Dog Friendly Carmarthenshire Holidays

Nestled in the rolling Carmarthenshire landscape above the Cothi River, lies Ynyswen: a truly enchanting haven steeped in history and charm. Although extensively rebuilt in 1718, the origins of the current house trace back to the late 1400s and there is evidence of the property having existed since the 11th Century.
An annex of the owner’s home, and at one time a dairy, the studio’s interior brims with character and period features as oak beams, stone walls and flagstone floors bear witness to the passage of time. The layout has been thoughtfully designed to blend traditional and contemporary living. A large open kitchen and dining area, formerly the main farmhouse kitchen, offers space for those who enjoy culinary exploits; the bedroom/living room beyond is perfect for relaxing after a busy day exploring. Outside, the furnished patio is set near a babbling stream, with a footbridge giving access to enjoy the grounds.
Stunning walks and cycle routes lead right from the doorstep and Brechfa forest is only a 15-minute drive away. The market towns of Carmarthen and Llandeilo are each around a 20-minute drive. Historic and natural attractions galore are within easy reach. Explore the longest beach in Wales, the famous 7-mile-long Cefn Sidan, along with the hugely popular Pembrey Country Park. Locally, the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney Gardens are not to be missed. Guests can discover famous castles of the west including Carreg Cennen, Kidwelly and Laugharne, the final home of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas and his iconic boat house. Visit the popular tourist resorts of Tenby and Narberth and explore the array of boutique shops, fantastic restaurants and award-winning theme parks including Oakwood, Manor House and Folly Farm. Beach 18 miles. Pub and restaurant 2¼ miles.

Come and discover these two beautiful properties Ty Afon Reg (UK38509) and Ty Afon Arch (UK38515) set next door to each other and offering a fantastic standard throughout after being fully renovated and transformed in 2022 to a very high standard. Nestled within the small village of Garnant on the edge of truly stunning Brecon Beacons and enjoying a local pub, village shop and a choice of dining with restaurants within walking distance.
From Ty Afon Reg you can discover lots of places to visit and outdoor activities are plentiful. Guests can enjoy an interesting visit to the Dan yr Ogof Showcaves, which are within easy driving distance, as is Margam Country Park. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains, or further afield, visit the Gower Peninsula, Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its beautiful sandy beaches. Cardiff, the vibrant capital city of Wales, offers many places of historical interest, bustling shops, nightlife, stadiums and concert arenas. Ty Afon Reg offers a fantastic base to discover this wonderful area the large open plan modern contemporary kitchen/dining room is a great social space and perfect for cooking that special meal or enjoy a breakfast at the breakfast bar before heading out to see the area, the kitchen leads through to a bright and airy dining area with dining table for eight and, bi-fold doors leading to your garden. On an evening curl up in front of the wood burner with a good book or enjoy a movie or sit out and watch the stars from your hot tub, it really does offer a luxurious break away with friends and family.
The Swansea Leisure Centre and Waterpark is a firm favourite with visitors of all ages with a lazy river, wave pool, the board rider for indoor surfing and the master blaster rollercoaster waterslide, as well as the maritime museum and marina. Cycling is very popular in the Afan Argoed Country Park and golf and horse riding can also be found locally. Nearby Pontardawe has a swimming pool, indoor bowls, leisure centre and arts centre with cinema. Beach 13 miles.
This property can be booked together with Ty Afon Arch (UK38515) and Ty Afon Jay (UK47078) to accommodate up to 20 guests.

