Sea View Cottage in Dorset, Portland

Sea View Cottage is a characterful terraced house in Fortuneswell, on the Isle of Portland, and guests who bring their dogs describe it as genuinely dog-friendly rather than merely tolerant of pets. It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating from dog-owning guests, with praise centred on the house, the hosts and the little courtyard out the back.

The courtyard is a handy touch for a dog that needs a quick trip outside, and the house is decorated with real care, with comfortable beds and a big, well-equipped kitchen. The hosts come in for consistent praise for fast, clear messages before and during a stay. Guests also comment that the house shows no sign of previous four-legged visitors, which says a lot about how well it is cleaned between bookings.

Walking is the main thing to think about. The cottage sits right on Portland's main road, and dog owners note there is little in the way of grassy space close to the door for a quick walk. The coast paths around the island make up for it once you are out of the village, so plan on longer outings rather than short strolls.

Inside, the stairs are steep and open-sided, particularly the flight up to the attic bedroom. That matters for small children and could matter for small or elderly dogs too. Parking is the other recurring complaint: spaces on the street are limited, the free car parks fill up in the day, and groups have struggled to unload close to the door. The main road carries traffic around the clock and late-night noise from the nearby pub can reach the front bedroom.

For a couple or family with a fit dog who want a stylish, well-run base for the Jurassic Coast, with pubs and chips on the doorstep, Sea View Cottage is a good choice. Those needing easy parking, gentle stairs or grass right outside the door should weigh those points first.