As proud parents to Charlie and Minnie, our beloved furry family members, we’ve always sought holidays that cater not just to us humans but to our furry companions too. On this quest, we discovered Hafan Y Mor Haven Holiday Park in North Wales – a treasure trove of dog friendly fun and adventure. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect dog friendly family staycation. Let us take you on a tour of our incredible dog friendly Haven holiday.
A Comfortable Welcome
“We’re all going on a summer holiday!” This Cliff Richard classic rang out through our car speakers as we – a unit of three humans and two very energetic canine companions, Charlie and Minnie – embarked on our journey from South Wales to North Wales.
After our long journey we were in need of some comfort. The last thing you want after a journey like that is a long check-in process. Luckily, the check-in process with Haven was a walk in the park (pun intended!) – we simply rolled up to our Silver Caravan and broke the seal to enter our cosy holiday abode. Awaiting us inside were the keys and activity passes.
The Silver Caravan, oh so comfy and homely, had everything we needed. The only thing missing was dog-related equipment, but that was no hurdle. Our furry companions, snuggled into their own Ralph & Co dog beds which we brought along to ensure their comfort matched ours.
The place even came with a balcony, which was perfect for the dogs to catch some fresh air and keep an eye on those cute rabbits that kept hopping by. As for the Silver Caravan itself, it was everything we could’ve wished for and more – the beds were super comfy, the living area felt just like home, and the kitchen had everything we needed.
Everything You Need: Adventures on Site
What really set our tails in a whirl was the park itself. We usually plan to venture out for day trips but this time around, we were so spoilt for choice with on-site activities that we found ourselves fully occupied and immersed in Hafan Y Mor.
The place was packed with family-friendly fun where our pooches were welcome too. As a parent of an energetic 5-year-old and two furry family members, this was like a symphony to my ears. We had a blast doing things like peddling around on the pedalos, playing mini-golf, going on treasure hunts, and building dens. The activity coordinators said our dogs joining in made their day a whole lot brighter, and honestly, it made ours too!
While the pups were catching some z’s after a hectic day, our little human had no shortage of fun to dive into. From mastering spells at Wizard School to getting creative with arts and crafts, kicking goals in football, and making a splash at his favorite spot, Splashaway Bay – there was plenty going on. The on-site swimming pool wasn’t just any old pool; it had slides, a lazy river, and even water pistols. A perfect playground for a day full of adventure!
Activities For The Dogs
One of the highlights of our recent getaway had to be the Bark Yard – a specialised and enclosed paradise designed exclusively for dogs. This wasn’t just an ordinary park; it was brimming with exciting agility equipment that tested our furry friends’ skills, from hurdles and ramps to weave poles and tunnels. The scents in the park were an olfactory delight for our dogs, Charlie and Minnie, with fascinating new smells around every corner that kept their noses twitching with curiosity. They were in absolute heaven, and watching them play and explore was a joy in itself.
But the Bark Yard was only the beginning. In addition to this fantastic playground, there was a dog friendly beach on-site. Charlie and Minnie thoroughly enjoyed every moment, chasing after waves and interacting with other playful pups.
What made this experience even more special were the simple moments of contentment we found as a family. We’d spread out a blanket and watch our furry pals frolic and play, their tails wagging, eyes sparkling with joy, and tongues hanging out in sheer happiness.
Truth be told, with all the walking, exploring, swimming, and excitement, our dogs were completely pooped by the end of each day. Their tired, satisfied faces and relaxed demeanours were all the evidence we needed that they’d had an exhilarating and fulfilling day.
Perfect Mix Of Entertainment
The daytime and evening entertainment from the Seaside Squad was a godsend, keeping our little human engaged and amused. The best part? No need to worry about leaving Charlie and Minnie behind in the caravan. The Cove and the Boardwalk both had shared outdoor seating, allowing us to enjoy a refreshing pint or a meal from popular food outlets like Burger King, Papa John’s, or Slim Chicken.
We took turns monitoring our little one amidst the indoor hubbub while the other relaxed with the dogs outdoors. Even while seated in different areas, we managed to do the family quiz together by downloading an app on our phones.
Cosy Up in Dog Friendly Restaurants
During our holiday we discovered the joy of dog friendly dining at Haven. We were able to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner inside at the Coast House Bar & Grill, with Charlie and Minnie by our sides. The staff welcomed us with open arms, providing water bowls and a special treat station for our dogs – a real woofing delight!
Of course, there were a few rules to follow, such as keeping dogs on a lead at all times and not leaving them unattended. But these were in place to ensure everyone’s comfort and happiness, including our furry friends. It was brilliant to see how Haven had thought of everything, extending their hospitality to include our four-legged companions.
An unexpected encounter with Rory the Tiger at breakfast left our little one thrilled, while Minnie wasn’t quite sure what to make of the large, friendly mascot!
A Canine Legend: Gellert’s Grave
As our stay drew to a close, we decided to explore a bit of local folklore before heading home by visiting the legendary Gellert’s Grave in Beddgelert. This centuries-old tale, woven deep into Welsh history, revolves around a faithful hound named Gellert and his master, Prince Llywelyn the Great.
The story goes that the prince, having returned from hunting to find his baby’s cradle overturned and Gellert with a bloodied mouth, tragically misinterpreted the scene. Believing that Gellert had killed his child, the prince struck the hound with his sword. However, immediately afterward, he heard the cry of his baby from underneath the cradle and discovered a deadly wolf, slain by Gellert. Realising his faithful dog had protected his child rather than harmed it, the grief-stricken prince allegedly buried Gellert on this very spot.
Visiting Gellert’s Grave was an emotional journey, touching the heartstrings of both canine and history enthusiasts alike. The tale served as a poignant reminder of the loyal bond between humans and dogs, and it felt fitting to visit this site while on our family—and notably, dog friendly—holiday. The beautiful Snowdonia landscapes that surround Gellert’s Grave made this a picturesque and thought-provoking detour, and one we’d recommend to anyone visiting the area. It certainly left a lasting impression on us, as we reflected on the unwavering loyalty and love our own pups, Charlie and Minnie, bring into our lives.
Family Friendly Adventures
Looking back, our stay at Hafan Y Mor Haven was an unforgettable blend of family fun, dog friendly activities, and hearty food. And now, we’re thrilled to share the joy with other dog owners. We’re hosting a giveaway, offering you a chance to enjoy a similar holiday at any of the dog friendly Haven holiday parks across the UK. It’s time to pack up your pooches and get ready for an adventure that will leave your tails wagging for days to come!