The Cabin offers peace and relaxation with beautiful views across the rolling Carmarthenshire countryside from your elevated decked terrace - perfect! This large lodge has been hand crafted by the owners within the grounds of their 26-acre small holding and offers lots of space, vaulted ceilings, beams and French doors leading to a covered terrace area which is perfect for watching the wildlife with a glass of wine.
The Cabin offers ramped access and once inside offers a great space to unwind, the spacious kitchen, diner and living room is teaming with natural light, high vaulted ceilings, beams and enjoys a focal flame effect log burner in the living room and French doors lead out to a gorgeous covered terrace, great for alfresco dining or watching the evening sunset. The master bedroom boasts an en-suite wet room facilities with walk-in shower and heated towel rail, high quality linens and finished to a high standard throughout. To the side of the cabin, you can enjoy a secluded and private lawned garden, that’s dog proof, where you can BBQ or enjoy a spot sunbathing!
From the doorstep enjoy walks through the grounds and onto the woodland which connects to the public footpaths, ideal for keen walkers and your furry friends. The cabin is close to the hamlet of Bancyffordd and around 4 miles from the market town of Llandysul and has been positioned in a truly stunning spot overlooking green meadows and woodlands.
The town of Llandysul is a few minutes’ drive away by car with cafés, restaurants, pubs and supermarket, the historic market town of Newcastle Emlyn is 20 minutes’ drive away. There are over 60 miles of glorious coastline in Cardigan Bay with lots of beaches and coves, and many are dog friendly all year round if you are bringing your pet on holiday with you. The pretty coastal resort of New Quay and the colourful Georgian harbour town Aberaeron can be easily reached within a 30 minutes’ drive. If outdoor activities are your thing, there are plenty of options for walkers and cyclists of all abilities as well as horse riding, canoeing and more. Families can enjoy a day out at the National Trust Dolaucothi Gold Mines at Pumsaint. Beach 17 miles. Pub and restaurant 2¾ miles.

Highfield Bungalow has been set up to comfortably sleep up to 6 guests. There are three bedrooms all with TV’s and ample storage, two of the rooms have king size beds and one is set up with twin single beds. The open plan L shaped living space is perfect for socialising and enjoying quality time together. Enjoy a cosy movie night - the lounge area is set up with an ‘L’ shaped sofa, cuddle armchair, a log burner, and a wall mounted Smart TV. Cook and dine together - the kitchen dining area is spacious, with a modern kitchen, dining table and bifold doors out to the decking area. The decking area houses a table and chairs to seat six, charcoal BBQ, and a hot tub!
Located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, you can take a hike in the Welsh hills from the top of the road, then head back for a soak in the hot tub, or head down the road to Garnant where you’ll find local pubs and take aways to refuel! Further afield there are plenty of places to visit for a day out, the picturesque village of Llandeilo, National show caves of Wales - Dan Yr Ogof, and beautiful waterfall walks at Ystradfellte. In under an hour by car there are some of Wales’ most beautiful beaches and seaside towns or just over an hour will get you to Tenby – Wales’ most popular seaside town!

Open plan living space connects the accommodation and patio area outside. The extensive kitchen and dining area and comfortable living space is tied together by a duplex wood burner Whilst the open plan boast space, the thoughtful layout maintains a cosy, homely feel throughout. Patio doors from the living space open out to the panoramic patio area where you will find ample outdoor dining and seating facilities, a brick-built BBQ and luxury sunken hot tub!
There are two bedrooms to the ground floor, the first of which has excellent access, with doors out to a lawned patio area, an adjacent bathroom with bath and walk-in shower and flexible sleeping arrangements with a kingsize bed that can be split to two singles. The second ground floor bedroom is also flexible with a double bed to comfortably sleep two adults as well as a bespoke single bunk, this offers additional sleeping space for a child. The third bedroom is on the first floor of the barn and oozes luxury. The super kingsize bed shares stunning views of the countryside and boasts its own luxury en-suite shower room with a fully tiled walk-in shower.
Despite the rural setting, Y Gelli is perfectly placed to explore some of the nearby attractions. In under 30 minutes by car, you could be exploring the beach and country park at Pembrey, visiting picturesque Welsh towns along the River Towy like Carmarthen and Llandeilo, or immersing yourself in history at Kidwelly Castle! If that’s not enough, you can visit the world’s largest single-span glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, tee-off at one of the nearby golf clubs, or check out some horse racing at Ffos Las Racecourse. Further afield, South Wales has so much to offer and Y Gelli is conveniently located to make the most of your stay in South Wales. Beach 8 miles.

