Holiday parks transformed how families holiday in Britain, and dog owners benefit enormously. The combination of on-site entertainment, nearby beaches, and self-catering accommodation creates holidays where everyone, including four-legged family members, finds something to enjoy. No more choosing between family fun and including your dog.
This guide covers everything about dog-friendly holiday parks in the UK. From major operators like Haven and Parkdean Resorts to independent parks, from static caravans to luxury lodges, I'll help you find the right park for your family and your dog.
Why Choose a Holiday Park with Your Dog
Holiday parks offer distinct advantages for dog owners. Understanding these benefits helps decide whether park holidays suit your situation.
Value for money stands out immediately. A week in a holiday park caravan typically costs less than equivalent cottage accommodation. The accommodation may be simpler, but the savings are genuine.
On-site facilities mean you don't need to drive anywhere. Swimming pools, restaurants, entertainment, and activities cluster within walking distance. After a day on the beach with your dog, you can settle them in the caravan while the kids use the pool.
Dog-specific facilities have developed significantly. Many parks now feature dedicated dog exercise areas. Some have built "Bark Yards" or "Woof Parks" with agility equipment. Dog-friendly sections in restaurants mean the whole family can dine together.
Location often places parks near dog-friendly beaches. The major operators chose sites with beach access decades ago, and dogs benefit from those choices today. Many parks sit within a short walk of sand and sea.
Flexibility of self-catering suits dogs. You control feeding schedules. Evening meals happen when convenient rather than when restaurants allow. Late-night toilet trips don't involve hotel corridors.
Major Dog-Friendly Holiday Park Operators
Haven
Haven operates 37 holiday parks across England, Scotland, and Wales. Most welcome dogs, with only Riviere Sands (Cornwall) and Burnham-on-Sea (Somerset) excluding them.
Dog facilities at Haven:
- Up to two dogs per booking in designated dog-friendly accommodation
- "Bark Yards" with agility equipment at selected parks
- Dog-friendly sections in main restaurants at most parks
- Dog walking areas on site
- 25 parks with dog-friendly beaches nearby
Dog charges: Haven doesn't charge a direct per-dog fee, but dog-friendly accommodation costs £60-100 more than equivalent non-dog accommodation.
Best Haven parks for dogs:
- Craig Tara (Scotland): Beach access, extensive grounds
- Hafan y Môr (Wales): Beach location, good walks
- Primrose Valley (Yorkshire): Near Filey beach
- Perran Sands (Cornwall): Direct beach access
- Golden Sands (Lincolnshire): Bark Yard facility
Parkdean Resorts
Parkdean Resorts operates 65 holiday parks across the UK. All parks welcome dogs, making them consistently accessible for dog owners.
Dog facilities at Parkdean:
- Dogs welcome at all 65 parks
- "Woof Parks" (agility courses) at 7 parks
- Dog-friendly areas in restaurants
- Charges from £4/night (touring) or £49/partial week (caravans)
Woof Park locations:
- Newquay Holiday Park (Cornwall)
- Lizard Point Holiday Park (Cornwall)
- Warmwell Holiday Park (Dorset)
- Sandford Holiday Park (Dorset)
- Camber Sands Holiday Park (East Sussex)
- Cayton Bay Holiday Park (Yorkshire)
- Ty Mawr Holiday Park (Wales)
Best Parkdean parks for dogs:
- Warmwell (Dorset): Woof Park, good reviews (87%)
- Cayton Bay (Yorkshire): Beach access, Woof Park
- White Cross Bay (Lake District): Lakeside location
- Nodes Point (Isle of Wight): Beach walking distance
Away Resorts
Away Resorts operates parks across England and Wales with strong dog-friendly policies.
Dog facilities at Away Resorts:
- VIP (Very Important Pooch) welcome packs including collapsible bowl, rope toy, fleece blanket, and poo bags
- Doggy menus at 21 parks
- Good dog-walking grounds
Best Away Resorts for dogs:
- St Ives Bay (Cornwall): Beach location, dog facilities
- Whitecliff Bay (Isle of Wight): Coastal walking
- Tattershall Lakes (Lincolnshire): Lakeside activities
Center Parcs
Center Parcs offers a different style, woodland-based holiday villages with extensive facilities. Dog-friendly lodges are available at limited locations.
