What’s Pakefield Holiday Park like?
This relaxed holiday park, on the Suffolk coast, is one of 54 run by Park Holidays UK. It is open to both holidaymakers and residents alike and has an 11-month season. When we visited, at the end of March 2026, it was clear a lot of work was being done to expand and improve the site. The new reception area, bar and restaurant, indoor pool and launderette had just opened and work was also taking place to open a new access road.
How dog-friendly is Pakefield Holiday Park?
Good. Many of the vans onsite welcome pets and while no special provisions are provided when you check in, you’ll find treats and information about local walks at reception. Dogs are also welcome in the non-carpeted areas of The Coastal Bar & Restaurant and outside, where you will find lots of cute little dog beds and bowls that have been personalised for the park.
Special offers, where dogs stay free, regularly run at the site but for our four-night getaway, we paid £30 each for Ernie and Stan to stay. I appreciate that’s a lot – and it would normally put me off booking full-stop! – but we got a really cheap deal on our break so were happy to pay it this time.
Tell me more about Pakefield Holiday Park
There are literally hundreds of caravans on the park for both owners and holidaymakers, all varying in size and age. Some have decking and mod-cons like double glazing and central heating – and while the van we were given had no outdoor space, we must have been among the first guests to stay in it because everything seemed shiny and new.
BE41, our two-bedroom Willerby Malton van, was decorated in on-trend shades of grey and cream and felt like a real home from home. The carpeted lounge area had two comfy full-size sofas, a large flatscreen TV and a footstool, and there was also a spacious kitchen and table and chairs for four. I neglected to take any pictures before we started unpacking so although the image above isn’t of the actual van we stayed in, it’s almost identical!
The bedrooms – one huge double and one twin – were also carpeted while the rest of the van had herringbone-style laminate flooring. There were modern plug sockets throughout with USB chargers, too. Bed linen is provided (as well as a pack with washing-up liquid and a cloth) but be aware that you will need to bring your own towels.
When we checked in, we received a welcome pack filled with information about the park, plus a map and some vouchers for the bar and restaurant. We were also given a card to use the new indoor pool (sessions must be pre-booked at reception). At peak times, entertainment is provided for both kids and adults and there’s also an arcade and children’s playground. WiFi is available for an extra fee, too, but unfortunately, it didn’t really work for us.
What’s the food like at Pakefield Holiday Park?
The kitchen in our van had everything we needed to cook up a feast and all of the equipment seemed brand new. There was crockery for six and essentials like an oven, toaster, full-size fridge/freezer and kettle. I was also impressed to find a few handy additions tucked away in the cupboards, such as scissors and a pizza tray.
If you don’t fancy cooking though, there are plenty of options within easy walking distance. The onsite Coastal Bar & Restaurant, pictured above, serves everything from stone-baked pizzas to pub classics. It is also open for breakfast. There are several pubs nearby too, such as The Oddfellows, as well as a retail park with a McDonald’s, Greggs and a Costa.
Are there resident dogs at Pakefield Holiday Park?
No, but you’re sure to meet plenty of visiting pooches when out and about onsite.
Where are the best dog walks near Pakefield Holiday Park?
The site is right on the Suffolk coast and a public footpath running through the park takes you straight down to Pakefield Beach, pictured above. This beautiful sand and pebble beach is peppered by grassy dunes, and is dog-friendly all year round. From here, you can walk for miles – the bustling seaside town of Lowestoft is in one direction while peaceful Kessingland is in the other.
Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve – the southern gateway to the Broads National Park – is also a great place to enjoy a stroll. There are several walking trails around the 405-hectare site, although dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. To see a map of the routes, click here. For more ideas when it comes to dog-friendly things to see and do in the local area, check out our Ruff Guide to Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Lowestoft.
What Ernie and Stan loved about Pakefield Holiday Park
Having so many lovely walks on the doorstep, keeping an eye on the neighbours, the free treats at reception
What I loved about Pakefield Holiday Park
The modern caravan, the new site facilities, the great location
How to book Pakefield Holiday Park
Three-night breaks generally start from £129 if you book direct, but look out for promotions and special offers throughout the year. For more information, call 01502 447272 or visit the Pakefield Holiday Park website.
