In this guide, we’ll discuss dog-friendly campsites and the facilities they offer, beaches to visit, activities such as doggy festivals, Parkrun, museums, and swimming pools that welcome dogs. If you’d like a relaxing break with your four-legged friend, we’ll also look at essential caravanning items that make life on the road that much easier.

Dogs love spending time with us, whether at home or away, so it’s a small wonder that many campsites are dog-friendly. Both UK clubs – The Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club – welcome dogs at every club-owned site; best of all, dogs stay for free.

Privately owned sites may have a different pet policy, so it’s worth checking before booking. This applies to independent sites, sites that may be affiliated with either UK club, and CL or CS sites.

Many do, with increasing numbers of campsites having a dedicated dog wash facility or on-site dog walk. An increasing number offer a daytime kennel service, although this service is limited in the UK at present.

When making an online Caravan and Motorhome Club booking, click ‘Filter’ in the search facility and tick either ‘Dog Walk on Site’ or ‘Dogs Allowed’. If your dog likes to stretch its legs, additional filters such as ‘Beach Nearby’ or ‘Good for Walking’ can also be ticked. Beaches may only welcome dogs at certain times of the year, but we’ll cover that shortly.

For The Camping and Caravanning Club, click the ‘Find a Campsite’ tab, followed by ‘Facilities’. This menu will allow you to select ‘Pets Welcome’ and/or ‘Designated Dog Walk’. Scrolling down to Site Facilities allows you to select ‘Dog Wash’ if required.

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Kessingland Club Site is just 10 minutes from the beach and is reached by a marked footpath. Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Hurn Lane Club site is just a 10-minute walk from the coast, with Berrow Beach having 7 miles of sand that dogs can enjoy year-round.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Min y Don Club Site grants easy access to both beaches. Harlech Beach is a 15-minute walk from the site, and apart from a small section of beach in front of the holiday park, which has a dog ban between April 1st and September 30th, it’s dog-friendly year-round.

Black Rock Sands is a 30-minute drive, but parking on the beach makes it accessible. Dogs are not allowed on the northern end of Black Rock Sands between the 1st of April and the 30th of September.

The beach beside Culzean Castle has no restrictions, but owners are asked to keep their dogs under control at all times. There’s plenty of open space, and it’s just five minutes from The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Culzean Castle Club Site.

Bristol has been home to Bailey since 1948, and nearby Ashton Court is hosting Dog Fest on 31 August and 1 September 2024. Celebrating a decade of dog-related events, it’s a shining example of events and festivals that aim to please owners and dogs alike.

Parkrun has become a global phenomenon, with over 1200 locations in the UK alone. These 5KM events welcome young and old, fit and not-so-fit. Proudly stating that ‘no one finishes last,’ many participants have increased mobility thanks to a regime that started with walking. Dogs are welcome at many Parkrun events (check with your local event) if they are on a short, non-extendable handheld lead.

Yes, it’s a thing! During a visit to Cornwall, we stumbled across the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, which welcomes dogs. This website quote says it all:

‘We love a good salty ol’ sea dog ‘ere, so there’s no need to leave the furriest of your family members at home the next time you visit.’

The Ol’ Sea Dogs webpage recommends that your canine companion enjoy the water bowls around the site before you both visit Dough Buoys restaurant for pizza.

A quick search then revealed many more dog-friendly museums around the country. If your dog is a culture vulture, it may be worth a Google search.

Yes, your dog can enjoy time in a swimming pool with their canine friends or with you! These are not hydrotherapy sessions to rehabilitate a poorly dog, but dedicated swimming pools for fun and exercise. I have yet to experience this with our dog, but a Google search quickly revealed locations up and down the country, from Borehamwood to Glasgow.

Choosing a location randomly, Sedgemoor Doggy Splash offers dog and owner swims, pool parties, swimming lessons, and a weight loss programme for pooches.

Many establishments realise the potential of a dog-friendly bottom line, especially those within walking distance of a campsite. One example is The Anchor Inn near the Exebridge Lakeside Caravan and Motorhome Club site. During our visit, the flagstone-floored part of the pub was dog-friendly, and Max enjoyed his first night out. A water bowl was delivered shortly after our food, and it was noticeable how many caravanners and motorhomers took advantage of this inclusive bite to eat.

The campsite information hut is a great starting point if you’re looking for a nearby pub, restaurant, or café that allows dogs. Or the site staff will undoubtedly be able to recommend a suitable location.

Pet travel insurance can cover unexpected costs if your dog falls ill or gets injured while you’re away. Some policies also cover trips abroad, so it’s worth checking if you’re planning to travel further afield. The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows you to take your dog within the EU without the need for quarantine. Make sure to research pet-friendly airlines and their requirements if you’re flying, so both you and your dog can enjoy a hassle-free holiday. For more tips on pet travel insurance, check out this guide.

Dog shoes/boots. It may take time for your dog to get used to wearing shoes, but keeping the caravan clean is much easier, especially in winter.

Dog coats. I’ve noticed more and more dogs wearing coats on campsites. Hanging rails fitted in certain Bailey models’ shower compartments help dry them after use.

Snuffle mats. In short, a snuffle mat has treat-concealing compartments that keep your dog occupied and entertained. I hadn’t heard of them until a chance conversation with Di from Bailey of Bristol. They cost £10 to £15 and are money well spent.

Dog beds. We have a caravan-only dog bed that fits perfectly between the front seats and the side dinette. We have to keep it in the caravan as Max gets overcome with excitement each time he sees it.

Dog shampoo. Many sites offer dog wash facilities, so if your dog is a mud magnet like Max, it’s worth storing an emergency bottle in the locker.

Non-spill bowls. We keep a pair for use in the caravan, which keeps things nicely contained. Max is a Bulldog, so we keep his food and water in the shower, as feeding him is akin to shovelling dog food into a cement mixer.