Woodlands, Dartmouth

Woodlands makes an easy choice for dog owners who want a whole house to themselves within striking distance of the water in Dartmouth. It is a spacious four-star property that families book for celebrations and multi-generational trips, and the large, well-tended garden gives dogs somewhere to potter while everyone else settles onto the terrace with its views over the town and the River Dart.

The property's booking listing confirms that one well-behaved dog is welcome, so this suits a single-dog household rather than a pack. There is no published pet fee, though the owners ask guests to confirm any special requests in advance, so it is worth flagging your dog at the time of booking.

Guests travelling with dogs return to Woodlands repeatedly and tend to highlight how much their dogs enjoy the garden and the wider setting. The house is described as comfortable, spotlessly clean and generously equipped, with thoughtful touches on arrival that make it feel like a proper home from home rather than a rental.

The location is a genuine draw for walkers: the castle, Blackpool Sands and Dartmouth town centre are all within reach on foot, so a dog gets plenty of variety without much driving. The trade-off is the terrain. The track up from the road is steep and ungated, and the drop down to the lawn is sharp, so a dog inclined to wander needs supervision outside. The same hills make the walk into town harder going for anyone with limited mobility.

Best suited to a family or group with one steady, well-behaved dog who will relish the garden and the coastal walks, and who does not mind keeping an eye on an inquisitive dog around the sloping grounds.