Spring has sprung, the days are getting longer, and as we start to feel summer just around the corner, our thoughts turn to heading out there again, caravans in tow. But it can often feel a bit limiting, being a pet owner; our furry friends are part of the family too and need to be there when we’re making memories; it’s also much more fun having them with us rather than having to leave them behind.
But how do you find somewhere to stay that’s good for both you and your dog? Luckily, it’s more acceptable now to take our dogs with us when we’re out and about – they even get their own ice cream! Camping and caravan holidays are perfect when you have your four-legged friend in tow, but it does take a bit more planning, so we thought we’d take away some of the stress and highlight some dog-friendly sites in Yorkshire, including cities, the coast and the Dales.
WHY YORKSHIRE?
Why not?! Of course, we’re biased as here at The Insurance Emporium we’re based in the middle of God’s Own Country, but there really is something for everyone. We’ve talked before about great campsites in Yorkshire, whether you’re wanting to explore the wildness of the moors, the rugged coastline with its lighthouses, cliffs and occasional seal, or cities crammed with history and culture, so this time we’re focusing on places that are particularly dog friendly. Because if our dogs are happy, we’re happy, right?
CITY CAMPSITES
THE RIVERFRONT, YORK
Situated on the outskirts of York this site is ideal if you want to get away from it all, while still being able to check out a city. It’s just a ten-minute drive into the city, a quick bus trip on the local park and ride, or a 30-minute walk along the river Ouse, past Bishopthorpe Palace; you could even hire a motorboat (dogs welcome). It’s set right on the riverside with a lovely modern, clean and warm toilet/shower block with a laundry and washing up facilities.
It’s not a huge site and is on a quiet spot of the river, so it feels very personal and friendly. There’s a great café that sells coffee, toasties and snacks (and doggy ice cream and puppuccinos for the pooches) and a pizza oven at the weekends, and if you want something a bit more fancy there’s also Bosun’s restaurant on site – dogs aren’t allowed inside but can sit with you on the balcony. There’s even a beauty salon, which isn’t something you usually associate with a campsite!
You can take up to two dogs and there are plenty of walks in the area; walk along the river away from York itself and pick up part of the Solar System Way – a walk along a disused railway line between York and Naburn lock, and pop into the Ship Inn at Acaster Malbis.
RUDDING HOLIDAY PARK, HARROGATE
The perfect mix of open countryside with access to a city – you can hop on a bus just outside the campsite that will take you into Harrogate. Rudding Park is the perfect getaway if you want a bigger site with all the amenities of a traditional family holiday park, including an on-site pub and a heated outdoor swimming pool, you can even practice your swing at the driving range and golf course. There’s a playground for the kids, and a dog exercise area for the pooch.
You can head into Harrogate if you fancy somewhere with a bit more going on; Harrogate has a great dog-friendly culture with plenty of cafés, pubs and restaurants where your dog will be welcome, and there are plenty of parks and open spaces. Ten minutes in the other direction is Knaresborough with its beautiful walk that takes you along the river, past the viaduct and Mother Shipton’s cave and out into the countryside. A bit further afield is Bolton Abbey with its picturesque ruins and riverside walks for all abilities, and the pretty towns of Skipton and Otley.
COASTAL CAMPSITES
MIDDLEWOOD FARM HOLIDAY PARK, WHITBY
Set on the stunning North Yorkshire coast, just along from Whitby, Middlewood Farm Holiday Park is a great base for exploring the coast. It’s a ten-minute walk down a path to the local beach, and another ten minutes to the historic fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, with its smuggling past, twisting cobbled streets and alleyways and dog (and child) friendly beach that’s perfect for rock pooling.
It’s a lovely, peaceful site with great amenities; clean toilets and showers, a children’s play area and a local shop. Dogs are very welcome – you can take up to two with you – and there are plenty of walks in the area. The site is situated right next to the Cinder Track, a disused railway line that stretches from Scarborough to Whitby.
If you don’t want to walk, Whitby, with its iconic abbey, is a 15-minute drive away, or you can get a bus from Robin Hood’s Bay. You can also be on the North York Moors in 20 minutes and dogs are welcome on the NYM Railway.
GRAFFITOE FARM, FILEY
A little bit further down the coast is Graffitoe farm, a rural campsite just outside Filey. You’re just a short drive from a choice of beaches; the nearest being Hunmanby Gap which is perfect if you like your beaches quiet even in peak season. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round and it’s also great for kids who like to paddle because of the shallow beach. History buffs will also enjoy the World War II pillboxes that are dotted along the beach as coastal defences. There’s a small café with outdoor seating that is also dog friendly.
