As the summer holidays approach it’s the perfect time to start thinking about packing the family bags and heading out camping in Wales. But what’s a family holiday without the dog?
So that you needn’t leave your furry friend behind, outdoor specialists Millets have sniffed out five of the UK’s best dog-friendly campsites in collaboration with camping experts Cool Camping. Dewslake Farm in Pembrokeshire has made the list, with spaces left to book this summer.
They’ve also put together some top tips on how to keep your pet – and your fellow campers – happy during your stay.
A spokesperson for Millets commented:
“Camping holidays could have been invented for dogs and their owners. Fresh air, long walks and trips to the butchers for barbecue fodder are bound to keep tails a-wagging. You get to explore new places and your four-legged friend gets to go with you. It isn’t always easy to find holidays that are suitable for man’s best friend, though, but thankfully we’ve dug some out with a little help from the experts.”
5 of the UK’s Top Dog-friendly Campsites
1. North Rhinns Camping, Dumfries & Galloway
On Scotland’s far south-west coast, there’s a tiny, dog-friendly gem of a campsite. North Rhinns Camping offers well-spaced and secluded pitches in a lovely rural location. You can tuck your tent among trees and hedgerows in a pitch with its own fire pit and picnic bench. The site has immaculate facilities and a camping pod for those without their own canvas. The Southern Uplands Way long-distance footpath passes nearby offering the opportunity for long walks that’ll keep active dogs and their owners happy. And it’s not far to dog-friendly beaches like Cockle Shore either.
Adults £9; children (3-15yrs) £4.50; Under-2s free.
2. Forestside Farm, Staffordshire
The campsite at Forestside Farm should keep all members of the family happy. Adults will be enchanted by the stunning views, kids will be pre-occupied by the cows and dogs will be excited by the circular walk around the farm. Situated on a 150-acre, organic dairy it has its own half-acre pool for coarse fishing and offers meadow camping with views of the Weaver Hills and Peak District. There’s lots of country walks in the area and it’s within easy reach not only of the national park but also the family fun of Alton Towers and Drayton Manor.
Backpacker: Up to £15, Couple: Up to £20, Family: Over £20.
3. Palace Farm, Kent
Dogs are welcomed at Palace Farm in Kent where the fresh seasonal produce on sale reminds you why this neck of the woods is known as the Garden of England. The campsite’s honesty shop sells veg that’s fresh from the farm and you can help yourself to plums from the orchard and blackberries from the hedgerows, when they’re in season. Looking after wildlife is part of the ethos at this tents-only campsite where the hoot of an owl is about as noisy as it gets. Its rural location is close to Leeds Castle, Rochester, Chatham and Canterbury.
Adult £10 per night; child (3 to 15) £5.
4. Dewslake Farm, Pembrokeshire
There’s ample space for four-legged friends at Dewslake Farm in South Pembrokeshire. This farm-based campsite is the perfect place to stay if you want to discover Pembrokeshire National Park with man’s best friend at your side. It’s a region that’s known for its beaches but nearby Barafundle Bay stands out as one of the best. What’s more, dogs are allowed on the sands all year round, so it’s the perfect place to play fetch with Fido. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path also passes close by the site so local dog walking is no problem either. Camping, glamping, campers and caravans are all welcome.
Grass pitch from £10 per adult and £5 per child per night.
5. Cerenety Eco Camping, Cornwall
The gate is always open to dogs (among others) at Cerenty Eco Camping in Cornwall. This laid-back, eco-friendly site offers space for tents and small camper vans in three sprawling fields with no designated pitches. It’s got composting toilets, solar power and makes use of recycled materials wherever possible. There’s also a pick-your own permaculture garden and farm animals including orphaned lambs and alpacas. You can walk the dog on country lanes and footpaths straight from the site. It’s just two minutes’ walk to reach the Bude canal and a mile to Bude itself for sand, surf and ice cream.
From £4 – £10 per person per night.
Get inspired for your next family camping trip.
