While holidays abroad offer opportunities to experience new countries and cultures, it's important to think about your dog's needs, and ensure you have the right care in place for while you are away.
To avoid having to leave your dog behind, why not holiday closer to home this summer with your pup by your side?
Whether you want a relaxing beach getaway, or an action-packed outdoor adventure, there are plenty of last minute dog friendly holidays still available to book this summer.
To help you narrow it down, we've rounded up a selection of pet-friendly staycation destinations for you to consider. Enjoy!
12 Dog Friendly Holidays (UK):
Caravan holidays:- 1. Foxtail Holiday Park, Wales
- 2. Skelworth Fold Caravan Park, Lake District
- 3. Nodes Point Holiday Park, Isle of Wight
- 4. Dog & Duck Leisure Park, Kent
Cottage holidays:
- 8. Green Door Cottages, Cornwall
- 9. Kribben Cottages, Northern Ireland
- 10. Dolphin View Cottage, Scotland
- 11. East Ruston Cottages, Norfolk
- 12. Forest Holidays Thorpe Forest, Norfolk
Helpful Information for Pet Friendly Holidays:
- Do dogs feel abandoned when you go on holiday?
- Should I take my dog on holiday with me?
- Planning last minute dog friendly short breaks:
A Map of UK Dog Friendly Holiday Destinations:
Dog friendly caravan holidays:
1. Foxtail Holiday Park, Wales
If you're looking for a dog friendly holiday in Wales, Foxtail Holiday Park is ideally located a close distance to Snowdonia.
This pet friendly park caters to caravans and motorhomes, and has recently launched new park lodges that come complete with hot tubs.
From white water rafting at Llangollen, to fishing in the Ceirog Valley, there are plenty of beautiful natural locations to explore. You can even drive to Snowdon and hike to the summit with your pooch close in tow!
Just opposite Foxtails you'll find The Poachers - a dog friendly pub and beer garden sitting on the canal.
Park Features:
- 46 pitches
- Fast, free WiFi
- 24/7 toilet and shower facilities
- Indoor swimming pool (opening summer 2022)
- Access to the Llangollen & Shropshire Union canal for long dog walks
Address: Chirk, Wrexham, LL14 5DG
Photo: Miners Trail, Snowdonia National Park by Josh Kirk
2. Skelworth Fold Caravan Park, Lake District
Home to picturesque lakes, moorlands and mountains, the Lake District is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the UK.
You'll find plenty of pet friendly accommodation scattered across the lakes, but if you're looking for a dog friendly caravan park, Skelwith Fold is a real winner!
Located in Ambleside, the park offers the perfect location for long dog walks, with plenty of pet friendly pubs and restaurants along the way.
Combining country and lakeside views, at Skelwith Fold you can choose from a wide array of lodging - including static caravans, holiday pods, safari tents and cottages.
Park Features:
- Toilet and shower facilities with underfloor heating
- 100 acres of woodland to explore with dogs
- Children’s playground and library
- Dog washing and grooming facilities
- Laundrette and drying room
Location: Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HY
Photo: Fishgarths Wood, Ambleside by Jonny Gios
3. Nodes Point Holiday Park, Isle of Wight
Located in the most easterly point of the Isle of Wight, Bembridge is a beautiful seaside village, offering “a wonderful coastal setting with a pier and lifeboat station, plus a busy village community with independent shops, cafés and restaurants. With three great beaches and the white cliffs of Culver Down on the doorstep, the village is a perfect base for exploring.".
Just a short, ten minute drive from Bembridge, you'll find Nodes Point Holiday Park.
One of the UK's Parkdean resorts, Nodes Point features dog friendly caravans, lodges and chalets with plenty of facilities for families to enjoy.
From kids clubs and indoor pools with waterslides, to bingo nights and outdoor movie showings under the stars, there’s plenty to do both within the park and in the surrounding areas.
Park Features:
- Standard and electric pitch options for caravans
- 27 safari tents for glamping, complete with electric hobs and outside decking areas
- The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant for seview dining
- Plenty of outdoor activities, including horse riding along the beach
Address: Nodes Point, St Helens, Ryde, PO33 1YA
Photo: Coastal Pier in the Isle of Wight by Becca Lin
4. Dog & Duck Leisure Park, Kent
This family owned holiday park is located in Canterbury, providing the perfect escape to the country.
The Trieste is one of the park's dog friendly caravans. A popular option for holidaying with pets, this double glazed and centrally heated caravan has an open plan layout with side steps down to a verandah.
Bring two dogs along for a short summer getaway in Kent, and enjoy outdoor dining at the onsite pet-friendly pub.
The park is just around the corner from the River Stour, where you can take long walks along the canal and try new activities like paddle boarding or boating.
