I’m lucky enough to call West Wales home, having lived in Carmarthenshire for the past 17 years. It is a beautiful part of the country and has not only stunning scenery, but great places to visit too. If Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion are on your list of places to visit, we’ve put together some ideas for dog friendly days out in West Wales to help you decide where to go.
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Dog Friendly Days Out in West Wales
West Wales is home to Wales’ second city, Swansea. Located at the end of the M4 (the quiet end), West Wales sneaks in two National Parks – Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons – and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Gower Peninsula. The majority of the area is rural with plenty of walks with stunning scenery. Try walking the Wales Coast Path and see breathtaking beaches, including Three Cliffs Bay, Cefn Sidan and Freshwater West to name a few. If walking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other things to choose from for your dog friendly days out in West Wales.
Things To Do In Carmarthenshire
National Botanic Garden of Wales
The county of Carmarthenshire is often referred to as The Garden of Wales. So what better place to put the National Botanic Garden of Wales? For the first weekend of each month, and every Monday and Friday, it is Doggy Day at the Botanic Garden where you are more than welcome to bring your dog with you. With so many trails to choose from, as well as lakes, cascades, waterfalls, and of course plants, it makes a great day out. Dogs are also permitted in the cafe and shop, where you can find local produce and Welsh crafts.
Click here for more information about the National Botanic Garden of Wales
Gwili Steam Railway
As the saying goes, “Let the train take the strain” and hop aboard Gwili Steam Railway to glimpse some of the beautiful countryside Carmarthenshire has to offer. Located a few miles north of the county town of Carmarthen, the railway will welcome both you and your dog for the 8-mile round trip. Also on-site is a museum and the Gwili Tea Room.
Click here for more information about Gwili Steam Railway
Pembrey Country Park & Cefn Sidan Beach
As a local, I can definitely say this is well worth a visit! There is so much to do here for all of the family, and your dogs will love a good run on the beach or mooch through the woods. With 500 acres to explore and eight miles of sand, it is perfect for a day out.
There are plenty of things for the kids to do here too: crazy golf, disk golf, toboggan, ski slope, miniature railway, laser tag, horse riding, cycle hire, and much more! There are plenty of trails to follow, including the pond walk and the woodland walk. With a cafe, kiosk, and restaurant dotted around the park that are dog friendly, it’s easy to grab refreshments during the day.
Click here for more information about Pembrey Country Park
Dinefwr Park National Nature Reserve
Dinefwr Park National Nature Reserve incorporates Dinefwr Castle, Newton House and Dinefwr Park, all of which cover 800 acres. Dogs are welcome on the ground floor of the house, in the cafe, as well as in the grounds, but not the deer park.
Dinefwr is full of myths and legends, including the story of The Lady of The Lake, which is guaranteed to keep the children entertained. There are plenty of walks around the parkland for you and your dog to enjoy. Take a walk up the hill to the ruined Dinefwr Castle to enjoy the views over to the Brecon Beacons and the Towy Valley.
Click here for more information about Dinefwr Park National Nature Reserve
Things To Do in Pembrokeshire
Castell Henllys Iron Age Village
Located between Fishguard in Pembrokeshire and Cardigan in Ceredigion, you will find Castell Henllys Iron Age Village. Roundhouses have been rebuilt on the foundations of a hill fort. Meet the tribe, learn about prehistoric life, and watch demonstrations of ancient skills and crafts. Enjoy the woodland walks and the Celtic warriors barefoot trail, squelching through the clay before washing your feet off in the river.
Dogs are more than welcome to visit with you but are not allowed in the cafe. There are, however, outside seating areas and tables on the cafe veranda.
Click here for more information about Castell Henllys Iron Age Village
Heatherton World of Activities
This is a fantastic place to visit – we (big and small kids) had a great time here. Located just outside Tenby, the Heatherton site straddles the B4318, but is easily accessed by the road tunnel. There is plenty to do here for all of the family – crazy golf, go-carts, archery, hedge maze, and adventure play to name a few.
“But what about dogs?”, I hear you ask. Don’t worry, they’re not forgotten about. They can try the agility course designed especially for them. There are 10 obstacles to test your dog and your patience! Don’t forget to take the dog treats with you.
Click here for more information about Heatherton World of Activities
Porthgain to Abereiddi Walk
We were very lucky with the weather when we did this walk and had spectacular views. This walk can be started from either Porthgain or Abereiddi – there is parking in both places. The route we followed was the one from Derek The Weatherman starting in Porthgain. The walk along the coast path is stunning on a sunny day, and of course at Abereiddi is The Blue Lagoon which is an amazing sight. This is definitely a walk worth taking.
When we got back to Porthgain, we opted for a drink and ice cream from The Counting House. Take a look at their map on the door for some ideas of local places to go.
Click here for more information about Abereiddi
Pembroke Castle
We’ve been to Pembroke Castle a few times and enjoy it every time. Last year we did it with a twist and included a Treasure Trail on our day out. We spent the morning in the castle and then went on the trail around Pembroke. I can highly recommend these trails, and of course, they are dog friendly!
