Valley View, Ilfracombe

Valley View is a whole-house retreat tucked into a quiet North Devon valley near Ilfracombe, and it turns out to be a genuinely easy place to bring a dog. Because you rent the entire property rather than a room on a shared corridor, there is nowhere your dog needs to be kept away from, and the enclosed garden means they can potter about off-lead while you settle in.

Guests travelling with dogs return to the same few points again and again. The gardens are secure and gated, and the on-site hosts have a habit of checking the fencing and closing any small gaps so dogs cannot slip out, so several groups mention being able to let their dogs out without worrying about them wandering. There are dog bowls in the house too, though most people bring their own kit. The listing sets the limit at two pets per booking, though larger parties have turned up with three, so it is worth confirming numbers directly before you book.

The location is a big part of the appeal. You are only a few minutes from Ilfracombe for supplies, and the long sandy sweeps of Woolacombe and Saunton Sands are a short drive away, both firm favourites for dogs who like miles of beach and dunes to run on. Back at the house, the hot tub, sauna and large kitchen make it an easy base for wet-weather days.

A couple of caveats are worth flagging. The access lane is steep, narrow and twisty, and the garden has some brambles and steep steps that suit adventurous dogs more than nervous or elderly ones. Valley View is best for larger groups who want a comfortable self-catering base with secure outdoor space and easy access to dog-friendly beaches, and on that score it earns a 4.6/5 paw rating.