The Smithy, Lucton

The Smithy is a small character cottage for two in the Herefordshire hamlet of Lucton, a short drive from Leominster, Ludlow and the Welsh border. It has become a regular fixture for people who holiday with their dogs, and a good number of the guests who bring one book again before they leave.

Up to two pets are welcome per booking, and no pet charge is stated on the listing, so it is worth confirming the current terms directly. The cottage has an enclosed garden and a front yard with seating, and that is the feature dog owners mention most: it means a dog can be let out without anyone worrying about the lane.

The owners live next door and are a large part of why people return. They are consistently described as friendly and genuinely helpful about local walks and dog-friendly pubs while leaving guests to themselves, and a welcome basket turns up with fresh eggs from their own hens, milk and something local. One thing to weigh if your dog is reactive: the owners keep three dogs of their own, and they tend to come and say hello through the gate while you are sitting out in the garden.

Walking is the main draw. A five-minute loop around the hamlet handles the quick outings, longer routes run into the surrounding countryside, and there is a forest nearby with room to properly exercise a dog. Croft Castle, the Black and White village trail, Ludlow and the Shropshire Hills are all within an easy drive, and the cool stone kitchen floor is a genuine asset in a heatwave.

Two practical points come up repeatedly. The garden has corners a dog can get into that are awkward to clean, and there is no mop for the kitchen floor after a muddy walk, so bring your own kit. The bedroom is open to the living space up an open staircase, so a travel stair gate is worth packing if you would rather your dog stayed downstairs. Lucton itself has no shop or pub, so you will need the car for supplies.

The Smithy suits a couple travelling with one or two dogs who want a quiet countryside base with walking from the door, and who do not mind driving for everything else.