Ty'r Pwll Medieval Cottage, Monmouthshire

Ty'r Pwll is a genuinely medieval cottage in rural Monmouthshire, down a single-track lane between Raglan and Monmouth, and what makes it work for dogs is the land around it: a large garden with an orchard, a stream running through, and fields on every side. Dogs can be let straight out of the door rather than walked somewhere suitable first, which on a wet week is worth more than any amenity. Guests travelling with dogs describe it as a relaxed, unhurried place where the dog is simply part of the stay.

Inside it is all oak beams, thick walls and an enormous stone fireplace, and it holds its heat well once you are in. One practical point matters far more with a dog than without: the stairs are very steep and narrow, closer to a ladder than a staircase in places, and all the bedrooms are upstairs. An older dog, a heavy dog, or one that needs carrying will struggle, so think that through before booking.

The setting is properly dark and quiet at night, which suits a nervous dog, and the owner is friendly without hovering. Raglan and its castle are a few minutes away, with the Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons both within easy reach for longer walks. The lane in is narrow enough that meeting a car means reversing, so take it slowly, and the cottage takes a little finding the first time.

The caveats come with the building's age. Cleaning is the recurring complaint, cobwebs and spiders in particular, which several guests have found more established than a few days of neglect would explain, and there are snags typical of an old house such as doors that do not shut cleanly. Small supplies like washing-up liquid are not provided, so bring your own, and the internet drops out in bad weather. Best suited to dog owners who want somewhere quiet, characterful and surrounded by its own ground, with a dog that can manage steep stairs.