Dog-friendly beaches in Gower

The Gower Peninsula is blessed with a whole host of beaches, and your canine pal will be delighted to discover that lots of them are dog friendly all year round. From vast swathes of sand that are oh-so-tempting for zoomies, to secluded coves which suit the more solitary pup, there really is something for every dog.

So, if you’re wondering which beach in Gower is best for dogs, have a browse of the dog-friendly beaches in Gower below, with useful information to help you pick the best one for your pack. Our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Wales can help you discover even more to visit in the rest of the country.

And while we’re on the topic of dog-friendly beaches, how about a dog-friendly place to stay nearby? Our dog-friendly cottages in Gower welcome holiday-loving hounds as much as they welcome humans!

Scamper on ahead:

• Dog-friendly beaches, Gower – all year round
• Dog-friendly beaches, Gower – with seasonal restrictions
• Map of year-round dog-friendly beaches on the Gower Peninsula

All-year-round dog-friendly beaches in Gower

Swansea Bay

Wales’ waterfront city, Swansea, sits alongside one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Gower. We have included Swansea Bay in the ‘dog-friendly all year round’ section of our list because while there are seasonal restrictions on parts of the beach, there are generous sections where dogs are welcome, whatever the time of year.

With the amenities of the city close by, Swansea Bay is the perfect dog-friendly beach in Gower to head to if you’d like to escape the streets for an hour to feel the sand beneath your feet with your dog. And if you’d rather not walk on the sand, a pleasant promenade runs along the beach.

Mumbles

Mumbles Beach is found on the headland, next to Mumbles Pier. The modest beach is only accessible at low tide but snatch the opportunity when it arises and it’s possible to walk across to Mumbles Headland – just be careful not to get cut off by the incoming tide.

Mumbles Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Gower if you’re into rock pooling, as hundreds of little critters can be found in the relative safety of the pools that flank the beach. People often ask, ‘Can I take my dog on Mumbles Beach?’, and the answer is, ‘Yes’! Both this little cove and the stretch northwest of the pier up to West Cross Inn are dog friendly year-round.

Pwll Du Bay

Making a change from Gower’s vast sandy beaches, Pwll Du Bay is an attractive, pebbly beach, flanked by verdant cliffs at the bottom of a peaceful valley. There’s little here, save for a few cottages, so it makes a welcome respite from some of Gower’s more popular dog-friendly beaches.

If you enjoy bird watching and can get your pup to sit still for a while, you’ll be in with a chance of spotting all sorts of species. This pretty beach makes a lovely stop on a ramble along the coast path; Hunts Bay and dog-friendly Pobbles lie to the west, and Caswell Bay, which is dog friendly in the winter months, sits to the east.

Pobbles Bay

This little gem of a beach lies to the west of Swansea, and just to the east of Three Cliffs Bay. In fact, it’s the three cliffs themselves that form the western edge of the cove. One of the more peaceful dog-friendly beaches on the Gower Peninsula, Pobbles has beautiful golden sand against a backdrop of scraggy grass-topped cliffs.

The limestone cliffs separate this little beach from Three Cliffs Bay when the tide is in, but when it’s out, you can walk all the way around – a jaunt that your dog is sure to enjoy.

Three Cliffs Bay

Arguably the most iconic beach on the Gower Peninsula, this stunning bay with its eponymous three cliffs has appeared in many a holiday snap. Pennard Pill stream runs through the beach, and sand dunes, salt marsh and the eerie ruins of an ancient castle lie to the back.

There are stepping stones across the river, but your four-legged friend might prefer to splash their way across! The currents here can be strong though, so it’s not a bathing beach – best just to admire the scenery on a dog walk, as Three Cliffs Bay is dog friendly year-round.

Tor Bay

This handsome, sheltered beach, which is also known as Crawley Beach, has sand dunes to the rear – its shape being quite square. The golden sand joins on to neighbouring Oxwich Bay Beach at low tide, but when the tide is in, it has somewhat of a desert island feel – a magical place to while away a few sunny hours with your pet.

Reaching this dog-friendly Gower beach involves a 900-metre walk from the nearest car park in Penmaen, but it’s quiet, pretty and well worth the effort. Your dog will appreciate the stroll too; they might even convince you to continue your perambulations around the cliff path to take in the awe-inspiring views of Three Cliff Bay.

Oxwich Bay Beach

One of the most popular dog-friendly beaches on the Gower Peninsula, Oxwich Bay has it all: parking, eateries and amenities, and the most stunning 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand where the prospect of walkies is sure to make your pup’s heart sing.

Sand dunes, salt marshes and woodland run along the back of the beach, where water sports lovers flock to indulge in sailing, diving, water-skiing and windsurfing, not to mention sea swimming. Put your best foot (and paw) forward and stride off across the sand towards Tor Bay and Three Cliffs Bay. Time your visit right with low tide and you could even stroll as far as Pobbles Bay.

