Sarah
25 September 2019
With a plethora of outdoor adventures, North Wales is a popular destination for dog owners. Hike through Snowdonia National Park, explore the furthest beaches of Anglesey and discover the most beautiful coastal scenery on the Llŷn Peninsula.
We have put together this guide to dog-friendly holidays in North Wales to help you find the best attractions, beaches, pubs and places to stay so that you can experience it all with your pet by your side. Want to skip straight to dog-friendly cottages in North Wales?
Dog-friendly beaches in North Wales
Llŷn Peninsula
A haven for canines and their owners, many of the beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula remain dog-friendly all year round. We have chosen a few of our favourite dog-friendly beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula.
Morfa Nefyn / Porth Dinllaen
- Morfa Nefyn / Porth Dinllaen – With a dog-friendly pub right on the edge of the beach, it’s not surprising that this crescent-shaped bay is a popular spot with dog walkers.
- Hell’s Mouth (Porth Neigwl)– Stretching for almost 4 miles, this vast sandy beach at the southern end of the peninsula is a real gem and at quieter times it may be just you, your canine and the waves.
- Llanbradrog Beach – Another pristine sandy beach where dogs can run to their hearts' content! There are even free pooper scoopers available from the National Trust cabin in the car park.
- Abererch – Backed by sand dunes, this 2-mile-long stretch is somewhat a continuation of Phwllheli beach, but a much quieter option. There is also a railway station in Abererch for a car-free trip.
Dog-friendly beaches in the rest of North Wales & Anglesey
Head for the furthest points of the Welsh coast where you can stand on the most vast beaches and see nothing but miles of pristine sand. With the north coast offering as many dog-friendly sections as restricted, your canine companion can paddle his paws all year round.
Mallraeth Beach
- Malltraeth – Backed by tall dunes, this long sandy beach is a mile from the car park at Newborough Forest, which means it tends to avoid the crowds and reward keen walkers and energetic dogs.
- Harlech – From this 4-mile stretch, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Snowdonia mountain range. At the north end, access Morfa Harlech National Nature Reserve for even longer dog walks. There is a small dog exclusion area between 1 April and 30 September.
- Traeth Llydan – More commonly known as Silver Bay, this sandy bay can only be accessed via the coast path, making it an ideal destination to work into a long dog walk along the Welsh coast.
- Conwy Morfa – Probably one of the most picturesque beaches in Wales, this large sandy bay is perfect for long walks throughout the year, remaining dog-friendly through summer.
Dog-friendly places to visit in North Wales
Criccieth Castle
Valle Crucis Abbey - One of the best-preserved and most atmospheric abbeys in Wales, Valle Crucis Abbey was founded in 1201, beginning in austerity but later recognised by poets for its lavish hospitality. Explore the romantic ruins of the majestic abbey with your four-legged friend at your side.
Criccieth Castle – Crowning its own rocky headland, this spectacular castle sits between two beaches and boasts impressive views over the town and sweeping bay of Cardigan. It has also appeared several times in medieval poetry.
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - Take a timeless trip aboard the Ffestiog & Welsh steam train and experience over 40 miles of beautiful scenery within Snowdonia National Park. Dogs are welcome to join you in the third-class portions of the train for £3 each.
Llanberis Lake Railway - Climb aboard the small steam engines and enjoy a 5-mile return trip alongside Lake Padarn in the heart of Snowdonia. A short stop a Cei llydan allows time for a lakeside picnic, while at Gilfach Ddu you can visit the National Slate Museum, which is also dog-friendly!
National Slate Museum - Located in the Victorian workshops beneath Elidir Mountain, the museum takes you back in time to when over 3,000 men worked the quarries here. See one of the largest water wheels built by Victorian industrialists, watch demonstrations and learn about the skill and artistry.
Bala Watersports – Take your pooch on an outdoor pursuit! You could hire a canoe, kayak or paddleboard and explore the rivers of North Wales together. Bala Watersports is happy for dogs to sit on/in equipment so they can take part in a day on the water too.
Greenwood Forest Park – A fun family day out with plenty of forest adventures, activities, rides, live shows and crafts. Your four-legged friend is welcome into the park providing they don’t bark persistently or enter the Woodbarn Café & Play.
Sygun Copper Mine – An exciting underground experience that takes you on an adventure through the industrial heritage of Wales. Canines are welcome to visit with you, but the attraction does highlight the metal staircases and different levels that some dogs may not enjoy.
Conwy Water Gardens - Try your hand at fishing, see over 100 species of fish in the aquatic centre, meet the tortoise and turtles and follow the nature trail via ponds, woods and waterfalls. End your day by sampling one of the 65 varieties of pancake on offer in the Pancake House.
Coed Y Brenin Forest Park - Crisscrossed with waymarked mountain bike trails and walking routes, the forest park is a haven for dogs. At the Visitor Centre you will find shops, cafes, play areas and the start of the kid's Animal Puzzle Trail.
Dog-friendly pubs in North Wales
The White Eagle, Anglesey
The White Eagle, Anglesey - It doesn’t get more dog-friendly than this! The White Eagle offers a warm welcome with a doggy dining room, an outside doggy bar and friendly staff who love to greet your pet.
The Sun Trevor, Llangollen – Enjoy the beautiful views from the beer garden while your pooch snoozes in the sun, or head indoors and warm up beside the fire. Fresh bowls of water are available (for the dog)!.
Kings Head, Llandudno – A beautiful pub with unspoilt old-world décor. After exploring the seaside resort, your dog can get comfortable in front of the fire while you sample the extensive menu.
Cwellyn Arms, Snowdonia – Located at the foot of Mount Snowdon, it’s the perfect pub to roll into for a well-deserved pint and bowl of water after a day of trekking the hills.
The Albion Ale House, Conwy – All four-legged friends are made to feel very welcome here. Your canine can rest his paws by the fire, relax in the snug or join the conversation in the bar.
Have you discovered any dog-friendly pubs in Wales that we haven’t mentioned? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram.
Dog-friendly accommodation in North Wales
Cappele Cottage - Set between Betws-y-Coed and the craft-centric town of Ruthin, this cosy cottage is nestled deep in rural Wales. Its remote location makes it a favourite with dog owners and couples who are seeking respite away from everyday life. Enjoy long walks that leave from the doorstep of the property, head for nearby Brenig Lake or go further afield into the wilds of Snowdonia National Park.
Gilar House - This stylish 1600s farmhouse is set within 500 acres of farmland where you can stroll through ancient woodlands, beside peaceful lakes or ramble up Garn Prys Mountain and soak up the unrivalled views. Not only will your dog love exploring the beautiful countryside from the doorstep, but he can spend afternoons snoozing beneath the sun in the enclosed walled garden, while you dine alfresco. Inside, the exceptional interiors and period charm offer a warm welcome for groups and families.
Y Daflod – Nestled in the countryside, yet also close to the North Wales coast, this luxury barn conversion offers plenty of space for families and their beloved canine. Welcoming two dogs, there are walks from the front door or you can take a short drive to the beaches at Abergele, Colwyn Bay, and Llandudno (check seasonal restrictions). For a more challenging adventure, take a day trip into Snowdonia National Park, a haven for dogs and walkers.
Book a dog-friendly cottage in North Wales
Do you feel equipped with canine knowledge for a break in North Wales? Our dog-friendly cottages in North Wales will set you in some of the most beautiful places and we promise it will be a holiday to remember.
Thinking about staying somewhere else in Wales? Our guide to dog-friendly holidays in South Wales will put you in the know.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.