7 minute read
Annie Goes Glamping with the Big Dogs
International Glamping Business’ Editor Annie Hilton recently stayed in a shepherd’s hut in Leicestershire with her partner and her dog, Egan. Here, she takes on the perspective of a guest and what she looked for before booking a dog-friendly glampsite.
As a dog owner, the first question I ask when invited anywhere is always, “Can I bring my dog?” – and it seems I am not alone in this. As of 2024, 36% of households own a dog, according to ukpetfood.org. When it comes to travel, Canopy & Stars’ 2024 market report found that dog holidays now make up nearly 20% of its bookings. Across the pond in the U.S., Glamping Business Americas reported that the number of people who travelled with their pets had ballooned from 36% in 2012 to 64% by 2020.
On one hand, the reality of allowing dogs on your glampsite isn’t always so pretty – it can mean extra cleaning costs, noisy barking, or, in a worst-case scenario, destruction of property. However, you might be missing a trick (and a pretty profit) when restricting dogs.
I was prepared to say goodbye to holidays when I first got my dog… but that doesn’t have to be the case. Granted, I wouldn’t take him on a plane to Bali, but I would absolutely bring him along to a staycation.
A quick background
Myself and my dog, Egan – a Doberman who’s nearly as tall as me on his hind legs, hence his nickname, ‘The Horse’ – live on a narrowboat, cruising along the canals in the south of England. When you quite literally move your home every two weeks, it’s hard to remember that sometimes you need a holiday. So, in March, my partner and I booked a dog-friendly weekend getaway to ‘Nomad’ at Cowslip Meadows in Laughton, Leicestershire.
The selection process
Being the Editor of a glamping magazine, of course we chose to go glamping. I personally love the classic appeal of a shepherd’s hut and felt it was ‘dog-proof’ enough that Egan wouldn’t get out. While we love our home on the towpath, the main drawback – especially with a dog – is the absence of a private garden; this was arguably the deciding factor when picking a site.
From a guest’s point of view, I would much rather pay a small additional fee (in my case it was an extra £20) to bring my dog, than use kennels for around £25+ per day. Depending on the length of your trip, it all adds up. I did expect to – and was more than happy to – pay a bit extra to bring a dog, so don’t be afraid to add on a charge for offering doggy amenities.
Combining these factors, these were my must-haves during the selection process:
Enclosed area for off-leash shenanigans
Peaceful location to feel a sense of escape
Hot tub (I need to enjoy myself, too!)
Privacy, privacy, privacy
The staycation begins
The UK has been tormented by some questionable weather these past few months –I have sunbathed, been drenched and hailed on all in the same day. But, by some miracle, the weather fairies blessed us with one dry day during our getaway. I am no stranger to a muddy dog walk, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to feel your toes.
After an hour’s drive, we arrived in the gorgeous countryside of Laughton, a tiny village set upon rolling hills that went on as far as the eye could see. It was quintessentially British, down to the vintage Land Rovers parked in the driveways (much to my partner’s viewing pleasure) of stunning period farmhouses (much to my viewing pleasure).
The hut itself backed on to a cattle field, which, to my delight, was completely fenced in to avoid any dog-on-cow action and provided a great view (and morning wake-up call).
What caught my eye when browsing was the option to get a massage on site. I rarely take the time to treat myself to any self-care, but when I’m able to walk 100ft to get a massage, it was a no-brainer. Partnering with or offering your space to a local masseuse, sports therapist, yoga guru – you name it – is a fantastic idea to give guests the final nudge to complete the booking and was a definite ‘yes, please’ from me.
The hut
The design and layout was perfect for us – it felt homely and not too hotel-ish. We didn’t book a hotel room, so why would we want to feel like we’re in one? This included patterned bedding, fluffy pillows and thoughtful nuances (like a pair of vintage binoculars), as opposed to starchy white sheets and a lone TV remote. The kitchen was just the right size and didn’t dominate the space, leaving more room for us and The Horse to stretch out and relax – although as someone who lives in a 60ft tin can, I’m used to making small spaces work.
The hut had heated bathroom floors, all the necessities to cook a decent meal and central heating (which we didn’t end up needing with the wood stove). If you happen to own a dog and a wood stove, you will know that it’s nigh impossible to separate the two. I actually had to scoot Egan away more than a few times when I felt like he was about to start cooking.
The wood fired hot tub was included in the booking cost and we used it both nights. While I may have chosen a site without one, I have to admit, there is nothing like a hot soak under the stars.
Is it truly dog (and people) friendly?
Like there is a noticeable difference between hospitality and good hospitality, there’s a distinction between simply allowing dogs and being dog friendly. Luckily for us, during our stay we experienced both. Upon arrival, we received homemade biscuits and fresh laid eggs from the farm. Egan was given food bowls, a blanket, treats, a ball and compostable poo bags – just in case we left ours at home! The wood burning hot tub was also pre-packed with logs, ready to light. It’s these small touches that make a difference; guests always notice when their stay has been considered… or not.
Our hosts also took the time to recommend some nearby trails for dog walks and the best local pub – where we may have partaken in a pint or two. We were also offered a discount on any future bookings before we departed, which was thoughtful and quite frankly good business.
The fur-dict
Would I book again? Absolutely. Why?
Because I felt valued as a guest. I’m a firm believer in a little goes a long way. Realistically a tennis ball, a packet of dog treats and a carton of eggs isn’t going to break the bank, but it will make your guests feel like they’re all being taken care of. Egan wasn’t treated as a nuisance, but like a part of our family – which he is. Recognise that your pet-owning guest wants their dog to enjoy the holiday, too.
It’s also worth mentioning that, although he wouldn’t hurt a fly, Egan is a large, intimidating-looking dog and is of a few select breeds that often have a negative connotation. I am grateful the hosts did not prejudge – I’m sure owners of bigger breeds can relate to the disappointment when browsing a holiday and the property guidelines state no dogs over 15kg are allowed. Of course however, restricting banned or illegal breeds can be necessary for your business and insurance.
The bottom line is that you could be missing out on 36% of the UK staycation market if you restrict dogs at your site. In the same breath, if you claim the dog friendly label, you need to provide a suitable experience, or repeat bookings from pet-owners will dwindle.
Sadly Egan will not be joining me at the Eco Resort Network event in Mauritius this month, but I’ll definitely treat him to another holiday a little closer to home soon.
This stay was not gifted, however if you would like to book Nomad, visit holidaycottages. co.uk/cottage/93760-nomad
