Sunshine Retreat

Two-bedroom cottage in the hamlet of Bodieve, a mile north of Wadebridge on the Camel Estuary. Sleeps four, welcomes dogs, and shares a swimming pool with the other cottages on-site.

The cottage is single-storey, entered via three steps up onto a raised decked terrace. One bathroom serves both bedrooms, and the open-plan living area connects to the kitchen and dining space. Wi-Fi covers the whole property. Honest caveat: with one bathroom for four, larger groups will queue at peak times.

Bodieve sits a mile from the Camel Trail, the flat 18-mile former-railway path that runs Padstow to Bodmin. Padstow is 8 miles by road or a 5-mile cycle along the trail, with Rick Stein's restaurants on the harbour. Polzeath surf beach is 8 miles north; Rock, with its passenger ferry to Padstow, sits across the estuary. Daymer Bay is 7 miles and Port Isaac, of Doc Martin filming fame, lies 8 miles north-west. Bridge Bike Hire at the Wadebridge trailhead handles cycle rental, and the Royal Cornwall Show fills the showground each June.

Best for couples or small families with a dog who want a poolside base for cycling the Camel Trail and beach days at Polzeath or Daymer. Less good for groups who need separate bathrooms.