Dog Friendly Holidays in Wales, 2026: Best Stays & Coastal Walks

Wales is my family’s happy place – mine, my husband’s and our rescue dog Lucy’s. It’s the perfect escape from the our hectic daily lives in London. We all adore the Welsh beaches – especially Lucy, who gets so excited that she loses control of her body as she zooms around in the sand. And then there’s the gorgeous walks, cosy pubs and a wonderful selection of dog-friendly hotels and cottages. Plus, who can resist the friendly charm of the various Welsh voices that welcome you into the country like a hug? 

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Why choose a dog-friendly holiday in Wales?

Okay, here’s the thing: there’s endless reasons to pick Wales for your next dog-friendly break. It’s got it all – mountains and lakes and glorious beaches (the majority of which are dog-friendly; although rules vary) and picturesque villages. In fact there’s so much going on that it would be impossible to include everything in this guide... 

There’s three national parks (Snowdonia, the Pembrokeshire Coast and the Brecon Beacons), five areas of outstanding national beauty and more than 1,200km (750 miles) of coast to explore and sniff. There’s also loads of cafés, pubs and restaurants that welcome pups, too, so there will always be somewhere to stop-off to hydrate and refuel so you can keep on exploring and discovering the Welsh delights at every turn.

Top dog-friendly regions in Wales

Pembrokeshire Coast: best for dog-friendly beaches

The Pembrokeshire Coast in the southwest corner of Wales is – hand on heart – one of the best places in the UK to go on holiday with your dog; it’s a must-visit bucket list sort of trip. And it’s ever so welcoming for canines and humans alike. 

Barafundle Bay

Backed by dunes, pine trees and rolling countryside, Barafundle Bay is the beach you’d conjure up in your mind were you asked to describe your dream beach. Managed by the National Trust and part of its Stackpole Estate, it is so pretty that it’s won numerous awards. Picture the scene: golden sand and crystal clear waters that wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard from the Caribbean. It’s only accessible on feet and paws – half a mile from the nearest car park. And even more special for pet parents – it’s dog-friendly all year long. Yep, there’s no summer restrictions. Just be mindful and clear up any mess – but you didn’t need us to tell you that.

Tenby

Tenby, too, is a delight – if you’re after a quintessentially quaint town by the sea. Tenby Harbour Beach has an iconic backdrop of pastel-coloured houses for that picture-postcard Insta shot of your pup (although dogs aren’t allowed between 1 May and 30 September). Then there’s Tenby North Beach (dogs banned during summer), which is just around the headland from Tenby Castle Beach (summer restrictions apply) and the larger Tenby South Beach (which has no restrictions all year, yay).

Wales Coast Path

Fun fact: the Wales Coast Path is one of the few footpaths in the world to follow a nation's coastline. You can join the path anywhere along its 870 miles for stunning views, cultural spots, close encounters with nature and decades of history. Keep in mind that when venturing on to the path with your dog that you must follow the Countryside Code and keep your dog under control and on a lead for safety. Poppit Sands is right at the start of the Pembrokeshire section of the coast path – the beach is shallow and great for dogs to paddle in the sea (dogs are allowed during summer but must stay to the right).

Llŷn Peninsula

Further along the path, Llanbedrog to Abersoch, Llŷn Peninsula is a good dog-friendly option for walking – it’s 6km (4 miles). Fair warning though, the woodland section is steep and requires some fitness. Make sure you and your dog are up to it. Always thoroughly research the routes you plan on taking and be sure to bring along water for you and your pup, snacks, too, of course (also plan stops at cafes and pubs to refresh and rest).

