
Sometimes, a trip with your pooch can be a problem – so Poppy Manning’s rounded up some of the finest dog-friendly places to get to with your best friend.
THE BUSH INN
St. Hilary, near Cowbridge
Situated in the old, utterly charming village of St. Hilary, The Bush Inn dates back to the 16th century, is one of the more famous choices of pubs in this line-up and has even appeared in BBC’s Sherlock – during The Hound Of The Baskervilles episode, fittingly enough.
THE PONTYPOOL AND BLAENAVON RAILWAY
Blaenavon
Stopping at the dog-friendly Whistle Inn, with a tea room on board that allows dogs in, this rail route is a great way for you and your dog to see a beautiful part of Wales, whilst learning about its industrial history and heritage. Although admittedly the dog might not take as much interest in that.
Info: www.pbrly.co.uk
CRAIG Y NOS CASTLE
Craig Y Nos, Brecon Beacons
A dog-friendly list cannot go without a dog-friendly castle! Not only is this castle-slash-hotel surrounded by incredible views and lots of walking trails, the entirety of the experience is based around bringing together dog-lovers together.
THE WOODLANDS TAVERN
Chepstow
There’s plenty to see when visiting the Woodlands Tavern, what with being in one of Wales’ more picturesque towns, with plenty of history around. The pub welcomes anyone into the pub including the well-behaved four-legged kind.
MANORBIER BEACH
Near Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Plenty of the more popular Welsh beaches don’t allow dogs during high season, Tenby and Barry being perhaps the most obvious. Then there’s other places that can be a challenge to get to. None of which means a paw-city of great canine-positive beaches: we’ve plumped for this gorgeous sandy beach in Pembrokeshire, though it could have been almost any other piece of picturesque coast. With many pubs, cafés and B&Bs nearby, this beach is perfect any time of year, plus it’s a popular surfers’ spot.
BRECON CANAL BOATS
Llangattock, near Crickhowell
If you fancy rolling down the river in a houseboat around the beautiful Beacons, then doing so with Brecon Canal Boats allows you to do so with your dog. Alongside the canals there are plenty of paths for you to hike and explore. Even better, your dog gets to stay for free and you’re supplied with a dog towel to wipe them down after that sudden dip in the water!
ACTION PETZ
Queensway Meadows Industrial Estate, Newport
A huge indoor play-park designed specifically for dogs, located in Newport with a Cardiff branch hoping to open. Weather can be an unpredictable thing in Wales, natch, but you can visit Action Petz any time and guarantee your dog a run around. They also host events most months to go along to or take part in as well as providing a doggy day care service and dog-training classes.
MUMBLES PIER
Mumbles, Gower Peninsula
Going the extra (Mumbles) mile in making sure your pet isn’t missing out on pier-based fun, this is a great place to visit after a long walk on the adjacent beach. With a regular social media winner for ‘dog of the week’, the café also has their own doggy ice cream with different flavours for you to choose from, so they’re never left out on the treats.
CINEMA WITH YOUR DOG
Cinema & Co, Swansea
Cinema & Co are an independent film house who host a night each month where you can take your dog, cuddle up and watch a film. The décor is very cosy and you’re sat on a sofa-style pallet, so there’s no uncomfortable arm in-between. They also deliver pizza to you just before the film starts!