From stunning beaches to the windswept mountains of the newly renamed Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales is pure paradise for dogs. Whichever part of the country you’ve chosen to visit, there are plenty of dog-friendly pubs for you to enjoy and we’ve rounded up some of the best. Whether you’re looking for a cold pint in a sunny beer garden or a warm meal by the fire, we’ve got you and your dog covered. If you’re planning on staying in the area for a while, some offer dog-friendly accommodation as well.
Dog-Friendly Pubs Our Testers Visited in Wales
Our testers travelled from valley to peak to sniff out dog-friendly pubs, and we explain these below. At the end, we reveal the winner and explain why it offers more for you and your dog than any other pub in the country.
The Goose & Cuckoo Inn, Abergavenny
Address: Upper Llanover, Abergavenny, NP7 9ER
Telephone: 01873 880 277
Nearest train station: Abergavenny
Nearest bus stop: Llanover
Reservations needed: Not usually required
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £15-£20
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options available
Recommended dish for humans: Chicken casserole with herby dumplings, served with chips and salad
Hours of operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 5pm-10pm (drinks only on Tuesday)
- Thursday: 12pm-3pm & 5pm-10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-10pm
- Sunday: 12pm-8pm
Nestled in the Upper Llanover Valley, The Goose & Cuckoo Inn is the perfect place for you and your dog to stop for a rest after a hike around the nearby Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (previously known as the Brecon Beacons). This historic inn specialises in real ales and has been voted the Gwent Country Pub of the Year 2024 by CAMRA. They even provide canine treats at the bar so your dog doesn’t feel left out. You might need more than a day to explore all this area has to offer, in which case you can book a stay at one of the Goose And Cuckoo’s dog-friendly holiday cottages.
The Castle Inn, Monmouthshire
Address: 7 Twyn Square, Usk, NP15 1BH
Telephone: 01291 673 037
Nearest train station: Pontypool or Cwmbran
Nearest bus stop: Usk Bus Station
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Vegetarian and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: The Castle Inn beef burger topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and aioli. Served with coleslaw, fries, and onion rings
Hours of operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm-10.30pm
At The Castle Inn, the owners will welcome your dogs with open arms. When you visit, you’ll also get to meet the adorably named pub dogs, Pie and Chips. Water bowls and free treats are available, and there’s even dog-friendly accommodation if you want to stay in the area to explore more of the stunning scenery and walks. The pub offers a range of delicious meals throughout the day, from light snacks to wholesome pub classics. Dogs are allowed in most of the pub, although there are some dog-free zones.
The Captain’s Wife, Penarth
Address: Beach Road, Swanbridge, Sully, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 5UG
Telephone: 02920 530 066
Nearest train station: Penarth
Nearest bus stop: Sully bus stop
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25. The Captain’s Wife also offers a lunch set menu from Monday to Thursday, at £16.50 for two courses, or £20.50 for three
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Seared fillet of sea bass and king prawns, served with baby potatoes, broad beans, broccoli, and a creamy white wine sauce
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 11.30am-10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11.30am-10.30pm
- Sunday: 1.30am-9.30pm
With expansive views across Swanbridge Bay, The Captain’s Wife is the perfect place to stop for a rest after a long coastal walk with your dog. The pet-friendly outdoor seating area offers water bowls for your dog, and there are plenty of delicious pub meals for you to enjoy. Afterwards, you can walk out to Sully Island, once visited by pirates and smugglers. But take care… as it’s only reachable at low tide.
The Pump House, Swansea
Address: Pump House Quay, Swansea Marina, Swansea, SA1 1TT
Telephone: 01792 651 080
Nearest train station: Swansea
Nearest bus stop: Swansea Bus Station
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25. Keep your eye out for offers, including a meal and a drink deals throughout the week.
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Wholetail breaded Whitby scampi served with chips and tartare sauce
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 11am-11pm
The Pump House is located at Pump House Quay in the heart of Swansea’s Maritime Quarter and welcomes dogs into the bar area. After a long day exploring, staff will help your pup refresh with treats and water bowls at the ready. While your dog relaxes, you can enjoy a hearty pub meal, burger, or a lighter bite. Once you’re both ready, take a stroll down Swansea Beach and enjoy the expansive views across Swansea Bay and to Mumbles Pier.
The Beverley, Cardiff
Address: 75-77 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9PG
Telephone: 02920 343 443
Nearest train station: Cardiff Central
Nearest bus stop: Cathedral Road
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £15-£20
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Crispy chicken stack burger, served in a toasted brioche-style linseed bun with signature burger sauce, lettuce, and red onion, with a side of seasoned fries and crunchy slaw.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 7am-10pm
- Sunday: 8am-10pm
Near a huge range of local sights, including Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Museum, The Principality Stadium, and the Millennium Centre, The Beverley is a converted Victorian townhouse full of character features. Dogs are welcome in the pub garden and bar. The Beverley is also close to some of Cardiff’s best-loved parks, perfect for a long walk before or after something to eat and drink.
