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Our Canine guide to the Gower holiday cottages

Towns and cities

Our Canine guide to the Gower

Ed Roberts 24 January 2025

Gower is a gorgeous peninsula in South Wales, a few miles west of the city of Swansea. It is dominated by the Gower National Landscape and encircled by The Gower and Swansea Bay Coastal Path; these two highlights make the Gower Peninsula a superb choice for a holiday with your dog.

With captivating views across the Bristol Channel, plus footpaths and wild beaches galore, Gower is a fantastic dog-friendly destination for you and your pet to explore. Historic and natural landmarks abound, as well as an array of fun visitor attractions, meaning this area of South Wales is sure to have you coming back for more year after year. Find out why Gower is the perfect choice of holiday destination for you and your dog in our helpful guide.

Come to Gower and stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages. We have dog-friendly holiday properties big and small to meet your requirements all across the Gower Peninsula.


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Top dog-friendly days out in Gower

Worm’s Head, Rhossili Bay

Worm's Head at sunset as seen from the north.

Fancy taking your dog for the ultimate nature walk? Then why not head out onto the curiously named Worm’s Head? Found in Rhossili Bay, this tidal island is an absolute must for anybody who loves a rock scramble and a bout of active exploration. There’s even a section called the Devil’s Bridge which joins the Inner Head to the Outer Head sections of the ‘worm’. 

Access to Worm’s Head is possible for about 2.5 hours on each side of low tide, so don’t get cut off by the sea – the currents are too strong to navigate by swimming. Be mindful that some of the sections of the ‘worm’ are very rocky and potentially sharp underfoot, so keep an eye on your pooch’s comfort levels. You may see the occasional seal relaxing on the rocks at sea level which makes a jaunt out to the end well worth the effort. Plan ahead before a visit to the awesome natural highlight of the Gower Peninsula. 

Good to know

  • Why your dog will love it: Athletic dogs will love leading the way along this beautiful chunk of pure nature
  • Location: Worm's Head & Visitor Centre, Coastguard Cottages, Rhossili, SA3 1PR
  • Nearest car park: National Trust car park, SA3 1PP (charges apply for non-members)
  • Stay nearby: Creek Cottage | Sleeps 4 dogs + 4 humans

Oystermouth Castle, Mumbles

Red dog at Oystermouth Castle.

Who will be the king of the castle? And who will be the dirty rascal? Take your four-legged buddy along to this wonderful family and dog-friendly fortress for a great day out. Hounds are allowed to accompany you throughout the majority of the public areas of Oystermouth Castle. Your dog will love sniffing about the ramparts and ancient turrets; it’s awfully fun. Climb the tower for awesome views across Swansea Bay too. The staff are very welcoming to dogs and the facilities are more than ample.

Good to know

  • Why your dog will love it: This could be your dog’s first visit to a castle! 
  • Location: Oystermouth Castle, Castle Avenue, Mumbles, SA3 4BA 
  • Nearest car park: Oystermouth Car Park, 11 Cornwall Place, Mumbles, SA3 4DP (charges apply)
  • Stay nearby: Granny Shells | Sleeps 1 dog + 2 humans

Arthur’s Stone

A small herd of wild horses at Arthur's Rock.

Found virtually at the centre of the Gower Peninsula, Arthur’s Stone is worth seeking out. Fans of Arthurian Legend will most definitely want to see the fabled pebble that King Arthur removed from his boot only for it to grow after landing on Cefn Bryn after he flung it over the Bristol Channel (well, he is a legend)! Also, legend has it that the stone sprouts legs each New Year’s Eve to take a drink from the sea. The walk up Cefn Bryn is breathtaking, as well as the views from the summit. 

Good to know

  • Why your dog will love it: Whilst you are sharing stories about King Arthur, your dog will be looking out for rabbits
  • Location: Arthur's Stone, Cefn Bryn, Swansea, SA3 1A3
  • Nearest car park: Unmarked car park on the B4271 from Cilibion and Reynoldston
  • Stay nearby: Castle View 60B | Sleeps 2 dogs + 4 humans

Top walkies in Gower

The Gower and Swansea Bay Coast Path

Brown dog with red collar on the beach.

