5 Sandy Lane Apartments

Two-bedroom dog-friendly apartment on the hillside above Carbis Bay, sleeping four across two en-suite bedrooms. Two sea-facing balconies look north across St Ives Bay, and Carbis Bay beach is a 5-minute walk down through the village.

The master double opens onto its own terrace through bi-fold doors. The second bedroom is en-suite with a king-size bed that splits into twins, useful for friends sharing or a family of four. The open-plan kitchen and living space share the sea view, and there is parking on site - a real benefit in Carbis Bay where summer parking is tight. The honest caveat is the hillside walk back up from the beach.

Carbis Bay station is a short stroll for the branch-line train to St Ives, the 10-minute coastal hop that's one of the most-photographed short journeys in Britain. Porthminster Beach Cafe sits 1.9 km away in St Ives, and the Tate St Ives is around the headland above Porthmeor surf beach.

For dog walks, head west along the South West Coast Path past Porthkidney Sands and into the Hayle Estuary RSPB reserve, where you'll see egrets and waders most of the year. Lelant golf course is on the same loop.

Best for couples with a dog, or two couples sharing - both bedrooms have their own bathroom. Less good for guests who can't manage the uphill walk back from the beach.