Home to over 100 beaches, the coastline of Wales is a haven for dogs who love nothing more than getting their paws sandy and wet. Many of Wales’ beaches are dog-friendly all year round and perfect for furry frolics, whilst others hold some restrictions – particularly in peak seasons. So, to save you from time and effort, we have dug up the best dog-friendly beaches in Wales that are simply unmissable for you and your ‘ci bach pert’ (pretty little dog).
We are delighted to be partnering with Visit Wales to showcase our top-dog destination for Summer 2024 for ulti-mutt memories together.
And read on to discover details on how to win a trip to this pawfect place…
South Wales
Dogs love nothing more than bounding across miles of golden sand and splashing their paws into the sea waves. South Wales is the perfect seaside adventure with your furry best friend as there are so many beautiful dog-friendly beaches – many of which have no restrictions!
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is supremely dog-friendly where your pup can dash across wide sandy beaches, sniff around historic castles, and wander through beautiful parks.
If getting your feet (or paws!) sandy isn’t for you, Ogmore-by-Sea in Glamorgan is a lovely pebble beach with plenty of rock pools to investigate with your inquisitive canine. Plus, there is the lovely dog-friendly Ogmore Castle that is completely free to enter! For mouth-watering brunch, stop by The Cobbles Collective and grab a delicious sandwich or grazing board. Finish the day at the warmly inviting and dog-friendly Pelican Inn for dinner.
We have some stunning dog-friendly hotels in South Wales for the pawfect petaway. Whether you choose the stunning Coed-y-Mwstwr Victorian Hotel in the Welsh woodlands, a luxury spa hotel with gorgeous grounds like the Parkway Hotel & Spa, or the New House Country Hotel Thornhill towering majestically over the city of Cardiff, you can expect a delightful dog-friendly break in South Wales.
Mid Wales
Mid Wales is a canine heaven where you won’t be short of dog-friendly activities to entertain you and your loyal companion.
Located in the narrow valley of River Hawen, Llangrannog Beach in Ceredigion is popular with families, surfers, and dog walkers. There is no wonder why with its soft sand and fresh, salty breeze! While dogs aren’t allowed on the main section of Llangrannog Beach between 1 May and 30 September, this beautiful sandy beach is dog-friendly all year round on the Cilborth side. At low tide, you and your furry friend can walk between these two stunning beaches, or you can access Cilborth Beach via the popular coastal path. If you do choose the path route, look out for seals and dolphins at Birds Rock! Don’t forget to fuel up on some fish and chips along the way at dog-friendly The Beach Hut Cafe whilst you’re in the Llangrannog area.
The most relaxing way to view the majestic Wales panoramic views is by train. The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway is always open throughout the year and you don’t need to worry about booking in advance. Your dog will love sticking their head and tongue out the window as you enjoy the spectacular views.
You can also experience amazing views while you eat from the dog-friendly Baravin on Aberystwyth’s promenade overlooking Cardigan Bay.
For a lavishly comfortable stay, choose the beautiful B&B, Penbontbren in the rural countryside of Ceredigion. Here, you can experience a dog-friendly break with true Welsh flavour!
West Wales
West Wales is full of wide sandy beaches where your excitable pup can run wild and free. Cardigan Bay, in particular, has everything – ancient history, beautiful landscapes, and of course the pristine dog-friendly beaches you’ll fall hook line and sinker for. Ceibwr Bay is renowned for its unspoilt, natural beauty. Plus, there are no restrictions here, so your beloved dog can enjoy the waves with you.
In fact, West Wales is home to one of the best beaches in the UK that won the award for ‘The UK’s No.1 Dog-Friendly Beach’. Located on the Southwestern tip of Gower Peninsula, Rhossili Bay has glistening sands that’ll set tails wagging. Plus, it encompasses Worms Head – a famous promontory in the shape of a sea serpent! While here, stop by the dog-friendly café, The View, Rhossili Coffee Shop for some tasty food and drinks overlooking the beach. If you and your four-legged friend fancy a dog-friendly pub serving Sunday Roasts, one of your best options is St Govans Inn, a quiet country retreat where a warm welcome always awaits.
Another multi-award-winning dog-friendly beach in the area is Barafundle Bay. A golden sands beach with crystal clear waters reminiscent of the Caribbean! No beach-loving canine will be able to resist gallivanting along these tropical shores with spectacular views.
West Wales is surrounded by natural beauty and amazing views just like this one. Mewslade Bay, Gower is known for its Green Coast Award and beautiful natural scenery. The Gower Coast Path by Three Cliffs Bay is a great spot to settle down for a picnic with your furry pal.
Nothing gets a dog’s tail wagging like a long walk and South West Wales has plenty of them! The Penmaen Burrows and Nicholaston Burrows are nestled between the beauty of Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay. With your four-legged friend in tow, you can enjoy stunning views together as you walk through the burrows, heathlands, woodlands, sand dunes, and clifftops. If you’re hungry after a day of exploring the coast, the King’s Head serves homemade pub food and live music events throughout the summer.
If you’re venturing into Carmarthenshire don’t forget to visit Baileys Coffee Bar in Carmarthen town where they have two menus – one for “Humans” and another for doggos! Your beloved pup will really feel like a VIP as soon as they enter this delightful café.
The Llys Meddyg, Pembrokeshire is another wonderful dog-friendly option bursting with character and comfort. When you stay at Llys Meddyg you’ll be close to beaches, rivers, woodlands, and mountains, so it’s truly a great base for you and your dog.
North Wales
North Wales has plenty of dog-friendly beaches for you and your furry friend to explore. Porthdinllaen Beach, on the Llŷn Peninsula has even been named ‘one of the best secret beaches in the UK’ by The Independent! Tucked away and secluded, sandy Porthdinllaen Beach has a sheltered cove where the water is usually calm, making it perfect for human and furry swimmers.
While there are restrictions to the right of the beach (towards Nefyn) between 1st April and 30th September, your dog can roam freely from Tŷ Coch up to just before the golf course.
After a much-needed walkies along the beach, stop by Ty Coch Inn within the village of Porthdinllaen for a drink. Here, you can sit back and enjoy the lush views across the Irish Sea. Iechyd da!
While here, we recommend gallivanting along the Porthdinllaen marine trail on the magnificent Llŷn Peninsula for some marine wildlife spotting with your four-legged friend in tow! For a beach with little restriction, dogs are welcomed all year round in Llanbedrog, Pwllheli. You’ll adore the brightly coloured beach huts that line the sandy beach adding that extra charm.
Speaking of all-year-round dog-friendly, Conwy Morfa Beach is another must-see in North Wales. From this large sandy bay, you can see across to the Great Orme in Llandudno! Better yet, there’s a 700-year-old castle here. That’s right, Conwy Castle is truly impressive and dominates the market town so you simply can’t miss it! Getting hungry in Conwy? stop by Dylan’s, a dog-friendly family-run restaurant right by Conwy Quay for some simply blasus (delicious) food.
If you’re looking for a four-mile stretch of pristine golden sand, visit the dog-friendly Harlech Beach where you can witness the grandeur of Castell Harlech above. Whilst there, feast on quality homemade dishes at Y Branwen. Don’t forget to save room for the hearty Welsh breakfast over at Y Sospan in the morning!
For your North Wales beach adventure, we recommend stays at Llandudno Bay Hotel, Conwy, The Groes Inn, Conwy, and Palé Hall Hotel, Gwynedd all of which welcome furry friends with open arms.
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.