10 Tips For Taking Your Dog On Holiday 8m Lovat Lovat Parks 06/01/25 10 Tips for Taking Your Dog on Holiday At Lovat Parks, we understand that your dog is a cherished member of the family, and we know how important it is to bring them along on your adventures. In 2025, more pet owners than ever are looking to take their dogs with them on holiday. Searches for dog-friendly holidays have increased in recent years, showing more families are including their dogs on their UK getaways. However, travelling with your dog requires thoughtful planning to ensure that everyone – including your four-legged friend – has a relaxed, enjoyable time. From choosing the right holiday destination to packing the essentials, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process to make your next dog-friendly holiday as seamless and fun as possible. Let’s dive in! Where is the Best Place to Holiday with a Dog? When it comes to picking a location for your dog-friendly holiday, you want a place where both you and your dog will feel comfortable. Here at Lovat Parks, we offer a range of dog-friendly holiday parks across the UK, including Cornwall, Norfolk, and the New Forest, each perfect for a memorable break with your dog. What makes us stand out is our commitment to providing a truly dog-friendly experience. From welcome packs and water bowls to doggy ice cream and agility courses, we make sure that your dog feels just as pampered as you do. It’s their holiday too, after all. Top Dog-Friendly Locations: Cornwall:Spend your days discovering the beaches coastal paths together, from the scenic Camel Trail to the stunning Seven Bays.. Norfolk: Enjoy big skies, wide sandy beaches, and scenic trails where your dog can run and explore, with some beaches open year-round. New Forest: A paradise for dogs, with miles of open woodland spaces and trails. 1. Choose Your Location The first step to taking your dog on holiday is to select the right location. Some dogs enjoy the lively atmosphere of coastal areas, splashing in the sea, while others prefer the calm of a quiet forest. Whether your dog enjoys the beach, woodland walks, or simply relaxing in the countryside, there’s something for every pup with us. Coastal Locations If your dog loves the beach, a coastal Cornish retreat offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, running, and exploring with your best friend. All four of our Cornish holiday parks are surrounded by coastline, so load up the car and explore the Seven Bays near Padstow, Fistral Beach near Sun Haven, Readymoney Cove near Fowey, and Hayle Towans near Parbola. Don’t forget to check seasonal restrictions during peak times. Forest Trips If your dog enjoys woodland walkies, the New Forest is perfect, with dog-friendly trails, plenty of space to play, and lush woodlands to explore. We ask that you keep your dog on a lead while walking around our park and exploring the New Forest, especially near the New Forest ponies. Always keep your dog close and visible around horse riders, cyclists, and children. Seaside Towns Seaside towns like Padstow and Fowey are dog-friendly hotspots with plenty of outdoor cafés. They’re ideal for dogs who enjoy wandering through bustling streets, relaxing by the harbour, and receiving the occasional fuss from passersby. City Sightseeing While none of our holiday parks are in cities, some of them are close to some of our favourite cities in the UK.Green Hill Farm in the New Forest is near Salisbury and Southampton, while Waxham Sands sits close to Norwich—both offering charming cobbled streets, pet-friendly parks, cafés, and plenty of green space for you and your dog to enjoy. 2. Understand Your Pet’s Needs Each dog has unique needs, so it’s important to choose a holiday that matches their temperament and energy level. For energetic dogs, a coastal location with wide-open spaces offers plenty of room to play, explore the sand, or splash in the waves. For older dogs or those who prefer a slower pace, consider the peaceful countryside near Penmarlam, Fowey, or a forest retreat in the New Forest, perfect for relaxed walks and quiet moments. 3. Plan Where to Eat Before Arriving Many more restaurants, cafes, and pubs are becoming dog-friendly, but it’s still important to research your options ahead of time. At Lovat Parks, we understand the importance of finding places where your dog is welcome, which is why we provide self-catering accommodations that allow your dog to stay in their familiar eating routine. If you’re dining out with dogs, there are plenty of dog-friendly eateries near our parks where your dog can join you for a meal. They’re also welcome at Craftworks in Padstow or Ember in the New Forest during peak season. For more exploring, check out our guide to dog-friendly restaurants in Padstow, our favourite walks in Norfolk with dog-friendly pub pit stops, and dog-friendly pubs in the New Forest for more recommendations. 