Beach House, Bournemouth

Beach House is a large detached property on a quiet residential street in Bournemouth, about five minutes' walk from the sand, and it works best when the dog is one member of a bigger party rather than the whole reason for the trip. Groups have stayed here with children and a dog together without the house feeling stretched, which is less common than it sounds: most dog-friendly lets this size are cottages rather than houses built for a dozen people.

On the money side there is good news. No pet fee applies, so bringing a dog costs nothing on top of the booking, which on a whole-house rental of this size is worth having. What is not published is a limit on numbers, so if you are travelling with more than one dog, agree that with the owner before you book.

Having the whole house to yourselves is the practical advantage. There is no shared entrance and no corridor to lead a wet dog down, and the garden has a hot tub and a barbecue hut, so evenings happen outside with the dog underfoot rather than shut in a bedroom. Guests describe the house as spacious, immaculate and well equipped, and the hosts as quick to answer questions.

The beach is the draw, close enough to walk before breakfast. Check which stretch of the Bournemouth seafront allows dogs during your dates, because the rules vary along the coast and tighten over the summer season.

Two smaller things to weigh. Some of the bathrooms have no locks, which matters more with a house full of people than with a dog. Traffic noise has also come up in guest feedback, so if your dog reacts to road sounds it is worth asking which rooms face the street.

Best suited to larger family groups who want a beach base where the dog comes too and nobody pays extra for it.