Take these four in order, location, size, facilities, pet policy, and most first-time bookings come together quickly. Our own parks sit across a mix of coastal and quieter countryside settings, so whichever mood you're after for your break, there's usually a fit somewhere in the range.

There isn't one single answer to how far ahead you should book, because it depends heavily on when you actually want to go.

See the details at dog-friendly caravan holidays.

Outside school holidays and bank holidays, the picture eases considerably. A standard week in term time, particularly midweek, tends to have availability much closer to your travel date, sometimes within a few weeks rather than months. This is where flexibility on short breaks and midweek arrival really pays off, since demand simply isn't competing for the same handful of weeks.

More information is available at family holiday parks.

Finally, read a handful of recent reviews rather than just the star rating. Look for comments on cleanliness, how the seaside caravan breaks or lodge compared to its photos, and how helpful the on-site team were if something needed sorting. A pattern across several reviews tells you more than any one glowing or grumbling comment on its own.