Glamping with dogs
Planning a glamping holiday and want to take your canine companion too? You'll need to check that your chosen glampsite accepts dogs, but one of the great things about this sort of break is that you’ll arrive on site to find your accommodation ready and waiting, so you can unload your gear and be off exploring with your dog almost at once.
Read on for Pitchup’s advice for glamping breaks with dogs and a few things to take into consideration when you’re thinking about the sort of glamping accommodation to book. For general advice on readying your dog for a camping break, check out Pitchup’s top tips for camping with dogs.
See some of Pitchup's best sites for glamping with dogs
Things to bear in mind when glamping with your dogs
It goes without saying that your dogs must behave well when you’re glamping, so here’s how to prevent any issues arising while you are on site.
1. Check the glampsite rules: many owners ask that dogs are kept on a lead at all times when out and about on site. If you’re glamping on a farm, there may be livestock around and you don’t want your dog running off and annoying your fellow guests.
2. Likewise, many glampsite owners do not allow dogs to be left unattended in the accommodation units. They may damage the furniture as well as disturb other glampers by getting stressed and barking in unfamiliar and enclosed surroundings.
3. Make sure your dog stays off the furniture while you’re all inside the glamping units together: you don’t want to be charged for cleaning dog hair off the sofas and beds at the end of your holiday. You can avoid this by taking along a favourite blanket, bed or crate so your dog has a familiar place to sleep alongside you – and not on the furniture.
4. Bring a supply of towels to clean dirty paws after a day on the beach or in muddy fields – this becomes even more important when you are staying in furnished accommodation and may lose your deposit if the fixtures or appliances get covered in dirt.
5. If you have a big dog (or dogs), there may not be enough room for you all in a camping pod or shepherd’s hut, so take a look at larger units such as yurts. And remember, it’s not just the size of your dog you need to account for; you’ll also have a bed, toys and other accessories to fit inside a unit with limited space.
6. If your chosen glamping accommodation is a treehouse, make sure your dog will not struggle to access the unit – you don’t want to be carrying a large dog up and down ladders several times a day. One advantage of staying in a treehouse, however, is that they are often tucked away from other glamping units among the trees, so there is less chance of your neighbours being disturbed if your dog is prone to the occasional bark.
7. You’ll need somewhere to exercise your dog, and many dog-friendly glampsites offer handy enclosed paddocks so they can have a run around off lead. Other sites have on-lead walks around their boundaries or direct access to country footpaths from the pitches.
Pitchup’s favourite sites for glamping with dogs
There are lots of sites that offer glamping with dogs on Pitchup, but the following all come highly recommended by previous Pitchup customers for their dog-friendly facilities and locations.
Clwydian Holidays
Graig, Llanelidan
Ruthin, Denbighshire
LL15 2TB
Why here? The timber cabins at Clwydian Holidays are insulated and double-glazed for extra warmth, and have an ensuite toilet as well as custom-built kitchens (with equipment for basic cooking) and a spacious dining area.
There are dedicated showers and toilets close by. All you need to bring is bedding for yourself and the dog.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome for an additional charge, but they must be kept on a lead at all times and never left unattended in the pods. The site is close to the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Natural Beauty, with plenty of hikes to keep even the most active of dogs (and their owners) happy.
Key facilities for dogs: Spacious pods with room for dog beds, plenty of walks from the site and in the local AONB.
One other thing… For other dog-walking options, both Snowdonia National Park and the Llandegla Forest are half an hour away by car; for seaside hikes, Talacre beach (50 minutes) is dog friendly too.
Fron Rafel
Waungilwen, Drefach Felindre
Carmarthenshire
SA44 5YL
Why here: Spacious yurts make up the glamping accommodation at Fron Rafel, tucked away from other pitches. There is plenty of room in each one for up to two dogs, plus a decking area where you
can secure them if you are sitting outside. The site covers seven acres, so there’s plenty of room to exercise your pet – off lead in the dedicated dog field or on the lead elsewhere. Bring your own bedding and somewhere for the dog to sleep.
Dogs are allowed on nearby Aberporth beach all year round, and there are dog walks on woodland trails in Brechfa Forest – both are within half an hour’s drive.
Key facilities: A dog park for off-lead runs, plus direct access to riverside walks and 15 minutes’ drive to Cenarth Falls for more hiking adventures.
One other thing… Handy glamping amenities include ladies’ and gents’ shower rooms, a family wetroom, washing-up facilities and two washing machines free for guest use, plus a toaster for making snacks.
Glebe Leisure
Stoke Lyne Road, Fringford
Bicester
OX27 8RJ
Why here? The glamping units at Glebe Leisure include cosy wooden pods suitable for guests with two dogs, and shepherd’s huts with one dog permitted. They are on a quiet corner of the site, and there’s no extra charge
for your furry companions. You'll need to bring your own bed linen and towels, and pack the same for your dogs.
This rural site is spacious, with a designated dog walk around its perimeter, plus gravel pathways with dog-waste bins set at handy intervals. There are plenty of walks nearby on quiet country lanes, and for more dog-walking ideas, you can take the circular routes around the grounds at Blenheim Palace (25 minutes’ drive).
Key facilities for dogs: Dog-friendly facilities include a mile-long dedicated dog walk around the site, taking in woodland and fields, where well-behaved dogs can be off lead.
One other thing… Keen anglers, listen up – there are two fishing lakes on site, well stocked with carp and roach, and you can buy day tickets on site.
The Croft Campsite
The Green, Ubbeston
Halesworth, Suffolk
IP19 0HB
Why here? Pre-pitched glamping options at The Croft Campsite include safari tents and wooden pods, all with well-equipped scout tents so you have more room for cooking (campers' kitchens are provided) and
eating alfresco. You will need to bring little else apart from bed linen and a bed for your dog.
The wooden pods have plenty of space for up to two canine chums, and there is also a large safari tent where you can bring one dog. Both are on secluded pitches so your dogs are more secure. They can run around off lead in the designated field, and there are plenty of options for walkies along the Sussex Heritage Coast.
Key facilities for dogs: A designated dog-exercise paddock where pets can run around off the lead, and peaceful walks along the River Blyth (please keep your dog on a lead).
One other thing… Some of your catering is taken care of, here with Friday night barbecues on offer, fresh croissants and pastries available every morning, and bacon, egg or sausage breakfast rolls on a Sunday.
Still looking for inspiration? Research some more options on Pitchup.com, where you’ll find hundreds of dog-friendly glampsites across the UK.
Book dog-friendly glampsites in England
Book dog-friendly glampsites in Scotland
Book dog-friendly glampsites in Wales
Book dog-friendly glampsites in Northern Ireland
FAQs
Are dogs allowed on glamping sites?
Many glampsites welcome dogs, but just be aware that there may be rules in place. Most site owners do not allow dogs to be left on their own in the glamping units; some may only allow one dog per unit; and others may permit dogs in bell tents but not in shepherd’s huts, where space is at a premium.
What sort of glamping accommodation suits dogs best?
There are certain practicalities you need to bear in mind when booking dog-friendly glamping breaks. For example, dogs and treehouses do not always mix well, and large dogs may not settle in smaller pods or shepherd’s huts.
What sort of luxuries can I expect when glamping with dogs?
Many glampsites have secure dog-exercise areas and hoses for washing down your pets after a day out in muddy fields or in the sea. There’s usually running cold water on site too, so you can refill dog bowls. Some glampsites owners provide dog bowls, treats and waste bags for your pet.
How much does it cost to take my dog glamping?
Many glampsites charge a supplement for your canine companions – with charges ranging from around £10 per stay per dog.