Finding a dog friendly lodge that caters to you and your four legged friend is the key to having a great UK holiday!
A dog is a big part of your family so finding a lodge that allows pets means they can enjoy the holiday with you instead of being left behind. And what’s more, lots of UK locations now offer dog friendly lodges so the whole family can enjoy a well deserved break.
With long country walks, vast beaches, and dog friendly pubs all becoming increasingly popular, the UK boasts some great staycations.
In this guide we’ll be discussing some key things to consider when choosing a dog friendly lodge to make sure it’s the right choice for the whole family. From understanding site rules and regulations, to making sure there’s enough space for everyone to fit comfortably, this is your complete guide to finding the best dog friendly lodge.
Let’s get into it.
What to Consider In a Dog Friendly Lodge
Below are some important points to consider before planning your next getaway with your four legged friend. This ensures you all have an enjoyable stay which is the whole point of getting away in the first place!
Think about space
This all depends on the size and breed of your dog, as naturally bigger dogs will require more room in the lodge. This is definitely something to consider if you’re staying in a smaller lodge as you don’t want to feel squashed.
Furthermore, if you’re taking two dogs (which is often the max capacity), the amount of available space will become even less. If there’s a large group, you might want to consider staying in two separate lodges or picking one that’s got more floor space.
This allows everyone (humans and furry friends alike) to feel comfortable in the lodge and experience a true home-from-home staycation.
Know the number of dogs allowed
We’ve mentioned this above, but many lodges will have a maximum capacity regarding how many dogs you can take with you.
Usually it’s two dogs per lodge as this allows everyone enough space without it feeling too crowded. Dogs can also be quite messy, especially if you’re taking them on country walks or for a dip in the sea, so limiting the number of dogs makes it easier to maintain a clean and comfortable living environment.
Top tip: Check if there is a cost associated with taking your dog. Some holiday parks include this fee in their overall price, however others charge a small fee on top. This will naturally increase if you’re taking two dogs so it’s definitely something to be aware of first.
Learn about dog friendly features
Lots of dog friendly lodges will supply a few goodies for your four legged friend to make their staycation even more enjoyable!
This can include items such as:
- Dog bowls
- Blankets
- Towels
- Treats
- Poo bags
- Toys
- Dog bed
Whilst these might seem like small offerings, they can make a big difference to the quality of your overall stay. It also means you don’t need to worry about packing extra items from home as you can use the towel and blankets provided, thereby saving you space in the car.
Check these things out on the holiday park website beforehand as they should state what is / isn’t included.
Consider the surrounding location
One of the biggest perks of booking a dog-friendly lodge is being able to truly enjoy your break with your pet, not just inside the lodge, but out exploring together too.
That means the surrounding area plays a big role in how much you and your dog will get out of the trip.
Look for lodges with walking routes and green spaces right on your doorstep.
The last thing you want is to have to jump in the car every time your dog needs some exercise. Ideally, you’ll be able to step straight out of the lodge and onto a scenic trail, whether that’s through a forest, along the coast, or across the countryside.
Not only is this more convenient, but it also makes those early morning or late evening walks a lot more enjoyable.
Read reviews
Knowing how other dog owners found the lodge is a key indicator of what you can expect. For example, did they comment on the cleanliness of the lodge, the nearby walking routes, or the local pubs and restaurants in the area?
All of these factors are important as you want to know you can switch off and enjoy your staycation without worrying about unexpected surprises – such as poor facilities, lack of dog-friendly spaces, or noisy surroundings.
Reviews from previous guests can also include great recommendations i.e. regarding things to do for the whole family or local attractions to visit, so reading these comments can be very beneficial.
Know the rules and regulations
Knowing the rules of the holiday park means you can relax and enjoy your trip without any unexpected issues. Some parks, for example, only allow dogs in designated areas or require them to be kept on a lead at all times.
These rules are in place to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience, whether they’re bringing a dog or not, and also helps maintain a safe, welcoming environment.
Make sure you read the site rules before booking a dog-friendly lodge. This ensures you choose a location that suits your dog’s needs and behaviour, and helps avoid any awkward surprises or restrictions that could impact your stay.
If there’s a pub or restaurant on site, you’ll also want to know if this is dog friendly as you might be planning on taking your furry friend with you. Again, by doing your research beforehand and finding this out, you can pick a dog friendly lodge that suits everyone’s needs.
Cleaning facilities
After a long walk or an outdoor adventure, the last thing you want is to bring all that dirt into your lodge.
That’s why it’s worth checking what kind of cleaning facilities are available on site, for example is there an outdoor tap or hose? This lets you rinse off their muddy paws and sandy fur before heading indoors.
Also if the lodge provides dog towels or blankets, this will help with post-walk clean-ups and keeps the interior clean and comfortable for the rest of the family.
Having access to cleaning facilities helps keep your accommodation tidy and means you can enjoy all those muddy trails and beach runs without worrying about the mess.
Choosing the Right Dog Friendly Holiday Park
Choosing the right dog friendly holiday park means doing a bit of research beforehand to make sure it has all of the amenities you need. After all, you’re catering for humans and furry friends alike!
At Meridian, we have 17 parks located across the UK from the Scottish Borders to the North Yorkshire Moors. So whether you’re after a coastal or countryside adventure, we have something for everyone.
