Rew Farm Sunrise Lodge, Seend

Sunrise Lodge sits on Rew Farm at Seend Cleeve, a working farm and equestrian yard in the Wiltshire countryside between Melksham and Devizes. It is a self-contained lodge rather than a room in a house, set in its own fenced outdoor area with seating, a fire pit and a view over the fields, and it is that enclosed ground dog owners keep returning to in their reviews.

Dogs are made welcome here rather than tolerated. Guests travelling with dogs describe a host who could not do enough for them, arrivals handled without fuss, and an enclosed garden that means nobody has to worry about a dog wandering off. Several parties arrive with both children and a dog and report that the lodge handles the combination easily, helped by a play area, a trampoline and a toy cupboard indoors.

The farm itself is the unusual part. There are donkeys, goats, ducks and wild rabbits on site, and small bags of animal feed can be bought for a pound. That is a genuine attraction, and it is also the thing to think about before booking: a dog with a strong prey drive, or no experience of livestock, will need to be kept under close control around the animals. Guests whose dogs took an interest in the donkeys describe it as entertainment rather than a problem, but this is a working farm and it pays to plan for it.

The lodge is well equipped, with air conditioning, comfortable beds and a roomy lounge. Walking is easy: the Kennet and Avon canal towpath is a short walk away with the Barge Inn beside it, and there are two pubs within walking distance, at least one of which takes dogs. Bath, Avebury and the canal itself all make comfortable day trips.

No pet fee, weight limit or cap on numbers is published, so agree those details with the host when you book. Best suited to dog owners who want a quiet rural base with secure outdoor space, may be travelling with children as well, and whose dog is steady around farm animals.