Dog-Friendly Wales | Dog-Friendly Beaches Wales

Live in the Valleys with a furry friend, and want to get better at planning dog-friendly days out near you? Or house sitting as a pet sitter in Wales soon, and want to know where you could be exploring with your new pet pal?

Great - below find the ultimate guide to dog-friendly Wales, where we make a stop at some of the top dog-friendly attractions Wales has to offer, along with beaches, walks and places to eat.

So, whether you’ve got a dog of your own at home or you’re welcoming a pet sitter soon, stay right where you are for pet-friendly must-see places in Wales.

Dog-friendly beaches in Wales

After a day exploring the dog-friendly attractions near you, it’s surely time for zoomies around the golden sands of the Welsh coast, right? Below find a few of the most popular dog-friendly Welsh beaches, and remember to always double check the signage and local restrictions before exploring with your four-legged friends.

Newborough Beach

Looking for Welsh beaches that allow dogs in the country’s north? Check out this sandy beach with your canine companion for sweeping views and enjoy exploring the woodland behind. Dogs are allowed to run free on the eastern section of the beach all year round.

Location: Llanfairpwllgwyngyll LL61 6SG

Dinas Dinlle Beach

In Caernarfon, find Dinas Dinlle Beach - a dog-friendly beach in North Wales. It offers not only wide open sand for dogs to run free, but also views of Llyn Peninsula and Yr Eifl mountains. Be aware that while dogs are welcome in the north and south sections of the beach all year round, they’re not allowed on the middle section between the stone breakwaters between (and including) May and September.

Location: Llandwrog, Caernarfon LL54 5TW

Traeth Gwyn

This small, rocky beach nestled on the coast of Central Wales is perfect for some quiet time outdoors - plus, it’s dog-friendly year round.

Location: Beaumaris LL58 8TB

Tanybwlch Beach

Looking for a dog-friendly beach in Aberystwyth? Head to Tanybwlch, where dogs are welcome on the shingle all year round. Go careful when swimming, as this spot can be subject to strong currents, and be sure to explore the rock pools with your furry pal.

Location: 2 Felin-Y-Mor Rd, Aberystwyth SY23 1BU

Aberffraw Beach

If you’re after the dog-friendly beaches Anglesey has to offer, be sure to stop by Aberffraw Beach - away from the busy seaside resorts. And just to note, there are a few other beaches in Anglesey that are dog-friendly - including Llanddwyn and Benllech, but seasonal restrictions apply.

Location: Aberffraw LL63 5EX

Rhossili Bay

Looking for dog-friendly beaches in South Wales, but not sure where to start? Well Rhossili Bay is a must for its natural beauty. Find three miles of golden sands which welcome dogs all year round, and don’t forget to spot Worm’s Head.

Location: Gower Peninsula, Swansea

Freshwater West

As one of Pembroke’s dog-friendly beaches, Freshwater West is popular with dog walkers, all year round.

Location: Freshwater West, Wales

Considerations for taking your dog to the beaches in Wales

The beaches in Wales are truly breathtaking, and many are dog-friendly - so it’s no wonder they’re so popular with pet owners and sitters alike. Just be sure to always double check the signage, keep your dog on a lead in car parks and always bring doggy bags.

Dog-friendly attractions in Wales

If you live in Wales, planning dog-friendly days out is simple - the country is brimming with attractions that allow dogs. Below, find a list of places that welcome our canine companions in each of the country’s key regions.

Dog-friendly attractions in North Wales

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Want to experience Snowdonia’s stunning landscape by train? Opt for the Ffestiniog or the Welsh Highland Railway for an unforgettable steam railway ride. The best part is - the line is totally dog-friendly - your pup can accompany you for £4 a ticket.

Location: Harbour Station, Porthmadog LL49 9NF

Beaumaris Castle

If history is your thing, you’re in luck - Wales is jam-packed with dog-friendly castles, including Beaumaris. This incredible site was built by King Edward I in the 13th century, so why not explore with your pooch? Just be sure to keep them on a lead at all times, and remember that dogs are only allowed on the ground floor.

Location: Castle St, Beaumaris LL58 8AP

Dog-friendly attractions in West Wales

Pembroke Castle

If you’re a fan of the Tudors, Pembroke Castle is a must - King Henry VII (the founder of the Tudor dynasty) was born here. And the best part is, dogs are allowed in all areas of the castle (except the gift shop).

Location: Pembroke SA71 4LA

Vale of Rheidol Railway

If you’re on the lookout for all that dog-friendly Aberystwyth has to offer, check out the Vale of Rheidol Railway. For £4 per canine passenger, pet parents and their pups can experience a 12-mile journey that goes through the stunning backdrop of the Cambrian Mountains.

Location: Park Ave, Aberystwyth SY23 1PG

Dog-friendly attractions in Central Wales

Powis Castle and Garden

Powis Castle is a stunning medieval building that’s looked after by the National Trust. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the castle, dogs on leads can explore the gardens from 1st November to 28th February. Between 1st March and October 31st, dogs can explore the parkland and some estate paths, but not the terraced gardens.

