Five best dog-friendly beaches in Wales

1. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire 

The walk down to this dog-friendly beach feels utterly magical; you pass an ancient stone wall, dunes, pine trees and incredible far-reaching views of the ocean. Despite being only a small bay, it has so much to offer; swathes of soft sand, clear waters and lots of dogs having the time of their life. It’s a secluded spot so be prepared to walk half a mile from Stackpole Quay car park, but that makes it all the more charming. It’s best to bring all the stuff you need for the day too, but you’ll be rewarded by being one of the only people on the beach (especially in off-season). 

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2. Church Bay, Anglesey 

The Isle of Anglesey’s AONB has some of the most varied landscapes in the UK as well as some of the most stunning dog-friendly beaches in Wales. Church Bay, or Porth Swtan as it’s known locally, is beautiful and rural; backed by cliffs and littered with rock pools. More than just a lovely beach, it also has fantastic walking paths that lead in both directions along the coast. After a swim and game of fetch on the sand, active pooches will love the walk up north towards Ynys Y Fydln. It passes miles of uninterrupted countryside and views of the sea. Once back, treat yourself to a pint of local ale and a meal at either the dog-friendly pub, cafe or restaurant that’s right by the beach. 

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3. Harlech Beach, Gwynedd 

At over four miles long, this is one of the biggest and best dog-friendly beaches in North Wales. Not only is it blessed with pristine white sand, it also has breathtaking views of the Snowdonia mountain range and a National Nature Reserve growing protected dunes. The majority of the beach welcomes four-legged friends all year round, so there’s ample space for them to chase balls and splash around in the water. There’s no surprise it’s a multi award-winning beach, and as soon as you’ve visited once you’ll both dream of returning again and again. 

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4. Broadhaven Beach, Pembrokeshire 

When it comes to best dog-friendly beaches, South Wales hits the nail on the head. Not only because the beaches are so beautiful, but the surrounding area and coastal paths bring hours of fun too. Broadhaven Beach is an excellent spot if you want to combine sand and sea with forest, woodland, wildlife and lakes. To make the most of this area, we’d recommend you park up at Bosherston Lakes and follow the walking trail through the woodland and to the beach. If you walk here in summer, you’ll be lucky enough to spot the glorious lily pads as well as the otters, dragonflies and birds that call this area home. 

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5. Cilborth Beach, Ceredigion 

This secluded dog-friendly beach is a firm favourite of our local owners, and it’s easy to see why. Located to the north of Llangrannog, you can walk between the two beaches at low tide or reach the beach via a coastal path with steps that are carved into the cliffside. The soft sand beach lies in a pretty cove and is famous for its rock formation, Carreg Bica. The area around this rock is teeming with marine life and resident seals so keep your eyes peeled when you’re visiting! 

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Written by
Ella Perryman

Ella has a great eye for telling a story in a full article or a single picture. Marshall only has eyes for anyone who’ll give him a scratch or a biscuit. He’s also partial to a wander in the woods and days spent digging in the sand. Together, they’re a coastal adventure dream team who love heading back to Ella’s Devon roots or exploring the rugged fringes of Wales.