If you’re looking for a dog-friendly staycation this year, why not head to Wales? With a diverse landscape and plenty of gorgeous beaches, Wales is an amazing place to visit for walks and days out with your dog.
While on holiday in Wales, you can explore the history of this land at ancient castles and embark on great adventures in the countryside and along the coast of this great and gorgeous land.
Fortunately, Wales has tons of dog-friendly attractions, beaches, activities and restaurants you can explore without leaving your four-legged friend behind. To help you plan your getaway, here’s our dog-friendly guide to holidays in Wales.
Dog-Friendly Attractions in Wales
Make the most of your time in Wales by visiting some of the many attractions the country has to offer, and by delving into the history and exploring the landscape. To save you time, we’ve scoured the lists of things to do and found the best spots for all the family, including your dog.
In South Wales, take a trip to Pembroke Castle, the wonder of Wales and Henry VII’s birthplace. Full of history and with beautiful grounds, dogs are welcome to visit too (but they must be kept on leads!). Or, head to Tintern Abbey, where you and your pup can explore the riverside ruins of this incredible Gothic sensation. Once you’re all castled-out, head to the National Showcaves to explore a unique network of underground caves, head to Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall, or ride the train through the Brecon Beacons on the Brecon Mountain Railway.
In North Wales, take your dog on an epic walk up Mount Snowdon (we’d recommend the Snowdon Ranger Park route). Or visit Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey – a fortress of immense size and near-perfect symmetry that is regarded as one of the best castles ever built. Great Orme Country Park is another site worth seeing and is ideal for older dogs as the walk is a little easier than the mountains – but the coastal views are amazing!
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Wales
If your dog loves to be by the seaside just as much as you do, then you’ll both love Wales! With over 150 beaches, many of which are dog-friendly throughout the year, this coastline makes for a great getaway with your pup. Take them to the white sands of the Gower Peninsula’s Rhossili Bay – which has been named before as the UK’s Best Dog-Friendly Beach.
Or head to Pembrokeshire, where your dog can run up and down the lengths of 50 beaches! Top picks for dogs include the spectacular Marloes and Broad Haven South beaches, which are gorgeous golden sand beaches surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery. For a quieter trip, head to the Llŷn Peninsula or the Isle of Anglesey, where you may find it’s just you and your pup staking claim to miles of sandy beach.
Dog-Friendly Pubs and Restaurants in Wales
One of the joys of going on holiday is not having to cook dinner every night, but when you have a dog, it can be tough to find a place that will let you in. Luckily, we’ve got you covered – and so do Wales! There are plenty of amazing restaurants to pick from here that won’t just allow your furry friend but will actively welcome them.
Across Wales, you can find old pubs offering a wealth of traditional British food, from hearty roast dinners to warm treacle puddings. Wash everything down with a local ale or cider, brewed on the same lands you’re exploring. If you want to try some of the local cuisine, tuck into a cheesy Welsh rarebit, a Glamorgan sausage, or enjoy afternoon tea with a slice of bara brith. Because of its vast coastline, Wales also excels at seafood, conjuring up incredible dishes using fresh fish and mussels caught right on the doorstep of the restaurants you can find!
If you’re looking for inspiration, some of our favourite dog-friendly spots to stop for a bite to eat and an ale to drink include:
- The Australia, Porthmadog – A lively, vibrant pub that’s totally dog-friendly, offering delicious pub food and locally brewed beers
- The Black Seal, Trearddur Bay – The spacious terrace is dog-friendly and overlooks the bay, and there’s a wide variety on the menu, from seafood to pizza
- The Sun Trevor, Llangollen – Set upon a hill with beautiful valley views and next to the canal, here’s a dog-friendly pub with views and food that make it difficult to leave
Wales is full of amazing places to stop for a bite, grab a locally-brewed beer, or enjoy a delicious meal after a day of trekking through nature. Any of these will be a great pick for you and your dog, and there are plenty more out there to discover!
Dog-Friendly Destinations in Wales
Finding a place to stay with a four-legged friend isn’t always easy. However, because Wales is known for family staycations with pets, there’s an abundance of beautiful accommodation to choose from that will top off your dog-friendly trip! Whether you’re looking for a countryside cottage or a luxurious hotel that will welcome your pup, Wales has it all.
In terms of location, we’d recommend planning where you stay based on the attractions that appeal to you the most.
If you’re looking for a seaside stay, opt for somewhere in the Gower Peninsular, famous for its long stretch of stunning coastline with plenty of dog-friendly beaches. Or head to Pembrokeshire which boasts Britain’s only marine national park, and home to some of the UK’s finest coastal scenery. In mid-wales, there are loads of options for beach roaming in and around New Quay, Aberaeron and Aberystwyth. Further north, the beaches of the Llŷn Peninsula around Abersoch are stunning and the mountain-backed coast around Barmouth is beautiful, while the remote coves of Anglesey are perfect for peaceful days out with the dog.
If you and your pup enjoy long walks through ancient castle grounds, stay in the region of Monmouthshire which is home to a whopping twenty different castles! If mountain scenery is your thing, then head to Harlech or Blaenau Ffestiniog in Snowdonia National Park or any of the villages around Brecon and Abergavenny in the Brecon Beacons.
Book Your Trip to Wales
This year, stay safe and plan an amazing staycation to Wales with your friends, family and dog. From secluded beaches and mountain walks to cosy pubs and gorgeous cottages, you can plan a trip to enjoy the best that Wales has to offer. Relax, explore and breathe in the fresh Welsh air with man’s best friend by your side.
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