From lakes, to rivers to estuaries, Wales is a water-loving pup’s paradise. The waters of Wales each have their own unique personality offering alluring experiences at every turn for everyone in the family whether it’s adventure or relaxation you’re looking for.
We are delighted to be partnering with Visit Wales to showcase our top-dog destination for Summer 2024 for ulti-mutt memories together.
Embrace the serenity of Wales when exploring the unique landscapes and hidden water treasures. Keep reading to discover details on how to win a trip to this breathtaking country.
South Wales
In the South, the Newport Wetlands offers a haven for wildlife on the edge of the city covering reedbeds, lagoons, and grasslands from Uskmouth to Goldcliff with spectacular views of the Severn estuary. Dog restrictions apply at Newport Wetlands – Dogs on a short lead are welcome on the Green Lanes and Coast Walk only. They love well-behaved dogs at Tredegar House who are welcome in the parklands and gardens. The house is one of the architectural wonders of Wales and one of the most significant late 17th-century houses in the whole of the British Isles. Whilst in the area, pop into the Rogue Fox for coffee and their Brisket Pastrami Toastie.
Stay at The Bear Hotel Cowbridge, Glamorgan who go above and beyond to cater to the needs of its four-legged guests. The hotel features a designated dog-friendly lounge where you can relax and socialise with fellow dog owners providing water bowls and treats. Additionally, the hotel boasts beautifully landscaped gardens where your dog can stretch their legs and enjoy a leisurely stroll. Try a local beer at the Pump House down on Swansea’s vibrant waterfront, and for the next morning, try the Welsh Breakfast at the Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen on Swansea Bay’s stunning beachfront to blow the cobwebs away!
No setting is more impressive than Pen-ffordd-goch (Keeper’s Pond) It is located high on a hill that looks out on Blaenavon and was man-made in the 19th century to provide water to a local forge. Bring a pic-nic and enjoy the views – you won’t regret it!
You are spoilt for choice with dog-friendly hotels in South Wales. Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Glamorgan is a firm favourite, or closer to Cardiff is the majestic New House Country Hotel Thornhill, Glamorgan. For a more unusual stay, check out the Shepherd’s Huts, at the Parkway Hotel and Spa in Cwmbran nestled in over seven and a half acres of gorgeous gardens.
Mid Wales
We start our exploration of the water of Wales at Lake Vyrnwy, a beautiful area on the edge of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) with stunning views across the lake, spectacular waterfalls at Rhiwargor, visionary sculpture park at the Giants of Vyrnwy, and wonderful trails for all abilities.
We especially love the birdwatching at RSPB Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve, a fabulous day for the whole family as this is a very special area for wildlife earning it a Special Protection Area (SPA), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designations. Look out for great crested grebes and goosanders on the water, and buzzards and peregrines soaring overhead.
At the Elan Valley, nestled in the Cambrian Mountains, you will find 70 square miles of dams, reservoirs and rugged Welsh landscapes. The dams create beautiful trails for both challenging hikes for both challenging hikes and leisurely strolling.
In one of Wales’s most picturesque spots Llangorse Lake, east of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon), you’ll find the largest natural lake in Wales formed by glacial action, and truly a beautiful spot.
Whilst in the area, check out the Dan-yr-Ogof National Showcaves Centre, a 315 million-year-old 17-kilometre-long cave system where dogs on a lead are welcome. Also close is the Craig Y Nos Country Park with 2 lakes, a 40-acre Victorian garden, and once home to opera singer Adelina Patti. Grab a bite at the family-run Honey Cafe, infamous for its 1960s music cellar, delicious local delicacies and freshly cooked homemade food. Pop into the Gwernyfed Walled Garden too with its historic Victorian Glasshouse and gorgeous Garden Cafe.
Adventure calls for warming food and delicious drinks afterwards, and you and your pup are spoiled for dog-friendly eateries in West Wales. Usk & Railway Inn is ideally situated in the beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park) in Sennybridge Village and is the perfect spot for enjoying traditional and seasonal meals.
Stay at The Lake Country House Hotel & Spa, in Powys, an elegant retreat that the finest of pups with love! It has a spa, swimming pool and 50 acres of grounds for you and your furry friend to enjoy.
West Wales
For the most magical memories for both you and your pooch-pal, you are truly spoilt for choice in West Wales which is a swimming paradise.
Start over in the Lower Teifi Gorge near Cardigan where you can swim from Cilgerran Castle where an impressive twin-towered Norman keep overlooks the forested river. Or challenge yourself by taking a dip in a glacial lake… Adventurous dogs and their owners will need to climb 4 miles through the Black Mountains to discover Llyn Y Fan Fach. It is the setting for the local legend of the ‘Lady in the Lake’ in which a beautiful woman magically appeared to a 13th-century farmer.
Or for a more relaxed outing, head to The Ferry Inn for true waterfront dining found in the beautiful, coastal village of St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire.
Stay in the best dog-friendly hotels in Pembrokeshire. Choose from Llys Meddyg, a traditional Inn, where you can enjoy dog-friendly dining in their heated outdoor pods! Or stay nestled amongst the trees at Penbontbren, a luxury bed and breakfast converted from an old Welsh farm with five luxurious suites, each with its own garden and a spacious living room.
North Wales
North Wales is home to some of the most impressive Lakes, including Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), Wales’s largest natural lake and one of the National Park’s most popular attractions. You and your pup will love relaxing on the shores, swimming in the lake and even having a go at paddle boarding on the waters. When you are ready for a refreshing drink, you can choose between The Loch Cafe at the lake, or take a short walk into Bala and head to Plas Yn Dre.
For an epic day out, we recommend heading to Llyn Padarn. This is an 800-acre park with walking trails surrounding a magnificent glacially formed lake nestled amidst some of Snowdonia’s most spectacular scenery. There are five themed woodland, lakeside and industrial heritage trails to explore as well as Llanberis Lake Railway, which runs along Llyn Padarn’s northern bank.
It doesn’t get more breathtaking than the Rhaeadr Fawr waterfall. This 4-mile dog walk will pass through Coedydd Aber with views of the Carneddau mountains and panoramic views of Anglesey and the Menai Strait. It is one of Eryri’s most dramatic waterfalls and is part of Afon Goch’s (Red River) final descent to the Menai Straits, which plummets dramatically from a height of 120 feet. We promise it will get tails wagging!
A dog-friendly welcome is guaranteed at our hotels in North Wales. We recommend staying at Caer Rhun Hall, Conwy, Llandudno Bay Hotel, Conwy, and Pale Hall Hotel, Gwynedd – there is something for every breed and budget!
As with any adventure with your canine, make sure to plan your route, be safe, research the Dog Walking Code and check the conditions before beginning.
Check out our hand-picked collection of dog-friendly escapes in Wales, and your chance to WIN a holiday voucher worth £500 for a break in Wales! All the details you need to enter are HERE>>
For endless adventures, splashing in sparkling bays, feasting with friends and family, and unwinding in nature, start planning your holiday in Wales today!