Location: Welshpool SY21 8RF

Corris Craft Centre

Fancy learning about local artists, or taking part in creative craft workshops yourself? Check out Corris Craft Centre, where dogs are welcome in all studios. The centre offers something for everyone, including candle and jewellery making workshops.

Location: Corris, Machynlleth SY20 9RF

Dog-friendly attractions in South Wales

Cardiff Castle

If you’re strolling through Cardiff city centre, you simply can’t miss Cardiff Castle. Dogs are welcome on a lead throughout the outer bailey, the Roman Wall and motte. So, pop along for a glimpse back into Cardiff’s history that dates back to the Roman times at this site.

Location: Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB

St Fagans National Museum of History

This open-air museum is perfect if you’re interested in experiencing Welsh culture throughout its centuries of history. Find re-created historic buildings (which dogs can view from the outside), gardens and grounds - all perfect for exploring with your canine companion. Find dog bins throughout the site, as well as dog water bowls.

Location: St Fagans, Cardiff CF5 6XB

Caerphilly Castle

If you’re in South Wales and you want to get to know your local history, take your furry friend along to Caerphilly Castle. Dogs on leads are allowed in the castle grounds of this 13th century site, as well as the ground floor of the castle itself.

Location: Castle St, Caerphilly CF83 1JD

National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Experience three incredible caves (Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave), where dogs on leads are welcome. Just remember to bring doggy bags!

Location: Abercraf, Swansea SA9 1GJ

Beaumaris Castle, North Wales

Dog walks in Wales

It’s no secret that Wales boasts some of the most impressive scenery in the UK - whether it’s mountains, rivers or parkland, there’s always somewhere perfect for dog walking. Below, find some of the most popular places for dog walks in Wales with locals and visitors.

Dog walks in North Wales

Snowdonia National Park

As the most well-known National Park in the country, you might have heard a thing or two about Snowdonia! Home to many National Nature Reserves, mountains, lakes and valley rambles, it’s the perfect place to get lost in the countryside. Just be sure to follow the Countryside Code and follow the rules around keeping dogs on a lead during the summer months in certain areas, such as spots areas where livestock are kept.

Location: W423+6F Blaenau Ffestiniog

Llandudno & The Great Orme

Want to experience all that dog-friendly Llandudno has to offer? Stop by The Great Orme, where you can explore its variety of scenic trails and Bronze Age copper mines.

Location: Llandudno LL30 2XF

Dog walks in Central Wales

Elan Valley

Love nothing more than lakeside views? Be sure to check out Elan Valley, where you’ll find dams and reservoirs between stunning woodlands. Remember to keep your dog on a lead while on dam walls, and follow the Countryside Code.

Location: Elan Valley, Rhayader LD6 5HP

Mawddach Trail

This trail in Central Wales is especially popular amongst walkers and cyclists, which runs from Dolgellau to Barmouth. Enjoy views of the Cadair Idris mountain, and keep your eye out for local birds.

Location: Dolgellau LL40 1YE

Dog walks in West Wales

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

If you live anywhere in Pembrokeshire or are house sitting nearby, this coast path stretches a whopping 186 miles, so it’s well worth a visit for sweeping sea views.

Location: Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Haverfordwest SA62 6BA

Llyn Brianne Reservoir

Take in the reservoir views and explore the forested hills that surround it with your furry best pal. Remember to keep your dog on a lead when near the dam itself, and let them off by following the Countryside Code when further out.

Location: Llandovery SA20 0PG

Dog walks in South Wales

Brecon Beacons National Park

Looking for the best South Wales walks with your dog? Be sure to tick the Brecon Beacons off your list! Find waterfalls, iconic mountains - including Pen y Fan - and endless rolling hills.

Location: Brecon Beacons, Wales

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park

Made up of two lakes, woodland and a reconstructed medieval village, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park makes for an interesting day out with your furry friends. Just remember to keep your dog on a lead when near the lake and when exploring the village.

Location: Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock Rd, Penarth CF64 5UY

Brecon Beacons, South Wales

Dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Wales

When it comes to choosing where to eat and drink with your canine companion in Wales, the list is almost endless. In fact, eating out with your dog is one of the best ways to experience local life - and taste produce and products made by local artisans. So without any further ado, follow our tips below for eating and drinking out with your dog in Wales.

Explore your nearby farm shop. Wales is home to extensive farmland, whichever direction you look, and many are accompanied by a farm shop and cafe. So, to support your local farmers, try the produce and chat with locals, find your local (dog-friendly) farm cafe.
Find a traditional Welsh pub. Otherwise known as ‘tafarns’, pubs in Wales are in some cases, hundreds of years old, and celebrate the local culture through the food and ales they serve. So, be sure to try a local tafarn if you’ve recently moved into a new area.
Call ahead. Like any local business, hands can change, and so do rules around dog-friendliness, so always double check before trying somewhere new.

Aberystwyth, West Wales

Dog-friendly destinations in Wales

Already know where you want to go house sitting in Wales, or want more advice on planning a dog-friendly day out in your local area? Check out our tips below for dog-friendly things to do in Cardiff, Anglesey and Swansea.

