Dog-friendly holiday parks offer the perfect getaway for both the human and furry members of your family as they cater to the needs of canine travellers and their owners alike. Combining comfort and convenience with an abundance of amenities, these parks provide the perfect setting for dog-friendly holidays with the whole family so you can create some wonderful memories together.
More and more pet owners are forgoing holidays to far-flung shores in favour of the UK’s dog-friendly beaches and countryside retreats to ensure that their canine companions can get in on the action of a holiday. After all, the whole family deserves to have a getaway together and our furry friends are very much part of that, too. Holiday parks that are dog-friendly offer new surroundings, activities to enjoy and adventures to embark on all together.
Best dog-friendly holiday parks at a glance:
• Best dog-friendly holiday park in Cornwall: Away Resorts - St Ives Bay – View on Away Resorts
• Best dog-friendly holiday park in Skegness: Haven Holidays - Skegness Holiday Park – View on Haven Holidays
• Best dog-friendly holiday park in Yorkshire: Parkdean Resorts - Cayton Bay Holiday Park – View on Parkdean Resorts
UK dog-friendly holiday parks provide plenty of attractions and activities to suit both two-legged and four-legged guests in locations popular with humans and dogs alike. That's why you'll find canine-welcoming holiday parks in Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk, Yorkshire and more. They offer an array of accommodation types, including cosy caravans and spacious lodges, to fit you all in comfortably and sprawling grounds that are paw-fect for leisurely strolls and games of fetch. Not to mention, many have pet-friendly cafés and other dog-welcoming venues and areas around the complexes, so you’ll never have to leave your pooch behind.
With plenty to do in the resorts themselves and in the areas surrounding them, there’s so much for you and your furry friend to explore and experience together. Whether you’re seeking rest and relaxation in nature or excitement by the sea, take a look at our top picks for the best holiday parks in the UK that are dog-friendly so the whole family, including your pooch, can have an unforgettable vacation. Just remember to add on your dog at the time of booking so the resorts know you're bringing your pooch with you.
Dog-friendly holiday parks UK
Best dog-friendly holiday park in Cornwall
Away Resortswww.awayresorts.co.uk
Staycation in style while taking in breathtaking views at Away Resorts St Ives Bay resort. It offers coastal charm and then some with private access to a three-mile-long golden beach where your pup can practise their doggy paddle and lots of sandy walks. After a long day at the beach, your pup can enjoy a doggy menu in the Sands Bistro where they can chow down on wet or dry dog food, dog-safe ice creams and ice poles, washed down with a pet-friendly wine or beer - delicious!
Customer review: "As a family of four, with two dogs, we had a fabulous stay. Everything we could of wanted was there and we had a caravan with a great position close to the beach and swimming pool.
Entertainment was great in the evenings and the site had all that we needed. The caravan was clean and modern. Would recommend and return."
Pros
- Private beach access
- Doggy menu at main bistro
- Dog welcome packs are available when booking Exclusive accommodation
Cons
- Dogs cannot be left in accommodation unattended
Best dog-friendly holiday park in Skegness
Haven Holidayswww.haven.com
With the shores of Skegness' beach just a short walk away, the Haven Holidays Skegness Holiday Park
is ideal for those pups who love sinking their paws into golden sands and taking a doggy paddle in the sea. It also has one of Haven's 'Bark Yards', which offers a fun-filled obstacle course to keep your pup's tail wagging all trip long. For the rest of the family, you can enjoy a state-of-the-art entertainment complex, a fantastic new restaurant, a host of new family-favourite takeaway options and all-action activities located right at the heart of this resort.
Customer review: "Very clean and welcoming. Felt like a home and not just a base.. lots of additional features with the huge bonus of being dog friendly- you're normally penalised for that! Set out beautifully and very comfortable. Nice and quiet location, perfect for a get away. Definitely recommend."
Pros
- Skegness beach nearby
- Designated dog-friendly area in the main restaurant
- Bark Yards for pups to play in
Cons
- Extra charges to use entertainment, pool and some other on-site facilities
Best dog-friendly holiday park in Yorkshire
Parkdean Resortswww.parkdeanresorts.co.uk
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire coastline, the Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay Holiday Park has a glorious sandy beach just a short stroll away, and Scarborough and Filey are just a mere few minutes away by car – your pooch will be spoilt for choice when it comes to seaside walkies. When they’re not walking wave side, your pup can be practising their agility skills in the Woof Park, where they can weave in and out of poles, go through tunnels, and so much more. Depending on what accommodation you book, some have dedicated areas where you can pop your dog’s bed in to help them settle into their home away from home.
