Dog-Friendly Caravan Holidays: Tips, Essential Gear & the Best UK Site

Caravan holidays are perfect for dog owners — flexible travel, beautiful walks on your doorstep, and no stress about kennels or pet sitters. Whether you’re a seasoned tourer or planning your first pet-friendly trip, this guide covers everything you need to know to make caravan adventures enjoyable (and safe!) for your dog.

We’ll explore top tips, must-have gear, and some of the best dog-friendly caravan parks in the UK.

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Why Caravan Holidays Are Perfect for Dogs

Caravans give you the freedom to explore the UK with your four-legged companion while keeping them safe and comfortable. Dogs love:

• New scents and surroundings

• Access to outdoor walking routes

• Consistency of staying in familiar accommodation

• Extra time with their humans

But… a bit of planning goes a long way.

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Packing Checklist: Essential Gear for Dog-Friendly Touring

Having the right equipment makes travelling smoother for both you and your dog. Here are the essentials:

1. Travel Safety Gear

• Crash-tested dog harness or travel crate

• Car seat protector or travel bed

• Non-slip matting for caravan floors

2. Food & Hydration

• Collapsible bowls (space-saving!)

• Travel-friendly food container

• Fresh water supply — caravans often carry 40–50L

3. Outdoor Essentials

• Long-line lead for campsites

• Ground stake / tether

• Portable dog shower or paw washer

• Drying towel or dog robe

4. Comfort Items

• Favourite blanket

• Bed with familiar smell

• Enrichment toys (lick mats, chews)

5. Cleaning & Health

• Poo bags

• Pet-safe disinfectant wipes

• Tick remover

• Flea treatment & ID tag

• Updated microchip details

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Recommended Products from IDS Camping & Leisure (Optional)

Want to subtly promote your store? Here’s where you can insert your product categories:

✔ Portable pet shower

✔ Collapsible bowls

✔ Outdoor stakes / tie-out leads

✔ Non-slip mats

✔ Travel-friendly storage

(You can send me product links to embed directly!)

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Tips for Touring With Dogs in a Caravan

1. Keep Them Cool or Warm

Caravans heat and cool quickly.

Use:

• Thermal blinds

• Ventilation

• Fans in summer

• Dog jumpers or blankets in cold weather

Never leave a dog unattended in a caravan on a warm day.

2. Stick to Routine

Dogs relax best when they know what’s happening.

Try to maintain:

• Feeding times

• Walking times

• Sleep patterns

3. Secure Them During Towing

Dogs must never ride in the caravan while travelling.

They should always be safely secured in the tow vehicle.

4. Practice Before Your First Trip

Let your dog explore the caravan:

• Open doors and windows

• Let them sniff everything

• Feed them in the caravan a few times

This builds a positive association.

5. Campsite Etiquette

Even dog-friendly sites have rules:

• Keep dogs on leads

• Scoop every poop

• Don’t allow barking to disturb neighbours

• Respect designated “dog areas”

6. Choose Walk-Friendly Locations

Coastal paths, national parks, forests — perfect for dogs and owners alike.

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Best Dog-Friendly Caravan Sites in the UK (2025 Edition)

Here are some of the top-rated caravan sites where dogs are genuinely welcome — not just tolerated!

1. Cadeside Caravan Club Site – Somerset

Perfect for: Long walks, open space

Facilities: Dog walking area, access to footpaths

Why dogs love it: Miles of countryside to explore.

2. Hendra Holiday Park – Cornwall

Perfect for: Families + dogs

Facilities: Dog-friendly meadows, on-site shower stations

Why dogs love it: Close to beaches and trails.

3. The Quiet Site – Lake District

Perfect for: Peace, scenery, sustainability

Facilities: Dog-friendly bar, walks from the door

Why dogs love it: Lakes, fell trails, woodland.

4. Hillhead Caravan & Motorhome Club Site – Devon

Perfect for: Seaside stays

Facilities: Dog exercise field, coastal walks

Why dogs love it: Access to South West Coast Path.

5. Blair Castle Caravan Park – Scotland

Perfect for: Forest walks

Facilities: Dog-friendly woodland estate

Why dogs love it: Acres of off-road tracks.

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Dog-Friendly Activities to Try on Holiday

• Beach playtime

• Woodland hikes

• River paddling

• Pub gardens

• Caravan park dog fields

• Agility courses (some sites have them!)

Dog-friendly caravan holidays offer unique freedom and joy for both you and your pet. With a little preparation — and the right gear — you can enjoy safe, comfortable, stress-free touring wherever you go.