Top 10 Pet-Friendly Caravan Parks in the UK

Pet-friendly caravan parks are an excellent option for those who don't want to go on vacation without their dog. Pet owners don't feel good about leaving their pets in kennels for a week or two or relying on a dog walker who only comes by twice a day and leaves the dog alone the rest of the time.

More and more families regard pets as indispensable members and are reluctant to be separated from them when travelling. In this context, pet-friendly caravan parks are not only a product of the times but also a necessary measure to meet social needs. Therefore, pet-friendly caravan parks in the UK are emerging to meet the needs of pet owners who want to travel with their dogs.  

Pet-friendly caravan parks are a great option if you're considering going on vacation with your dog. We have curated a list of the top 10 pet-friendly caravan parks and their features.    

Are Pet-Friendly Caravan Parks Necessary? 

Pet-friendly caravan parks provide a comfortable environment for families or individuals travelling with pets and significantly improve the holiday experience. However, there are still many people who are sceptical about the existence of pet-friendly caravan parks. The following will analyse the necessity of pet-friendly caravan parks from multiple aspects:

Growing Demand for Travel by Pet Owners

At present, very few caravan parks are pet-friendly. Many camps either prohibit pets from entering or restrict the types and number of pets allowed, which undoubtedly inconveniences pet owners' travel plans. The emergence of pet-friendly caravan parks can effectively solve this contradiction and meet pet owners' needs to travel with their pets.

Improve Personal Happiness

Getting along with pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness and improve people's happiness. Pet-friendly caravan parks provide pets with a safe and free space for activities and allow pet owners to accompany their beloved pets while enjoying the natural beauty.

Promote the Development of the Pet Industry

Pet-friendly caravan parks can promote surrounding industries, such as pet food, toys, and medical services, to gain a larger market share. In addition, with their popularity, new pet service industries, such as pet boarding and training, may also emerge.

In short, pet-friendly caravan parks are necessary to meet pet owners' travel needs. They are also a meaningful way to enhance personal happiness and promote the prosperity of the pet industry.

What Features Does a Pet-Friendly Caravan Park Need to Have? 

Pet-friendly caravan parks must provide pets with sufficient space for activities and consider pet owners' diverse needs. The following are the main functions that pet-friendly caravan parks should have:

Pet Activity Area

First, an expansive lawn is ideal for pets to run and play. The lawn should be regularly maintained to ensure it is clean and tidy, preventing pets from accidentally ingesting foreign objects or contracting germs.

Second, various pet recreational facilities, such as obstacle courses, high jump racks, ladders, etc., should be set up to enrich pets' activities and enhance their physical fitness and coordination.

Pet Excrement Treatment Facilities

Pet excrement collection boxes should be set up next to the pet activity area and trails to facilitate visitors' cleaning up of their pets' excrement. In addition, the park should regularly clean the collection boxes to maintain environmental hygiene.

Safety Fences and Signs

Safety fences should be set up around the pet activity area and accommodation area. At the same time, clear signs should be posted in the park to indicate pet activity areas, areas where pets are prohibited from entering, etc.

Owner Leisure Area

An owner leisure area can be set up to provide comfortable seats, parasols, and other facilities for pet owners to rest, chat, and watch pet activities. It can also have barbecue grills, picnic mats, and other dining equipment.

Pet-Specific Facilities and Services

In addition to the basic facilities, there are also some pet-specific facilities and services that can enhance the happiness of pets and owners:

• Pet bathing facilities

• Pet medical services (such as emergency rescue)

• Pet boarding services (short-term boarding)

In summary, a complete pet-friendly caravan park should provide comfortable infrastructure and pay special attention to pet-specific facilities, safety and environmental sanitation management.

Top 10 Pet-Friendly Caravan Parks in the UK

To help you find the right destination, we'll look at some of the best pet-friendly pet-friendly caravan parks in the UK, ensuring your pet has an excellent travel experience. Here are five of the most popular pet-friendly pet-friendly caravan parks in the UK:

1. Pinecones Caravan and Camping

Location: A149 Dersingham bypass bypass, King's Lynn PE31 6WL, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 1485 544224

Website: Pinecones Caravan 

Facilities: Free parking, Free High-Speed Internet (WiFi), Kids' outdoor play equipment, Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly ), Picnic area, Self-serve laundry, Bike hire, Disabled facilities

Pinecones Caravan and Camping is a family-friendly camping site near King's Lynn inland, Heacham, and Hunstanton on the coast. Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, Pinecones offers sites for caravans, tents, and motorhomes. It also has dog-walking areas and dog showers. Two dog-friendly pubs are within walking distance of Pinecones.

