There’s a lot to recommend Somerset as a dog-friendly camping holiday destination. This often-overlooked part of the UK, with its beautiful moorlands and stunning coastline, attracts visitors of all ages – and their pets. With the promise of both sea and country air and a warm welcome.
Dog friendly camping
Old Oaks, an adults only camping and touring site in Somerset, is perfect for a dog-friendly camping holiday. With excellent facilities and a variety of activities and attractions on the doorstep. This welcoming holiday park offers a refreshing break with your favourite pet.
Old Oaks itself offers lots of pet-friendly services on site, including a free local guide to dog friendly dining and days out, a 300 metre secure dog walk, where they can run free and meet new friends, a dog shower with hot water and free shampoo and a dedicated washing machine and dryer for your dog bedding and blankets.
There are a few ‘dog stops’ where you can park your pooch, while you go about your business. Plus, and perhaps best of all, is our specialised on site shop. Here, you can treat your mutt to special doggy ice cream, home-baked dog treats and locally sourced, raw mince for dogs. If you’ve forgotten anything on your trip, there are lots of toys, treats, collars, food and all manner of dog paraphernalia available to buy. This is what dog-friendly camping holidays are all about!
Dog friendly walks
For those who enjoy walking, Old Oaks is surrounded by an extensive network of footpaths, the most popular being to the famous Glastonbury Tor (¾ mile away) and to the town of Glastonbury itself (1½ miles from our site). But if you’re a keen walker there are many more to choose from. Talk to our team members on site and they can give you plenty of advice and information about the best places to visit locally with your pet.
Dog-friendly beaches in Somerset
Spring, summer or autumn, there’s nothing better than a stroll along the coast, breathing in the fresh sea air and watching our favourite pet race along the edge of the water chasing the sea birds!
Western Super Mare is the epitome of the Great British seaside. Complete with donkey rides, kite flying and a rebuilt pier but dogs are not allowed during the main holiday season. Instead, head north to Sand Bay. This beach is a mix of open sand and shingle and there are lovely walks along Sand Point headland. Walking to the end is great to be surrounded by the sea and there are great views of Wales and Bristol Channel on clear days.
Just south of Western Super Mere is Berrow Beach. This dog-friendly beach is huge, allegedly the second longest stretch of sand in Europe! Dogs are allowed here all year round. Just beware of the soft sand and mud at low tide – keep your pets close or just go for walks a few hours either side of high tide to avoid the mud.
Dog-Friendly Attractions in Somerset
If you’re on a dog-friendly camping holiday then you’ll want to take your pet with you when you are out and about. A few attractions where you can take your pet include Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Hestercombe Gardens. Wells Cathedral and for a fun train ride you can visit the West Somerset Railway at Minehead.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves offers a variety of attractions from its awe-inspiring cliffs to its extraordinary subterranean show caves. Dogs are welcome along the cliff top walk and also into Gough’s Cave as long as they are on a lead.
At Hestercombe there are fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades and tranquil woodland to be explored plus the Stables Cafe serves delicious home-cooked lunches and is famous for its Sunday roasts. If your dog is happy on a short lead they can spend the day with you exploring everything Hestercombe has to offer.
It’s not often that dogs are allowed in churches but Wells Cathedral welcomes well-behaved dogs on a lead! Set in the medieval heart of England’s smallest city, Wells Cathedral was built between 1175 and 1490 and is built in the Gothic style. After exploring the cathedral head to the café for tea, cake and dog biscuits!
The West Somerset Railway offers 20 miles of heritage railway through stunning Somerset countryside and coast. You can hop on and off the steam trains at various points along the route between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. Dogs are welcome, with a special dog ticket for just £2.
If you fancy heading to Somerset for a holiday with your four-legged friend and bringing a tent, camper, motorhome or touring caravan. Old Oaks has a pitch that’s just right for you. Find out more about Somerset touring here.