Park Features:
- Free wifi
- Caravans with two bedrooms
- Two dogs allowed to stay at once
- Surrounded by vegetation and orchards
- Close to a meandering river for long dog walks
Address: Plucks Gutter, Canterbury, CT3 1JB
Photo: Park in Canterbury by James Upton
Dog friendly log cabins & camping holidays:
5. Angrove Country Park, Middlesbrough
For a North Yorkshire getaway, Angrove Country Park is a luxury dog friendly resort that lets you explore all that the North York Moors has to offer.
A short ten minute drive from Roseberry Topping, this location provides breathtaking views, and a variety of pet-friendly accommodation.
Choose to stay in contemporary holiday homes, lodges with hot tubs or sustainable eco-domes.
Adjacent to the Coast to Coast Cycle Route, this spot is ideal for holiday-goers who love to explore the outdoors.
Park Features:
- G & Tea House for alfresco dining in eco-pods
- Plenty of local attractions, including Stewart Park, Guidborough Forest & Walkways
- Jacuzzi hot tubs with panoramic countryside views
- Currently offering discounts for 2022 summer stays
Address: Greystone Hills, Middlesbrough, TS9 6PY
Photo: View of Roseberry Topping Hill by Paul Morley
6. Somerset Yurts, Taunton
These eco friendly yurts are situated on a working Dairy Farm in Somerset. The ideal choice for dog friendly glamping, each yurt can accomodate up to two dogs for just £10 per dog, per stay.
Surrounded by 200 acres of farmland, you'll find plenty of footpaths to enjoy countryside trails and woodlands.
In addition to yurts, this luxury glamping company offers safari lodges and domes that come fully-furnished with all your self-catering needs.
All guests can make use of the communal barn and fire pits during their stay. Within the barn you'll find a regular kitchen for days you don't fancy cooking on stoves outdoors.
Yurt Features:
- Power supply and warm woodburner
- Communal barn with power showers and toilet facilities
- Traditional Mongolian and Meadow yurt options
- BBQs and picnic tables for outdoor dining
- Easy access to South Quantock Heritage Trail
Address: Hill Farm, Taunton, TA2 8LP
Photo: Meadow Yurts in Somerset by Annie Spratt
7. Stargazy Cabin, Seaton
Just south of Somerset Yurts you'll find Stargazy Cabin, a romantic holiday experience for couples who want to take their dog with them on a beach getaway.
The perfect summer holiday destination for enjoying Devon's natural beauty and exploring the Jurassic coast, this countryside cabin offers a king-size bedroom and cosy living area.
If you're looking for a dog friendly cottage with an enclosed garden, Stargazy has a fenced off area complete with terrace and patio heater for sunset drinks. As you enjoy the outdoor hot tub, your pup can run wild in the closed off lawn.
This peaceful spot is located at the end of a farm track, the perfect private getaway for a bit of peace and quiet.
Just a couple of miles walk away you’ll find a dog-friendly pub, and plenty of dog walking opportunities throughout the coastal towns nearby.
Cottage Features:
- Can sleep two humans and one dog
- Enclosed garden with countryside views
- Close to Seaton Beach and Lyme Regis
- Terrace and outdoor hot tub
- Free parking for two cars
Address: Seaton, South Devon
Photo: Lyme Regis Beach by Daria Shevtsova
Dog friendly cottage holidays:
8. Green Door Cottages, Cornwall
For last minute dog friendly holidays, Green Door Cottages offers a number of beautiful homes overlooking Port Isaac Bay and Port Gaverne - a popular summer location for staycations in North Cornwall.
Their cottages are all within walking distance to dog friendly beaches and Cornwall's Eden Project, a place where dogs can happily explore on lead.
With plenty on offer during the warmer months, you can enjoy swimming in coves, long days at the beach and eat locally sourced fish at the Port Gaverne Hotel.
Cottage Features:
- Fast WiFi
- Free parking
- Cottage choices that sleep 2 - 8 guests
- Beautiful sea views and private balconies
- OS maps and dog-friendly directories for local information
Address: Green Door Cottages, Port Gaverne, PL29 3SQ
Photo: Port Isaac Bay in Cornwall by Greg Willson
9. Kribben Self Catering Cottages, Northern Ireland
Kribben Cottages offers a cluster of spacious self catering cottages, a short walk away from the famous Mourne Mountains.
These idyllic white stone cottages provide the perfect base to enjoy nearby attractions, and are located just a short drive from the seaside resort town of Newcastle.
Each of the five cottages reflect the history of the Mournes and its once booming granite industry. While there, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while learning more about its heritage.