2. Red Kite Touring Park

Location: Fan, Van Rd, Llanidloes SY18 6NG, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 1686 412122

Website: Red Kite Touring Park

Facilities: Free parking, Free High-Speed Internet (WiFi), Internet, Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly ), Self-serve laundry, Disabled facilities

Red Kite Touring Park is just one mile from Llanidloes town centre and is easily accessible on foot. Dog walking is a significant feature of Red Kite Touring Park, and this caravan park offers 10 acres of dog walking area where dogs can run freely. There is also a dog pond and a fenced dog training area.

3. Back of Beyond

Location: 234a Ringwood Road, St. Leonards, East Moors Lane, East Dorset, BH24 2SB

Contact: 01202 876968

Website: Back of Beyond 

Facilities: Bike hire, Disabled facilities, Showers, Drinking water, Horse riding, Near pub, Fires allowed, Laundry, Toilet, WiFi

Set in 30 acres of Dorset countryside, Back of Beyond is a mix of woods, heathland, lakes and rivers, offering a variety of natural habitats for you and your pet to enjoy. A large dog walk area will keep your pet entertained while you let them roam freely in the 18 acres of private woodland. As a bonus, Back of Beyond also has a heated dog washing station.

4. Old Oaks Touring Park

Location: Wick Farm, Wick Ln, Glastonbury BA6 8JS, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 1458 831437

Website: Old Oaks Touring Park

Facilities: Disabled facilities, Showers, TV room, Drinking water, W.C. disposal, Allow pets on site, Fires allowed, Laundry, Shop, Toilet, WiFi

Old Oaks Touring Park has a warm water dog shower, free dog shampoo, and a washing machine and dryer for washing and drying dog blankets or towels. In addition, there is a dog swimming pool and a 300-meter safe dog walking path. You can also let your pet try the following special pet ice cream.

5. St Helens in the Park

Location: Wykeham, Scarborough YO13 9QD, United Kingdom

Contact: caravans@wykeham.co.uk

Website: St Helens in the Park 

Facilities: Disabled facilities, Showers, Café / restaurant, Drinking water, Kids playground, W.C. disposal, Allow pets on site, Laundry, Shop, Toilet, WiFi

The 36-acre St Helens in the park is within the 7,500-acre Dawnay Estate near Scarborough. There is a 10-acre private woodland dog walk. At St Helens in the Park, you can use a stainless steel dog wash, and there are even dedicated dog bedding, hair washing and drying machines.

And you can stroll into Wykeham, just five minutes away, for a meal at the dog-friendly Downe Arms pub.

6. Trevornick Holiday Park in Cornwall

Location: Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay, TR8 5PW

Contact: 01637 830531

Website: Trevornick Holiday Park in Cornwall 

Facilities: Golf, fishing, bear den, take away, farm shop, arcade, woods, swimming pool, farm club, pet-friendly

Located in the beautiful Holywell Bay, we are the top spot for fun family vacations in Cornwall, with more than 60 years of experience! You have different places to stay, such as caravans, lodges, and cottages. Easy camping choices include ready-to-use tents and spots for your tent, camper, or motorhome.

7. Oakdown Holiday Park

Location: Oakdown Holiday Park, Gatedown Lane, EX10 OPT

Contact: 01297 680 387

Website: Oakdown Holiday Park 

Facilities: Bird hides, golf, play areas, field trail, amenities, toilets, showers, disabled facilities, family bathroom, laundry, kitchen, clean paws dog wash

If you want a great place to go camping with your dog in Devon, Oakdown is perfect. This peaceful tourist park near Sidmouth is excellent for camping with pets. The park is well-designed, large, and easy to reach, making it a great spot for dog-friendly walks nearby.

You'll be given a warm welcome by the friendly camping team, who will award your pitch on your arrival. They invite guests with touring caravans, motor caravans, tents, caravan tents, and folding campers. Guests can choose from non-serviced, serviced, or super-serviced pitches.

RVs and American-style trailers are allowed in certain spots.

