What’s Lower Hyde Holiday Park like?
The site, on the east coast of the Isle of Wight, makes for a lovely, leafy getaway. The wooded park is ideally located for exploring the island with the seaside towns of Shanklin and Sandown both within easy reach.
When we checked in, we were given plenty of information about the local area and the entertainment on offer during our stay. The site has both indoor and outdoor pools, an all-weather sports court and daily activities including aerobics and bingo – but as Ernie wasn’t allowed in the clubhouse, we generally opted to amuse ourselves.
How dog-friendly is Lower Hyde Holiday Park?
It is one of 70 pet-friendly parks run by Parkdean Resorts. There are poo bins aplenty onsite and if you’re lucky, your stay will coincide with one of the “Bark Resorts” events, which include dog shows and organised walks. Up to two dogs are welcome in your chosen accommodation at any one time, but you will be charged £40 per pet. You’ll need to bring your own bed and treats, too.
Tell me more about Lower Hyde Holiday Park
There’s a whole host of accommodation to retreat to at Lower Hyde, and much of it is pet-friendly. Our top-of-the-range three-bedroom caravan was spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated. It came with a fully-fitted kitchen and dining area, flatscreen TV, DVD player and shower room.
The park also offers luxurious wooden lodges – some with hot tubs. There’s even a campsite and glamping village with spacious safari tents and proper beds. I also got the impression that many of the caravans onsite are owner-owned, which makes for a friendly family atmosphere.
What’s the food like at Lower Hyde Holiday Park?
Treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Barnhouse Bar & Restaurant onsite, which also offers a takeaway service. There is a small shop where you can stock up on essentials but we bought everything we needed for our self-catering stay from the Lidl supermarket by the park entrance. Handily, a wooded trail from our caravan led right to it!
As Ernie wasn’t allowed in the clubhouse, we tended to either cook or eat out. Check out our Ruff Guide to the Isle of Wight to see our favourite dog-friendly pubs and restaurants on the island. They include The Sun (pictured above) in Calbourne.
Are there resident dogs at Lower Hyde Holiday Park?
No, but you’re sure to meet plenty of other dogs who are on holiday too, or live nearby in Shanklin.
Where are the best dog walks near Lower Hyde Holiday Park?
The wonderful Red Squirrel Trail – a 23-mile pathway that follows the old railway line through the countryside – can be picked up right by the park and you’re a ten-minute walk from Shanklin seafront.
A stroll along the promenade to Sandown is a must. It’s a lovely walk that takes about half-an-hour each way. You can either stick to the path along the cliff or have a ball on the beach. We bookended our walk with stops at the Salix Beach Cafe and The Beach Shack but if you visit during the summer and can’t take your dog on the beach, don’t panic. The island has plenty of sandy spots that are dog-friendly all year round. Click here for more information.
Lower Hyde itself is huge so it’s fun to explore the site, too. We saw squirrels, badgers, rabbits and foxes during our stay. If your pooch has a tendency to chase small furries, make sure you keep them on-lead! Our Ruff Guide to the Isle of Wight has more ideas for dog-friendly things to see and do.
What Ernie loved about Lower Hyde Holiday Park
Watching the local wildlife, lots of lovely long walks
What I loved about Lower Hyde Holiday Park
The peaceful site, being so close to both the beach and woodland
How to book Lower Hyde Holiday Park
Four-night breaks start from £99. Book direct with Parkdean Resorts for discounted – or even free – ferry travel. For more information, call 0330 123 4850 or visit the Parkdean Resorts website.
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