Wales, with its stunning coastline and picturesque landscapes, has long been a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. But what if you're not alone in your quest to explore the sandy shores and crashing waves? For those who cherish the company of their four-legged friends, Wales offers a delightful solution – dog-friendly beaches. From the rugged beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast to the serene stretches along Anglesey's shores, these sandy sanctuaries welcome both humans and their furry companions with open arms.
In this article, we'll embark on a journey to discover the best dog-friendly beaches in Wales, where your beloved canine can frolic in the surf, chase seagulls, and bask in the sun alongside you. So grab that lead, pack some sunscreen, and get ready to explore the coastal treasures that make Wales a paradise for dogs and their owners alike.
The Wales Coast Path was the first of its kind anywhere in the world – an 870-mile stretch of the country’s incredible and varied coastline that takes in cliffs, wildlife and beaches that are beyond beautiful.
Your four-legged friend will be sitting up and begging to be taken to these eight dog-friendly beaches on the Wales Coast Path.
Just take care in case there are cliffs, farms or livestock, and please scoop the poop to keep the path tidy. Please be a responsible dog walker and follow the Countryside Code. For safe and happy walks with your dog, and to avoid causing problems for others, Natural Resources Wales also has a Dog Walking Code. Diolch!
Porthor Beach is ideal for enjoying a windswept winter dog walk, as restrictions apply during the summer months. From 1st October to March 31st, dogs are free to roam on this beautiful crescent-shaped beach. It was given its nickname because of the squeak or whistling sound that the sand makes underfoot – or under paw. The Wales Coast Path can be accessed from both sides without going on the beach itself, with the chance to enjoy incredible views of the coastline all year round.
How to get there: There is a National Trust car park nearby.
What else? There's a 12-mile walk further along the Wales Coast Path on the spectacular Llŷn Peninsula.
Cilborth is a Green Coast and Seaside Award-winning beach immediately north of Llangrannog. Insiders whisper that this is the most spectacular part of the Ceredigion section of Wales Coast Path. It can be accessed from Llangrannog beach at low tide or via the cliff steps. This secluded cove looks out at Carreg Bica, a giant tooth-shaped rock, around which you can find caves and rock-pools to explore. Man’s best friend can roam without restriction any time of the year.
How to get there: Turn off the A487 at Brynhoffnant, north of Cardigan, and follow the B4334 towards Llangrannog, or bus service 552 (Cardi Bach) runs from New Quay to Cardigan via Llangrannog.
What else? Llangrannog is also the home to the renowned activity centre and hostel, Gwersyll yr Urdd Llangrannog. The centre was founded in 1932 and continues to offer excellent facilities for activities for the rest of the family.
Its golden sands and crystal-clear waters have been likened to those of the Caribbean. Luckily, your pet need not miss out on this treat of a beach as it is dog-friendly all year round. Woof!
There’s a steep walk down to the beach area, but the stone steps are suitable for dogs and it's worth the effort.
How to get there: Parking is available at Stackpole Quay, Broad Haven South and Bosherston.
What else? A different waterside walk is the nearby Bosherston Lily Ponds, where dogs are welcome. This relaxing lakeside view takes in plenty of wildlife, so keep dogs on a lead where possible. The nearby St Govan’s Country Inn is also dog-friendly and offers a varied menu including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
The beaches at Burry Port lie either side of the marina, a former harbour that was used for the transportation of coal. The easterly beach is a mile long, is backed by dunes and has a cycle path that takes you to Llanelli. Meanwhile, the westerly beach comprises of open sands before becoming a long inlet and has a cycle path to Pembrey. That leaves plenty of scope for exploring.
How to get there: Take junction 48 (to A4138) from the M4, followed by the A476 and A484. There is some free parking at the bottom of Heol Vaughan and a pay and display car park at the harbour.
What else? The centre of the village is five minutes from the beach. There's a railway station, a bakery, a few eateries and pubs. Make sure to wander around the harbour; it's where Amelia Earhart landed after becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
Once ranked by the Times as ‘The UK's No.1 dog-friendly beach’, and one of TripAdvisor’s top 10 beaches anywhere on the face of Earth, Rhossili’s three-mile-long stretch of sand is arguably the most recognisable in Wales. Dogs are allowed all year round and tend to particularly enjoy frolicking in the wet sand at low tide. All National Trust beaches on Gower welcome dogs throughout the year.
How to get there: The beach is accessed down a path from the village of Rhossili, which is at the end of the B4247. The National Trust-owned car park also has electric vehicle charging points and new cycle racks.
What else? Enjoy a gentle circular walk on the Wales Coast Path, via Llangennith, then along the cliffs overlooking the stunning beach, and back along the beach itself. A paw-fect stop-off point is the 17th century King’s Head pub in the village of Llangennith, where you can expect rewarding food and ale as well as pet-friendly accommodation if you’re set for round two tomorrow.
For a beach that packs a double punch, visit Manorbier. Not only is it a vast, sandy and pebbly beach, it has a stately castle looking down onto it (or behind it, if you're on the beach itself). Kick back with your pooch imagining what it'd be like to live in such a grand fortress with the coastline outside your window. The beach is popular with surfers because of its south-westerly position, but take care with your dogs near the water as there are sometimes strong currents.
