Seahawk Lodge, Whitley Bay

Seahawk Lodge is a privately owned holiday caravan on the park at Whitley Bay, five minutes' walk from the beach on the North Tyneside coast, and the practical details line up unusually well for a dog. There is a dog field and a dog trail on the park itself, the van sits close to both, and you can park right alongside it, so the whole business of getting a wet, sandy dog from the car to the sofa is a short one. Dogs stay free of charge.

The owner is a large part of why the reviews read the way they do. Guests arriving with dogs describe a welcome pack waiting, with fresh milk, biscuits, wine and sometimes a seasonal gift, and communication before and during the stay that is consistently well rated. The caravan itself is spotless, homely and fully equipped, closer in feel to a small holiday home than a rental van.

The beach is the point of coming here. It is a short walk down, dogs are a normal sight on it, and St Mary's Lighthouse and the coastal path north are within an easy morning's walk. Whitley Bay town centre, with places to eat, is walkable too, and Newcastle is a short drive.

The one recurring complaint is the road. The park sits beside a main road and the traffic noise carries into the van, particularly at night. Most guests say they stopped noticing it after a day of walking, and earplugs are provided, but light sleepers should know before booking. The oven is underpowered, though there is an air fryer, and there is no sea view. Park rules apply to dogs as well: leads on away from the designated dog areas, collar and identity tag worn at all times, and pick up after them. Seahawk Lodge earns a 4.7/5 paw rating and is a strong pick for a beach-first break with a dog that likes sand and salt water.