Way's Forge, Piddlehinton

Way's Forge is a characterful converted forge in the village of Piddlehinton, a few miles north of Dorchester in the heart of rural Dorset, and it makes an easy, welcoming base for a holiday with a dog. The whole cottage is yours, rustic and quirky in the best way, thoughtfully renovated and full of little touches, from a welcome pack to cooking apples from the owner's garden. Guests travelling with dogs describe feeling at home the moment they arrive.

The location is a big part of the appeal. The Thimble Inn, a dog-friendly pub with well-regarded food, is barely a minute's walk away, and there is excellent dog walking close by, including Puddletown Forest and the wider Dorset countryside. The cottage sits centrally for exploring the Jurassic Coast, Dorchester and attractions such as Sculpture by the Lakes, so there is plenty to fill a week without long drives.

Inside, the forge is warm, cosy and comfortable, with a log burner, a good king-sized bed and characterful decor. It suits couples especially well, and there is room for a small family. The owners come across as helpful and responsive, and the personal touches around the cottage are something guests mention again and again.

A few honest notes are worth knowing. The listing welcomes one well-behaved dog, so multi-dog households should confirm directly before booking. This is a genuinely rustic cottage rather than a slick modern let: it feels a little smaller than the photos suggest, the heating and hot water can take a moment to get used to, and the fridge is on the small side. None of these dented most guests' enjoyment, but they set the right expectations.

Way's Forge suits couples and small families with a dog who want a cosy, character-filled Dorset base with a dog-friendly pub on the doorstep and great walking all around. Anyone charmed by rustic conversions and keen to tour the Jurassic Coast will feel right at home.