Eryri (Snowdonia): best for mountain adventures

In north Wales, Eryri (formerly Snowdonia) is home to Yr Wyddfa (which you might know as Snowdon), which is the highest mountain in Wales (Welsh speakers might point out that these are in fact the correct names and have been the ones used by Welsh speakers all along). The mountain has six main footpaths; in a cruel and inevitable twist of fate, the easiest route is also, of course, the longest. The Llanberis Path is around 14.5km (9 miles) and many a dog can be spotted walking it with their pet parent. Warning: avoid Crib Goch with your dog at all costs. The route has scrambling sections and deep drops, which has resulted in dog accidents and even fatalities.

Unfortunately, only assistance dogs can ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway so Yr Wyddfa must be explored on feet and paws by walking with your dog.

As the Scout motto goes: “be prepared”. Pack a collapsible water bowl for your dog to drink from, take lots of treats (to praise your dog and to give them energy). Check the weather to see if your dog might need a coat and take a travel towel for if it gets very rainy. Although you’re out in nature, you still need to clean up after your dog so take poo bags and maybe something to carry the filled poo bags in to deposit when you find a bin.

Hydration and fitness are both key to consider before you embark on a hike – both for you and your pup. Don’t attempt any long walks if you think you or your dog may struggle. Bonus, it’s surprising how much you can see from the car park (we parked in Pen Y Pass car park) – when my husband and I stopped by it was mega windy so we only did a short walk from our car and it was absolutely beautiful. Lucy loved feeling the wind in her fur.

We stayed in nearby Harlech (around a 14-minute drive / seven miles-ish), which is a historic coastal town in Gwynedd. We booked a Welsh stone cottage (a cosy home from home) where the owners live next door and are ever so lovely. After a walk on Harlech Beach (only a small section is restricted during summer), we could leave Lucy in the cottage to chill, while we headed off to nearby attractions like Portmeirion where dogs aren’t allowed.

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons): best for rural escapes

Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly the Brecon Beacons) is a 520-square-mile national park in south/mid Wales, it’s home to Pen y Fan (the highest mountain in Bannau Brycheiniog), which offers a strenuous but moderate walk with decent footpaths to the summit. The National Trust estimates that it would take around two and half hours. 

The Dragon’s Back hike, which is 11km (seven miles), takes you up Waun Fach (Small Moor) peak and is an awesome hike for active dogs and humans offering panoramic views – be safe though and make sure your dog is on a lead near any steep drops. 

The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is also another great location to explore with your dog – the towpaths are good for sniffy walks and Monmouthshire is filled with vast open spaces.

Best types of dog-friendly accommodation in Wales

If the Welsh canals tickle your fancy, you could stay on a boat – Beacon Park Boats, for example, have a range of dog-friendly narrow boats. 

If you prefer to stay on dry land, there’s loads of hotels, B&Bs, cottages and hostels that welcome pups. Visit Wales has recommendations for dog-friendly hotels, and the search function on Airbnb means you can filter out options that don’t allow pets. Also check out dog-friendly travel experts Pets Pyjamas where you can browse cottages, luxe hotels, B&Bs and bedrooms in pubs. 

Some standouts: 

• Lake Country Hotel in Builth Wells, mid Wales, prides itself on making its accommodation comfy for dogs and humans alike and is set on 50 acres of ground. 

• Bryn Berwyn B&B and Country House Hotel in Tresaith, Cardigan, West Wales, are “big dog lovers”, meaning dogs are welcome in most other areas of the hotel including the bar, decking area, drawing room and (on request) the breakfast room.

• For wine lovers, Llanerch is a pioneering vineyard hotel in the Vale of Glamorgan in south Wales with a range of dog-friendly rooms.

Luxury pet-friendly cottages with enclosed gardens

You can find pet-friendly cottages in Wales via Holiday Cottages, Under The Hatch and Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages – prices from as low as £50 per night and there’s loads of different options by the sea, in land, near mountains and national parks, in towns and villages.

For super-luxe options, try Unique Home Stays for something a little different. Saffron Tower on the isle of Anglesey has a gorgeous walled garden, an indoor pool, a sauna and an alfresco hot tub overlooking the sea, dreamy. It's a three night minimum stay with a maximum of two dogs, prices start from £1,495.

