For dog owners, holidays often mean having to book their four-legged friend in with a dog sitter for a while. However, that's not necessarily the case for us camping lovers!
Taking your faithful companion away with you can be one of the best things about going camping, and although not all campsites allow dogs, there are many dog-friendly campsites in the UK that welcome them with open arms.
We have already given our top tips for camping with dogs, but now to help showcase some of the best dog friendly campsites in the UK, we've enlisted the help of Best of British who have picked some of their favourites...
Superbly maintained and constantly being improved, South Lytchett Manor has long been a firm favourite with campers and caravan owners alike, many of whom keep returning to enjoy the friendly and relaxed atmosphere on this family-run campsite in Dorset.
They are also known as one of the best dog friendly parks in the country. They have a dedicated 2.5-acre dog exercise field where your four-legged friend can let off some steam off the lead. And new for 2018 is a dog washing area to wash off muddy paws. This keeps owners caravans and motorhomes mud free zones!
Located in the stunning area of North Devon, Hidden Valley Holiday Park is a perfect location to take your tail-waggers. They have a five-acre field, which is the perfect place for a walk or to have a good run. You can even buy a tennis ball and thrower at the Park shop.
If your dog needs to cool off they can take a dip in the River Cain which runs through the park. Outside of the park there is an abundance of places to explore. There are fantastic sandy beaches, hidden coves to discover, dramatic coastlines and rugged uplands which will simply take your breath away.
If you’re after a campsite with a view then Highlands End is hard to beat. Situated on the cliff top in West Dorset guests can enjoy panoramic of the Jurassic Coast.
Many guests who stay with their dogs take in a walk along the South West Coast Path and then catch a bus back to the park. And once you’ve both worked up an appetite you can refuel as the Park shop sells doggie dinners, snacks and a range of dog treats.
Best of all, if you visit in low season dogs go free if you’re camping or in a motorhome or touring caravan!
Nestled in the beautiful Kent countryside, 5 star Broadhembury is open all year round and offers an ideal location for exploring the Garden of England. The Kentish coast, world-famous castles and gardens and vineyards are all in easy reach.
Dogs are very well catered for here too. The park has devised a selection of the best walks around the local area with pictures, times, what to expect and if the route is dog friendly. In their dog-friendly holiday home they even supply towels for drying off your dog after a ‘paw’ wash.
They have also teamed up with a local kennel so if for example you wish to take a day trip over to France ‘sans votre chein’, this is an ideal place to leave your pet.
Cornwall has been the UK’s favourite holiday destination for many years now. If like many others you’re heading down to visit the stunning north Cornish coastline make sure you check in at Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay.
They have two types of dog friendly holiday caravans: a premium and budget range. Both have vinyl flooring throughout, a pet bed and bowls provided. However the premium range caravans offers a little more luxury including a king-size bed, additional TV and en-suite toilet in the main bedroom.
If you’re bringing your own accommodation they have pitches especially for dog owners too, with a dog walking area near by. There are plenty of places to visit including dog-friendly beaches, gardens, visitor attractions, and pubs.
Voted by the AA as the best campsite in the country for 2018, Old Oaks is an adults only park set amongst the peace and tranquillity of the glorious Somerset countryside. But it isn’t just the humans that love this campsite, dogs are very well catered for too…
Their superb shower and facilities block has it's very own washing machine and dryer dedicated to washing dog blankets, dog bedding and any other doggy related bits.
And if you don't want muddy footprints in your caravan or motorhome, you can use their purpose built warm water shower doggie situated just next to the dog exercise area.
There are also some secure 'dog stops' on the Park, where you can leave your four legged family member while you go about your business, safe in the knowledge that they'll be right where you left them when you return.
They’ve also teamed up with a local dog walking group who will look after your dog to bring you a while you to do a spot of shopping or visit any non dog friendly attractions without the worry of what to do with your pet.
Do you know of any good dog friendly campsites in the UK? Let us know in the comments - and you can also check out a list of all dog friendly holiday parks from the Best of British.
Before your next trip, take a look at our fantastic range of family tents, ideal for giving the whole family, including your dog, plenty of room.
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