Esgair Barn is in the middle of the owner’s land, which you are welcome to explore and picnic in. There is a little-used footpath right outside the barn and spectacular views of the Brecon Beacons from the top field. There are trees to climb and a shallow stream (behind a gate). There’s a bonfire area in one field if you get the urge to toast marshmallows, the owners can supply suitable wood. Please note that the barn has been recently finished in 2023 and the landscaping is still being perfected!
Internally, there is a large porch with space for wet coats and muddy boots, a lockable bike store, and a bath to soak in on your return. The living room is a grand double-height room with sofas and a big table to seat you all in comfort. The windows look out over the fields and stream to one side, and a small gravelled private patio on the other. There’s a wood burner to keep you extra cosy, and some good old-fashioned board games and jigsaws in case it rains. There is a TV, but you’ll be too busy watching the birds and squirrels! The kitchen is well equipped with an island and range and there is also a wet room and a bedroom on the ground floor. The other three bedrooms are on the first floor - a kingsize with an en-suite, a twin bedroom with a skylight for watching the stars, and a comfortable double bedroom. There is also a retro-style family bathroom on the first floor.
The barn is ideal for family gatherings as well as groups of friends. There is plenty of room to eat together, sit, chat, play games and have fun. Esgair Barn is a wonderful place for kids. They can paddle in the (shallow) stream, climb trees, listen out for the resident tawny owls, and see the Milky Way. There is a pet alpaca whose bedroom is close to the barn. He is sociable and curious, but please note that he can be a bit nibbly and he’s not totally keen on men. Please treat him carefully and with respect and ask if you would like to be introduced. The owners do sometimes host sheep from a neighbouring farm, so guests are asked to close the gates after passing through them and to keep and dog on a lead outside the barn.

Bwlchygwynt is a barn conversion that has been renovated to a high standard in 2023, making this a great place for a family vacation or friends looking to explore this great area. The large living and dining space is perfect for a social evening, and the wood burner will be a treat to keep you warm and snug on a chillier night; there is also underfloor heating on the ground floor that will keep toes and paws warm throughout your stay.
Set on the owner’s land, this fabulous barn has far-reaching views of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons and a good-sized enclosed lawned garden, perfect for letting your children and four-legged friends out for some fresh air. The dark skies here mean that the stars can be seen without any light pollution, so you can sit in the enclosed garden with a glass of something fizzy and enjoy what the night skies have to offer. There are some splendid walks to be had from the front door of this property and lots to discover in the area. The Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons National Park are easily reached, or you can visit the historic wells of Llanwrtyd or Llangammarch.
Llandovery is situated 4½ miles away on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, whilst 8 miles away is Myddfai, famous for its physicians. The area is full of beautiful walks and bridleways, with an RSPB nature reserve near Llyn Brianne Reservoir and the beautiful forests of Cwm Rhaeadr and Crychan are a short distance away. The local area is also steeped in history. The county of Carmarthenshire, known as ’The Garden of Wales’ has become a big draw for walkers, cyclists, anglers and lovers of the outdoors and is the largest county in southern Wales, stretching from Carmarthen Bay in the south to the western Brecon Beacons and Cambrian Mountains in the north. It offers rich landscapes, gardens, ancient castles, wildlife and sandy beaches as well as market towns brimming with local produce, chic shopping and eateries.
Llandeilo is one such town, less than 30-minute drive away and is full of boutique shops, cafés and restaurants. Other places of interest nearby include National Trust Dolaucothi Goldmines (tours available) and the lakes of Llyn Brianne and Llyn-y-Fan Fach, the lake that gave rise to the Arthurian legend of the Lady of the Lake.

On arrival, you will be met with the most fantastic views from outside these properties, as far reaching as Devon. These stylish, fully renovated adjacent properties located on a former dairy farm (refs W40630 and W42961) would make an ideal base for touring and exploring the beautiful countryside and coasts of this corner of Wales. The wonderful sandy beaches and quiet coves at Tenby, Saundersfoot and Pendine on the south coast are all within an easy drive, while those to the north and west offer excellent surfing. St David’s Cathedral is within reach while keen walkers should head for the Preseli Hills, 5 miles to the north west, and the acclaimed Pembrokeshire National Park coastal footpath. With abundant medieval castles and prehistoric sites, including the impressive reconstructed iron age fort of Castell Henllys, quiet market towns and theme parks to amuse the children, this would be hard to beat as a holiday venue. Shop, pub and restaurant 5 miles.

