The Ultimate Guide to Dog Friendly Caravan Holidays

For many of us, a holiday isn’t complete without the whole family, and that includes the dog. Thankfully, planning a break with your four-legged friend doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right holiday park, accommodation and a little preparation, a dog-friendly caravan holiday can be a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors together.

From choosing a park with the right facilities to finding nearby beaches and walking routes, this guide covers everything you need to know about planning a dog-friendly getaway.

How to choose the right dog-friendly holiday park

Not all holiday parks offer the same experience for dogs, so it’s worth looking beyond simply checking whether pets are allowed.

Think about what you and your dog will need during your stay. A park with plenty of green space or countryside nearby can make daily walks much easier, while dedicated dog exercise areas are useful if your dog needs somewhere to stretch their legs and burn off some energy.

It’s also worth checking what areas of the park your dog can access. Some parks have designated dog-friendly bars, restaurants or social areas where you can enjoy more of your holiday together.

At Shorefield Holidays, pet-friendly accommodation is available across our range of holiday homes and lodges, while our touring and camping parks also offer dog exercise areas. Dogs are welcome in designated areas at parks including Shorefield Country Park and Oakdene Forest Park.

Take a look at our dog-friendly holidays to find a park where your four-legged friend can join the adventure.

What dog-friendly facilities should you look for?

When researching dog friendly caravan holidays, a few facilities can make a big difference.

Dog exercise areas

A dedicated exercise area gives your dog somewhere to run and play safely, particularly useful if you’re staying on a touring or camping pitch.

Both Lytton Lawn Touring Park and Wilksworth Caravan Park have dedicated dog exercise paddocks, giving your four-legged friend a safe space to stretch their legs and burn off some energy.

Dog-friendly dining areas

Being able to enjoy a meal or drink without leaving your dog behind makes a holiday much easier. Check which restaurants, cafés, bars and entertainment areas allow dogs before you arrive, as they may only be permitted in designated spaces.

If you’re looking to enjoy a meal or a drink without leaving your four-legged friend behind, there are dedicated dog-friendly areas at selected Shorefield parks. At Shorefield Country Park, head to Pooch Corner, while at Oakdene Forest Park, dogs are welcome in The Atrium. There’s even a dedicated Pooches Menu, with tasty treats for your canine companion.

Outdoor space

If you’re travelling with a dog, having a secure outdoor space can be a real bonus. Gated decking can give your dog somewhere to enjoy some fresh air, while an enclosed garden provides more freedom to relax outside without worrying about them wandering off.

Shorefield’s pet-friendly lodges offer additional features designed with dogs in mind. Our Signature + Pet Lodge at Shorefield Country Park, for example, has an enclosed dog garden and outdoor dog shower, making it a practical choice after muddy walks or days exploring the great outdoors.

Walks close to the park

Perhaps one of the most important things to consider when choosing a dog-friendly holiday park is what you’ll find on your doorstep. Staying somewhere close to woodland, countryside, beaches or coastal paths means you can easily fit walks into your day without having to travel far.

At Shorefield Country Park, Lytton Lawn Touring Park and Swanage Coastal Park, you’re within easy reach of the coast, while Oakdene Forest Park, Forest Edge and Wilksworth Caravan Park are all close to the forest. This makes it easy to head out for a morning stroll, a longer afternoon walk or a quick leg-stretcher whenever your dog needs it.

Choosing the right dog-friendly accommodation

Once you’ve chosen your park, think about what type of accommodation will work best for you and your dog.

A caravan can provide a comfortable base for the whole family, while lodges are a great option if you’re looking for more space and larger living areas. Think about how much room you’ll need, particularly if you’re travelling with more than one dog or plan to spend plenty of time relaxing at your accommodation.

It’s also worth checking the individual accommodation details before booking. Pet policies, the number of dogs permitted and available facilities can vary, so make sure your chosen accommodation is suitable for both you and your four-legged companion.

What to pack for a dog-friendly caravan holiday

It’s easy to focus on packing your own holiday essentials and forget the dog! Creating a checklist before you leave can help make sure you have everything you need.

Dog holiday packing list

• Food and treats

• Water bowls

• Lead and spare lead

• Collar with identification details

• Poo bags

• Dog bed or familiar blanket

• Towels for muddy paws and wet fur

• Favourite toys

• Any regular medication

• Grooming supplies

• Portable water bottle or bowl

• Dog-friendly first-aid essentials

• Car safety harness or travel crate

• A familiar item from home to help your dog settle

It’s also worth taking enough of your dog’s usual food for the whole trip. Keeping their diet consistent can help avoid an upset stomach while you’re away.

