South Wales is the perfect destination for canines and their owners looking for an adventurous getaway. The rolling hills, towering mountain peaks, winding rivers, and enchanting forests are perfect for a variety of walkies, while endless stretches of sandy beaches make for fun days of doggy paddling, chasing frisbees and sandcastle bombing.
Did you know there is also an abundance of dog-friendly attractions in South Wales too? There are mighty castles to conquer, mysterious caves to sniff out and National Trust gardens to scamper around. Or if Rover’s not as young as he once was, you could try a relaxing journey on a steam railway or a gentle cruise down the river on a canoe! While on your next big adventure with your pack, check out some of the following dog-friendly days out in South Wales.
For more great inspiration on dog-friendly days out in South Wales, you can read our guide to South Wales. Perhaps you’re travelling elsewhere in the UK? Here’s our ultimate guide to days out with your dog in the UK. And don’t forget, if you need somewhere cosy to stay, we’ve got a tail-wagging selection of dog-friendly cottages in South Wales to choose from too.
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Best dog-friendly family attractions in South Wales
Pembroke Castle | Best for royal dogs and kids
Brave little pups can be king of the castle at this mighty fortification in Pembrokeshire. The birthplace of Henry VII, the first Tudor king, Pembroke Castle is one of our favourite dog-friendly family attractions in South Wales. Tail-wagging pals are welcome anywhere in the castle on short leads, with the exception of the café and shop - so they can join the whole family along intriguing passageways, up the dramatic 75ft-high Great Keep, and in the grounds for a picnic in the sunshine.
As well as exploring one of the most dog-friendly castles in South Wales, pets are also welcome at the regular daytime activities, and there are plenty of water bowls available when your doggo has worked up a thirst.
Craig-y-Nos Country Park | Best for fit and active dogs
Happy hounds will feel like they’re in doggy heaven as they scamper through 40 acres of rolling countryside, shady woodlands and meandering rivers at Craig-y-Nos Country Park in the Upper Swansea Valley. One of the top dog-friendly family days out in South Wales, canine pals won’t even notice they’re still on the lead as they discover all the new sights, smells and sounds on their scenic stroll.
At the park, the only restriction for dogs is that they are not allowed in the hay meadow while sheep are grazing in the winter months. The paths are gentle and easy to follow, with lots of benches and picnic areas dotted along the way for little rest stops.
Good to know
- Location: Craig-y-Nos Country Park, Pen-y-Cae, Craig-y-Nos, Swansea, SA9 1GL
- Opening times: Daily from 9,30am to 5.30pm
- Prices: Free entry but there is a fee for parking
- Stay nearby: Breconview Lodge | sleeps 1 dog + 8 humans
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales | Best for dogs that love holes
For the real canine adventurers among your pack, a trip to The National Showcaves Centre for Wales in the Brecon Beacons is an absolute must. Hounds and their owners can venture deep underground into three of Wales’ most incredible caves: Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave. Provided pups are kept on a short lead and are prepared with doggy bags, they are welcome to sniff out all three caves and the main grounds, just not the adjacent Shire Horse Centre and where the farm, play areas, and Millennium Stone Circles are located.
In Dan-yr-Ogof Cave, there is a natural formation of rock called the 'Rasher of Bacon' – so all dogs will love this place. Confident pups who don’t mind the dark and are fit and able to navigate flights of steps and steep slopes underground will also get the most of their visit.
Good to know
- Location: The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Dan-yr-Ogof, Abercraf, SA9 1GJ
- Opening times: The cave tours leave every hour. See the showcaves' website for opening times.
- Tickets: Adults £21.50, children £16.50 - for more information visit the tickets page
- Stay nearby: Heol Giedd | sleeps 2 dogs + 4 humans
Best dog-friendly historic attractions in South Wales
Tintern Abbey | Best for older dogs and pups
One of the best-preserved medieval abbeys in all of Wales, Tintern Abbey is a tail-wagging treat for cultured canines. This 13th-century Cistercian Abbey which sits on the banks of the River Wye, is a Gothic masterpiece and a national icon. Its haunting remains of the roofless cloisters, the infirmary and the chapter house rise up to the sky and have inspired many poets and artists throughout the centuries, including William Wordsworth and JMW Turner.
Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the ground levels of the abbey. After a well-deserved scamper around the ruins, the whole pack can enjoy a bite to eat in the pub just across the car park which warmly welcomes pups, walkers and muddy boots. Young pups, small dogs and older dogs will enjoy the modest stroll around the abbey.
