By Parkdean Resorts on 11/12/2019
We’re dog lovers here at Parkdean Resorts, and as a significant member of the family, we understand just how important it is for your four-legged friend to join in all the fun on holiday. That’s why we offer dog friendly accommodation at 66 of our UK holiday parks, meaning your pooch doesn’t have to miss out!
While 66 of our parks offer something different to every dog owner, to help you get started with your search, we’ve handpicked five of our favourite pet friendly caravan parks. All of these provide accommodation for dogs but many also welcome them in several of our on park venues. Not to mention the fact that countless nearby beaches and attractions are dog friendly, you’ll be fully prepared for the best family break.
1. Ruda Holiday Park, Devon - New for 2020
A brand new addition to our dog friendly parks, Ruda Holiday Park in Devon is one of our most popular locations and will be providing pet friendly caravans from 2020. Although pets will be restricted from entering the on park facilities, the good news is there's an abundance of local attractions nearby where your dog can blow off some steam!
Devon is a fantastic place to visit when it comes to dog friendly holidays – from sweeping golden beaches like Saunton and Barricane, to country parks and gardens, there are endless opportunities for dog walks. It is worth noting that some beaches, such as Croyde Bay, may enforce a dog ban or provide specific dog friendly zones during the summer months. However, if you’re holidaying during the off peak season, many of the region’s beaches are completely dog friendly, generally from around October until the end of April. An added bonus of visiting Devon at these times of year is that many of the nearby attractions will be much quieter. If you’re staying at Ruda, you will also be less than an hour’s drive away from Exmoor National Park, which provides miles of open woodland and plenty of walking trails for you and your dog to discover.
2. Crantock Beach Holiday Park, Cornwall
If you’re heading on a dog friendly holiday to Cornwall, Crantock Beach Holiday Park is the perfect place to treat your canine companion to a well-deserved break. Dogs are welcomed in both the bar and restaurant, as well as the amusement arcade, entertainment venue and reception area, meaning your pooch can tag along whilst you make the most of our on park facilities. Some of our pet friendly accommodation at Crantock Beach is less than a year old, including our brand new 1 bedroom caravans, which have been designed specifically with your dog in mind – they even come with built-in feeding bowls and areas for dog beds! These smaller caravans are great for couples’ breaks and you and your dog are sure to feel right at home.
The beach itself at Crantock, owned by the National Trust, is dog friendly all year round and they’ll love splashing about in the waves. You don’t have to travel far for other fantastic dog friendly beaches in Cornwall – Porth Joke and Perranporth provide a wide expanse of sand for them to run around on and are just a short drive away from park. You can even take your dog along to many of Cornwall’s best attractions, including the outdoor areas at The Eden Project, which in 2018 was voted the best dog walking destination in the world. The Lost Gardens of Heligan will also get tails wagging, with miles of different pathways to explore. Visiting these attractions outside of school holidays will mean you can really take advantage of some peace and quiet with your pup by your side.
3. Limefitt Holiday Park, Lake District
Regarded as one of the most dog friendly regions of the UK, a holiday in the Lake District offers endless days out that you can enjoy with your furry friend. Limefitt Holiday Park is nestled in the heart of the beautiful Troutbeck Valley and provides pet friendly lodges, caravans and even a cottage, as well as accepting dogs in all of the on park venues. Alternatively, Fallbarrow Holiday Park is only a ten minute drive away from Limefitt, and offering spectacular views of Lake Windermere, is another pooch-perfect spot.
It goes without saying that the Lakes is one of the best locations for dog walking, with walks catering to all levels of ability from mountain hikes to lakeside strolls. Explore the nearby towns and you’ll be guaranteed to find an abundance of dog friendly pubs, shops and more right on your doorstep. A ten minute drive from Limefitt and less than a five minute walk from Fallbarrow, pay a visit to The Flying Pig at Bowness-on-Windermere, a traditional cosy pub, ideal for when you want to wind down with your dog at the end of a long day of walking. Providing complimentary doggy treats and water stations to keep them hydrated, you can sit back and relax knowing your pet is enjoying the paw-fect holiday too!
4. Cresswell Towers Holiday Park, Northumberland
You can’t beat the North East when it comes to appreciating the great outdoors and Cresswell Towers Holiday Park is one of our favourite parks in Northumberland for experiencing a dog friendly holiday. With over ten models of dog friendly caravans to choose from and access for dogs in the beer garden of the bar and restaurant, you can thoroughly enjoy the park with your four-legged friend by your side.
Just minutes away from Druridge Bay, a year-round dog friendly beach and country park, the local area is a haven for dogs. Venture out to one of several dog friendly coastal towns and villages nearby, like Amble or Bamburgh, or take advantage of exciting historical attractions at one of the region’s many castles. A 45 minute drive from Cresswell Towers, Dunstanburgh Castle allows dogs when kept on a lead and there are plenty of walks in the area for them to stretch their legs. Park your car at the nearby harbour town of Craster and enjoy a short half hour walk across the grassy fields with glorious views of the Northumbrian coastline – a walk that has even been nominated as one of the top 100 in the country! Afterwards, why not sample some local cuisine in the dog friendly Jolly Fisherman pub? Serving up freshly caught crab, kippers and more, it’s the perfect place to refuel.
5. Looe Bay, Cornwall
Looe Bay Holiday Park is another of our favourite Cornwall parks to offer pet friendly caravan holidays. Like Crantock Beach, Looe Bay provides handy 1 bedroom caravans which are ideal if you’re a couple travelling with your dog in tow. In addition to dog friendly accommodation, Looe Bay also permits pets within reception, the amusement arcade and within designated areas of the bar and restaurant..
With coast and country both within your reach, you and your pup will love seeing all that Cornwall has to offer. Whilst Looe Bay Beach is not dog friendly, there are plenty of others within driving distance, such as Polkerris Beach and Treyarnon Bay, which allow dogs, although restrictions may be applicable during the summer. Plus, with plenty of attractions at your fingertips, you won’t be short of fun days out with your furry friend. Discover the delights of Pinetum Park, ten themed gardens covering 30 acres which you and your pooch will love exploring. Or take a trip to the quaint fishing village of Polperro, centred in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to plenty of fantastic dog walks. Highly rated on Trip Advisor, your dog will receive a warm welcome at The Blue Peter Inn, a traditional Cornish pub with stunning views out to sea and an extensive menu of hearty, home-cooked food.
Don't forget to share your amazing holiday memories with your dog on our Facebook and Instagram pages - they may even make an appearance on our website!