Planning the journey with your dog

For many dogs, the journey to the holiday park is the least exciting part of the trip. If you’re travelling by car, plan regular breaks so your dog can stretch their legs, have a drink and take a toilet break.

Make sure your dog is safely secured throughout the journey using an appropriate harness, travel crate or other suitable restraint. Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car, particularly on warm days.

If your dog gets anxious when travelling, a familiar blanket or toy can help make the car feel more comfortable. You may also want to speak to your vet before travelling if your dog has particular travel needs.

Dog-friendly ideas for your holiday

Once you arrive, the fun can begin. One of the best things about a dog-friendly break is that you can spend more time outdoors exploring somewhere new together.

Think about planning a mixture of walks, beach trips and dog-friendly attractions rather than trying to pack too much into every day. Your dog will appreciate having time to rest between adventures too.

Shorefield's parks are ideally placed for exploring the Dorset and Hampshire coastline and the New Forest, giving you plenty of opportunities for walks, outdoor adventures and days out together.

For inspiration, take a look at our guide to dog-friendly attractions near Shorefield parks, featuring ideas for days out where your dog can join in too.

Discover dog-friendly beaches

A trip to the coast can be one of the highlights of a dog-friendly holiday. There’s something special about watching your dog explore the sand, sniff along the shoreline and, for water-loving dogs, enjoy a paddle in the sea.

However, remember that restrictions can vary between beaches and by season. Always check the latest local rules before setting off, particularly during the summer months.

Shorefield’s parks are close to a variety of beaches across Dorset and Hampshire, so there are plenty of coastal adventures to choose from.

For inspiration, explore our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches near Shorefield Holiday Parks and start planning your next seaside walk.

Find the best dog walks

If your dog loves exploring, a holiday is a great opportunity to discover new walking routes.

The New Forest offers miles of woodland, heathland and open countryside to explore, while Dorset and Hampshire have plenty of coastal paths and countryside trails. Choose routes that suit both you and your dog, and remember to check whether dogs need to be kept on leads in certain areas.

It can also be useful to plan walks around your day's other activities. A longer morning walk can be a great way to start the day, leaving your dog ready for a relaxing afternoon while you explore an attraction or enjoy lunch.

Discover more inspiration in our guide to the best dog walks near Shorefield Holiday Parks, with routes across Dorset and Hampshire.

Looking for somewhere to let your dog run free?

Sometimes a walk on a lead isn’t enough. If your dog loves to run, play fetch or simply have some space to explore, finding a secure dog park near your holiday destination can be useful.

A secure enclosed area gives you the opportunity to let your dog enjoy some off-lead exercise in a controlled environment.

Before visiting, check the individual park's rules and whether you need to book a session in advance.

For more ideas, see our guide to secure dog parks near Shorefield Holiday Parks.

Tips for a stress-free dog-friendly holiday

A little preparation can make your trip much more enjoyable for everyone.

• Keep your dog's routine familiar: Try to stick to their usual mealtimes, walks and bedtime where possible.

• Don't over-plan: Dogs can get tired too, so give them plenty of opportunities to rest.

• Check local restrictions: Beach access, lead requirements and attraction rules can change depending on the location and time of year.

• Keep dogs on leads where required: Even if your dog has excellent recall, the New Forest and coastal areas are home to livestock and wildlife, so always follow local guidance.

• Take plenty of water: Carry water and a portable bowl on longer walks, particularly during warmer weather.

• Bring towels: A towel or two will quickly become one of the most useful things in your holiday home after a muddy woodland walk or trip to the beach!

• Check your accommodation rules: Make sure you know where your dog is permitted within the accommodation and park before you arrive.

Plan your next dog-friendly caravan holiday

A good dog-friendly holiday is about finding the right balance between adventure and relaxation. Choose a park with facilities that suit your dog, pick accommodation where everyone has enough space, and look for beaches, walks and attractions nearby.

With beautiful countryside, miles of coastline and plenty of dog-friendly days out across Dorset and Hampshire, Shorefield Holidays makes it easy to bring your four-legged friend along for the adventure.

Ready to start planning? Explore our dog-friendly holidays and find your perfect base for a break with the whole family – paws and all!