Swallow Cottage, Ravenscar

Swallow Cottage is half of a converted barn set in several acres of private grounds at Staintondale, in the hills above the coast between Scarborough and Whitby, and it is one of those places dog owners return to rather than try once. The owners live on site with their own dog, keep lawn, paddock and mown paths around the buildings, and have cut walking routes into the hillside so dogs can be let off safely.

Space is the thing here. There are enclosed areas to sit out in while a dog runs around, a paddock, and grounds big enough that the first walk of the day does not need the car. Beyond the gate the old railway line, the Cinder Track, runs past for lead-free walking, the Cleveland Way is close, and it is about thirty minutes on foot down the track to a rocky beach with a dog-friendly pub on the way. Whitby is roughly fifteen minutes by car and Scarborough is nearer still.

Inside, the cottage is small, warm and well equipped, with a log fire that gets mentioned as often as the view. Guests arrive to a welcome pack that has included local bakery treats, and the broadband is better than most rural lets manage. The owners are on hand without being intrusive and are reliably good on where to park in Whitby and where to eat.

Two things to know before booking. The upstairs beams are very low, low enough that guests report banging their heads and being unable to stand up straight in the shower, so it does not suit a tall party. And the main photograph shows the whole building when the cottage is only half of it, so read the room list rather than the picture. The listing allows one dog per booking, and guests have arrived with two, so agree anything more at the time of booking. One party also had a dog fall ill after picking something up outdoors, which is worth bearing in mind on grounds this rural.

Swallow Cottage earns 4.7/5 on paw rating and suits dog owners who want ground to walk on from the door, a quiet coastal base and a log fire at the end of it.