Pick up this fantastic coastal trail that traces the edge of the Bristol Channel from the banks of the River Loughor to Kenfig Dunes near Port Talbot. At 97 miles in length, you are never all that far away from the trail when holidaying on the Gower Peninsula. Passing through a national landscape, The Gower and Swansea Bay Coast Path also cuts across ten nature reserves, 24 Wildlife Trust Reserves, 32 SSSIs (Sites of Specific Scientific Interest) and much more. The path also takes you and your dog past some gorgeous beaches like Port Eynon, Rhossili and Oxwich Bay. Some sections are fairly challenging, yet others offer a gentle amble. 

Good to know

  • Why your dog will love it: This varied coastal trail is a veritable wonderland of sights and scents to delight your pet
  • Distance: 97 miles | Difficulty: Variable terrain
  • Stay nearby: Middleton Hall Cottage | Sleeps 4 dogs + 7 humans

Penllergare Valley Woods, near Swansea

Penllergare Valley Woods with waterfall in summery woods.

With just under 8 miles of woodland trails to explore, Penllergare Valley Woods is a top place to go out for a walk with your four-legged friend. You can also enjoy a lakeside stroll, a heritage trail and a riverside walk; there are trees galore here and you and your hound can make the most of the endless rural sights and scents of this beautiful Gower treasure. After you’ve stretched your legs on your nature trail, you can relax with a slice of cake and a hot cup of tea.

Good to know

  • Why your dog will love it: Dogs love a forest as there is so much to take in, scent-wise and visually
  • Distance: 8 miles of trails vary in length | Difficulty: Easy
  • Stay nearby: Hareslade Cottage | Sleeps 1 dog + 4 humans

Mumbles Promenade, Mumbles

The Mumbles Pier and the sea at sunset.

The Mumbles Promenade is a superb choice for those of you bringing your puppies or old dogs along for a holiday treat. The level promenade offers exceptional views across Swansea Bay and access to Mumbles Pier and the beach. The pier spells opportunities for snacks – does your dog like a bit of fish batter, scraps of chips, or the end of your wafer cone? Everybody deserves a little treat when they go to the seaside, especially your pup!

Good to know

  • Why your dog will love it: There’s ample chance to meet other dogs and enjoy the surroundings at a manageable pace
  • Location: Mumbles Promenade, Mumbles, SA3 4BN
  • Distance: 1.5 miles  Difficulty: Easy
  • Stay nearby: St Jude's | Sleeps 2 dogs + 4 humans

Top dog-friendly beaches in Gower

Rhossili Bay Beach, Rhossili

Three people sit above Rhossili Bay.

It’s easy to see why Rhossili Bay Beach is often described as one of South Wales' best beaches. It’s simply stunning, with a dramatic 'wow' factor. Home to Worm’s Head, a huge sandy expanse is revealed every low tide, giving you and your furry friend lots of room to play. Keep an eye out for the remains of the 1887 shipwreck of the Helvetia, and also grey seals out on the rocks around the base of Worm’s Head. Facilities are great at this beach and understandably, this beach gets very busy whenever the sun is blazing!

Good to know

  • Why your dog will love it: Rhossili Bay Beach is massive, giving you all lots of room for a run
  • Location: Rhossili Bay Beach, Rhossili, SA3 1PL
  • Nearest car park: National Trust car park, SA3 1PP (charges apply for non-members)
  • Facilities: Cafes, WCs, parking
  • Stay nearby: Lighthouse View | Sleeps 1 dog + 4 humans

Pobbles Bay

Big grey dog in a field full of purple flowers.

Slightly more secluded and lesser-known than Rhossili Bay is Pobbles Bay. Surrounded by dunes and low-level limestone cliffs, it’s a great choice for a relaxing picnic or a lounge with your dog. On clear days, you can take in fine views to the end of Oxwich Point (which you could also reach via the beach at low tide). There are no facilities at Pobbles, but it’s close enough to Southgate, where you can park your car and find refreshments in the cafes and pubs. Also, take a stroll to the dunes at Pennard Burrows nearby and Three Cliffs Bay Beach if the tide is on the way out. 