Customer review: "We had a fantastic time at Cayton, something for everyone. Woof park was a great hit with our dog! My little one loved the star land crew and all of the troupers! Fantastic entertainment! We will definitely be back!!"
Pros
- Choice of beach at your doorstep
- On-site Woof Park
- Some accommodations offer specific areas to put your dog's bed
Cons
- Restrictions on dogs entering common areas
Best dog-friendly holiday park in the New Forest
Away Resortswww.awayresorts.co.uk
When staying in Exclusive accommodation at Away Resorts - Sandy Balls, your furry companion will receive a welcome goody bag to ensure their vacation gets off to the best start, including a rope toy, a fleece blanket, a collapsible bowl, and waste bags with a holder. In the heart of the New Forest, there are more than 140 miles of tracks and footpaths, so just think of all the walkies you're going to have with your pooch at home.
Customer review: "Everything from booking to the cleanliness of the caravan was very good. We brought washing up liquid, cloth and tea towel but didn't need to as these were in a goody type bag. We also had two dogs with us and both got their own goodie bag with a blanket, folding food bowl, treats and a dog toy. The facilities and especially the pool area were great. On the whole, we will be recommending and staying at the resort again."
Pros
- Dog welcome packs are available
- Doggy menus at the on-site Woodside Inn
- 140 miles of tracks and footpaths to explore
Cons
- Dogs cannot be left in accommodation unattended
Best dog-friendly holiday park in Kent
Haven Holidayswww.haven.com
Just an hour’s drive from London, the Haven Holidays Kent Coast resort offers a coastal escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city for both you and your dog. During your stay, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Thames Estuary so it’s a lovely place to get out and about with your pooch. In fact, many of the holiday homes on the resort have coastal views, so you don’t even have to leave your accommodation to soak up the beautiful beach. To keep your hound happy, the resort has one of their Bark Yards, so you can spend your holiday trying to complete the agility course in your own record time.
Customer review: "Beautiful weekend break. So much for the kids to do and so relaxing of the evenings.
Burger King, Papa Johns, Main restaurant and Fresh Fish & Chip bar. Dog friendly, even has activity site for the dogs. Indoor and outdoor pools, sand pit for the kids, mini go ape for all ages, mini golf, rock climbing, buggy riding,’outdoor cinema and they are currently build a huge outdoor entertainment area.
Slough Fort is an added bonus along with the beautiful views. Completely recommend."
Pros
- Close to the beach
- Most accommodation has views of the coast
- On-site Bark Yard for your pooch
Cons
- Use of some entertainment, pool and other on-site facilities is at an extra charge
Best dog-friendly holiday park in North Wales
Parkdean Resortswww.parkdeanresorts.co.uk
For an adventure-packed, fun-filled holiday park with fantastic facilities, consider the Parkdean Ty Mawr holiday park. Parkdean Resorts recognises that no holiday feels complete without your four-legged friend, and that's why they're welcoming to stay at Ty Mawr. It has a Woof Park on-site for your pooch; your pup can run wild and burn off some energy on the enclosed agility course.
Customer review: "Lovely place to stay and fantastic staff, all so helpful, that’s one reason why I keep coming back! We love it here! plenty to do for the kids and great entertainment! Dogs love it here too with the woof park."
Pros
- Short walk to the beach
- Plenty of activities for the family to enjoy
- On-site Woof Park
Cons
- Restrictions on dogs entering common areas
7.
Center Parcs
Best dog-friendly forest holiday park in the UK
Center Parcswww.centerparcs.co.uk
For a practical and cosy base where you and your dog can relax together after a long day of exploring dog-friendly wooded areas in the Village you're staying in, it has to be Center Parcs. Their dog-friendly Woodland and Executive Lodges include their standard self-catering facilities and a cosy log fire, plus pet-friendly features like wood flooring throughout to make cleaning up any accidents easier and a tether ring on your lodge patio so your four-legged friend can join you for fun outside. Exploring the hundreds of acres of forest and playing in the lead-free areas is thirsty work, which is why Center Parks has water bowls dotted around the Villages so your pup can take a much-needed hydration break.
