The Kiln, Chudleigh

The Kiln is a converted historic building on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, tucked into the Teign Valley near Chudleigh, and it makes an easy base for anyone whose holiday revolves around getting a dog onto the moor. Footpaths lead away from the property's own gate, while open access moorland, river paths through the valley and forest tracks are all within a short drive, and there is a pub within walking distance for when the walking is done.

Dogs are welcome, and guests travelling with them describe a genuinely relaxed reception rather than a grudging one. The host is repeatedly singled out for the welcome she gives, and dog owners rate the property highly on the strength of it. The grounds are the other draw: mature gardens inside a gated boundary, a front lawn with a clothesline that earns its keep after a wet walk, and space for a dog to stretch out after a day on the moor.

The layout is the thing to understand before booking. Despite the listing wording, The Kiln is not a standalone cottage. It is a three-bedroom unit inside a larger house divided into several lets, partly at garden level, and the outdoor space is shared with the other units. Guests with dogs have said plainly that they would have preferred a small private area of their own, and if your dog reacts to other people or other dogs coming and going, that shared patio and driveway matter.

Other caveats guests have raised: the historic floors slope noticeably in places and the mattresses have drawn criticism. On the dog side, the owners confirm dogs are welcome in all five of the cottages and will put blankets out on request, but no charge or limit on numbers is published, so agree both with them in advance.

Best suited to walkers with sociable, settled dogs who want a Dartmoor base with real character and do not need a private garden.