8. Shorefield Country Park

Location: Shorefield Country Park, Shorefield Road, Hampshire, SO41 0LH

Contact: 01590 648 306

Website: Shorefield Country Park 

Facilities: Fishing lake stocked with carp, nature trail, direct access to cycling routes, beach, play parks, indoor amusement arcade, on-site supermarket, free WiFi

Shorefield Country Park is located in Hampshire, making it a good option for a dog-friendly trip that doesn't require a long drive to the Southwest. It's a large park with many features, making it a fun place for kids to enjoy on vacation. Shorefield Country Park is a great choice, especially if you're looking for a family-friendly holiday spot that welcomes dogs and offers fun activities and good facilities.

There's an extra benefit: it's next to a long, dog-friendly beach with a lovely walkway you can easily access. Another great thing is that you're close to the New Forest National Park, which is fantastic for dogs. There are many walking paths and beautiful villages and towns to visit here. It's a wonderful place!

9. Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park

Location: Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park, Ormesby Road, Norfolk, NR30 5NQ

Contact: 01493 728931

Website: Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park 

Facilities: Adventure village, outdoor play area, mini aerial adventure, indoor pool, amusement arcade, kart hire, entertainment venues, mini market, golf, pet-friendly

Great Yarmouth's Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park gets a vote since it is in a highly sought-after area with a great beach surrounded by sand dunes and is dog-friendly all year long. This is a Haven park; hence, you get the typical conveniences but also a lot more since this park is more than a hundred years old.

The park boasts a new adventure village and almost everything you can need. Perhaps more so than many of the other parks, dogs are truly welcomed here; they even have an obstacle course called Bark Yard and are let inside the terrace café. This is a fantastic option if you are looking in East Anglia for a dog-friendly vacation park with everything for the family.

10. Lakeland Leisure Park

Location: Lakeland Leisure Park, Moor Lane, Cumbria, LA11 7LT

Contact: 01539 558556

Website: Lakeland Leisure Park 

Facilities: Indoor & outdoor pools, adventure trail, activity lake, nature trail, pottery creations, kayak and paddle board hire, bungee trampoline, water sports coaching, kart hire, lakeside bay restaurant, archery coaching, golf, ranger activities, bike hire, mini market, pet-friendly

Lakeland Leisure Park is not located in the Lake District but nearby in Flookburgh, just about 9 miles from Windermere. There are some beaches close by, and the park welcomes dogs. You can enjoy many activities there, like a 9-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, and paddle boarding.

We love this park because it's close to the best areas in the south Lake District, which means there are many great walking options, and it's right by the sea. Dogs love the beach, so this place is perfect for a dog-friendly vacation. It's an excellent spot for families with many fun activities.

How to Choose a Pet-Friendly Caravan Park?

Choosing a pet-friendly caravan park requires some consideration. Here are some valuable tips to help you find an ideal pet-friendly caravan park in the UK.

Understand the Pet Policy

Different parks have different rules regarding pet type, number, size, and behaviour. Some may only allow small dogs, while others are open to all pets. Some require pets to wear leashes, while others let them roam freely in specific areas.

Investigate Park Facilities

A good pet-friendly caravan park should have complete pet facilities and enough open space for pets to run and play. Some high-end parks even provide pet play facilities and pet sitting services.

Feedback from Other Campers

Social media, camping forums, and online review platforms can give you a sense of other pet owners' experiences. Please pay attention to their comments on park facilities, cleanliness, enforcement of pet policies, and pet-friendly park staff.

Booking and Fees

Booking in advance and comparing the fees of different parks can help you make a more economical choice, especially during peak tourist season. Some parks may charge additional pet fees, while others offer pet-free offers.

In short, you can find an ideal pet-friendly caravan park by carefully considering pet policies, park facilities, feedback from other campers, and booking and fees.   

What to Pack for Camping with Pet?

Everything you need to make caravanning great, including the "nice-to-haves" required and the little extras that might make your next trip even more fun.

Caravan & Camping Supplies

When you pack, please consider your actual cooking needs. For outdoor rapid cooking, consider packing a portable cooker. Additional kitchen needs include knives, cutting boards, food containers, portable refrigerators, etc.

To guarantee people's fundamental physiological demands, the caravan should provide simple sanitary facilities such as portable toilets and outside showers. Maintaining hygienic standards also depends on flush tanks, water tanks, and trash cans.

Equipping a caravan with required safety gear mainly guarantees human safety. Wheel chocks, jacks, GPS gadgets, parking mats, fire extinguishers, etc., are among the caravan tools that can guarantee safe driving and personal safety.

