Dog-Friendly Holidays in Wales: A Guide to Planning the Perfect Trip

Wales is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors, and it’s also a great place to take your dog. There are plenty of dog-friendly activities to enjoy, from hiking and camping to visiting beaches and cities. 

As dog owners ourselves, we’ve put together a helpful guide on planning a dog-friendly holiday in Wales. 

Find Dog-friendly accommodation

 There are many dog-friendly accommodation options in Wales, from hotels and B&Bs to campsites and self-catering cottages. When you’re looking for dog-friendly accommodation, it’s important to check the rules and regulations carefully. Some places may have restrictions on where dogs are allowed, and some may charge an additional fee for dogs.

Personally, we love camping with our dog. It’s just wonderful to spend time getting back to nature and keeping things simple. 

Just a few examples of accommodation on offer:

Bala Camping and Caravanning Club Site in North Wales is a great place to stay if you want to be close to Snowdonia National Park. 

Preseli Glamping in Pembrokeshire with pitches in a large, secluded meadow with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Plus, it is conveniently close to the Pembrokeshire coastal path, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

But, camping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and many holiday cottages are also pet-friendly, just filter your search accordingly. 

For those who like to have access to activities right on the doorstep, Trecco Bay Holiday Park in South Wales is a great choice if you’re looking for a family-friendly option. The park has a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, a water park, and a playground and has pet-friendly accommodation options. Again, ensure you book the correct accommodation.

Plan Dog-friendly activities

There are plenty of dog-friendly activities to enjoy in Wales, from hiking and camping to visiting beaches and cities, your four-legged friend will enjoy the holiday just as much as you!

Here are a few ideas:

Walking and hiking: Wales is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the UK, and many of them are dog-friendly. Some of the most popular dog-friendly hikes include the South Ridge of Snowdon, the Devil’s Kitchen in the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Make sure to obey local signage which may mean keeping our dog on a lead in certain areas. 

Enjoying beaches: Wales has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and many of them are dog-friendly. Make sure to do your research first, as some beaches do have dog restrictions in place in the summer months. 

Exploring castles: Visiting a castle is a must-do activity on any Welsh holiday! Many castles allow dogs to join the visit, generally on a lead. In Pembrokeshire, Carew Castle welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads and there are many walks in the surrounding area, too. Harlech Castle in Snowdonia is a coastal beauty and is dog-friendly. In Anglesey, explore the unfinished masterpiece that is Beaumaris castle, and in South Wales you can’t beat Caldicot Castle and Country Park.  

Visiting towns and cities: Wales has a number of cities: Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bangor, Wrexham, St Asaph and St David’s. There are more towns and villages than we have space to name! But most places are dog-friendly, and they offer a variety of activities for visitors, including museums, art galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Top tips for taking your dog to Wales

Here are a few top tips for taking your dog on holiday with you to Wales:

Check the rules and regulations: Before you go, make sure you check the rules and regulations for dog ownership in Wales. For example, some beaches have restrictions on where dogs are allowed, and some campsites have a limit on the number of dogs per pitch.

Pack the essentials: Make sure you pack everything you need for your dog, including food, water, a lead, a collar, a muzzle if appropriate and any medication they may need. You may also want to pack a portable dog bed or crate if you’re planning on staying in a hotel or hostel. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations, worm and flea treatments and chip information are all up to date, too. 

Be prepared for the weather: Wales has a temperate climate, but it can be wet and unpredictable. Be sure to pack rain gear for both you and your dog and be prepared for some wet weather activities! 

Consider doggy day care: many kennels offer one-off day care, so if there’s an activity you want to do which isn’t dog-friendly, instead of missing out plan ahead and book your dog a day off. 

Have fun! Wales is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors, and your dog is sure to love exploring it with you. 

We hope this blog post has helped you plan your dog-friendly holiday in Wales. We know you won’t be disappointed with all that our beautiful country has to offer. If you have any questions, do feel free to contact us here at Holidays Wales.