The Hollies, Briston

The Hollies is a self-contained ground-floor annexe on the edge of Briston, deep in the North Norfolk countryside, and it is set up for dogs in the way that matters most on a short break: the outside space is enclosed. Guests travelling with dogs return to that detail more than any other, describing a private courtyard garden they could open the door onto without a lead, a corridor or a walk to the car park first.

The layout helps. There is a private entrance and off-road parking right outside, so arriving with a wet or over-excited dog does not involve a lobby or a lift. Inside is compact but well thought out, with a small kitchen area holding a fridge, microwave and air fryer, and the hosts leave breakfast provisions - bread, butter, jams, cereals, eggs and milk - so there is no early scramble to find somewhere open. Guests describe the hosts as friendly and quick to help when something needs sorting.

Briston sits within easy reach of the North Norfolk coast. Holt is a short drive, and Sheringham, Cromer, Wells and the big beaches beyond are all comfortable morning trips, which suits dogs that want a proper run rather than a turn round the block. It is genuinely rural, though, so a car is close to essential.

A few things are worth knowing. There is no outdoor bin for dog waste, which is a small but real irritation on a stay that is otherwise well set up for dogs. The satnav postcode drops you at the wrong end of Reepham Road, so check the arrival notes before you set off. Space is tight, with armchairs rather than a sofa, and reports on the mattress are mixed. Cleanliness is generally praised, though not universally.

With a paw rating of 4.7/5, The Hollies suits couples or solo travellers with one or two dogs who want a quiet, low-fuss Norfolk base with a safe patch of outside space of their own.