GETAWAY It’s a dog’s life in Great Yarmouth
the sun went down over the River Waveney proved to be one of the most memorable parts of our stay – and, best of all, both the view and the fort were within a 15-minute walk of our cosy caravan.
So, with one dog-friendly activity ticked off, I needed to find out where else I could have taken Milo, had he have been with us.
I was in luck because Vikki-Marie Gager, the holiday sales manager at Breydon Water Holiday Park, was on hand to share her wealth of experience.
Owner of two dogs – Tink and Grace – she gave me the lowdown on all the best places to visit with a canine companion. She even offered to loan me one of her pooches.
Instead, I bought a toy dog from one of the souvenir shops along the promenade in Great Yarmouth and took it along to the places we visited, just for comedy value.
It soon became apparent I was staying at a park with masses of appeal for dog owners – there’s so much to see and do within the immediate area.
“We’re 100 per cent geared up for dog owners here,” said Vikki. “In this area alone, within a 10-minute drive in any direction you’ve got two beaches, the woods and the Roman ruins.”
Here are Vikki’s top four places for dog owners to visit while staying at Breydon Water Holiday Park.
Sam with her children, Lottie, 14 and Louie, 6, and their ‘dog’ Squidge
HORSEY GAP
CATCH sight of the seals from November to March. Dogs must be kept on leads and the best place to view the seal pups is from the dunes.
Wardens patrol the area to keep both visitors and the seals safe. Wrap up warm – the wind whips at your face as it blows in off the North Sea – and don’t forget to take some change for the car park.
POPPYLANDS TEAROOMS
DOGS are welcome at a 1940s-themed cafe packed to the rafters with wartime memorabilia and serving rations like bread and butter pudding. We warmed up here after seeing the seals, with enormous mugs of whipped cream and marshmallow-laden hot chocolate.
SOUTH BEACH
IF you’re taking in the sights of the bustling resort of Great Yarmouth, you can explore the southern beach with your doggy companion all year round.
QUEEN’S HEAD, BURGH CASTLE
THIS pub is a 15-minute walk from the holiday park and not only serves a mean Sunday roast but the chef will happily prepare a doggy dinner of sausage, veg and gravy.
WE stayed during the October half-term – the final hurrah of the season for most caravan parks – but the atmosphere was still lively.
We enjoyed the nightly entertainment, taking part in fun quizzes and boogieing to an 80s-themed show. We also dined at the Boathouse Bar and Restaurant where I was served one of the best chillis I have ever eaten. My children were equally impressed with their meals, with my six-year-old plumping for his perennial favourite: a hot dog (sorry Milo) with fries and my teenager going for the grilled chicken burger.
The only thing missing during our stay, was a canine companion, but we threw ourselves into the holiday as if Milo was there. At least I didn’t need to stuff my pockets with poop sacks.
So, did Breydon Water Holiday Park tick this dog owner’s boxes, despite not actually taking a dog? Definitely.
The friendly park has plenty to offer guests but is uniquely geared up for those who have a four-legged friend with them.
All of the outdoor areas in the park, including the outdoor pool area, welcome well-behaved dogs on leads.
Also, if you need help finding a vet, a groomer, a dog-friendly beach (or pub), the reception team has a yellow binder behind the counter full of information.