Over the past few years all our lives have changed one way or another, and the rise in popularity of dog ownership perfectly demonstrates this. With more people working from home than ever before, it has meant people are looking for a loyal companion or a family pet to keep them company (and help get them out of the house). Anyone who owns a dog will know just how life-changing it can be.
The responsibility of owning a dog may mean that some people want to stay closer to home rather than flying away to the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
A staycation gives you opportunities to discover what the UK has to offer and maybe even consider the possibility of caravanning or motorhoming at one of the UK’s many campsites. This way you can take your four-legged friend with you wherever you go.
A caravan or motorhome holiday opens up many dog friendly campsites for you to choose from in stunning locations.
Here we take a closer look at exciting dog friendly places to visit while on holiday in the UK.
The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Cornwall, England
Located near Land’s End The Minack is one of the most famous outdoor amphitheatres in the UK. Cut into the Cornish cliffs, it offers spectacular views of the sea and is a great place to visit. Whilst dogs aren’t allowed during performances they are welcome during the day and you can also enjoy a walk with your four legged friend across the miles of coastal paths and beaches in the area.
If you are also in the area and after something a bit more educational, The Museum of Global Communications could be for you. Covering the history of electricity and Morse code to the latest fibre-optic technologies, the museum is a great attraction to enjoy for all the family. Whatsmore, it is dog friendly too.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering, North Yorkshire, England
Everyone loves a steam railway. Whether it be reminiscing of when you were younger introducing the family to the age of steam the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a fun day out for all and the dog can come along for the ride for just £3.
With 24 miles of railway track to enjoy this is a great way to view and explore stops on the way such as Levisham, Newtondale Holt, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby. Whilst in the area you can also take advantage of the miles of stunning walks that the area has to offer.
A haven for walkers the moors have thousands of miles of beautiful scenery to enjoy taking in sites such as Cleveland Way with its heather moorland and further afield the Yorkshire coast and the towns of Whitby and Scarborough.
If you are having a touring holiday in the caravan or motorhome you will find plenty of quality dog friendly sites available for short or long stays.
Hiking Snowdonia National Park, Snowdonia, Wales
One of the UK’s most famous places to go walking, with over 1400 miles of approved paths to enjoy and try to tire your four legged friend out.
The hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon is the most famous trail, and busiest, within the park. But Snowdonia has so many more trails to offer. Aber Falls is a there and back trail to one of Snowdonia’s most impressive waterfalls and is around 4.5 km in distance. It takes around one hour to complete.
If exploring Snowdonia’s industrial heritage is more to your liking, the Clogau Trail leads you through woodland streams and grassy meadows to your destination at Clogau gold mine, which was active between 1863 and 1911. This walk is a circular route of around 6.5 km and a duration of around 3 hours to complete.
Remember, with any of these walks be prepared with food, water and clothing. Prepare for all types of weather, which can change rapidly in the mountains. This advice also applies to your pet.
With plenty of places to stay in the Snowdonia area you will find many dog friendly campsites. Stay in your caravan or motorhome for a place to relax and enjoy the scenery in this utterly spectacular part of the UK.
Cruise Loch Ness, Inverness, Scotland
Not many people think of cruises when thinking of Scotland. However, a spectacular place to take a cruise is the famous Loch Ness. The legend of Nessie has kept people fascinated for centuries, but it’s easy to forget the sheer magnificence of this area. So, if the legend of Nessie isn’t really for you, the views will be. The Loch is 23 miles long, deeper than the North Sea and contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Loch Ness really is on a monster scale that needs to be seen to be believed.
After a fun filled day on the water, Inverness City, capital of the Highlands, is a short trip away with many historic spots to visit and places to recharge ready for your next adventure in Scotland.
Take away
Having a dog may mean that holidays might change to accommodate your four-legged friend but with this comes the chance to discover places that you may not have considered before.
So take your dog away as part of the family and explore the great countries that make up the UK using campsites as a fun and flexible form of accommodation
As they say, ‘there is no place like home!’
