Release the Hounds

If you've got dogs that need a proper run-off, Release the Hounds near Taunton is exactly what it says on the tin. This is a dedicated off-lead dog park where your pooch can actually be a dog for once - no leads, no restrictions, just fields and freedom. You'll find it's the sort of place where mutts of all sizes tear around like they've won the lottery, while owners stand about drinking coffee and pretending to watch them.

The setup is straightforward: enclosed acres where dogs can socialise and burn energy without terrorising the local wildlife. It's not fancy or Instagram-worthy, but that's rather the point. Families with energetic dogs will get hours out of it, especially if you've got a spaniel or collie that goes mental on the lead. Training it well beforehand helps - you don't want a complete maverick at the gate.

With Ashe Farm just over a mile away and Cornish Farm Touring Park at 2.7 miles, this slots nicely into a caravan holiday on the Somerset Levels. After a morning at Release the Hounds, your dog will sleep the afternoon away, which means you can actually explore Taunton or visit nearby attractions without a guilty conscience. Check their website for current hours and any admission fees - they're not always obvious online. Frankly, if you're staying in a caravan with a dog, this is worth the short drive from anywhere in the cluster of parks round here.