Customer review: "First visit to centre parcs for my family. They absolutely loved it, six adults, three children and two dogs. Couldn’t fault a single thing brilliant. Would definitely go back. Plenty of activities to choose from. Great choice of accommodation and the staff were all very friendly and helpful."
Pros
- Practical and cosy lodges
- Dog-friendly features in lodges
- Water bowls around the Villages
Cons
- Other than the odd dog-friendly restaurant, the common areas don't allow dogs inside
FAQs
Where can I take my dog on holiday?
If you're after inspiration about where to take your pup on a staycation, any of the dog-friendly holiday parks we've included on our list are a good place to start. If you're after more of a base to stay to then explore the local area as opposed to having everything in one place, you may be after a dog-welcoming hotel instead.
Do Parkdean holidays allow dogs?
Many Parkdean holidays allow dogs, with a number of caravans and lodges being dog-friendly. In fact some of Parkdean Resorts, including Newquay, Lizard Point, Warmwell, Sandford, Camber Sands, Cayton Bay and Ty Mawr, have Woof Parks, which are enclosed agility courses where your pup can burn off some energy.
When searching for a pet-friendly Parkdean holiday, make sure you use the Pet-Friendly filter to narrow down your search to those resorts that accommodate dogs.
Can you take dogs to Away Resorts?
Similar to Parkdean, there are a handful of Away Resorts where you can take dogs. When you book a pet-friendly Away Resort, VIPs (Very Important Pooches) will receive a goody bag with a collapsible bowl, a rope toy, a fleece blanket, plus poop bags and a holder.
21 of the Away Resorts even offer locations with a doggy menu, so your furry friend can indulge in a special treat while you savour your own meal. The locations of these include Appletree, Bay Filey, Bude, Cleethorpes Pearl, East Fleet Farm, Golden Sands, Mill Rythe, Moffat Manor, Newquay Bay, Newperran, The Sunset Bar, Piperdam, Retallack, The Lakes Rookley, Sandy Balls, St Ives, Swanage Bay, Tattershall Lakes and Whitecliff Bay.
Tips for taking your dog on holiday
While holidays offer a great opportunity to spend time with your pooch and make memories all together as a family, not all dogs will like the change in environment and day-to-day routine, so a staycation at a holiday park may not be as fun for them as you may think. With the help of the RSPCA, we have some top tips on how to make your time away with your hound as smooth as possible so you all have a great time.
Before taking your dog on holiday
• Check the weather - dogs need to be protected from getting heatstroke.
• Ask for the pet policy of where you're staying. Let them know you're bringing a dog and ask what facilities they offer for pets, so you know what items you may or may not need to take.
• Look up local activities where your pup can join in, such as dog-friendly walks and places like pubs and cafés where you can take your dog while you eat.
• Pack a familiar-smelling object, like a blanket, favourite toys and treats.
While on holiday with your dog
• Try to keep to their regular routine as much as possible and stick to their usual timings for walks, dinner and toilet breaks.
• Keep them on the same diet as at home, as a sudden change can lead to an upset stomach.
• Place the familiar-smelling item you took in your dog's bed or where they'll spend a lot of time, as this will help them feel secure in an unfamiliar place.
• Give your dog the time they need to explore their new surroundings.
• Don't leave them alone for a time that might cause them distress.
• Let them rest - during all the fun and excitement of the holiday, make sure your dog has lots of time to rest undisturbed in a quiet and comfortable space.
What should you pack for a dog on holiday?
Just like when we're packing for ourselves, every dog has a list of must-haves to take on holiday with them. Some dog-friendly accommodations may provide the basics, such as bowls, but you should check this before you set off from home without them. Here are some of the things you should consider packing for your pooch's staycation:
• Their medication (if they take any)
• Their food and favourite treats
• Food and water bowls
• Dog toys
• A lead, harness, collar and tag
• Comfy bed/blanket
• Waste bags
• Dog-safe shampoo and a towel
• Sun cream and a cooling mat (if holidaying in the warmer months of the year)
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.