Good to know
- Location: Tintern Abbey, Tintern, NP16 6SE
- Opening times: Daily from 9.30am to 6pm
- Tickets: Adults £8.55, children £6.03 (Cadw members free) - for more information visit the Tintern Abbey website
- Stay nearby: Fox and Hounds Cottage | sleeps 2 dogs + 4 humans
Caldicot Castle and Country Park | Best for lively dogs
Canine chums can discover more fascinating Welsh history with a roam around Caldicot Castle and Country Park in Monmouthshire. One of the top dog-friendly historic attractions in South Wales, your pack will find themselves transported back to the Middle Ages. And not only will Buster and Bella love sniffing out all the curious nooks and crannies in the castle, but they can also enjoy 55 acres of gardens, woodland and country park afterwards.
Caldicot Castle and County Park is the perfect doggy combo of exciting ruins to climb and gardens to play in. Historically hysterical hounds with an excess of energy to burn will love this place!
Good to know
- Location: Caldicot Castle and Country Park, Church Road, Caldicot, NP26 4HU
- Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday – 11am to 4pm
- Prices: Free entry (unless there is a live ticketed event)
- Stay nearby: Old Stables – Wolvesnewton | sleeps 1 dog + 2 humans
Raglan Castle | Best for brave dogs
One of the grandest castles to have ever been built by a Welshman, the imposing medieval fortress of Raglan Castle is perfect for a historical doggie day out. Encircled by a beautiful moat, its magnificent turrets rise above the glorious countryside in which it proudly stands. The ruins are so impressive that they have even been used as a filming location for an episode of BBC’s Merlin.
Fido will love this place because they can follow in the footsteps of Arthur, the Knights and Merlin with a magical stroll on the lead around the ground level of the castle – unfortunately, pups can’t climb the towers.
Good to know
- Location: Raglan Castle, Castle Road, Raglan, NP15 2BT
- Opening times: Daily from 9.30am to 6pm
- Prices: Entry costs vary depending on the season. Please visit Raglan Castle's website for info .
- Stay nearby: Holly Lodge | sleeps 1 dog + 2 humans
Best quirky dog-friendly attractions
Brecon Mountain Railway | Best for well-behaved dogs
One of the most memorable ways to experience the epic scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park with your pack is by vintage steam locomotive. Your four-legged friends are welcome to accompany you on the Brecon Mountain Railway as you chug along from Pant to Torpantau, along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir. Make sure you pack plenty of tasty titbits for the pups though, as they’re not permitted in the café or gift shop.
After all those long, tiring countryside walkies, a trip aboard a train is a much gentler way to take in the sights.
Good to know
- Location: Brecon Mountain Railway, Pant Station, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2DD
- Timetable: Visit the Brecon Mountain Railway website for train times
- Prices: Tickets range from £4 to £22 depending on the length of your journey
- Stay nearby: Upper Caerfanell Barn | sleeps 4 dogs + 10 humans
Want to canoe? | Dogs that love water
If you have a furry water baby in your pack, then treat them to a unique dog-friendly activity in South Wales with Want to Canoe? Providing well-behaved pups always promise to remain in the canoe and not cause a disturbance to wildlife and fellow paddlers, they can glide along with you and discover the beauty of the River Wye. This relaxing river adventure offers a myriad of new sights, sounds and smells, with the chance to spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats including kingfishers, herons and otters.
You can combine your adventures on the river with a leisurely stroll around the bookshops, markets and historic sites in the vibrant market town of Hay-on-Wye, just a short stroll over the bridge from the hire centre. This dog-friendly activity is perfect for calm pups who don’t mind getting their paws wet.
Good to know
- Location: Want to Canoe? Racquety Farm, Powys, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5RS
- Opening times: Open daily from 8am to 6pm
- Prices: Visit the Want to Canoe? website for the hire prices
- Stay nearby: 1 Hay Stay | sleeps 1 dog + 6 humans
Red Kite Feeding Centre | Best for calm dogs
A graceful bird of prey, the red kite is an iconic sight in the Brecon Beacons National Park. After a decline 20 years ago, there are now well over 300 pairs of breeding birds in South Wales and one of the best places to see their incredible aerial displays is at the Red Kite Feeding Centre in Llanddeusant.
Dogs on the lead can join you in the specially designed hide only feet away from diving birds. Observe them competing naturally for the food provided by the feeding centre at regular times every day of the year.
Good to know
- Location: Red Kite Feeding Centre, South Street, Rhayader, LD6 5BL
- Opening times: Thursday to Sunday from 12.30pm to 5pm
- Prices: Adults £6, children £3, and OAPs £5
- Stay nearby: March Melin | sleeps 1 dog and 6 humans
Dog-friendly accommodation in South Wales
Which of these dog-friendly attractions in South Wales will you be visiting during your break? With so much choice, you and your pack will need somewhere cosy and relaxing to warm those paws and toes after your tail-wagging adventures.
From rural retreats in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park to seaside escapes on the South Wales coast, our pet-friendly cottages are tailored to every type of canine explorer. Haven’t chosen your bolthole yet? Browse our dog-friendly cottages in South Wales.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.