Family Bungalow, Telford

Family Bungalow is a small self-catering bungalow in Wellington on the western side of Telford, and its main draw for dog owners is the garden. It is fully enclosed, sheltered and gets the sun, and guests with dogs describe it as the thing that makes the stay work: somewhere the dog can be let off the lead without anyone watching the gate. For a compact town bungalow that is not a given.

The thing to know before booking is the access. The bungalow sits below the road and is reached by an external metal staircase with open grating treads and no handrail. Dogs do not like it. Small dogs frequently refuse to walk on the grating at all, and larger dogs - including ones well over 30kg - end up being carried up and down for every toilet trip. There is no gate at the bottom of the steps either, which matters if your dog is inclined to bolt. The listing describes the property as being on one level, which is true of the bungalow itself but not of getting to it, and that gap has caught out guests with mobility issues as well as heavy dogs.

Walking is the other thing to plan. There is no green space within easy walking distance of the front door, so the garden covers the quick trips and anything longer means driving. Apley Woods is about seven minutes away by car and is the local choice for a proper walk, and Ironbridge and its museums are a short drive if you want a day out with the dog. Inside, the bungalow is clean, comfortable and well equipped for cooking, though it has drawn a complaint about a strong smell of cigarette smoke.

At 4.2/5 for paws, Family Bungalow suits a dog who is confident on their feet and small enough to carry if it comes to it, and an owner who does not mind driving to a decent walk. If you have a nervous dog, an elderly dog, or one too heavy to lift, the staircase will define the stay.