The birthplace of Henry VII, Pembroke Castle welcomes dogs on-site – even into the castle itself. The only exceptions are the cafe and gift shop, but there are plenty of outside places within the castle walls to sit. There are a few cafes and pubs in Pembroke that you could try too – The Hope Inn, Royal George, Brown’s Cafe or Food at William’s all welcome dogs.
Click here for more information about Pembroke Castle
Things To Do in Ceredigion
Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle, or Castell Aberteifi, overlooks the River Teifi in Cardigan and has over 900 years of history. There is lots to explore within the castle grounds, such as the Georgian Mansion, Regency gardens, and exhibitions. Make this one of many dog friendly days out in West Wales.
Click here for more information about Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
The farm park overlooks the nature reserve of Cardigan Island, which is just 200 yards offshore. Cardigan Farm Park not only has the normal range of farm animals that can be hand-fed, but you are likely to see bottle-nosed dolphins and grey seals too. How’s that for a day out?
Although dogs are welcome in the park, they are not permitted into the cafe, but there is a large patio area where you can find bowls of water for your dogs.
Click here for more information on Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
Cardigan Bay Walks
The area around Cardigan Bay is perfect for walks and hikes, whether you are an experienced or casual walker. If you decide on a coastal walk, expect to see grey seals and dolphins swimming in the bay. Take a riverside walk alongside many of the rivers in the area. Fancy a challenge? Try a hike up the Cambrian Mountains.
Click here for more information on Cardigan Bay Walks
Aberystwyth
At the northern end of Aberystwyth promenade, you will find Constitution Hill. From here you get spectacular views of Cardigan Bay and the town. On clear days, you can also spot 26 mountain peaks. Definitely worth a trip up there.
There are two ways to get up Constitution Hill, and neither are by car. You can either walk up or take the Cliff Railway. By taking the longest funicular electric cliff railway in Britain, you can relax and enjoy the train ride to the top. Once there, you’ll find the world’s largest camera obscura, allowing you to view 1000 square miles of land and sea.
There is also the chance to play frisbee golf, follow the coastal path to Clarach, let the kids enjoy the bouncy castle, or play 10 pin bowling. The cafe at the top of the hill is also dog friendly.
Click here for more information on Aberystwyth
Things To Do in Swansea & NPT
Penllergare Valley Woods
What a great place to either visit for the day or stop off at if you are heading further into West Wales. Just a few minutes from the M4, this Victorian Estate has a waterfall, gardens, lakes, woodland walks, and parkland for you and your dog to enjoy. There is also a cafe on site that has doggy ice cream and treats for your four-legged friend. So much better than stopping off at motorway services.
Click here for more information on Penllergare Valley Woods
Mumbles Pier
Dogs are more than welcome on the pier and private beach at Mumbles, including the cafe and gift shop. Treat them to a special doggy ice cream too.
The beach has some of the best great rock pools on the Gower for kids and dogs to explore. Stunning views to the lighthouse and you can even see North Devon on a clear day! What better place to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Click here for more information on Mumbles Pier
Beaches
You will be spoilt for choice with all of the beautiful beaches and coves that the Swansea area offers. Rhosilii, Three Cliffs, Oxwich and Llangennith, to name but a few, welcome dogs on the beach all year. Llangennith is great for surf – so grab a board and take the dog for a paddle!
Try and take the Wales Coast Path and enjoy the stunning views that the area offers. There are some great quiet little coves to enjoy too.
Click here for more information on Swansea Beaches
Margam Country Park
There is so much for the family to do here, and dogs are welcome too! There are a few places that they are not allowed – main castle, children’s play area, gift shop or Charlotte’s Pantry – and a few places that they must be on the lead, but apart from that – let them burn off some energy. If your dog has got muddy on his adventures or is just in need of a blow-dry, there is a self-service dog wash area. There is warm water, natural products and a two-speed dryer available for you to use.
Some of the activities available are coarse fishing, Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, cycling, orienteering, mountain park trails and some great walks within the 800 acres park. All in all, a great day out for the family.
Click here for more information on Margam Country Park
Gnoll Estate Country Park
Set within 200 acres of woodland and open spaces, The Gnoll Estate can be found on the east side of Neath. The park overlooks the town centre, and although the old Gnoll House is no longer there, you can find plenty of things to do here.
Within the country park, enjoy the 18th Century landscaped garden, woodlands, the stunning cascades as well as the historical ruins of the great Gnoll House. There are several different walks that can be taken around the estate, ranging from easy to strenuous. How about trying orienteering? Navigate your way through the park finding the 26 points.
Don’t forget to take a picnic – the park was voted “Best Picnic Spot in Wales” in 2010 and there are picnic benches scattered through the park. There is an on-site cafe where you can get refreshments with an undercover outdoor area to sit.
Click here for more information on Gnoll Estate Country Park
There is of course, plenty of other dog friendly days out in West Wales to do! If you are looking for more information for any of the areas, please try the following links:
Dog Friendly Holidays in West Wales
So now that we’ve given you just a few ideas of dog friendly days out in West Wales, you are going to need somewhere to stay.
There’s plenty of choice of dog friendly holidays in West 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 West Wales page