Dog-friendly Holidays in Wales

Just 5 miles from the attractive Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells and Rhayader’s spectacular red kite feeding station, these three warm and comfortable lodges – each of which boast its own blissful hot tub offering wonderful views – all enjoy a peaceful working farm setting. A nearby river offers informal angling and, for more serious fishing, the beautiful Elan Valley with its stunning reservoirs is the area’s main attraction. Close to Glyndwr’s Way, the Cistercian Way and Offa’s Dyke, this is wonderful walking, mountain biking and bird watching country, and an indoor play barn and adventure park, small breeds farm, indoor activity centre, cycle hire and pony trekking are among nearby delights. Rhayader is also home to the Welsh Royal Crystal factory, whilst Hereford’s Cathedral with its famous chained library and Mappa Mundi draws visitors from all over the world as does the nearby ‘book town’ of Hay-on-Wye. Dolphin spotting in Cardigan Bay and the golden sands of Aberdovey are easily within a day trip. There is a good selection of eating places in the area. Shop 3 miles, pub 1.5 miles.

This well-positioned holiday lodge, close to the owner’s home, is situated in a quiet area of Presteigne, yet within walking distance to the local shops and pubs. With great views over open countryside, this pleasant, detached property is located on a smallholding with horses and sheep in the surrounding fields. It boasts its own private garden and decked area, where you will spot a variety of birds and local wildlife. Presteigne is a fascinating little medieval market town in mid-Wales, but literally right on the English border, with history and buildings dating back to the 14th century. The Judge’s Lodgings and Offa’s Dyke footpath are local to Presteigne. Close to the borderlands of Shropshire and Herefordshire, you will be spoilt for choice on days out. Visit Croft, Kinnersley and Stokesay castles, Acton Scott Working Farm, Ludlow Racecourse and Hereford’s cathedral and cider museum. Shop, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Occupying an enviable position in the village of Heyope, and overlooking the rolling countryside, these pleasant detached holiday cottages (refs 30201, 30202, 30203 and UK6399) all stand within their own grounds on a small exclusive site, each with a private hot tub, patio area and enclosed garden. The village itself is close to the popular town of Knighton, which occupies a unique position, as part of the town is in Wales, and part in England – a truly unique character border town. Made famous by one of Owain Glyndwr’s most famous victories against English invaders, it now warmly welcomes tourists from all over Europe and beyond. Steeped in history with sloping, winding streets and 17th century half-timbered houses, this is a great location for visiting Offa’s Dyke and the Glyndwr Way, or exploring the beautiful and fascinating Teme Valley. Throughout the year, there are some lively fairs celebrated, and all year round, you will find an array of antique and gift shops, tea rooms, old inns, good food and friendly locals. Local attractions include Offas Dyke Heritage Centre, Powys Observatory with Planetarium Show, golf, clay pigeon shooting and coarse fishing.
Due to its special location, the tourist attractions of Shropshire and mid Wales are all within easy driving distances, so you can visit the likes of Clun with its castle, Ludlow, Church Stretton and Longmynd. Ironbridge Gorge, Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth make great day trips, and over the border into Wales, you can enjoy Welshpool with its steam engine, canal and Powys Castle. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

The stunning location of Gorsddu is just one of its surprises when you arrive. You can’t tell by looking at this beautifully restored property that the original house, built before 1840, was the size of, what is now the living room. What was once a cowshed added in about 1901, is now a fitted kitchen. Records show that the owner’s great, great, great grandfather purchased the property in 1848 for £65 and it has been painstakingly built and renovated by the family using mostly their own home grown oak. Now the luxurious house of Gorsddu boasts huge panoramic windows from the spacious sun room that looks out over the eastern edge of the rolling Cambrian Mountains known as the ’roof of Wales’. You will probably want to while away many hours with a pair of binoculars and a drink and soak up the stunning scenery. From mid April to mid June you will often hear the plaintive call of the cuckoo.

The hamlet of Llanwrthwl, nearest to Gorsddu, lies on the River Wye south of Rhayader. From here you can take a walk, part of the National Trust Abergwesyn Common know as the Llanwrthwl Horseshoe Walk which starts at the church taking you through mountain moorland and peat bogs. The National Cycle Trail also passes through here, and with the Élan Valley cycle path close by, this area really is a haven for cyclists. The property is also well accommodated for keen cyclists, with a lockable shed for storage of up to seven bikes, and it also acts as a drying room.

