From leafy river valleys to miles-long beaches to towering mountain ranges, Wales’ stunning array of landscapes sets hearts racing and tails wagging with excitement.
Perfect for holidays with four-legged friends, its communities, countryside and coast beckon for the types of unforgettable adventures every pooch dreams about. Complemented by a whole host of brilliant attractions, activities and eateries that welcome all the pack throughout the year, it’s not hard to imagine how this proud country has earnt itself a position as one of Europe’s most dog-friendly holiday destinations.
If you can’t wait for your holiday to start, we’ve put together a guide to the dog friendliest holiday destinations in Wales. From dachshunds to Great Danes, all four-pawed pals will have a ball exploring this incredible country at your heel.
Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey
The historic island of Anglesey in North Wales is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations – but did you know it’s also one of the most dog friendly too? With a 130-mile-long coastline traced by coast path and many year-round dog-friendly sandy beaches, the whole island affords superb seaside adventures. That said, the historic seaside town of Beaumaris is a particular favourite for its dog-friendly attractions and activities, including the handsome remains of the 13th Century Beaumaris Castle, boat trips from Beaumaris Pier to Puffin Island and the town’s year-round dog-friendly beach.
Llanberis, Snowdonia
The village of Llanberis famously lies at the foot of Snowdon in the north-western reaches of Snowdonia National Park. Being so close to Wales’ highest mountain, Llanberis has understandably become a beacon for hikers of the two and four-legged variety looking to bag one of the UK’s ‘three peaks’. The fun doesn’t stop there for dogs though, as the village also has lots of other great attractions that welcome furry-pawed visitors, including Llanberis Lake Railway, the National Slate Museum and the 800-acre Parc Gwledig Padarn – the latter of which boasts some of North Wales’ most jaw-dropping scenery.
Rhayader, Elan Valley
The oldest town in Mid Wales, Rhayader is located in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and is the first town on the River Wye. Home to the dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys (the Elan Valley Visitor Centre is only 4 miles from Rhayader and has a dog-friendly café), the town is at the centre of a huge network of great walking trails and is a brilliant base if your pup loves nothing more than walking and exploring at your side. Rhayader also benefits from a number of great dog-friendly pubs and eateries that make for welcome pitstops after a day’s exploration, including the Triangle Inn and the Lamb & Flag.
Brecon, Brecon Beacons
The market town of Brecon is located within the Brecon Beacons National Park in mid-Wales. A gateway to the park’s huge open spaces that provide some of the best walking oppawtunities in the UK, it’s a dog-friendly destination that’s not to be missed by energetic hounds. Within a few miles of the town are the mountain peaks of Pen y Fan, Corn Du and Cribyn – all providing leg-pumping hikes and jaw-dropping views. For some cultural exploration, you can also visit the dog-friendly Brecon Cathedral – a 13th-century cathedral set within the only walled cathedral close in Wales and home to the largest Norman font in Britain.
New Quay, Ceredigion
If nothing gets your waggy-tailed companion more excited than the prospect of coastal adventures, then New Quay in Ceredigion is sure to win some brownie points. Located on the coast of West Wales, this seaside town offers everything you could need and more for a pawsome dog-friendly break. Think miles of coast path, two year-round dog-friendly beaches (Dolau and Traethgwyn), dog-friendly boat trips, wildlife watching opportunities and eateries galore. And, if that’s not enough for your well-travelled pup, you can also branch out and enjoy day trips from New Quay to Cardigan in the south and Aberystwyth in the north too.
Pembroke, Pembrokeshire
One of the most dog-friendly towns in Wales, Pembroke is ideally located for exploring both countryside and coast. Only a stone’s throw from the year-round dog-friendly Barafundle Bay (one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches) and within easy reach of many of West Wales’ most famous attractions, it’s a real gem. During your stay, a visit to the dog-friendly Pembroke Castle is a must, heralded as the ‘birthplace of the Tudor dynasty’. Then, once you’re ready to refuel, you can take advantage of some of the town’s eateries which welcome wet-nosed punters, including the Royal George pub, the Freshwater Inn and the Rowan Tree Café.
Tintern, Wye Valley
Found within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to the border with England, the village of Tintern in South Wales is a must-visit. A stunning destination throughout the year, its leafy landscapes are particularly appealing for walkies – especially in autumn when the trees don an auburn cloak and transform the countryside. While there are lots of things to see and do with your dog here, a trip to Tintern Abbey has to be top of the list. A spectacular 12th-century Gothic ruin, the abbey stands in roofless grandeur on the banks of the River Wye and makes for an inspiring place to stroll with your dog. The only proviso is that your pooch is kept on their lead.
The Gower Peninsula
Only a stone’s throw from the thriving city of Swansea, the Gower Peninsula in South-West Wales is one of the UK’s top doggy destinations, boasting incredible scenery and many year-round dog-friendly beaches. One of its most renowned, Rhossili beach was voted by the Times as the UK’s number one dog-friendly beach and, at nearly 3 miles long, is absolutely perfect for games of frisbee and fetch. Another great dog-friendly attraction in the area is the Mumbles Pier, a Victorian sea pier home to the dog-friendly Beach Hut Café and the Copperfish Bar and Takeaway, which has a dog-friendly seating area outside.
Book a Dog Friendly Break in Wales
Discover the dog-friendliest destinations in this beautiful country when you book your perfect dog-friendly retreat in Wales.