Your caravan's normal supplies depend on a power source to satisfy its daily electricity use. For caravan vacations, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and 1000 Plus are excellent power sources since they enable you to stay in far-off locations without access to continuous electricity.

Pet Supplies

You must prepare some essential pet items and supplies to ensure you and your pet have a pleasant and comfortable holiday at a pet-friendly caravan park. Here are some indispensable pet items.

Pet Identification & Documents

Here are some pet identification and documents you must bring when staying at a pet-friendly caravan park. Please bring your pet's legal identification documents, as they may be required when checking in to the park. Also, bring proof of rabies and other necessary vaccinations to ensure your pet is healthy and meets the park's regulations.

Pet Food & Water

Here are some pet food and water that you need to bring when staying at a pet-friendly caravan park:

Daily Supplies for Pets

Here are some daily supplies for pets that you need to bring when you stay in a pet-friendly caravan park:

Pet Safety Supplies

Here are some pet safety supplies your pet needs to bring when staying in a pet-friendly caravan park. Leashes or collars ensure your pet's safety when moving around the park, especially in a crowded environment or with other pets. GPS locators can prevent pets from getting lost, especially in a large park environment.

Pet Entertainment Supplies

Here are some pet entertainment supplies your pet needs to bring when staying in a pet-friendly caravan park. Please bring your pet's favourite toys to help it stay happy. It is suitable for interacting with pets in open park areas to increase exercise.

Pet Medicines

The following are pet medicines pets must bring when staying in pet-friendly caravan parks. Please prepare common medicines, including anthelmintics, antiemetics, antibiotics, etc., to treat sudden health problems in pets. Pet first-aid kits should contain basic first-aid supplies such as band-aids, disinfectants, gauze, etc.

Jackery Solar Generators for Caravans

Camping with a pet could be a fantastic experience; however, you need to be well-prepared. Except for the pet supplies and common camping equipment, you will neglect one thing —portable power.

Compared to traditional generators, solar generators offer many more benefits, whether for your personal use experience or the environment. A solar generator is essential for caravans as it offers a sustainable and convenient method of powering appliances and charging devices during travel, particularly in remote areas lacking access to mains electricity.

This facilitates off-grid camping and diminishes dependence on noisy, polluting generators by utilising solar energy to recharge the caravan's battery bank, thereby effectively powering lights, small appliances, and potentially larger devices, contingent upon the system's capacity.

We recommend Jackery Solar Generators to charge your caravan appliances outdoors and even help you make pet food in the wild. Jackery offers portable power solutions ranging from 99W to 12 kWh, capable of powering up to 99% of appliances, including portable coolers, mini-fridges, grills, blenders, etc.            

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the best portable power supply for caravans. It combines the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus with SolarSaga 100W solar panels to effectively use solar energy.       

Featuring a 2000W full-power pure sine wave inverter and a stunning 1264Wh long-lasting LiFePO4 battery, the Explorer 1000 Plus offers abundant energy for almost all essential devices. Remarkably, it can increase its capacity to 5 kWh by incorporating up to 3 additional battery packs.  

It takes 100 Mins for a wall charge (from 0 - 100% of battery) and 2 hours of solar charging with 4 SolarSaga 200W solar panels. Additionally, the innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage.

The LiFePO4 battery system is secure and durable, incorporating a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) with integrated protections. Even after 4,000 charge cycles, the battery level stays at 70%, providing a lifespan of 10 years, even with daily charging. This yields a remarkable cycle life that is eight times longer than that of competitors.

You can effortlessly monitor the power station's status via the Jackery APP, including the remaining battery level, duration, output/input, and many metrics, from your mobile devices.

Review from Our User:

Expert packaging, cushioning, and care, accompanied by swift delivery. I was searching for a well-constructed Portable Power Station that could offer more functionality than just charging a Smartphone. Can you operate a coffee pot? Are you referring to a toaster? I connected an Echo Show 8, a laptop, and a 43" HDTV. The manual is well-written and features clear illustrations. This provides a clear explanation of the calculations needed to determine wattage.  