Dog facilities at Center Parcs:
- Dog-friendly Woodland Lodges at selected villages
- Wooded grounds for walking
- More restricted than traditional holiday parks
Note: Center Parcs suits those wanting village-style facilities, but traditional holiday parks often provide better dog welcome.
Lovat Parks
For luxury glamping and lodges, Lovat Parks offers premium dog-friendly options in Cornwall, the New Forest, and Norfolk.
Dog facilities at Lovat Parks:
- Dog-friendly safari tents and shepherd's huts
- Hot tubs at many accommodations
- Premium locations and finishes
Choosing the Right Holiday Park
Location Considerations
Beach access matters most to many dog owners. Parks with direct beach access or short walks to dog-friendly sand provide ideal setups. Check whether nearby beaches have seasonal dog restrictions.
Walking options beyond beaches add variety. Parks near national parks, coastal paths, or countryside provide more exploration options.
Local attractions that welcome dogs extend what you can do. Check whether nearby attractions accept dogs before assuming day trips are possible.
Accommodation Types
Static caravans provide the most affordable option. Modern caravans include heating, full kitchens, and comfortable bedrooms. Dog-friendly grades typically feature easy-clean flooring.
Lodges offer more space and often higher specifications. Many include hot tubs. Prices run significantly higher than caravans, but the experience differs substantially.
Touring pitches for caravans, motorhomes, and campervans offer the cheapest option. Dogs love the outdoor lifestyle of touring. Most parks welcome dogs on touring pitches without additional charges or at minimal cost.
Glamping options at some parks (safari tents, pods) provide middle-ground options between touring and lodges.
Facilities to Look For
Dedicated dog areas vary between parks. Some offer simple fenced exercise areas. Others have built agility courses. These facilities matter most for energetic dogs.
Dog-friendly dining has expanded significantly. Being able to eat in restaurants with your dog transforms evening options. Check whether parks offer this before booking.
Beach proximity should be measured in realistic walking terms, not driving distance. "Near beach" might mean five minutes or five miles.
On-site walks through grounds matter for evening toilet trips and morning walks before breakfast.
Holiday Park Tips for Dog Owners
Booking Tips
Book early for peak periods. Dog-friendly accommodation represents a subset of total availability. Summer weeks and school holidays book months ahead.
Check the small print for breed restrictions. Some parks exclude breeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act. Others have size restrictions.
Confirm charges before booking. Dog fees vary significantly between operators and sometimes between parks within the same group.
Request specific pitches if touring. Corner pitches or those near dog-walking areas provide advantages.
Packing for Holiday Parks
Beyond standard dog travel items, holiday parks benefit from:
- Stair gate or crate: Caravans have bedrooms where dogs might not be welcome at night
- Throws or blankets: Protect caravan furniture
- Extra towels: Beach trips create wet, sandy dogs
- Long line: For exercise areas without secure fencing
- Portable water bowl: For beach trips
- Poo bags: Parks expect owners to clean up
On-Park Behaviour
Keep dogs on leads in public areas unless signs indicate otherwise. This is typically a condition of booking.
Clean up immediately. Parks provide bins. Failure to clean up risks complaints and potentially being asked to leave.
Don't leave dogs in caravans excessively. Most parks allow dogs to be left for reasonable periods (typically 2-3 hours maximum) but not all day.
Respect dog-free zones. Pools, playgrounds, and many entertainment venues exclude dogs. Accept these restrictions gracefully.
Control barking. Caravans sit close together. Excessive barking disturbs neighbours and risks complaints.
Making the Most of Beach Access
Check tide times for beach parks. Some beaches disappear at high tide. Time walks for optimal conditions.
Research restrictions on nearby beaches. Even beach-adjacent parks may have restricted beaches in summer.
Bring beach-specific kit: Fresh water for drinking, bowl, and towels for the return walk to the caravan.
Rinse dogs after saltwater swimming to prevent skin irritation. Some parks provide dog showers.
