One of the many pleasures of caravanning is being able to enjoy the company of your pets! Here, Jo Davies selects dog-friendly destinations and attractions
According to a recent survey, 34% of UK households share their home with a pooch, so it’s clear we are a nation of dog-lovers. And as more of us choose to tour in the UK, it’s also no surprise that more than half of dog-owners take their four-legged family members with them on holiday.
Whether you want to climb hills in the Lake District, relax on beaches in Cornwall or explore the UK’s heritage sites, taking your dog along with you can make a tour truly memorable. But it can sometimes be tricky finding a campsite that loves your pets as much as you, or attractions that welcome visitors with dogs.
So if you’re planning a tour with your pooch, it makes sense to do your research first, to ensure they’ll be well catered for.
The National Trust operates a useful ‘pawprint’ scheme, rating how dog-friendly its locations are, while English Heritage dedicates areas of its website to information about dog-friendly days out.
Most campsites welcome dogs, but there are plenty who show a little extra love to furry guests. Here are a few of our favourites.
EAST WHERE TO STAY
Pinecones Caravan & Camping King’s Lynn, Norfolk pinecones.co.uk Open All year
Equipped with an off-lead dog-walk and a rather splendid ‘dogs’ brewery’ water station, this scenic campsite makes the perfect pooch getaway. Charmingly rustic, the park also provides top-class facilities and hardstanding pitches.
Local attractions Sandringham Estate, Scott Head Island, Snettisham Beach
Haw Wood Farm Saxmundham, Suffolk hawwoodfarm.co.uk Open 1 March 2023 to 14 January 2024
This immaculate campsite welcomes well-behaved dogs, providing a large, off-lead meadow, plenty of poo bins, tether points outside the facilities and dog treats in the onsite shop.
Local attractions Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, Southwold Pier
Sandy Gulls Caravan Park Mundesley, Norfolk sandygulls.co.uk Open 1 March to 29 November 2023
This tranquil, adults-only park benefits from a seafront location and access to one of Norfolk’s finest beaches. Dog-friendly pubs are within walking distance.
Local attractions North Norfolk Coastal Path
WHERE TO GO
Finns Dog Aqua Fun and Fitness Great Dunham, Norfolk finns.club Open April to October
This outdoor pool welcomes dogs, puppies, and owners who want to bond with their pooch! The centre offers buoyancy aids for your dog, as well as sessions for beginners, puppies and solo swimmers.
Bure Valley Railwa