The Corner House, Cardiff
Address: 25 Caroline Street, Cardiff, CF10 1FF
Telephone: 02920 228 628
Nearest train station: Cardiff Central
Nearest bus stop: Cardiff Bus Station
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: King prawn, crab, and ortiz linguine served with a white wine, tomato, garlic & chilli sauce
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10am-12am
- Sunday: 10am-10pm
If you’re visiting Cardiff city centre with your dog, The Corner House is the perfect place to stop and rest your legs. Dogs are welcome, and there are water bowls available to help them refresh. While your dog relaxes, you can enjoy something from the all-day menu which features modern British and Mediterranean options.
The Beaufort Arms, Swansea
Address: 18 Pennard Road, Kittle, Swansea, SA3 3JG
Telephone: 01792 234 447
Nearest train station: Swansea
Nearest bus stop: Norton Avenue or Castle Acre
Reservations needed: Recommended at busy times
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£30
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Gower lamb chops
Hours of operation:
- Monday: 12pm-11.30pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12pm-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-11.30pm
- Sunday: 12pm-11pm
Nestled in the picturesque village of Kittle, The Beaufort Arms is the perfect spot to relax after a day exploring the stunning scenery and beaches of the nearby Gower Peninsula. You and your dog will be welcome to chill out in the pub garden or warm up by the fire. There’s also a selection of pub meals made with local produce, plus a range of real ales.
The Cross Inn, The Vale of Glamorgan
Address: Church Road, Llanblethian, Cowbridge, CF71 7JF
Email: Hello@thecrossinncowbridge.com
Nearest train station: Pontyclun
Nearest bus stop: Cowbridge High Street
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £15-£20
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Look out for the various pop-up street food events, including smash burgers, tacos, and more.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 11.30am-11pm
If you want to spoil your dog while on a trip to the Vale of Glamorgan, you need to visit The Cross Inn. Watch out for its street food pop-ups, which offer dog-friendly dishes including the Lazy Pup burger. There are always water bowls available for your dog to rehydrate and free treats behind the bar. From spring 2025, you and your dog will also be able to stay overnight, with each room including a dog bed, blankets, bowls, toys, and treats.
The Lion Inn, Trellech
Address: Church Street, Trellech, Monmouthshire, NP25 4PA
Telephone: 01600 860 322
Nearest train station: Abergavenny
Nearest bus stop: Trellech Village
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Forester chicken burger served with salad, homemade coleslaw, and Trellech tatties
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Wednesday: 12pm-11pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 12pm-12am
- Sunday: 12pm-11pm
The Lion Inn is a stunning, stone-built village pub where your dog will be welcome in the bar and lounge areas. The landlords offer water bowls, dog treats, and even a special dog menu. While your dog is enjoying their meal, pet parents can sample a range of real ales, ciders, and an extensive menu of homemade food. If you want to stay and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Wye Valley for longer, the inn also offers dog-friendly accommodation on-site.
The Best Dog-Friendly Pub in Monmouth: The Punch House
Address: 4-6 Agincourt Square, Monmouth, NP25 3BT
Telephone: 01600 713 855
Nearest train station: Abergavenny
Nearest bus stop: Monmouth Bus Station
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: ~£20. The Punch House also offers a range of specials all week, including steak night, burger night, and kids meals for £1
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Ham, egg, and chips
Hours of operation:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10am-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10am-12am
The Punch House is a historic inn serving local real ales and seasonal Welsh food. Dogs are welcome in the bar, where there is a doggie menu available. If you’re keen to stay longer, they can join you for an overnight stay in one of the newly renovated, dog-friendly rooms (an additional charge may apply), ensuring every dog’s comfort.
This pub stands out for its ample space, clear signage, and additional touches like spare leads and first aid kits, this pub goes above and beyond to create an outstanding environment for dogs and their owners. The landlady, Vicky, is a dedicated dog lover who personally greets canine visitors with treats and attention.
Is your dog pub-friendly?
Some dogs love the hustle and bustle of social spaces like pubs, but others prefer the quiet life. If your dog is reactive when meeting strangers, or gets overwhelmed in unfamiliar surroundings, they probably won’t enjoy exploring the pubs in and around Wales, even if they are dog-friendly. Luckily, there are lots of Rover dog sitters, ready to look after your dog while you’re soaking up the local sights.