Sugar & Loaf is also a good place to browse as it specialises in luxury cottages in Wales (there’s also glamping and lodges) and you can select properties that have enclosed gardens for your dog to roam in.

Dog-friendly glamping and shepherd's huts

There’s some excellent glamping options to book in all corners of Wales – including pods and shepherd’s huts and wooden cabins and yurts and even tree houses. Check out Canopy & Stars, Paws & Stay and Wigwam Holidays for options. Prices vary but start from around £50 per night.

If you fancy heading off grid for a digital detox (yes, please) Unyoked have pet-friendly cabins and huts set in some stunning locations across Wales – including Bannau Brycheiniog and Llangollen, a town on the River Dee.

Essential tips for travelling with your dog in Wales

If you plan on adventuring and hiking when you’re in Wales, check out information from local councils. Swansea Council, for example, have sections on their website for coastal walks and countryside walks to show any rules and restrictions that apply when it comes to dogs.

It’s wise to know where the local vets are – save at least one clinic’s number – just in case something happens, it’s best to be cautious. Also ensure your dog’s microchip and vaccinations are up to date. Pack extra poo bags and towels – it’s impossible to have too many! I always like to bring Lucy’s own blankets and if we’re travelling in the car, her own bed, too  – so she has the familiar scents of home to comfort her if she feels anxious. I also make sure Lucy’s tracker is fully charged and on her collar at all times and I bring a long line so she can sniff and wander more freely without the worry of her running off.

Navigating seasonal beach restrictions

When you get to the beach, there should be signs to show you whether or not dogs are allowed and if they’re limited to certain sections, here’s what to look out for:

• If dogs are banned from the beach (or parts of the beach), there will usually be a sign that has a red circle with a diagonal line over a dog silhouette.

• If you need to keep your dog on a lead, there should be a sign with a red circle with a figure holding a lead with a dog attached to it.

• Not all summer restrictions come into place on the same date – look for signs that indicate the dates on them.

Livestock safety and the Countryside Code

The Countryside Code is all about respecting nature and the animals that call it home – be nice, say hello. Around livestock (including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry, horses) always make sure your dog is on a lead. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 2025 was amended recently, and it means that you mustn’t let your dog “worry” livestock – “livestock worrying can happen when a dog attacks, chases or is loose among livestock”. Spend some time getting to know the signs and symbols of the countryside – Gov.uk has some excellent info.

Bottom line: dog friendly holidays Wales

Your perfect holiday awaits – whatever you fancy you can find it  in Wales, from the highest peaks of a mountain to a dip in the sea at one of the many spectacular dog-friendly beaches. 

Frequently asked questions: dog-friendly holidays in Wales

Is Wales a good destination for dogs?

A resounding yes. Amazing dog-friendly beaches? Tick. Stunning landscapes? Tick. Mountains to climb? Tick. Cosy places to stay? Tick, tick, tick…

What are the best dog-friendly attractions in Wales?

If you can drag your dog away from the many beaches, try these dog days out:

• The National Botanic Garden of Wales has dedicated “doggy days” on Mondays and Fridays.

• Zip World sites across Wales are all dog-friendly. Obvs, dogs can't go on the zip line rides, though, the Penrhyn Quarry and Llechwedd sites also have doggy day care.

• Ride the Ffestiniog Railway for a 13½-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Dogs are welcome in the third-class sections of the train.

Can I take my dog to Portmeirion? 

Portmeirion Village in north Wales operates a strict no-dogs policy – only assistance dogs are permitted. If you want to visit, book accommodation closeby that allows dogs to be on their own (we booked a cottage so Lucy felt at home), some hotels don’t allow dogs to be alone in the room but may offer doggy daycare, check in with them first to see. 

Most importantly, have a wonderful time! Or, as they say in Wales: “Mwynhewch eich hun.”