The Moorings, Torquay Marina (Duplex Apartment with Hot Tub)

The Moorings is a duplex apartment on Victoria Parade, which puts it directly on Torquay's harbourside with the marina below the windows. That location is the main reason to bring a dog here: you step out of the door onto the harbour front, and the walk along Princess Gardens and the pier, or up onto Rock Walk and round towards Daddyhole Plain and the coast path, starts without a car journey.

The apartment itself is the modern end of self-catering - well equipped, spotless, with a hot tub on the terrace - and the hosts are attentive without being present, which is usually what you want when you are settling a dog into somewhere unfamiliar. Being a whole apartment rather than a room in a block means the usual hotel frictions do not apply.

Pets are accepted by prior arrangement with the owner rather than under an open policy, so this is a conversation to have at the enquiry stage. It also means there is no published limit on numbers, weight or breed to work from, so get the answer in writing before you travel.

One practical caveat is worth taking seriously: the hot tub area is open rather than gated. For anyone arriving with a dog that will wander, or with young children as well, that is a supervision job rather than something the design handles for you. Torquay's main town beaches typically operate seasonal dog restrictions over the summer, so the harbour walks and the coast path east towards Meadfoot are the more reliable option in high season - check the current rules before you travel.

Best suited to a couple or a small family who want a harbourside base with the hot tub as the treat, and who are happy to keep an eye on an unfenced terrace. It earns a 4.5 out of 5 paw rating.