Mewslade

Pretty and interesting, Mewslade Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches on the Gower Peninsula if you’re looking for somewhere tucked away with a scenic walk to reach it. Lying at the end of a wooded valley that is owned by the National Trust, Mewslade’s beach is only revealed as the tide draws out, but if you visit at high tide, the tumultuous waves are quite a sight.

Backed by dramatic limestone cliffs, the beach is quite a haven after walking your dog down along the valley path from the car park. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic, or for polishing your surfing or bodyboarding skills.

Rhossili

One of Gower’s most well-known and spectacular beaches, many people ask ‘Are dogs allowed on the beach at Rhossili?’, so it’s great to know that Rhossili Bay Beach is dog friendly all year round. The three magnificent miles of golden sand invite you to take Fido for a long run beside the sea, while the waves here attract surfers from all over.

When the tide’s out, you can walk across to Worm’s Head at the south end of the beach, but be careful not to get stranded by the incoming tide. A climb back up the steep steps from the beach can be rewarded with a pint in the Worm’s Head Hotel where dogs are welcome on the garden terrace, or head for The View Kitchen, Cafe and Bar where dogs can join you inside and even pick from their own doggy menu!

Llangennith

Surfers with pooches, this one’s for you! Perfectly positioned for capitalising on the Atlantic swells, Llangennith is one of South Wales’ best surfing beaches but has plenty to satisfy four-pawed visitors too. A sprawling sand-dune system backs the north end of the beach, which you can walk through or around if you’re looking to give Fido more exercise.

The beach itself is long and sandy, and offers a lovely expanse for a dog walk, from the height of summer to the refreshing depths of winter. If you’re looking for Gower dog-friendly beaches with a wild side, you’ll love the ‘middle-of-nowhere’ vibes that Llangennith gives off.

Broughton Bay

Many of the dog-friendly beaches in Gower are enormous, and Broughton Bay is no exception! A little off the beaten track, it lies to the north of the Gower Peninsula and involves a short walk from wherever you park, but the effort will be worth it when you find yourself on its scenic sands.

While it looks spectacular, the sea here is not suitable for swimming in, but the sands are perfect for a quiet stroll with your pet, stretching northeast to meet Llanmadoc Beach and Whiteford Sands at low tide. Dog-friendly Broughton Bay rarely gets busy, so it’s great if your pup is a little nervous or likes to keep themself to themself. Just around the corner from Broughton Bay is dog-friendly Blue Pool Bay which you can only reach on foot.

Whiteford Sands

Backed by dunes and Whiteford Burrows where wading birds and wildfowl flock to feed, Whiteford Sands is vast, sandy and sublimely unspoilt! To the north end of the beach, you’ll spot Whiteford Sands Lighthouse, a sturdy, cast-iron structure that was de-commissioned in 1933.

The dunes and pine trees running parallel to the beach make a lovely walk for you and your four-legged friend. The area is a nature reserve owned by the National Trust, with opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.

Dog-friendly beaches in Gower with seasonal restrictions

Bracelet Bay

Close to Mumbles and with a car park, a cafe and amenities close by, Bracelet Bay is a top choice for a South Wales walk with your dog on either side of the May-September ban. Just west of Bracelet Bay is tiny Limeslade Bay, where the same restrictions apply.

Rotherslade

Just to the east of Langland Bay, and adjoining it at low tide, is Rotherslade Beach, within easy distance of Mumbles and the other beaches around the headland. The small cove is surrounded by rocks, making it a more intimate and cosy prospect than its neighbours. Access is via steps, and there’s a pleasant cafe to recharge your batteries on the way back up.

Langland Bay

Langland Bay is a family-friendly beach, backed by pretty beach huts, and it’s all yours, as a dog owner, from October to April. One of Gower’s best surf spots, it attracts water sports enthusiasts from far and wide, and with rock pools to poke around in and a lovely promenade to stroll along, it’s got plenty for a more relaxed day out too.

Caswell Bay Beach

A popular beach backed with cliffs and woodland, Caswell Bay Beach offers convenient amenities, making it a lovely destination for a family day out; your four-legged family member is welcome to join you from October to April.

Horton

Found in Port Eynon Bay, Horton Beach is lovely and sandy, and easily accessible via a short walk through the sand dunes from the car park. Loved by surfers and families alike, it has a seasonal dog ban, although the small section to the east of the lifeboat station remains dog friendly all year round.

Port Eynon

Fantastic for swimming and water sports, Port Eynon is a brilliant destination if you’re looking for somewhere to exercise your pup off-peak when dogs are allowed. There’s a generous swathe of beach to sit on, even at high tide, and eateries to choose from within a short walk.

Dog-friendly beaches Gower – map

See all the dog-friendly beaches on the Gower Peninsula at a glance on our handy map.

Stay in a dog-friendly cottage in Gower

With so many dog-friendly beaches that you can visit, there’s plenty to do with your pup when you take a holiday on the Gower Peninsula. And every discerning dog and their owner needs a lovely, comfortable, dog-friendly place to stay on their travels.

Have a browse of our fabulous Canine Cottages collection of dog-friendly cottages in Gower by clicking the button below – you might be surprised at how many there are to choose from!