Dog Friendly Caravan Holidays

When it comes to relaxing with our four-legged friends, dog friendly caravan holidays are hard to beat. Pet friendly retreats give a big warm welcome to every family member - paws or no paws! Dogs love exploring too, so make sure you all enjoy the adventure together by choosing one of the many fantastic dog friendly places to visit.

Dog Friendly Places To Visit

With the rise in popularity of staycations, 63% of Brits are now planning to holiday in the UK this year. Whatsmore, of the six million of us who like to take our dogs on holiday, 69% would actually prefer to staycation with their furry friends than their other half…dogs really are our best friends!

As market leaders in holiday homes and lodges, Willerby has discovered the top 5 dog-friendly staycation destinations that include dog-friendly attractions, beaches/walks, restaurants and cafes - perfect for the entire family.

The Cotswolds

The northern half of this coastal county is a paradise for four-legged friends, who can chase sticks across its wide golden beaches before accompanying owners to one of the many dog-friendly restaurants and pubs in the area. Many of the beaches in and around the popular beach town of Newquay are dog-friendly all year round where canine companions can paddle in streams and sniff their way around the towering sand dunes.

Dogs are also welcome to visit one of Cornwall’s most famous attractions, the Eden Project. Although they’re not allowed in the biomes, there’s plenty of room to roam, and there’s even an undercover dining area for dogs.

North Yorkshire

Home to two national parks, North Yorkshire is a doggy’s delight. In the Yorkshire Dales, with its vast expanses of heather-scented moorland and bunny-dotted hills to explore, it’s all about long walks. Walk to the summit of Roseberry Topping for spectacular views in all directions, or weave along the Deepdale Walk, which meanders through the Three Peaks area.

As for things to do, the region’s most dog-friendly attractions include the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, and Whitby Abbey. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, restore energy in a variety of dog-friendly restaurants and pubs where water and treats are often provided.

North Cornwall

The northern half of this coastal county is a paradise for four-legged friends, who can chase sticks across its wide golden beaches before accompanying owners to one of the many dog-friendly restaurants and pubs in the area. Many of the beaches in and around the popular beach town of Newquay are dog-friendly all year round where canine companions can paddle in streams and sniff their way around the towering sand dunes.

Dogs are also welcome to visit one of Cornwall’s most famous attractions, the Eden Project. Although they’re not allowed in the biomes, there’s plenty of room to roam, and there’s even an undercover dining area for dogs.

Cumbria

A rambling, rural area of Northern England that includes the Lake District (home to Windermere, England’s largest lake), Cumbria is a brilliant destination for dogs who embrace outdoor life. You’ll also find some of the UK’s most pet-friendly towns and villages.

Top Cumbrian walks include the Lingmoor Fell Circuit, which twists through the Lake District National Park, Brigsteer Woods for a wildflower-fringed wander in the shadow of a mediaeval castle, and any of the routes near Grasmere – an area that inspired poet Wordsworth to write his famous Daffodils poem.

Pembrokeshire

There’s a lot to love about this wonderfully wild chunk of Wales: rugged coastline stretches for miles, there are more dog-approved beaches than you shake a stick at, and you’ll find some of the best pooch-friendly pubs in Wales. For dog-owners, the beaches are a huge draw – many, including famous stretches of sand that welcome dogs year-round.

There are plenty of dog-friendly attractions away from the beach, too, such as Pembroke Castle and Colby Woodland Garden (a National Trust site near Amroth). At Tenby’s fantastic Heatherton World Of Activities, there’s even an agility course, especially for dogs.

If that’s got you feeling inspired, you can discover a great choice of places to stay in these and other areas by exploring our find a park page where you can filter for ‘pet friendly’ holiday parks. Coastal or countryside, there’s a wonderful location waiting for you that’s bound to get your dog’s tail wagging!

How to settle your dog in a static caravan

Dogs can be sensitive to a change in environment and routine, so to help your furry friends settle into your holiday home, here’s a few simple tips. The smell of their own home is a great comfort, so bring along some items that hold a familiar scent, such as their doggy bed, favourite toys or blanket. Place them around your holiday home as soon as you get there, so the scent of home kicks in straight away and sets the scene for an enjoyable and relaxed holiday for everyone.

Do's and don'ts at the holiday park (dog etiquette)

Along with any doggy-guest guidance from the caravan park itself, there are some general do’s and don’ts to be aware of that will also help protect your own faithful friend. Do consider the impact of your dog’s presence on others and keep them away from play parks or busy bars when appropriate. As well as the cardinal rule of poop bags at the ready! keep your dog on its lead walking around the park and be mindful of other dogs even if you know yours has impeccable behaviour!

To protect them and other dogs, you should also make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date. It’s a good idea to take proof of their boosters in case you need to show this when you check in. Double-check their microchip details are updated with your current contact information, too.

Explore the area and find out where your dog can run around and have fun off their lead. The owners of the site might be able to suggest some great locations, so be sure to ask when you arrive.

So, as a quick, helpful reminder:

• Be thoughtful about your dog’s impact on others
• Poop bags at the ready!
• Keep your dog on a lead around the holiday park
• Be sure vaccinations are up to date and take proof of boosters with you
• Check your dog’s microchip details are correct before you go
• Ask the site owners to suggest some great locations for off-the-lead fun!

Other pets you can bring on your caravan park holiday

It’s good to know that more pet-friendly caravan parks are allowing cat owners to bring their feline friends on holiday with them. If you’re planning to take your cat on your staycation, a few simple tips will help keep them safe and happy.

Use a good, and well secured, roomy cat carrier with good airflow and shade it for a safe and comfortable journey. Once you’ve arrived, keep your cat secured in the caravan by having windows closed and no doors left open. You can help settle your cat by bringing along familiar items like their bed and favourite toys, so the scent of home is always close. Make sure their microchip details are correct before you travel, and take proof of up to date vaccinations with you too!

Final thoughts

A pet is a beloved part of any family. So it’s no surprise that more and more families are opting to take their dogs on holiday with them. Apart from simply enjoying having them around - and them being happier around you - they keep you active (perfect when you’ve indulged in one ice cream too many!). They help you meet other kindred spirits with four legged friends, and just think of the great photo opportunities for capturing furry family moments! And let’s not forget our feline friends - cats can enjoy a break too! Paws for thought…