4. Book the Right Accommodation The accommodation you choose can make a big difference in how comfortable your dog feels during the holiday. At Lovat Parks, we provide dog-friendly options across almost all of our accommodation for families with up to two dogs. Holiday Lodges Our holiday lodges are spacious and comfortable, providing plenty of room for you and your dog to relax after a day of exploring. Our dog friendly holiday lodges are available in Cornwall, Norfolk and the New Forest. Some even have hot tubs that your dogs can watch you enjoy from the decking. Luxury Glamping For dog owners seeking adventure with added comfort, our luxury safari tents provide a spacious canvas retreat, offering all the comforts of home and the sturdiness of a wooden-beamed structure to keep you all cosy and dry at our Parbola holiday park in Cornwall or Green Hill Farm down in the New Forest. Your dog will love cosying up by the woodburner. Caravan Holidays for Pets Our dog friendly caravans offer all the amenities you need for a stress-free stay, with the added bonus of being in close proximity to nature. Several of our caravans – though we like to call them holiday homes – have decking for dogs to people watch from. 5. Research Local Walking Routes One of the highlights of a dog-friendly holiday is discovering new walking routes with your dog. Whether it’s along a beach, through a forest, or in the countryside, make sure you’re familiar with local trails. We also recommend finding walking routes that include rest stops, where you can take breaks and your dog can hydrate. For some great ideas on where to walk your dog, check out our best dog walking routes in Norfolk and Suffolk and the New Forest. 6. Don’t Forget the Essentials – Toys To keep your dog entertained and comfortable, make sure you pack their favourite toys. These can help keep your dog occupied during long car journeys and provide a sense of familiarity while you’re on holiday. From balls to chew toys, bring what your dog enjoys to ensure they feel at home. We have various dog toys available in our shop should any accidents occur with ones you’ve brought from home. 7. Plan Your Journey When travelling with your dog, it’s important to plan your journey carefully. Make regular stops along the way to allow your dog to stretch their legs, drink water, and relieve themselves. If you’re travelling in warm weather, always ensure your dog stays cool with plenty of water and shaded areas to rest. 8. Getting Settled and Comfortable When you arrive at your accommodation, make sure your dog feels settled right away. Our welcome packs are a great start, and we recommend bringing their bed or blanket from home to provide extra familiarity. Tips for Getting Settled: Take your dog’s bed or blanket to make them feel at home. Leave their water and food bowls in a visible, easy-to-access spot in your accommodation. Let your dog explore the area at their own pace but keep them on a lead on park or in new surroundings. 9. Check the Weather Weather can play a huge role in your dog’s comfort during the holiday. Always check the forecast ahead of time and be prepared for any conditions. If it’s hot, pack cooling mats and make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. If it’s rainy or cold, bring a dog-friendly coat and towels to keep them dry. 10. Keep to Their Routine While holidays often disrupt routine, try to maintain regular meal times, walks, and playtime, especially during the first few days of your trip. Keeping a sense of routine will help your dog settle in and reduce any anxiety being away from home. Book Your Dog-Friendly Getaway with Lovat Parks Taking your dog on holiday is an unforgettable experience that creates lasting memories with the whole family. We’re dedicated to making your pet feel right at home with our range of dog-friendly accommodations and amenities. Whether you’re exploring Cornwall’s beaches, Norfolk’s forests, or the New Forest’s tranquil trails, we have the perfect getaway waiting for you and your dog. Book your dog friendly holiday with us today, and let’s create some unforgettable memories together! Book now Link copied