To the north west is the RSPB nature reserve called Carngafallt, a heather clad hill with slopes covered in ancient hanging oak woodlands. Legend says that King Arthur’s dog, Gafallt, left his paw print in a stone somewhere on Carngafallt. It was also here that a hoard of bronze age gold jewellery was found, now in the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. In the churchyard next to the parish church of St Gwrthwl in Llanwrthwl is a huge standing stone.

The region is also home to spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys. Rich with rare wildlife, including the magnificent Red Kites, the area offers wonderful walking and some of the best mountain biking routes in the British Isles. Nearby Rhayader, about six miles, also renowned for being the canoeing capital of Europe, is best explored on foot where you should take time to discover the variety of independent shops and crafts where you’ll find everything from gifts to the essentials. There is a good choice of places to eat, where you can try traditional Welsh dishes and home cooked comforts, and for a friendly evening out, there are pubs in every direction each with its own welcoming atmosphere. There is also a convenience store, petrol station and cafe situated just two miles down the road from the property, so guests are within easy reach of essentials!

Other places to visit nearby include Wales’ most central town Llandrindod Wells, known locally as ’Llandod’ it was developed as a spa town in the 19th Century. Builth Wells, the interesting market town now famous for the annual Royal Agricultural Show and numerous smaller shows and fairs throughout the year. LLanwrtyd Wells, reputedly the smallest town in Britain, also has lots going on including the wacky events of bog snorkelling and Man Versus Horse marathons. Shop 2½, pub and restaurant 6 Miles.

Dating back to the 17th Century and surrounded by open countryside, this detached farmhouse nestles on a 400-acre family-run working farm, with cattle, sheep and chickens, and where a warm welcome is assured. Trowley Farmhouse is situated in a tranquil, unspoilt location at the end of a private lane. Ideal for getting friends and families together, there is space to socialise with two lounges and a large farmhouse-style kitchen. There is also a private garden and nearby orchards and fields to have fun in or to simply relax. Stepping into the flagged stone entrance porch and through the grand oak door into the panelled hallway, you will get a sense of the history of this wonderful house. With oak beams, thick stone walls and original bread oven in the kitchen, the property retains much of the character of the original building, whilst every modern convenience is provided to make your stay comfortable whatever the season. On chillier evenings, the wood burner and open fire will provide the focal point for cosy nights in. Enjoy extensive views of the Begwn Hills and the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, along with woodland and wildlife. The owners are happy to offer farm tours subject to availability.


The location is a must for nature lovers with red kites and buzzards often spotted, and up on Painscastle common, just a 20-minute walk, there are red grouse and curlews. Nearby is Rhosgoch Bog, a conservation area perfect for birdwatchers. At the highest point, known as the ‘Roundabout’ on the Begwn Hills, there are spectacular views and you can see seven counties on a clear day. The nearby town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for having close to 40 book shops, has plenty to keep you busy and one visit just isn’t enough. There are characterful antique shops and cafés, as well as many shops for those looking to discover a rare edition or bygone childhood book. Explore the atmospheric ruins of nearby Llanthony Priory, an early 13th Century Augustinian church which is open all year and entrance is free. Apart from being home to the internationally famous Royal Welsh Show, along with a host of other events, nearby Builth Wells offers everything from sports and leisure facilities, to an 18 hole golf course, pony trekking and renowned angling spots. The red kite feeding centre at Gigrin Farm offers the opportunity to come in close contact with these rare and magnificent birds on a daily basis.

Lovely detached barn conversion, a quality Llandrindod Wells cottage, with wonderful valley views near Dolau in Powys. Woodburner, beams, rural setting. Llandrindod Wells 8 miles.

A beautiful stone-built farmhouse resting in Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd. Woodburning stoves. Hot tubs. Games room. Off-road parking. Enclosed gardens. Dog-friendly. Mountain views. Excellent walking and cycling. Dolgellau 7.9 miles.

A stylish, modernised farmhouse with stunning country views. Luxury hot tub, woodburner, two reception rooms. Pet-friendly. WiFi. Welshpool 8 miles.

Fabulous detached 16th century farmhouse with hot tub. On owners' working farm, surrounded by Welsh countryside, close to border. Exposed beams. Woodburning stove. Pets welcome. Beguildy 5 miles.

A lovely cottage in the heart of the village. Ideal for families or a small group of friends looking to enjoy the border countryside. Easy reach of fabulous days out and various activities. Woodburner. Pet-friendly. Enclosed garden with hot tub.