North, South and West, Wales has some wonderful beach scenes to offer sand dune trekkers of all ages. But what about the best dog friendly beaches in Wales? Where might you be able to take your dogs to see the beauty of the Welsh coastline all year round?
From the Vale to Colwyn, Ogmore, Three Cliffs and everywhere in between, it’s safe to say you’re spoilt for choice for beaches where dogs are allowed in Wales.
Why not check out our guides below to the best Welsh properties for dogs, too – and make a real holiday out of it? These are the best of Wales’ dog friendly beaches on offer – based on our own experiences, and reviews from others in the local area!
When are dogs allowed on beaches in Wales? (Dog restrictions)
Dogs are allowed on beach zones in Wales across the year, but this will vary from place to place. Some of the best dog walks in Wales are on beaches but some have had zero blocks. However, there are other beach spots with dog blocks in place during peak season, which is usually between April and August. There are some beaches in Wales where you won’t be able to take dogs at all. That’s why we’ve saved you time and effort, and have hunted down dog friendly beaches with minimal restrictions. Do always check the local advice before you travel to beaches – as dog walkers may be turned away!
The Best Beaches in Wales for Dogs (North Wales and Beyond)
Ogmore Central Beach
Ogmore Beach is certainly a firm favourite of dog lovers along the gorgeous Glamorgan Heritage Coast. It’s exceptionally clean and unspoilt, and you’ll often be able to explore the sands of the beach down at low tide. There are often plenty of people down here during peak season who want to take on kite surfing and other watersports.
Ogmore Beach is marked by its impressive caves and pebbled stretches, making this more than just your average sandy shoreline! Best of all is the fact that dogs are allowed on Ogmore Beach all year round! There’s also a lifeguard service available, not only making it a pleasant and clean beach experience but one of the safest stretches of sand in the local area, too.
If you fancy taking your dogs for a walk or two down the beach, or to try exploring a few rock pools or caves, you’re absolutely free to do so. There are pub facilities nearby, too. Speaking of which – have you checked out our guide to pet friendly pubs in Wales?
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: Yes
- Address: Ogmore By Sea Beach, Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan CF32 0PB
- Facilities Near By: Pubs, car park/parking, toilets, food and drink
Pembrey Beach
Found close to Carmarthen Bay, Pembrey Beach is also within reach of the lovely Pembrey Country Park. This is one of the more unspoilt beach walk zones in the area, great for fun and frolics but just as much for spotting local wildlife and photo opportunities across the green coast. If you get tired of the odd walk with your pet down this stretch of sand, there are plenty of forests walks close by in the country park itself.
As an eight-mile beach, it’s a superb stretch of sand that’s likely to appeal to people keen to walk from tide to tide. It’s great for bird watching, too. However, do be aware that some dog restrictions will apply across the year. In fact, the main mile of sand here will not be available for you to walk down with pets during the summer season.
That said, this beach location still offers you a stunning array of natural wonders to marvel at. More than that, there’s crazy golf, ski facilities, cafes and more within reach. If you’ve had enough of the sand dunes for one day, follow the signs for the path into the country park with your pooch!
- Seasonal Restrictions: Yes (May to September)
- Lifeguards: Yes
- Address: Pembrey Beach, Pembrey, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0EJ
- Facilities Near By: Shops, toilets, family entertainment, car park/ parking
Rhossili Bay Beach
Close to the Vale of Glamorgan and Swansea City, Rhossili Bay actually has a reputation for being one of the best beaches Wales has to offer – not just great for walkies with your pooch! It’s technically a National Trust site, which means you can expect this spot to be truly stunning from tide to tide. In fact, you can go island hopping at low tide to explore one or more of the surrounding islands!
Three miles of sandy beach path await you here, with cliffs for you to look out from to get a real feel for the rocks and islands beyond. It’s just as great for spotting birds as it is for spotting seals! Of course, dog walkers will want to know if they can bring their pets here all year round. The great news is – yes! This dog friendly beach is more than welcoming regardless of the season, meaning you and your pets can enjoy the blissful scenery across the year.
We also love this area for sailing and fishing, too – so take the time to look around when you and your dog have walked enough!
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Rhossili, SA3 1PR
- Facilities Near By: Pay car park, toilets, food and drink
Little Quay Beach
Close to the areas of New Quay and Ceredigion, Little Quay Beach is a delightful stretch of sand with plenty to offer dog walkers looking for the best beach views in the region. This is a sheltered, sandy stretch, offering you and your four-legged friend the chance to take space and enjoy views over Cardigan Bay. Take a lookout for signposts towards the beach, too, as it’s known locally as Cei Bach.
Very popular with birdwatchers as well as sunset spotters, this lovely beach stroll for dogs and their owners will also connect you to a heritage path or two should you get too much sand in your shoes! The New Quay harbour wall is not too far for you to explore, either. It’s here where you will find much of the facilities in the local region.
This is a part shingle, part sand beach, meaning there’s lots of lovely variation along the way.