Lying peacefully in the heart of the picturesque Gwendraeth Valley, boasting fantastic views over the nearby Black Mountain, these two well-presented holiday cottages, adjacent to the owners’ home, provide an excellent touring base for couples or a family looking to explore the nearby historical sites and spectacular coastline of west Wales. Violet Cottage (ref 30675) and The Stables (ref 30674) are semi-detached and they both date back to the 18th century and are positioned on the edge of an 8-acre small holding on the outskirts of the quaint village of Llannon. Each cottage has been finished to a good standard with comfortable furnishings and spacious living areas, with Violet Cottage (ref 30675) boasting a cosy woodburner, perfect for unwinding after a busy day’s exploration. Guests are welcome to enjoy the 8 acres of tranquil shared grounds which features a glistening lake, home to some Canadian geese that roam freely, or sit back and relax in the summer house and enjoy uninterrupted views of the rugged mountains. The area itself has so much to offer, including fantastic walks along the scenic Pembrey Country Park with 8 miles of golden sands at Cefn Sidan, Pembrey must be the only place in Europe where visitors can sunbathe, swim and hunt for shipwrecks on the beaches, then experience the thrill of a toboggan run or race down the park’s 130m dry ski slope. Further along the coast, is the WWT Llanelli Wetlands Centre. This 450-acre wildlife haven is home to more than 600 bird species that fly in from all over the globe. Explore the nearby attractions of National Botanical Gardens of Wales and Aberglasney, or take a step back in time and learn the rich history behind the medieval times and visit the majestic castles of Kidwelly, Carreg Cennen and Dinefwr, which are nestled amongst a tranquil 800-acre park with wild fellow deer running free. A trip to Carmarthenshire is not complete without a visit to Laugharne, which was formerly home to famous welsh poet Dylan Thomas, whom described the charming coastal village as ‘the strangest town in Wales’. Guests can visit his iconic boat house and castle which sits on the edge of the sparkling River Taf, or pause for a drink or lunch at Browns hotel, which was renowned as Thomas’ favourite watering hole. Beach 5 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Lying peacefully down a quiet country lane between the bustling coastal resorts of Pendine and Amroth, these traditional Welsh barns (refs 29463, 30251, 30252, 30521 and 30522) have been restored to a very good standard and make a perfect touring base for couples or families looking for a seaside getaway. Situated on a small holding complex with a small farm shop on-site, the former barns dating back to the 18th century retain much of their original charm and character, with each room having comfortable furnishings and amenities for that unforgettable holiday experience. Coastal Wood Holidays received the highest accolade of ’Tourism Business of the Year’ as well as ’Best Self Catering Accommodation of the Year’ and ’Best Customer Service Award’ and was a finalist in the category for ’Best Dog Friendly Self Catering Holiday Accommodation’ at the Carmarthenshire Tourism Awards 2018/19.
Your four-legged friend will be just as happy with a dedicated 5-acre enclosed dog run field and lots of doggy extras. These properties are nestled between Amroth beach and Pendine Sands in the beautiful Pembrokeshire National Park, with 17 acres of natural grounds and woodland walks, which lead to the spectacular coastal path, where guests can discover the hidden Horseshoe Coves and unblemished tranquil beaches dotted along the coast. The charming village of Amroth is close by, posing a selection of traditional pubs, restaurants, cafes and a sandy beach. Just a stone’s throw away are the picturesque harbour towns of Saundersfoot and Tenby, offering an array of boutique gift shops, art galleries and restaurants with freshly caught fish always on the menu. Explore the off-shore island of Caldey and share the serenity and tranquillity of the Cistercian monks, or take a sea safari along the dramatic coast, cruising close to sea birds, seals and the occasional dolphin.
Away from the coast, the rolling countryside is just as promising with its array of traditional market towns dotted around the country including Narberth and Haverfordwest as well as the numerous enchanted sites including Pembroke and Carew Castles. Visit Oakwood, Folly Farm and Bluestone for action packed day out. There is fishing nearby. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Dairy Cottage (30523) and The Buttery (30522) have an interconnecting door and can be booked together to sleep 8.