Nothing beats going on holiday with the whole family, including four-legged members! One of the best ways to enjoy a holiday with your dog in tow is to rent a holiday cottage so that you can both enjoy an escape from your everyday lives. Wales—with its rugged coastline, mountainous national parks, and stunning lakes—ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for some R&R. Cardiff may have non-stop cultural happenings, a buzzing nightlife and some great dog-friendly pubs, but there’s also lots to do outside the capital.
To make your escape to the country even easier, you can take up to two dogs with you on all British trains free of charge—find out more in our article Can I Take My Dog on the Train? Here’s our pick of the best dog-friendly holiday cottages in Wales.
The Old Vicarage
Brecon Beacons
This spacious holiday home near the market town of Crickhowell in The Brecon Beacons National Park sleeps 14 people and two dogs (charged at £20 per pet) so it’s the ideal place for large gatherings with family and friends. The Wisteria-clad building dates back to the 1740s and is packed with original features like a huge open fire place, and wooden beams. The cottage has stunning views of the surrounding mountains from its seven bedrooms, and grand French windows that open onto its numerous terraces and gardens. From the front door there are loads of walks up Sugar Loaf mountain as well as some gentle strolls along the river Grwyney, and down into the rural hamlet of Llangenny, where you’ll find the dog-friendly village pub, The Dragons Head.
Policeman’s Cottage
Pembrokeshire
This detached period cottage is located in the heart of Saundersfoot, a colourful seaside village with a vibrant harbour and a host of shops, pubs, and places to eat. The former police station has been lovingly renovated to include three bedrooms and sleeps six as well as one dog, charged at £20 per full or part week. No matter the season, the coastal trails on the doorstep are popular with walkers and cyclists alike. If you’re into surfing, the cottage has a small courtyard just outside of the bright conservatory that’s ideal for storing surfboards. Though Pembrokeshire’s beaches welcome dogs, in nearby Tenby dogs are not allowed on the North beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September or on the Harbour beach at all. The Castle Beach allows dogs (on the lead) on a very small part of the beach so your best option is to head for the South Beach—a golden sandy beach where dogs are allowed further along the beach.
The Laundry
Brecon Beacons
If you’re planning a romantic trip for two (plus dogs), The Laundry most definitely ticks all the boxes. The beautifully restored cottage combines modern features like underfloor heating and Wifi with historic features including flagstone floors, exposed beams, a 14th-century archway, and even its own castle wall. French doors lead onto a tranquil enclosed garden with a BBQ, and access to acres of private woodland and parkland. The bedroom boasts a super-king-sized bed and an en-suite wet room with a bath and shower, plus there’s a studio where you can arrange to have a massage. As well as the great outdoors—including the Black Mountains and Crickhowell—right on your doorstep there’s a small village and pub within walking distance. Two dogs (charged at £20 each per stay) are welcome as standard, but if you’d like to bring more you can talk to the management to make arrangements.
Dolydd Cottage
Snowdonia
Smack bang in the middle of the Snowdonia National Park in the quaint village of Maentwrog, Dolydd Cottage is ideally located for easy access to loads of walking routes—Mount Snowdon is just 30 minutes away if you fancy a hike. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous try a little white water rafting on the Tryweryn River or some mountain biking or ziplining in Blaenau. The picturesque property—a former primary school—has one bedroom to accommodate two adults but if you have a little bundle of joy, a cot and high chair can be provided on request. Four-legged family members can stay for £25 per visit. The cosy cottage has a log fire, stone walls, oak floors, a jacuzzi bath, and underfloor heating throughout.
Penrhiw Cottage
Carmarthenshire
Wisteria-covered Penrhiw Cottage dates back 300 years. The quiet haven sleeps six and up to two dogs so it’s ideal for getaways with friends and family. As well as an inglenook fireplace, oak beams, a roll top bath, and an enclosed garden with barbecue, you’ll find dog beds, bowls, and treats. The cottage is conveniently located near The Dog House, one of the UK’s top dog training centres. If you book prior to your stay, you can arrange one-on-one training sessions as well as guided dog walks through the local woodland, and grooming appointments. The area’s home to beaches, ancient castles, and the stunning Pembrokeshire coastal path and if you want to venture out for a bite to eat with your furry best mate, there several are pubs and cafes in the area that welcome dogs.
Gwynle Cottage
Snowdonia
Situated right on the doorstep of Snowdonia National Park, this Grade II listed cottage is in a great spot for dog owners who don’t want to venture too far off the beaten path. The cottage sleeps four people and two dogs, and simply oozes character—it’s got an inglenook fireplace with a woodburner, a freestanding bath, and a nice little outdoor terrace with charming views over the village of Tremadog. There’s heaps on offer in the village including a restaurant, chip shop and a few dog-friendly pubs. If you fancy a day out, you can explore the national park or head just over three miles south to Black Rock Sands which has a massive sandy beach that’s dog-friendly all year round.
Tal y Braich
Snowdonia
If you’re looking for a remote getaway, look no further than Tal y Braich. Situated on a working farm, this cosy stone cottage in the heart of Snowdonia has three bedrooms and sleeps five people (and two dogs). As well as spectacular views, a beautiful slate floor, and a wood burning fire, the cottage has a medium sized garden and patio area that’s perfect for al fresco dining in the summer. If you and the dogs are into hiking you’re going to love exploring the Carneddau Range and Tryfan. There’s also access to canoeing, kayaking, and the national mountain sports centre—Plas y Brenin—nearby.
Coed Llai Lodge
Anglesey
Located a mere 50 yards from the beach, this detached cottage on Holy Island is the perfect place to escape to for some fun in the sun. Here you’ll have the chance to explore some beautiful coastal walks with your trusty hounds—two are allowed in the lodge. The bright, open-plan property has two bedrooms—one with a double and one with twin beds—and an enclosed decked terrace with patio furniture and a barbecue. If you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else, the dog-friendly Sea Shanty Cafe is just a stone’s throw away. When you and your canine companion have had your fill exploring the island’s RSPB Reserve, the South Stack lighthouse, and Breakwater Country Park, you can try a spot of golf, fishing, sailing or horse riding. The bustling port of Holyhead is just three miles away in case you fancy popping over to Ireland for the day.
Beacons View Farm Cottages
Brecon Beacons
Beacons View Farm Cottages is made up of three self-catering cottages which can be booked individually or together if your group has up to 19 guests. Up to six well-behaved dogs are most welcome here—they just ask that owners keep them downstairs and under control when near farmland. Dogs are charged at £20 each per stay. The eight-bedroom cottage is perfectly located if you fancy exploring the Brecon Beacons by foot, bike or horse. Not only does the property have a woodburner, an indoor games room, and a large garden with a terrace, barbecue, and outdoor children’s play park, there are also two hot tubs and a sauna in case you feel like turning that relaxation up a notch.
We hope you can plan a relaxing getaway to one of these dog-friendly cottages in Wales but if you have other plans and have to leave your furry loved one behind, Rover’s here to help you find a fantastic dog sitter who’ll treat your dog like family while you’re away.
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Featured image: NATIONALTRUST.ORG
