There are so many places to visit in Wales that you and your dog will be spoilt for choice. The 14 regions of Wales have a varied and diverse landscape that will ensure you enjoy the perfect getaway at any time of year.
What are you waiting for… discover this corner of Britain for yourself!
Three regions border England — North Wales Borderlands, Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons, and the Wye Valley and the Vale of Usk — and each have their own allure and unique attractions.
In the North Wales Borderlands stands the Pontcysyllte aqueduct — the world’s tallest canal boat crossing and a World Heritage site — plus numerous castle ruins, ancient market towns, woodlands, and wide open spaces.
Further south lies the Wye Valley and the Vale of Usk; this border region has the most castles per square mile in Britain. The Wye Valley is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is guaranteed to take your breath away. The towns and villages are full of character and charm, including places such as Abergavenny, Chepstow, and Monmouth.
Nestled between these two regions is the Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons region. An explorer’s paradise, it’s home to two national parks, encompasses more than 75 miles of coast along Cardigan Bay, is full of lush green landscape, and has the highest waterfall in Wales.
When you’ve finished exploring the wild countryside, visit some of the town and villages in this region. Particular gems include Welshpool, only four miles from the English border and host to the largest sheep market in Wales, Hay-on-Wye, a haven for book lovers, and the busy market town of Cardigan.
Great dog walks in Wales
Wales is home to three popular and breathtaking national parks — Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in West Wales, and the Brecon Beacons National Park in Mid Wales.
They’re ideal for exploring with your dog and offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. At Snowdonia there are 100 lakes, 90 mountain peaks, and 37 miles of beaches and coastline, plus the highest mountain in England and Wales.
Dogs will love the pretty lakes, waterfalls, valleys, and green open spaces of the rolling Welsh countryside during a visit to the Brecon Beacons National Park; it contains some of the most spectacular and diverse landscape in Europe.
A holiday isn’t complete without a visit to the coast and Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is unique as Britain’s only national park which is predominantly coastal. The region of Pembrokeshire has spectacular stretches of coastline and picturesque villages, and dogs will enjoy the freedom and openness that this area brings.
For further information on National Parks in Wales, take a look at our...
- PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK GUIDE
- SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK GUIDE
- BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK GUIDE
Dog-friendly attractions in Wales
If you want to spend time on the beach then the Rhyl and Prestatyn region, which has miles of golden sands and beaches, is great for a traditional British seaside experience, as are Llandudno and Colwyn Bay. A Victorian seaside resort at the foot of the Great Orme, attractions around Llandudno include 4,000-year-old mines and Britain’s longest cable car.
For a more tranquil setting head to the Isle of Anglesey — a peaceful region with stunning coastline and host to many festivals, including a walking festival held in June. Ceredigion, in the west part of Wales, is another area worth taking time to discover. It’s home to the Devil’s Bridge over the Mynach River; legend says the bridge was built by the Devil in return for the soul of the first person to cross it, and that townspeople tricked him by sending a dog over the bridge.
Carmarthenshire has chic places to stay, stylish eateries, and welcoming country pubs, while Swansea and Cardiff are ideal locations for people who like a busy city atmosphere.