Nine dog-friendly pubs in Wales
Glorious scenery, myriad walking trails and dozens of dog-friendly holiday cottages makes Wales a hotspot for getaways with four-legged friends! After an epic hike through the lush Welsh countryside, what better way is there to relax than dropping into a cosy local pub? From options with spacious beer gardens to venues featuring log fires and delicious pub grub, here's our pick of the best dog-friendly pubs in Wales.
1. The Tavern on the Bay
Location: Red Wharf Bay
Address:Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey LL75 8RJ
Why dogs love it: The sun-soaked terrace that’s perfect for post-walk snoozes
If North Wales is the region you’ve selected for your vacation, you can’t skip having lunch at The Tavern on the Bay. Nestled along Red Wharf Bay on the east coast of Anglesey, it’s a gastropub with stunning seaside vistas and a tempting menu of dishes featuring mostly locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find the tavern’s sunny outdoor terrace welcomes pooches and there’s always water bowls waiting.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Stay just up the road at The Shuggies, a cosy dog-friendly apartment for four, which boasts beautiful sea views.
2. The Black Cock Inn
Location: Caerphilly
Address:Waunwaelod Way, Caerphilly CF83 1BD
Why dogs love it: The friendly staff who love dogs
Beautiful hiking trails and medieval landmarks make Caerphilly a prime destination for a holiday. If you’re searching for a traditional pub halfway around the Caerphilly Mountain circular walking route, you can’t do much better than The Black Cock Inn. A cosy atmosphere, home cooked food and dedicated bar area for dog owners makes it a wonderful pub to pop into with your pooch. It’s also family-friendly and even has a play area to keep little ones busy!
Dog-friendly place to stay: Slumber in serene surroundings at Caban Cwm Hedd, a three bedroom log cabin located just outside Bassaleg.
3. The Bell at Skenfrith
Location: Skenfrith
Address:B4521, Skenfrith, NP7 8UH
Why dogs love it: The complimentary dog treats
Situated a stone’s throw from the English border in Monmouthshire, the award winning The Bell at Skenfrith is undoubtedly one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Wales. The former coaching inn dates back to the 17th century and has a bar area solely for dogs and their owners. Canine’s get first-rate treatment with free water, treats on arrival and a Pooch Parlour where they can be hosed down if they arrive covered in mud.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Enjoy a getaway with the kids and dogs in tow at this charming Barn in Mid Wales, that’s less than 15 minutes from Skenfrith by car.
4. The Albion
Location: Conwy
Address:Upper Gate St, Conwy LL32 8RF
Why dogs love it: The welcoming fireplaces which are perfect to nap in front of
Bustling Conwy, with its historic castle and close proximity to Great Orme, is a great pick for a pooch-friendly staycation. The walled town in North Wales is littered with dog-friendly places to eat and drink, including The Albion. Situated on Upper Gate Street in the centre of the town, The Albion boasts great pub food, loads of ales on tap and has the added bonus of being dog-friendly throughout. The bar staff are known for handing out free dog treats, plus there’s several cosy spots for canines to slumber.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Book a romantic getaway with your other half (and pooch, of course!) at plush Naw Stryd y Capel in the heart of Conwy.
5. Prince of Wales
Location: Criccieth
Address:High St, Criccieth LL52 0HB
Why dogs love it: The tasty biscuits from the bar staff
Sick of fish and chips? For some hearty pub meals in a dog-friendly location, the Prince of Wales is a great shout. You’ll find it in Criccieth, a seaside town on Wales’ west coast that’s famous for its castle. After an hour or so strolling down the beach, settle down at a table in the Prince of Wales’ pooch-friendly bar. While you dig into delicious grub (including a yummy Sunday lunch spread) and sip on locally-brewed real ale, your dog can snack on free biscuits and nap under the table.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Wake up minutes away from the beach and Criccieth Castle at the ideally placed Little Bakehouse cottage.
6. Bull & Heifer
Location: Newtown
Address:Bettws Cedewain, Newtown SY16 3DS
Why dogs love it: The lively beer garden
For food with an unusual spin, the Bull & Heifer just north of Newtown ticks all the boxes. The former post office turned local Welsh pub is at the heart of pretty Bettws Cedewain and it’s known for its homely decor and tempting dishes - think venison chilli nachos and southern fried pheasant bites. The spacious beer garden is the ideal place to sit with dogs in the summer or, alternatively, you could book a table in the bar area for a sumptuous Sunday Roast.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Relax in luxury with the entire family at this rather grand Barn in Mid Wales on the outskirts of Newtown.
7. The Ferry Inn
Location: Cardigan
Address:Poppit Road, St Dogmaels, Cardigan SA43 3LF
Why dogs love it: The intriguing river smells and free water bowls
Another waterside pub (this time on the River Teifi) is The Ferry Inn. It’s found in the aptly named St Dogmaels village, on the outskirts of Cardigan. The area is lovely to explore with your pooch, plus you’ll be able to stop off for a bite to eat while enjoying wonderful views. The Ferry Inn is entirely dog-friendly and has a mouth-watering menu, featuring options to suit all diets and tastes.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Stay within walking distance of The Ferry Inn at the pretty Rose Cottage, which has plenty of space for both dogs and humans.
8. Amroth Arms
Location: Sandersfoot
Address:Amroth, Saundersfoot SA67 8NG
Why dogs love it: The huge sandy beach just across the road
Pretty Pembrokeshire is a prime destination for a getaway in Wales! It’s also teeming with dog-friendly pubs, including the Amroth Arms in Saundersfoot. An unbeatable location right next to the beach means it has amazing views and even better walking opportunities. Warm up by the fire after a brisk stroll down the coast or sun yourselves in the beer garden. The Amroth Arms is dog-friendly throughout the week, although you might want to book ahead.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Modern and welcoming of four-legged friends, Treetops on the edge of Saundersfoot is the perfect place for a Welsh getaway by the sea.
9. Vaynol Arms
Location: Nant Peris, Snowdonia National Park
Address:Nant Peris, Caernarfon LL55 4UF
Why dogs love it: The cosy atmosphere (and being snuck chips under the table)
Snowdonia, with its lofty peaks and abundance of walking trails, has to be one of the top places to visit with dogs in Wales! Once you’ve soaked up the great outdoors (and tired out your pooch), you’ll be keen to find a cosy pub to warm up in. The Vaynol Arms lies in Nant Peris and boasts epic views of Mount Snowdon. Dogs are allowed inside, so you can settle down at a table by the fire and order up mouth-watering dishes like homemade pizzas or loaded burgers with chips.
Dog-friendly place to stay: Retreat to peaceful Swn y Nant, a cosy cottage at the foot of Mount Snowdon featuring a spacious garden and hot tub.
