selling point: the front garden is fully enclosed, walks start at the door, and there is no traffic to worry about.

The owners live next door and have clearly thought about dogs. The welcome basket is the detail guests return to most often, and it has consistently included something for the dog alongside the wine, milk, cheese and flowers for everyone else. A spare lead is kept in the cottage for anyone who forgets one, and the owners will point out which local routes suit which kind of walk. They keep horses and a dog of their own on the farm, which most guests treat as part of the appeal but is worth knowing if your dog is reactive around either.

Inside, the cottage is warmer and larger than it looks, with two bathrooms, a fireplace and a well-equipped kitchen. It works as a base as much as a retreat: Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, Newton-by-the-Sea and Cresswell are all within driving distance, and the quieter of those beaches are excellent for long off-lead walks. Hadrian's Wall and the Scottish Borders are comfortable day trips.

The trade-offs come with the location. The approach is a long, rough track, which is fine in most cars but not a smooth arrival. There is no internet and mobile signal is limited, so anyone needing to stay connected should plan around it. Up to two dogs can stay. Guests travelling with dogs have found remarkably little to fault, and it earns a 4.9 out of 5 paw rating - best suited to owners who want dark skies, empty walks and a coastline within reach.