Cottage Features:
- Dog friendly accommodation
- Cosy homes with wood burning stoves
- Quiet, peaceful surroundings to relax
- Children's play area and picnic tables
- Great location for golf enthusiasts, hikers and dog walkers
- Each cottage sleeps between 4 - 6 guests
Address: Annalong, Co Down, BT34 4QZ
Photo: Mourne Mountains in Newry by Rory McKeever
10. Dolphin View Holiday Cottages, Scotland
In the fishing village of Portmahomack lies a complex of dog friendly cottages on the beach.
Providing amazing views of the Dornoch Firth, this location is famous for spotting seals, dolphins and other local wildlife.
Explore all that the Scottish Highlands has to offer, including Moray Firth, home to around 190 bottlenose dolphins.
While Dolphin View is open all year round, summer is the best time to visit to see dolphins, as this is the time they are most active catching local salmon.
Proudly dog friendly, Dolphin View Cottages welcomes dogs in all of their holiday homes.
Cottage Features:
- Panoramic sea views
- Sleeps up to 6 guests
- Self-catering facilities
- Dog friendly cottages with enclosed gardens
- Short walk from beach activities like windsurfing and sailing
Address: Dolphin View Properties, Portmahomack, IV20 1YH
Photo: Portmahomack Beach in the Scottish Highlands by Lucentius
11. East Ruston Cottages, Norfolk
Winners of the 'Best Cottages and Self Catering' category for the Dog-Friendly Magazine Awards three years in a row, East Ruston Cottages offer a wide variety of cottages for dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes.
A great last minute dog friendly holiday option, on their website you'll find discounts and special offers for spontaneous summer bookings.
The perfect seaside location, the cottages are a fifteen minute walk from East Runton's sandy beach, and just over a mile away from the famous Happisburgh lighthouse.
During your stay you can enjoy relaxing massages, woodfired pizzas and seafood platters while your dog tucks into home-made dog biscuits by Nero's Kitchen. The best part? All profits from Nero's treats go to animal rescue initiatives.
Cottage Features:
- Plenty of cottage options for different styles, budgets and guest numbers
- Late availability and last minute booking discounts offered
- Conveniently located near dog friendly pubs, cafes and beaches
- Set up to enjoy other local business offerings
- Includes complimentary tea, coffee, bottle of wine and dog treats
Address: Sea Lows, Eccles, Norfolk, NR12 OSJ
Photo: Happisburgh Lighthouse and beach by Leon Streeter
12. Forest Holidays Thorpe Forest, Norfolk
If you don't fancy a beach trip, Thorpe Forest is a great alternative for a dog friendly holiday in Norfolk.
Offering a wide range of accommodation, you'll find pet-friendly cottages, lodges and cabins with hot tubs available.
Located in the woodland on the banks of the River Thet, guests can enjoy activities like quad biking, watersports and archery.
Pups can enjoy long walks through the forest, complimentary welcome treats and washing facilities to make life easier after muddy walks.
Cottage & Cabin Features:
- Enclosed outdoor decking and hot tubs
- Comfy living areas
- Playtime at Forest of Dean
- Guided nature walks through the forest
- Sleeps 4 dogs per cabin
Address: Shadwell, Thetford, IP24 2RX
Photo: Thetford Forest by Alex Baber
Do dogs feel abandoned when you go on holiday?
Like humans, dogs are social animals that enjoy companionship and affection. Over time, your dog will start to trust you more and more, and your mutual bond will continue to develop.
While time spent apart from your dog can have an effect on them in the beginning, there are lots of steps you can take to make sure they don't feel abandoned or worried when you do have to go away.
It’s important to remember that dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and body language. If you feel stressed and anxious before leaving your dog to go on holiday, it’s more than likely they’ll pick up on the fact that something is wrong.
Instead, find your dog suitable care and make sure they are staying somewhere they feel comfortable while you're gone. When it's time to say goodbye, be confident and reassuring, and avoid projecting any of your own concerns onto them.
Should I take my dog on holiday with me?
In general, taking your dog with you on holiday offers huge benefits to both you and your dog!
Not only is it a great opportunity to spend time together in holiday mode, it also gives your pup the opportunity to explore unfamiliar surroundings (which is something that gives dogs lots of excitement!)
With that being said, it's always a good idea to consider your dog’s personality type and temperament.
Not all dogs are as keen to travel to new and unknown places, and if they are less comfortable with this, they may find the experience stressful.
Planning last minute dog friendly short breaks:
Before taking your dog away with you, it’s a good idea to:
- Visit your vet to make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date
- Pack your dog's suitcase with a collar and lead to enjoy daily walks
- Buy an identity tag which has the address details for the place you’ll be staying
- Consider how you will travel and make sure you’ve worked out your pup's transportation needs
- Research dog-friendly activities and the different rules and policies that apply
- Consider dog washing facilities available and remember to take your dog's grooming essentials with you
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From the team at Barc, happy holidays!
