Willow, Retallack

Willow is a large alpine-style lodge on the Retallack Resort near St Columb Major, tucked onto a quiet corner plot a few miles inland from Padstow and Newquay. It sleeps eight comfortably, and the layout is what makes it work with dogs: a secluded rear terrace with a hot tub, a front terrace, and enough indoor space that a dog is never underfoot in a house full of people.

Groups travelling with dogs describe the same picture. The back terrace is private and largely enclosed, though people have taken to blocking the back steps with a sun lounger to stop dogs slipping through, so the boundary is not quite dog-proof as it stands. Inside, the three large sofas get mentioned by anyone whose dog likes to sleep near them, and the kitchen is equipped well enough that families have cooked a full Christmas dinner in it. The owners leave a welcome pack and a local information folder, and they are quick to answer a question mid-stay.

The resort itself is part of the appeal and part of the calculation. Dog-friendly areas run through Retallack, the restaurant and cafe among them, and there is a shop on site along with a pool and the wave rider for anyone with children in tow. Beaches along this stretch of the north Cornish coast are plentiful and many allow dogs outside the summer restrictions, with Padstow, Newquay and the Eden Project all within an easy drive.

Two things to settle before booking. The listing's own wording welcomes one well behaved dog, yet parties have stayed here with two, so agree your numbers with the owners rather than assuming. And this is a resort rather than an isolated cottage, so a reactive dog will meet other people and other dogs on the way in and out.

Best suited to a large family or group of friends bringing one or two dogs who want space, a hot tub and a Cornish base with somewhere warm to retreat to when the weather turns. It earns a 4.8/5 paw rating.