If you’re in the Cei Bach region, do also take a look at the dog friendly places in Wales close to the beach. There are plenty out there!
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Little Quay Beach, Ceredigion, SA45 9SL
- Facilities Near By: Cafes, bars (towards New Quay Harbour)
Llansteffan Beach
If there was a ‘most stunning seaside award’ we could offer to any of the dog friendly beaches in this list, then Llansteffan would likely be at the very front of the queue. This truly magnificent estuary location isn’t your traditional bay or beach by any means, but it’s still great for family fun and dog walking, of course! It’s a very popular picnicking spot, in fact.
Walking your dog here is absolutely welcomed, though there is a local dog ban in place during the sunnier months. You won’t be able to bring dogs to Llansteffan between May and September towards the north side. That shouldn’t be a problem for many people, however – as that probably just means a quieter walk!
This sandy beach is well worth the walk down purely for the views. However, the reason why it’s not on the ‘local beach map’ is that it’s an estuary spot. That, crucially, also means that the waters here aren’t recommended for any kind of watersports, even swimming. So take caution – and try to enjoy the waters of Llansteffan from afar on your walk if you can!
- Seasonal Restrictions: May to September (Northern end)
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Llansteffan, Carmarthen, SA33 5LW
- Facilities Near By: Car park/parking, toilets, tea room, family attractions
Jackson’s Bay
Close to Barry, Jackson’s Bay is a popular dog-friendly beach in Wales that offers cliff walks, cove scenes and a local lighthouse. There are few beaches across North Wales and South Wales that really squeeze in so many coastal traditions into one spot! It’s a very popular beach with local people and is likely to be appealing to many tourists, though the waters here may be a little choppier than many may expect. That’s not always a bad thing but just take care.
There is a steep path that leads down to the bay, and round the cliff path, you will also find a delightful plot of grass ideal for walking your dog even further. What’s also worth noting is that Jackson’s Bay is a key location on the Coastal Path, meaning if you are aiming to pay the whole stretch a fair walk or two, you’re going to come across this bay at some point.
Great for canoeing, dog lovers will also enjoy the fact that there are absolutely no blocks on bringing pets here.
- Seasonal Restrictions: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Jackson’s Bay, Barry, CF62 5TU
- Facilities Near By: Toilets, slipway, car park / car parks, Barry Island amusements
Colwyn Bay
Colwyn offers a quintessential seaside experience in North Wales, providing a Blue Flag Beach and a family-friendly length of sand that remains popular across the sunnier seasons. If you get tired of the stretches down in Pembrokeshire, travel north and make a beeline with your pets towards Porth Eirias, the local waterpark – and, of course, the glorious golden sands of the bay itself.
A fine, simple sandy stroll, this area offers some shingle spots and also has a few piers remains. Dogs are allowed to come and take a look around, but keep in mind that Eirias Park and Victoria Pier – and everything in between – is firmly off-limits during high season, specifically between May and September. Otherwise, you and your dogs are free to roam!
Beyond the pier, one of the main attractions here is of course the seaside amusements, but there’s also plenty of opportunities for you to sample some watersports. The water here is lovely, meaning you and your dog can take a nice paddle or two. One of several seaside places in North Wales where the whole family can take it easy – furry friends included! Definitely approach the tourist board for more information.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Yes (Zone blocked between May and September)
- Lifeguards: No
- Address: Colwyn Bay, Clwyd, LL29 8ED
- Facilities Near By: Shops, cafes, amusements, pier and promenade
Looking for somewhere to stay with dogs?
Holiday Cottages
You will find lots of pet friendly cottages in Wales you can rent here.
Luxury Log Cabins
For a touch of rural luxury check out the log cabins.
Hot Tub Properties
If you’d like a Jacuzzi on your next holiday here are the best dog friendly hot tub breaks in Scotland.
Last Word
Tired of the English beach scene? Why not take a break from England altogether and explore the best Welsh dog friendly beach spots on the map? Find a beach stroll or two down in Pembrokeshire, or head up to the North coast and enjoy cliffs, golden sands, Snowdonia National Park and authentic seaside fun.
From Broad Haven to Stackpole Quay, all along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, you’ll likely find that there’s actually plenty more here to explore on top of our introductory guide. Whether you’re keen to trail the cliffs or to take on the Clements Colly Walk, part of the fun in exploring this country with pets is the unlimited amount of adventure that is likely to open up to you.
Wales is already a stunning holiday destination for dogs and their owners. From quaint railway station scenes to the glorious Snowdonia National Park, from pebble bank walks to pine trees in the distance – there are lots of places from coast to country you’ll want to head back to again and again. Even if you base many of your holiday choices around golf course locations, there are still plenty of dog friendly walks in Wales close to the tourist zones.
If you’re sick of getting the same old scoops from the local ice cream van and want to sample that classic, authentic Welsh seaside experience, you really won’t have to travel too far. For more fun across Wales, definitely take a look around our website to find more walks, places to stay and more besides.