Walkers Rest, Alfriston

Walkers Rest is a small self-contained flat at Frog Firle House, just south of Alfriston in the Cuckmere valley, and the name is not marketing. A footpath starts at the door and runs to Litlington; turn the other way and you are on the South Downs Way within minutes. For anyone whose idea of a dog holiday is walking until the dog gives up first, the location does most of the work.

Dogs are properly welcome here rather than merely tolerated. Guests travelling with dogs mention welcome treats waiting on arrival and owners who are easy to deal with before and during the stay. The flat is compact, spotlessly kept and has a good shower, which matters more than it sounds after a wet day on the chalk. Being self-contained, there is no lobby or corridor to manage with a muddy or excitable dog.

The walking is the reason to come. The Seven Sisters cliffs and Cuckmere Haven are within a morning's reach on foot, the river path leads down towards the sea, and Alfriston village has pubs and restaurants that take dogs a short walk away. Rathfinny Wine Estate and the Long Man brewery are both close enough to build a day around, and the Cadence cafe on the Litlington path is an easy target for a short morning loop.

A few practical things. Parking is tight and reversing back out onto the road takes care. The kitchen is limited: guests planning to cook properly have found there is no real oven or hob, so budget for eating out or keep meals simple. The heating runs on a timer, which suits the evenings but can leave early risers cold outside summer, so ask about adjusting it if you are visiting in the shoulder season.

Best suited to a couple or a solo walker with one dog who want the South Downs from the doorstep and do not mind a compact base. It earns a 4.4/5 paw rating.