Dog-friendly Cardiff

The Welsh capital is a buzzing city for locals, pet sitters, and of course their canine companions. It’s bursting with pubs, cafes and restaurants that welcome pets, including The Owain Glyndwr, The Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn and The Lansdowne Pub - all popular with both locals and their dogs. For a breath of fresh air, head to Bute Park, Pontcanna & Llandaff Fields or Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve - all dog-friendly places in Cardiff that are perfect for walkies.

For more tips on where to go with a furry friend, visit our travel guide to dog-friendly Cardiff.

Dog-friendly Anglesey

Live in north wales, or thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Anglesey? Well if you love a sweeping coastline and thousands of years worth of ancient history, you’ll love all that the Welsh island has to offer. From the Anglesey coastal path to Newborough Forest, you’re never short of stunning dog walks. Anglesey is also home to ancient monuments that are well worth a visit, including Beaumaris Castle, Penmon Priory and Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber.

And for even more ideas on things to do with your furry friends, check out these eight dog walks in Anglesey.

Dog-friendly Swansea

Live to the south in the second largest city in Wales, or house sitting as a pet sitter in Swansea soon? No worries - you won’t be short of places to go with your four-pawed pal. Check out Victoria or Singleton Park for morning walkies, and choose from countless pet-friendly coffee shops, including Hoogah Cafe, Coast Cafe and The Observatory. And for things to do, be sure to check out Swansea DogFest, and head to Clyne Valley Country Park for epic woodland trails.

Want to get in the know on even more pet-friendly things to do near you? Head to our travel guide to dog-friendly Swansea.

Swansea, South Wales

Dog-friendly things to do in Wales: tips from locals

If you want even more tips on where to visit in Wales, there’s no better place to start than our Community Forum. For a few golden nuggets of advice from pet sitters in Wales and local residents, take a look below.

“We did a sit in Newport and could easily see Cardiff from there, and we did another two sits up north in Rossett & Oswestry, from which we could easily see Wrexham, Chester, Shrewsbury & Llangollen.” - @Nagy26
“It’s too long to get from the south to the north of Wales with public transport for just a single day trip, so I’d suggest you pick an area and see the attractions nearby. Some places in Wales are quite remote, so just check what’s accessible via public transport first.” - @Nagy26
“Wales is wonderful! The Brecon Beacons are a dream!” - @Fatamorgana
“Wales has stunning coastline, beautiful waterfalls, caves and breathtaking mountains” - @Silversitters
“St Fagans National History of Wales is a museum of Welsh life. It is near Cardiff and well worth a visit.” - @Silversitters
“Snowdonia is stunning and if you book ahead, you can take the little steam train up it for glorious views (it can also be very cloudy up there too)! Castles are aplenty so take your pick!” - @temba
“I live in Wales and I simply love Pembrokeshire: Tenby is my favourite town and you can get there by train quite easily.” - @Lily_V

Newport, South Wales

Dog-friendly Wales: statistics and facts

Want to know just how pet-friendly Wales really is? Check out the facts and statistics below.

52% of households have a pet in Wales.
Dogs make up 33% of Welsh households, and cats 21%.
5% of households in Wales have a small furry animal (such as a hamster, guinea pig, or mouse).
Just 2% of households in Wales own a bird.
Newport is the second-least pet-friendly city for renters in the UK, with 63% of landlords not allowing tenants to own pets.
19% of landlords in Swansea do not accept pets.
Cardiff is relatively pet-friendly for renters, with 85% of landlords accepting tenants with pets.

Sources: Lets for Pets, Welsh Government

Snowdonia, North Wales

Tips for pet parents

Follow the Countryside Code. Wales is packed with jaw-dropping places to walk your dog - including mountains, beaches and valleys. Just be sure to stick to the Countryside Code to protect both you, your dog and your local wildlife.
Be aware of seasonal changes. As a resident, you’ll know just how popular local spots can get during the summer months, so always double check your nearby dog walking areas for seasonal restrictions on access for dogs.
Plan ahead for your holiday. While living in Wales might feel like a holiday in its own right sometimes, you’re sure to plan a trip away some time soon. So, why not consider welcoming an in-home, verified pet sitter to look after your pooch, where vets agree they’re happiest? To find out more, click below.

Pet sitters in Wales

How it works

Tips for pet sitters in Wales

Get to know the local history. If you’re a pet sitter in Wales, you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by a history that spans through thousands of years. So, be sure to visit a nearby attraction that’s dog-friendly, and you’ll soon understand the country from a whole new perspective.
Be tick-aware. While house sitting in Wales, you’re sure to encounter all kinds of terrain - including long grasslands where ticks are rife. So, make a plan of action with pet parents when it comes to their pet’s ticks, and stick to it while their dog is in your care.
Follow pet parent advice. Nobody knows the pets in your care like their owners, so follow feeding, exercise and training instructions so that you both have the best time.
Explore Wales through house sitting. So, fancy strolling the valleys with a furry friend by your side? Well by house sitting in Wales, you can get to know the country without paying a penny on your stay. Simply exchange in-home pet care and get a place to stay in return for a pet-filled trip to Wales. Click below to find out more about how it works.

House sitting in Wales