Border Collie plays in the beach

A family outing with your pup is one of the best things you can do on a lovely sunny weekend. Going on an adventure, maybe a road trip could be something everyone can look forward to. 

When you live in the United Kingdom, you can get to unique and awe-inspiring places when you have a car. If you’re tired of touring the noisy and crowded city, you may want to go to the countryside to experience serenity, calm and fresh air.  

One such place in England is Wales. Coming from the city of London, it’ll take you approximately two and a half hours to reach beautiful Wales by car. Alternatively, you may take the train or coach, but bringing your furry pal will be most convenient when you travel by car. 

Wales is divided into four regions, North, South, Mid, and West Wales. Each uniquely has something to offer for the entire family, including your furry best friend. Check out these dog friendly excursions in various locations in Wales 

  • Barmouth Beach 

If you’re searching for a dog-friendly place, you’ve found it. Barmouth beach will be a place your pup will love. They’ll have a grand time running free on the vast expanse of the beach. If you visit in the summer, the kids will have the best time playing on the trampolines, bouncy castle and pirate ships. The older adults will love the vintage charm of Barmouth as within a short distance, leisure amenities like shops, cafes and pubs can be experienced.  

  • Colwyn Bay 

Colwyn Bay is a popular seaside resort located on the north coast of Wales with plenty of super dog-friendly eateries. You and your pup can try out some fantastic Welsh specialities while enjoying a sunny view of the pier from the deck.  

Most restaurants have al fresco dining with benches facing the beach and ice cream stands where you and your best pal can enjoy a scoop of two of your favourite mint chocolate chips and their favourite vanilla ice cream. No chocolates for your pup though.  

A dog runs along the beach in a spray of water, a golden retriever

 

  • Glamorgan’s Heritage Coast

Spanning the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend in South Wales, some of Wales best known tourist resorts, including Barry and Porthcawl can be found here.  But if funfairs and noise are not your thing, and a quiet walk with your dog and a view are more what you have in mind, there’s plenty of lovely dog friendly places to enjoy.  Ogmore-by-Sea is dog friendly with some of the most picturesque sunsets in Wales, or Newton Beach offers sandy views across the coast from Porthcawl.  If you don’t mind a long walk, Kenfig nature reserve offers a challenging walk across the sand dunes to Sker beach.

  • Pembrokeshire 

Pembrokeshire has about 50 glorious beaches, and what’s great about them is that many of them are dog-friendly! Your furry pals can enjoy a pleasant walk, stretch their legs after a long trip coming from the city and let their paws dip in the fine golden sand while smelling the fresh air laced with the scent of pine trees. You can check the cute cottages at Broad Haven, Marloes Sands, Newgale Beach, and Barafundle Bay. 

  • Aberporth Beach 

Located in West Wales, Aberporth beach offers a dog-friendly destination for the entire family. It’ll also delight you with the opportunity to spot some dolphins and seals along the coast of Cardigan Bay. 

Although the hike to Aberporth can be tiresome for the little ones, your pup will get the best exercise hiking down steep hills and rocky cliff tops. Not to worry because there’s plenty of picnic stops to rest your tired legs. The hike will all be worth it once you reach the golden sandy beaches of Aberporth.  

Older kids and adults can enjoy many water activities, including kayaking, bodyboarding, surfing, paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing, skimboarding, rock jumping, and water skiing. Cafes and restaurants – dog-friendly, of course – can be found around the beaches of Aberporth, Dyffryn and Dolwen.  

  • Harlech Beach 

Harlech beach in North Wales is prized for its majestic view of the Snowdonia Mountains. The beach is dog-friendly almost all year round, except for April to the end of September. The kids can have the best time playing in the vast stretch of golden sand. The peaceful beach has giant sand dunes. The entire family can also enjoy Welsh specialities in the cafes and restaurants. The adults can also enjoy golf at the Royal St. David’s Golf Club. 

  • Penbryn Beach 

The soft, golden sand of Penbryn beach will be a delight for your furry pal. You may need to walk through some wooded paths and moderately rough terrain to reach the majestic coast. But once you get to the beach, your pup can enjoy the mile-long stretch of fine golden sand. Bring some binoculars because the night sky is perfect for stargazing. Your pup may not enjoy the stars as much as you do, but they’ll enjoy seeing and hearing the barn owls in the area.  

Conclusion 

Searching for dog-friendly places may not be as challenging today as before. But searching for one that both your pup and your family will enjoy could be arduous. It’s a great thing Wales can offer both. It’s a place packed with many beautiful sights, culinary delights, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re visiting the North, South, West or Mid Wales, you can find a dog-friendly destination you and your pup can enjoy.