Best Dog-Friendly Holiday Parks by Region
Cornwall
Cornwall's popularity means many parks, but dog-friendliness varies:
- Newquay Holiday Park (Parkdean): Woof Park, good location
- Lizard Point (Parkdean): Woof Park, coastal scenery
- Perran Sands (Haven): Direct beach access
- St Ives Bay (Away Resorts): Premium location
Devon
Devon offers both coasts with different characters:
- Devon Cliffs (Haven): East Devon coast
- Dawlish Sands (Park Holidays): Good reviews
Dorset
Dorset's Jurassic Coast provides stunning backdrops:
- Warmwell (Parkdean): Highest reviews (87%), Woof Park
- Sandford (Parkdean): Woof Park, good facilities
Wales
Wales combines coastal parks with mountain access:
- Hafan y Môr (Haven): Lleyn Peninsula location
- Ty Mawr (Parkdean): Woof Park, Anglesey area
- Greenacres (Haven): Good facilities
Yorkshire
Yorkshire provides coast, moors, and dales access:
- Cayton Bay (Parkdean): Beach location, Woof Park
- Primrose Valley (Haven): Near Filey
Scotland
Scottish parks offer dramatic scenery:
- Craig Tara (Haven): Ayrshire coast
- Seton Sands (Haven): Near Edinburgh
Norfolk
Norfolk's coast provides expansive beaches:
- Wild Duck (Haven): Near beaches
- Caister-on-Sea (Haven): Coastal location
Comparing Holiday Park Options
Haven vs Parkdean
| Factor | Haven | Parkdean |
|---|---|---|
| Number of parks | 37 | 65 |
| All parks dog-friendly | No (35 of 37) | Yes (all 65) |
| Dog charges | Hidden in accommodation price | Transparent per-dog fee |
| Agility areas | Bark Yards at 5 parks | Woof Parks at 7 parks |
| Restaurant dining with dogs | Most parks | Most parks |
| Average review scores | Generally higher | Good but slightly lower |
| Price | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
Holiday Parks vs Cottages
| Factor | Holiday Parks | Cottages |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Facilities on-site | Extensive | None (self-provided) |
| Dog welcome | Variable | Usually excellent |
| Privacy | Limited | High |
| Children's activities | Included | None |
| Cooking required | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Families with kids | Couples, adults-only groups |
Holiday Parks vs Camping
| Factor | Holiday Parks | Independent Campsites |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Moderate | Low |
| Facilities | Extensive | Variable |
| Dog freedom | Restricted | Often greater |
| Atmosphere | Commercial | Varied |
| Entertainment | Provided | None |
| Best for | Family entertainment | Outdoor enthusiasts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holiday park company is most dog-friendly?
+How much do dogs cost at holiday parks?
+Can I take my dog to the swimming pool?
+Are dogs allowed in holiday park restaurants?
+What dog breeds are banned at holiday parks?
+Can I leave my dog alone in a holiday park caravan?
+How many dogs can I bring to a holiday park?
+Are there holiday parks near dog-friendly beaches?
+What facilities do dog-friendly caravans have?
+Do I need to bring dog bedding?
+Start Your Holiday Park Adventure
Holiday parks provide excellent value for dog-owning families. The combination of on-site entertainment, beach access, and self-catering accommodation creates holidays where dogs fit naturally rather than awkwardly.
The major operators have invested in dog facilities. Agility courses, restaurant access, and dedicated exercise areas show genuine commitment to dog owners. The welcome has never been warmer.
For other accommodation options, explore our guides to dog-friendly cottages, glamping, and camping. Each offers different experiences, but holiday parks' combination of facilities and value makes them ideal for families with dogs.
Book early for peak periods. Research specific parks for the facilities that matter to you. Then pack the car, load the dog, and head for a holiday where everyone's welcome.
Luke explores the UK with Charlie (German Shepherd), Buster and Ember (Golden Retrievers), Simba and Max (Labradors), and Molly (French Bulldog). This six-dog pack has tested beaches, trails, pubs, and cottages throughout Britain, providing the genuine experience behind every guide on this site.
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