The Pines, Weymouth

The Pines is a whole-house holiday let tucked into a quiet spot about five minutes' walk from Weymouth harbour, with Brewers Quay, the town shops and the restaurants all inside the same easy radius. It comes with its own parking space, which in this part of Weymouth is worth more than it sounds, and it means a dog goes from car to front door without a trek across a car park in the rain.

What dog owners consistently pick out is the garden. It is enclosed at the back, and the owners have put in new fencing to make it more secure, so a dog can be let out last thing without a lead. They have also acted on a run of the same request: an outdoor hose and a washing line are now in place, and between them they cover the two jobs a wet coastal walk creates. Inside, a welcome hamper and fresh milk greet arrivals, and the kitchen is set up for people who intend to cook.

For walking, the position is strong. A local park is a few minutes away for the early and late outings, and the dog-friendly stretch of Weymouth Beach is a short walk around the harbour, which saves the drive that dog owners on this coast often end up making in summer when beach restrictions bite. Pubs and shops are a five-minute stroll, so the car can stay where it is once you have arrived.

One caveat is worth knowing. This is a well-used dog-friendly let, and there has been a report of a noticeable amount of dog hair on the carpets, with the vacuum cleaner supplied judged not equal to it. If anyone in your party is allergic, or you are bringing a crawling toddler, that is worth weighing up. Best suited to a family or couple with one well-behaved dog who want to park once and walk to the harbour, the beach and the pub for the rest of the week.