Saffron Cottage, Hornsea

Saffron Cottage is a modern one-bedroom apartment in the middle of Hornsea, a friendly seaside town on the East Yorkshire coast, and it makes an easy, low-fuss base for a break with a dog. Everything is on the flat and within walking distance, so the car can stay parked while you reach the beach, the mere and the town's pubs and cafes on foot.

Dogs stay free of charge here, and the welcome goes beyond simply allowing them. The host is quick to share local knowledge, including which stretches of Hornsea beach dogs are allowed on and when, which saves a lot of guesswork on arrival. There is a small enclosed yard at the back that owners of two dogs have found perfectly workable for a quick step outside, and the cafe next door is dog-friendly too, so breakfast does not mean leaving the dog behind.

Inside, guests travelling with dogs consistently describe the apartment as pristine, modern and comfortable: a well-equipped kitchen, a very comfy bed and a good shower, with thoughtful extras laid on for the dog. The old railway trail and the mere give gentle, level walking close by, with the long sandy beach a short stroll in the other direction.

A few honest things to weigh. The apartment sits on a main road, and dog owners repeatedly flag the same practical point: traffic moves quickly and the footpath is narrow, so it pays to have the dog under control before opening the front door. The back yard has attracted sand flies in warm weather, made worse by security lights that come on automatically after dark. Dogs in a neighbouring holiday cottage have also been noisy enough to draw comment, worth knowing if your dog reacts to barking.

Saffron Cottage suits couples and solo travellers with one or two dogs who want a clean, modern, walkable seaside base rather than room to spread out. On that brief it is hard to fault, and it earns a 4.7/5 paw rating.