Further along the coast is Fraisthorpe beach, another quiet beach without all the promenade, arcades etc of its busier neighbour, Bridlington. It has a café, and dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. Filey is also nearby and you’re only ten minutes away from Flamborough and its lighthouse, and RSPB Bempton Cliffs where, depending on the time of year and luck, you might get to see some puffins and seals.
CAMPSITES IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES
HOWGILL LODGE, SKIPTON
Nestled in the rolling hills of Wharfedale, Howgill Lodge has lovely views of the surrounding countryside; it’s set out in tiers, so everyone gets a view. Dogs are more than welcome here; there’s a large dog walking area just opposite and it’s within walking distance of some great dog friendly pubs including The New Inn and the famous Craven Arms.
There are some lovely walks along the river from this site, and you’re not far from the historic Bolton Abbey with its famous stepping stones and riverside walks for all abilities. It’s also a fantastic location for cyclists, Yorkshire has some great family bike rides, and you can follow the route of the Tour de France and the Tour de Yorkshire if your legs are up to it!
There are lots of little market towns in the area for a true taste of Yorkshire – Appletreewick is lovely, and Skipton isn’t far away. Brimham Rocks is also worth a visit, with its unusual but stunning rock formations. The facilities on the site are clean and warm and apart from the usual toilets/ showers/ washing up areas, there’s also a dog washing area and somewhere to clean your bikes, and to top it all, the shop serves coffee and pastries. However, the stars of the show for us are the resident alpacas!
STREET HEAD CARAVAN PARK, LEYBURN
This caravan park is ideally situated for exploring a really beautiful part of the Yorkshire Dales. It’s just down the road from the beautiful Aysgarth Falls, which have been attracting tourists for hundreds of years and were an inspiration to both Turner and Wordsworth. Hardraw Force falls are also nearby, as are the West Burton Falls with their stunning plunge pool, Cauldron Falls.
If history is your thing, you have Bolton Castle and Middleton Castle nearby, and children will love the Forbidden Corner with its labyrinth, mazes and caves. The traditional market towns of Leyburn, Hawes and Richmond are also worth a visit, and if you’re there over the August Bank Holiday then the Wensleydale Agricultural Fair is always a good day out.
You’re allowed up to two dogs at Street Head and the site facilities have recently been upgraded; you can even wash up with views over the Dales, and there’s a mini library that also has games you can borrow. The Street Head Inn is on the doorstep as well as five other dog friendly pubs nearby.
TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR DOG ON A CARAVAN HOLIDAY
- Check the campsite’s rules about whether dogs are allowed and if there’s a limit to how many.
- Check whether or not dogs are allowed on the local beaches all year round, there are often restrictions in peak season.
- Dogs usually need to be kept on the lead on a campsite so you might want to get a long lead with a stake to put in the ground so your dog can explore your immediate area without disturbing other campers.
- Check the facilities for dogs, some sites have dog fields, and even dog washing areas.
- Clean up after your dog. This goes without saying.
- Use common sense, and courtesy. You know your dog is brilliant and is friendly and calm around other dogs and people, but not everyone wants a dog hanging around.
- Be mindful of noise; does your dog bark a lot when left alone? Or when around strangers? Think about this before you head off to the shower block for half an hour.
- Make sure their vaccinations, flea and worm treatments are up to date and make sure they’re microchipped. They’ll also need to wear a collar at all times with an ID tag with your details on.
CAN DOGS BE LEFT UNATTENDED IN A CARAVAN?
You’ll need to think very carefully about this as caravans can become very warm in the sun. Also, if your dog is prone to barking when left alone, or when spooked – which could happen more in an unfamiliar setting – the walls are thinner! Campsites may also have rules about whether pets can be left unattended, so you’d need to check.
CAN I TAKE MY CAT ON A CARAVAN HOLIDAY?
All we can say is, good luck! If you think you can manage to persuade your cat to pack its beach towel and sun cream, then go for it. But while it may be possible to take a cat on holiday, it depends on your individual cat as to whether it’s appropriate. Will it make them stressed? Will they be happy to stay inside the caravan, or will they want to go out and explore, which could lead them getting lost?
Caravan holidays are a great way to get out and about without feeling too tied down; you get to spend time with your loved ones – whether they’re human or of the four-legged variety – and indulge in your hobbies. However, no matter how careful we are, we never know when something unexpected could happen to our beloved holiday vehicles so you might want to consider touring caravan insurance. We have three policy types to choose from, with benefits that include New for Old, Loss or Accidental Damage and a choice of optional benefits such as Dog Emergencies. Take a look today and give us a call, or get a free, no-strings quote online.
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