The only time I have been to Mid and North Wales, must be about 25 years ago. I was heading to Trawsfynydd and Anglesey for work. How I made it home in one piece, I will never know, as I spent most of the drive gawping at the stunning scenery. So, apart from the stunning scenery what can you expect to find in this area of Wales? We’ve put together some amazing ideas for dog friendly days out in Mid and North Wales to help you out.
Dog Friendly Days out in Mid and North Wales
Mid Wales is sparsely populated and dominated by The Brecon Beacons and The Cambrian Mountains. North Wales, of course, has the Snowdonia Mountain Range. To the east of this area is England and the counties of Cheshire, Shropshire and Herefordshire. The area is very rural and this is a great place for walking with its stunning landscapes. If walking doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other things to choose from for your dog friendly days out in Mid and North Wales.
Great Orme Mines
Located in the far north of Wales, near to Llandudno, is the world’s largest prehistoric copper mine. Dogs are welcome in all areas, including underground, however there are metal grates and staircases that your dog may not be keen to walk on. The self guided tour allows you to explore the tunnels at your own pace before returning to the surface. From here you can follow the pathways to view the surface excavations as well as the Victorian mine shaft.
Click here for more information about Great Orme Bronze Age Mines
Home Front Museum
This indoor attraction in Llandudno welcomes families and their dogs. It is a great learning experience for children, showing them how life was for civilians in World War II. There are plenty of exhibits as well as recreations of homes and shops for you to see. Find out about Chum the Airedale Terrier and his bravery, as well as other fascinating stories.
Once you have finished at the museum it is a short stroll down Chapel Street to the dog friendly cafe of Taylor’s of Llandudno.
Click here for more information about Home Front Museum
Gwrych Castle
Fans of I’m a Celebrity will recognise Gwrych Castle (pronounced Goo-rreech) from the 2020 series. Situated just outside Abergele and nestled into the hillside, this country house has commanding views over the north coast of Wales. Set in over 250 acres of parkland and wood, your dog will have a great opportunity to explore.
Castell Gwrych meaning “Hedge Castle” was built between 1810 and 182 and incorporated into an earlier house that was on the site. Although now in ruins, there are regular ghost hunts at Gwrych.
Click here for more information about Gwrych Castle
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway
What better way to view the beautiful North Wales countryside than to sit back and let the train take the strain. With comfortable carriages and historic steam engines, enjoy the stunning scenery of countryside, woodland, castles, mountains and rivers. The Ffestiniog railway journey starts in Porthmadog and travels 13.5 miles to the slate quarry town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Welsh Highland Railway starts at Caernarfon and runs for 25 miles past the foot of Snowdon and the famous village of Beddgelert, then through the Aberglaslyn Pass before terminating at Porthmadog.
If you are looking for some dog friendly cafes, you could try The Port Cafe Deli and Restaurant or Spooners (but only outside) in Porthmadog. In Blaenau Ffestiniog there is Isallt Coffee Shop. For places to eat in Caernarfon, try Copa Diner & Bar, Gray-Thomas (also a gallery that welcomes dogs) or Y Gegin Fach.
Surely dog friendly days out in Mid and North Wales are best viewed from the comfort of a steam train?
Click here for more information about Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway
Bala Lake
On the shore of Bala Lake, you will find Bala Adventure & Watersports. A fantastic place to visit if you are a fan of outdoor pursuits. There is a wide range of activities including canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, raft building and hill walking. The best bit is that dogs are welcome to join you on the equipment.
If that is all a bit too much for you, there are some beautiful walking trails around the lake.
After tiring yourselves out, grab a hot drink at The Loch Cafe or take a stroll into Bala and try The Bulls Head pub for a pint.
Clcik here for more information about Bala Adventure & Watersports
Beddgelert
This village in Snowdonia is home to the legend of Gelert and many visitors go the dog’s grave each year. Whether the story is true or not, is another matter. However, the village is well worth a visit with its picturesque houses and stunning scenery. A perfect base to visit Aberglaslyn Pass to the south, Nant Gwynant to the east, Snowdon to the north.
Close by is Sygun Copper Mine which welcomes dogs and is a popular family attraction. If you are looking for a dog friendly refreshment stop, there is a choice of The Real Coffee Stop, Hebog Beddgelert (outside on the patio) or Caffi Colwyn (in the tea garden).
Click here for more information about Beddgelert
Coed y Brenin
The visitor centre at Coed y Brenin Forest Park, north of Dolgellau, is the starting point of the walking, running and biking trails. A fantastic area if you enjoy mountain biking with your dog (I’d be in A&E faster than I can blink with our lot!). There are several walking trails. The Afon Eden Trail is great for little legs or those with limited mobility. This trail also takes you down to the riverside picnic spot. If you fancy doing something a little different there is also geocaching and orienteering available to try too.
No doubt all of that exercise will give you a bit of an appetite. You’ll be pleased to know that there is a cafe on site that not only welcomes dogs but also has great views over the valley and forest.
Click here for more information about Coed y Brenin Forest Park
Elan Valley
The Elan Valley consists of four main dams and man made reservoirs. Construction started in 1893 to supply the city of Birmingham with clean drinking water. As part of the Cambrian Mountains, the views from the dams are stunning. There are plenty of walking and cycling opportunities in the Elan area. Even though the Elan Estate has livestock, dogs are positively welcome here. There are ranger tours, or just pop into the Visitor Centre for some advice on the best walks for you.
Dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre, exhibition area, shop and cafe. There are water bowls available in the outside seating area as well as tie points. The Elan Estate just ask you to dispose of poo bags properly.
Click here for more information about Elan Valley
Brecon Beacons
This is one place I have been as it is “just up the road” from us. My daughter and I had a wonderful few days in Brecon with one of the dogs (photo on the front page of the website). The Brecon Beacons National Park can be found stretching across the south of Powys. There is so much to do in this area with the many hills and mountains to climb as well as canals, rivers and waterfalls to see.
One of the places that we enjoyed visiting was the National Park Visitor Centre. There are some lovely walks from here and a great tea shop to come back too, or plenty of space to enjoy a picnic.
Another lovely flat walk was along the Brecon Canal. We headed into Brecon afterwards for lunch in The Bank Bar & Kitchen, where both we and our dog were made to feel very welcome. The food was delicious and the dog enjoyed her treats!
Click here for more information about The Brecon Beacons
Harlech Castle
Set on a rocky cliff with the sand dunes below and the peaks of Snowdonia rising in the background, is Harlech Castle. Built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales, the castle has played an important part in many wars.
The castle is now in ruins, but it is still possible to appreciate the marvellous views across the bay. Dogs are welcome into the castle at ground floor level, so will be unable to appreciate the view from the battlements.
After visiting the castle, take a short stroll to Y Gwyllt Snowdonia – Wilderness for some coffee and delicious looking cakes. If you fancy sitting outside with your dog, you can try Caffi Castell Harlech or Llew Glas Cafe
Click here for more information on Harlech Castle
Dog Friendly Holidays in Mid and North Wales
So now that we’ve given you just a few ideas of dog friendly days out in mid and north Wales, you are going to need somewhere to stay.
There’s plenty of choice of dog friendly holidays in mid & north Wales for you to choose from. Whether it’s a self catering cottage, hotel or holiday park you’re after, you can find details on our Mid & North Wales page