The Best Destinations in Wales for Weekend Breaks with Dogs
Boasting towering mountain ranges, lush river valleys, spectacular coastlines, and ancient woodlands, Wales offers the perfect setting to play, bond and make memories with your furry family. With so much to see and do, it is an ideal destination for a fun weekend breaks with dogs, exploring its natural landscapes and taking advantage of its dog-friendly hiking trails. But it’s not only the outdoor spaces that are perfect for canine exploration since the county has a wealth of dog-friendly attractions eager to welcome four-legged visitors.
Below, check out the best destinations in Wales for weekend breaks with dogs.
There are plenty of dog-friendly walking options around Conwy, making it a perfect destination for weekend breaks with dogs. You can start your day walking your dog around Conwy Marina and onto the beach before heading to the Conwy Quayside. Sightly further afield, you’ll find a few dog-friendly trails up the Conwy estuary, including the Marl Hall Woods, which has spectacular views.
Conwy
There are many excellent beaches in North Wales. It also has numerous dog-friendly restaurants, cafes, and pubs, allowing you to enjoy a good meal with your dog beside you – with some even serving treats for your pooch! To enjoy delicious meals whilst admiring the Victorian resort of Llandudno, visit the King’s Head pub. The dog-friendly pub is the oldest in Llandudno, renowned for its glorious log fire – perfect for warming up after a cold winter walk.
Wales is also known as the Land of Castles, and you’ll find the most popular in Conwy. The Conwy Castle is one of Wales’s best-preserved and impressive castles and a fun place to visit when taking weekend breaks with dogs. While dogs are not allowed inside the castle, you can walk them around the ancient town walls adjoining it. It stretches for three-quarters of a mile, encircling the town.
Chirk
Chirk is a picturesque town in North Wales, along the Welsh border of Oswestry. It has many spectacular attractions, with many allowing dogs on their premises. One thing that Chirk is known for is its scenic canal, stretching from the Welsh border to Gledrid Bridge. Thus, one of the best things to do for your weekend break is to hire canal boats from Llangollen, as it’s an excellent place to explore with the whole family on a boat with your dog.
Aside from being an excellent place for boating, Chirk is also a great destination for walking with your dog. The Chirk Castle estate is a fun place to walk your dog. It has three marked trails to walk any time of the year but keep them on a lead at all times. The circular path of the Woodland Walk, which takes you across a lush parkland and scenic fields, is the perfect trail for walking. Follow the signs from Stable Bank that take you around 45 to 60 minutes to finish.
Another trail to walk your dog is the Offa’s Dyke walk, which leads you off the Chirk estate. However, it’s only open from April to September. The trail takes you to some historical sites, including the site of the 1165 Battle of Crogen.
Llanberis
Llanberis is full of fun attractions to keep you and your furry friends busy for the weekend. It’s a fantastic place for a unique weekend break, especially for those travelling with dogs. It has plenty of fun outdoor activities. And when you’re tired of walking, take a ride on the Llanberis Lake Railway or Snowdon Mountain Railway! The latter climbing almost to the doorstep of the spectacular Hafod Eryri Visitor Centre.
You and your dog will enjoy exploring the lakeside along Padarn Country Park, with plenty to see and do. Head out to the Dolbadarn Castle, which takes you back a thousand years ago to the time of the native Welsh princes. Dogs are welcome at the ground floor levels of the site, provided they are on leads.
If you’re looking for dog-friendly accommodations, there are plenty in Llanberis. Many cottages and holiday rentals allow dogs on their premises and even have dog-friendly amenities.
Llandrindod Wells
The Spa town of Llandrindod Wells has many excellent cabin rentals, many of which are dog-friendly. So, if you’re looking for a gorgeous place to take your dog on a weekend break, you might want to go to Llandrindod Wells. Locally known as “Llandod,” it’s historically the capital town of the former shire country of Radnorshire, the gateway to mid-Wales. Surrounded by breath-taking landscapes with numerous historical and archaeological sites, it’s a fantastic place to explore with your furry family.
As its name suggests, Llandrindod Wells sprang up around the local springs around the mid-18th century, luring visitors for its waters’ healing qualities. It eventually grew in size and is now home to many guest houses, hotels, restaurants, shops, and other tourism facilities. Many of these establishments are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore with your pet.
You’ll likely spend most of your weekend taking scenic walks in Llandrindod Wells. You and your beloved dog will have fun checking out the different architecture of the town. There are many ornate buildings dating from the Victorian and Art Deco movement eras.
Aberporth
The coastal village of Aberporth is an ideal location for a weekend break with your pet. It’s home to two dog-friendly beaches and offers fun outdoor activities and stunning views in every direction. The small seaside village is nestled along the Cardigan Bay Coastline, about six miles northeast of Cardigan.
Aberporth has two gorgeous beaches that allow dogs, Dolwen and Dyffryn. They are among the most stunning beaches along Cardigan Bay. They offer the perfect setting to relax and play with your dog. During low tide, your kids and dogs can explore the many rock pools while you relax and observe them from a distance.
If you and your pet are avid walkers, walk the Ceredigion Coastal Path. It’s part of the famous Wales Coast Path, taking you on a scenic journey along the stunning Cardigan Bay Coastline.
Weekend breaks with dogs
With so much to see and do, Wales will delight the whole family. Be well prepared to travel with your dog and have a wonderful time!