The Retreat

Paw rating: 5/5. The Retreat is a self-contained modern annexe in Cullompton, Devon, and confirmed pet reviews show one of the more straightforwardly easy-to-book stays for owners of small or medium dogs in the area — particularly for couples passing through on the M5.

The recurring theme across recent reports is that the property is genuinely set up as a dog-friendly modern apartment rather than a self-catering let that grudgingly takes pets. One reviewer specifically notes "small dogs welcome" — useful information that's worth confirming directly if travelling with a larger breed. Several guests describe the welcome as warm and the property as immaculate, modern and thoughtfully furnished, with bed and decor at a noticeably higher standard than typical short-break apartments.

Practical pet logistics work well here: on-site parking makes arrival and walks straightforward, and nearby fields and a stream are easily accessible — one guest specifically describes walking their dog comfortably in the surrounding countryside. The location just off the M5 makes it a sensible stopover for travelling with a dog between the Midlands and the South West, but Cullompton itself is also a useful base for exploring east Devon and the Exe Valley.

One honest caveat from a recent guest is worth surfacing: the unit isn't fully separate from the main house and the heating is shared with the owners — so if you want completely independent space with your dog, it may not be the right fit. There's also no conventional oven (a multi-cooker handles cooking), which matters more for longer stays than overnighters. Hotel-side pet policy isn't disclosed on Agoda, so confirm fees and any size limits directly. Best suited to one small or medium dog on short stays.