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery has unveiled the Solar Generator 2000 Plus, a cutting-edge portable power solution with exceptional performance for caravans. Thanks to its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can sustain the operation of standard caravan appliances for several weeks and fulfil all the power needs associated with outdoor adventure.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus allows adding extra battery packs, which boost the capacity from 2 kWh to a remarkable 12 kWh, thus enhancing the solar charging capabilities significantly. With the ability to be expanded to 3000W, this solar product offers a 30% higher rated power than other 2 kWh solar goods available in the market. Practically all essential household equipment is energised.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is an industry's pioneering add-on battery pack that can be recharged using solar panels. This feature enhances versatility, improves charging efficiency, and reduces charging time. The LiFePO4 battery, with its sophisticated technology, guarantees a lifespan of 10 years, even with daily usage limited to once per day.  

ChargeShield® is Jackery's advanced quick charge technology, featuring 62 protective mechanisms, 12 protective algorithms, and four forms of physical safety protection. It improves safety and extends battery pack longevity by 20 to 30 per cent.

Review from Our User:

This power station is fantastic and offers quick recharging capabilities—experience tranquillity and serenity in the peaceful atmosphere of the off-grid cabin. I'm looking forward to adding solar panels. For now, we can recharge with a gas generator in about an hour and ten minutes, starting from 30%, and then return to our peace and solitude. We can operate our fridge and freezer for approximately a day and a half, even while using lights and other appliances simultaneously. I would strongly recommend this.

Etiquette and Safety Tips for Pet-Friendly Caravan Parks

Following the etiquette and safety tips below, pets and their owners can enjoy a pleasant experience without disturbing others.

Etiquette Rules in Pet-Friendly Caravan Parks

Here are some etiquette rules in pet-friendly caravan parks:

Rule 1: Keep the Leash in Your Hand

Always use the leash in any public area in pet-friendly caravan parks, and make sure it is of appropriate length to prevent pets from running around or disturbing others.

Rule 2: Avoid Noisy Pets

Find ways (train) to keep your pets quiet, especially when others are resting, to prevent them from barking or playing and disturbing others. In addition, you must control your pets by not jumping on people and not attacking other pets.

Rule 3: Civilised Defecation

Please carry tissues and poop bags with you to clean up your pet's excrement in time, and guide your pet to the designated area to defecate to keep the park environment clean.

Rule 4: Respect Other People's Space

Do not let your pet enter other people's camps or private spaces. Keep a proper distance and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Pet Safety Tips in Pet-Friendly Caravan Parks

Here are some safety tips in pet-friendly caravan parks:

Tip 1: Make Sure Your Pet's Identification Is Clear

Put a tag or collar with the owner's name and contact information on your pet to prevent your pet from getting lost and being found in time.

Tip 2: Prevent Your Pet from Getting Heatstroke

Avoid exposing your pet to the sunshine for a long time during hot weather (or leaving it alone in a closed car), and provide adequate shade and drinking water.

Tip 3: Prevent Your Pet from Coming into Contact with Poisons

Many plants in the UK, such as ivy and castor beans, are poisonous to pets. Educate your pet not to chew on plants at will. In addition, please learn about and record information on veterinary clinics near the campsite in advance in case of an emergency.

Tip 4: Pay Attention to Parasite Protection

Parasites such as ticks and fleas are common in the UK countryside. Please check your pet's body regularly, especially the ears, between the toes and under the armpits, and use effective deworming products.

FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about pet-friendly caravan parks in the UK:

1. Are there dog-walking areas in caravan parks?

In the UK, dog-walking rules vary from caravan park to caravan park. However, most parks have detailed information on their websites, which you can check beforehand. If the rules are not stated, please get in touch with the caravan park's staff in advance to inquire.

2. Is there an additional fee for bringing dogs into the caravan park?

In the UK, some caravan parks charge a separate fee, while others are free. Caravan parks usually charge between £25 and £55 per pet per week. Therefore, please call the park's official website when choosing one.

3. Does the caravan park have special rules for bringing pets?

Each caravan park has its rules, and it is strongly recommended that you read them carefully before booking to avoid being kicked out of the park for breaking them. For example, most caravan parks limit the number of pets you can bring (usually one to four).

Final Thoughts

In the UK, taking your pet with you to enjoy the outdoors has become an increasingly popular choice. Pet-friendly caravan parks are economical and allow you and your pet to get close to nature. However, travelling with your pet also has challenges, such as unfamiliar environments, changes in daily habits, and other factors that may cause distress. Therefore, being fully prepared before you and your pet go to pet-friendly caravan parks is essential.