Good to know

  • Why your dog will love it: Pobbles is the perfect beach for a picnic as it is sheltered, which is always good news for dogs
  • Location: Pobbles Bay, Southgate, SA3 2AL
  • Nearest car park: National Trust car park, Southgate, SA3 2AN (charges apply for non-members)
  • Facilities: Car park
  • Stay nearby: Bryn Y Mor | Sleeps 1 dog + 6 humans

Fall Bay and Mewslade Beach, Gower

Rocky headland viewed from the beach.

Just a short distance south of thriving Rhossili is this duo of picture-perfect beaches. Low tide is the best time to head here as the sea comes in a long way along this section of the Gower coastline. Backed by low limestone cliffs, to the east of Tears Point is Fall Bay, which can be accessed via a rocky pathway from the coast path. Mewslade offers superb views out into the Bristol Channel from the east side of Thurba Head. There are rock pools for kids and dogs to investigate and lots of sand to play on. Both beaches are popular with experienced surfers who are trying to avoid the crowds. Other dog-friendly beaches on the Gower Peninsula include: Rotherslade, Caswell Bay, and Tor Bay.

Good to know

  • Why your dog will love it: Your pooch will love the wide expanses of sandy beach to go zoomies on
  • Location: Mewslade and Fall Bay, Mewslade, Gower, SA3 1PL
  • Nearest car park: Mewslade car park, SA3 1PM
  • Facilities: Neither beach has facilities
  • Stay nearby: Creek Cottage | Sleeps 4 dogs + 4 humans

Top dog-friendly dining spots in Gower

Pontardawe Inn, Pontardawe 

Small dog looks at a bowl of chips.

This dog-friendly pub is a good pick if you are looking for good, unfussy food. The Pontardawe Inn's mission statement is to deliver honest quality food and beer for those looking for a good feed. Set in the Gower village of Pontardawe, there’s a lovely garden to enjoy a pint with the dog if the sun is out. Your furry pal is also welcome to join you in the bar. 

Good to know

  • Location: The Pontardawe Inn, 123 Herbert Street, Pontardawe, SA8 4ED
  • Opening times: 12pm–12am Sunday to Thursday, 12pm–1am Friday and Saturday 
  • Why not try? House burger and hand-cut fries
  • Stay nearby: Crickton Farm Cottage | Sleeps 1 dog + 2 humans

The Ship Inn, Port Eynon 

Pub dog watches over a pint of cloudy ale for its owner.

For a good beer by the sea, the aptly named Ship Inn is a good choice. This cosy, nautical-style pub welcomes dogs inside and in the garden. So, if you’ve been enjoying a day of touring, the Ship is a friendly place to venture out to for satisfying refreshments in a very pretty spot. 

Good to know

  • Location: The Ship Inn, 10 Strand, Port Eynon, SA3 1NN
  • Opening times: 12pm–11pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday)
  • Why not try? One of the Ship Inn's amazing steaks
  • Stay nearby: Pigsty Cottage | Sleeps 1 dog + 2 humans

The Gower Inn, Parkmill 

A flight of multicoloured ales.

This stone pub, The Gower Inn, is a lovely place for lunch or an evening meal with a pint. Pooches are welcome too in the bar, they can keep warm or get cool in the shade as you unwind to eat. The menu is interesting, and the choice of dishes is bolstered with specials and firm family favourites made with locally sourced ingredients. Just remember to save a scrap for your patient doggy!

Good to know

  • Location: The Gower Inn, Parkmill, SA3 2EQ
  • Opening times: 12pm–10pm every day 
  • Why not try? Battered cod and chips
  • Stay nearby: The Pines | Sleeps 1 dog + 9 humans

Stay at a self-catering property in Gower

Explore our collection of dog-friendly places to visit and things to do on the Gower Peninsula. Visit our range of dog-friendly holiday cottages where you and your pet will find features that are bound to make a holiday in Gower utterly memorable. For more inspiration, visit our dog-friendly guide to South Wales. Choose your perfect self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottage from our collection – book your ideal holiday home without delay.

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.

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