Wales

Walks and attractions

Brechfa forest, Pencarder, Camathenshire

Wide expanse of forest criss crossed by roads. Also the site of a windfarm which enables you to see them close-up.

Carmarthen – Gwili steam railway

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A round trip of 90 minues with a 10 minute stop at the far end while they move the engine and a 30 minute stop on the way back where you can get tea and coffee. It was very relaxing and the girls got a lot of fuss from the conductor and other passengers.

New Quay, dolphin spotting boat trip

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Absolutely loved this – dogs are welcome on board. The commentary was really interesting and I leaned a lot about dolphins. We were very lucky and did see several dolphins on the trip, as well as a seal.

Swansea bay, Swansea

A massive bay stretching all the way from Swansea to The Mumbles. There are plenty of places to walk along the bay but we particularly enjoyed the walk along the promenade from The Mumbles to the pier. This was the walk that when Morwenna was 5 months old took us 2 1/2 hours because of the people who stopped to talk to her. There is a cafe on the pier and also cafes at The Mumbles.

Beaches

Langland beach, Swansea, SA3 4SQ

Gorgeous sandy beach which dogs are only allowed on between 1st October and 30th April (we spent Christmas in Swansea one year and the dogs had a great time on the beach). Fabulous dog friendly cafe on the beach.

Llangenith, Gower, SA3 1JD

Sandy, very long dog friendly beach on the Gower peninsula.

Llansteffan beach, Camarthen, SA33 5LW.

An estuary beach. Unfortunately, we visited at low tide and whilst there was a vast expanse of sand, you couldn’t get to the sea because the sand turned into mud closer to the water. Dog friendly all year at either end, there are two car parks – one at either end with toilets and at the castle car park, a tea shop and fish and chips during the season.

Newport beach, West Wales, SA42 0RU

A broad, long sandy beach at the mouth of the river Nevern. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year.

Oxwich beach, Gower, SA3 1LS

Large sandy beach which is dog friendly all year round. There are two cafes on the beach.

Pembrey Country Park, Pembrey, SA16 0EJ

https://www.pembreycountrypark.wales/

Pembrey Country park is very popular in the summer and has lots of different activities. The sandy beach (Cefn Sidan) has an area which is dog friendly all year, with the rest being dog friendly between October and May. The cafe Yr Orsaf is dog friendly and does a good range of food and cakes.

Poppit Sands, West Wales, SA43 3LN

A very large sandy beach where dogs are allowed most of the year (banned from the Western end May – September). There is a cafe at the end of the car park.

Rhossili beach, Gower, SA3 1PP

There is a very steep path down to the beach which is a massive sandy one that is dog friendly. There is a good cafe at the top of the path near the car park.

Rotherslade beach, Swansea, OS grid ref. SS 6106 8733

A small sand and shingle beach that is only dog friendly between 1st October and 30th April. There is a cafe at the top and the coast path runs past the beach.

Accommodation

Camarthenshire

Brechfa Forest Barns, Llanllwni SA39 9EH

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We stayed here for 4 nights in September 2023 in the Old Bike shed. We found the mezzanine bed a step too far for us at our age so although we would definitely come again, we would stay in one of the other cottages.

The cottages are all completely dog friendly – with enclosed patios / gardens and access to Scentral Bark – a completely enclosed dog field with a range of activities including a pond and ball pit.

Access to Brechna forest is 300 yards from the top of the lane that goes down to the cottages and although to go anywhere else you have to travel for 30 – 40 minutes, there is a lot within that sort of travelling distance – beaches, Camarthen, steam railway, dolphon spotting boat trips.

We were exceptionally lucky with the weather and although it was very hot, there was a good breeze in the garden.

We visited again in February 2024 and were again generally lucky with the weather (just one rainy day). This time we stayed in Bay tree Barn which sleeps 4. It was fine for the two of us but I feel would be a bit cramped if you were two couples, rather than a family.

Pembrokeshire

Rocket House, SA43 3LP

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/36089514?source_impression_id=p3_1737817156_P3Uoyvy7tFHURoUo

Airbnb

We stayed at Rocket House overlooking Poppit sands for our 40th Wedding Anniversary in October 2020. Beautiful cottage with a king size bed and an enclosed two level garden so dogs can run freely. Very well equipped kitchen.

Swansea

Artist’s flat, The Mumbles, SA3 4LX

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/23195273?source_impression_id=p3_1737817199_P398QG1tLD6asrNa

Airbnb

Lovely second floor flat with great decor – paintings and furnishings. We stayed here twice while our son was doing his Master’s at Swansea, including over Christmas when they provided a Christmas tree and decorations. There is a lovely park immediately behind the flat and both Langland and Rotherslade beaches are within walking distance as is Swansea bay and Mumbles village. The gentleman who manages the flat has 3 dogs of his own and can suggest places to take them. He left a welcome pack including wine, welsh cakes and dog treats.