The enchanting region of dog-friendly Pembrokeshire is a perfect place to reflect and connect with friends, family and your favourite canine pal.
Both you and your four-pawed travel companion can get away from it all in this wonderful, seaside-centric corner of Wales. Calm canines will love lounging on sandy shores, while more energetic pups can release their inner wolf on wild, adventurous hikes in forests and along the coast.
For more ideas, discover our full guide to dog-friendly Wales, click the button below to explore our cottages, or read on and begin planning your Pembrokeshire holiday.
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Top dog-friendly beaches in Pembrokeshire
No holiday to Pembrokeshire would be complete without leaving paw prints on the sand at one of the region's impressive sandy beaches. Check out these three brilliant options for you and your pup pal below, or read through our full guide to dog-friendly beaches in Pembrokeshire.
Barafundle Bay
Best for: A real sense of adventure
This beautiful, sweeping stretch of sand is off the beaten track and in a scenic, sheltered position backed by hilly dunes, fragrant pine trees and surrounded by grassy farmland. This dog-friendly beach is a seaside gem and is reached via a half-mile walk from the local car park which leads you over cliffs, so you’ll enjoy outstanding views before even stepping foot on the sand – a perfect dog walk.
This dog-friendly Pembrokeshire beach has been regularly voted among the UK’s top beaches, with crystal waters and soft sands – it’s a great place for a classic beach day with your four-pawed pal.
Good to know
- How dog friendly is it? Very – our canine friends are welcome all year round!
- Facilities: None – the nearest pub, café and toilets are a mile away in the village of Stackpole
- Access: Steps down to the sand
- Type of sand: Soft sand
- Location: SA71 5LS – for Stackpole National Trust Car Park
Broad Haven Beach (North Beach)
Best for: A classic beach day with ice cream
You might have already heard of this dog-friendly Pembrokeshire Beach, as Broad Haven Beach is an iconic location – photos of this place turn up everywhere. At low tide, a huge expanse of firm sand is revealed that draws beachgoers from far and wide, so get there early for a good spot during the summer.
Tall cliffs create some sheltered bays, and there’s plenty of opportunity for dog walks along to other beaches too. Follow the south headland to reach another bay called The Settlands and continue on to Little Haven – keep an eye on the tide if you decide to go exploring!
Good to know
- How dog friendly is it? This beach is dog friendly all year round, however there are restrictions on the northern end during the summer – from 1 May to 30 September.
- Facilities: Toilets, slipway, and lifeguard patrols between end of June and September, and the village of Broad Haven has a post office, shop, pubs, restaurant and cafes
- Access: A slipway leads down to the sand
- Type of sand: Pebble and firm sand
- Location: SA62 3JR – for Marine Road Car Park
Manorbier Beach
Best for: Ball games and exploring caves
Sheltered by low sandstone cliffs, this picturesque dog-friendly beach in Pembrokeshire has lots of caves and rocks to explore and is a popular spot with surfers. It’s backed by dunes and has a stream winding its way down the northern end of the beach, perfect if your dog wants a freshwater drink during your beach day.
Please be aware the sea has very strong currents, but the shoreline is a great place for your canine companion to run and play. Keep an eye on tide times too so you don’t get cut off during your visit.
Good to know
- How dog friendly is it? It’s super dog friendly with our four-pawed pals welcome all year
- Facilities: Toilets at the beach, and wonderful cafes, a pub and Manorbier Castle in the village itself
- Access: Level but rough path down to the sand
- Type of sand: Sand and rock
- Location: SA70 7SY – for Manorbier Beach Car Park
Top dog-friendly places to eat in Pembrokeshire
You and your canine pal will need to rest and refuel during your holiday adventures and there are plenty of quality places to eat that welcome dogs. Read about our favourite options below and, if you’re in need of more inspiration, we’ve got a whole guide dedicated to our top dog-friendly pubs in Pembrokeshire.
The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery
Image credit: Instagram @pembspetbakery
Best for: A dog who loves café culture
If you’re looking for dog-friendly places to eat in Pembrokeshire, this canine-crazy eatery has to be top of your list! The Pet Bakery creates a whole host of mouth-watering goodies for our four-pawed pals to chow down on – from woofles to pup-corn – be prepared to absolutely spoil your dog on a visit to this café.
They sell online but also have their fantastic café that sits in the centre of the ancient town of Haverfordwest, a real central hub in Pembrokeshire. Don’t worry, they have tasty coffees and cakes for the humans too. They also have snacks for cats, and they are working on new goodies for horses and birds!
Good to know
- Address: 1 Quay St, Haverfordwest SA61 1BG
- Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am–4pm, Saturday 10am–2pm, Sunday closed
- Recommendations: Treat your best canine pal to one of their dog lollipops
MamGu Welshcake
Image credit: Instagram @mamgu_welshcakes
Best for: A real taste of Wales
If you’re staying in St Davids, the UK’s smallest city, then stop by this delightful little café – this time aimed more at humans than our doggy companions, but with a warm welcome for dogs nonetheless!
MamGu Welshcake is just the place for a real taste of Wales during your holiday, with a whole host of local favourites with a twist – tuck into rarebit, cawl and crempogs on a visit. You can find them in the ruins of St Marys Chapel, a 14th-century part of St Davids Cathedral and a magical, historic setting for a coffee and cake.
Good to know
- Address: Refectory, St Davids, Cathedral SA62 6PE
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9.30am–4pm
- Recommendations: Try their namesake Welsh cakes and maybe take some away for later too
The Cove, Tenby
Image credit: Instagram @thecovetenby
Best for: Quality pub dining in style
For a great dog-friendly pub in Pembrokeshire, check out this excellent option in Tenby. Stylish, family friendly and dog friendly, The Cove is a contemporary gastropub with a wonderfully chilled out vibe – just what you need after busy days out and about.
Share a cocktail while your waggy tailed companion snoozes under the table, and you could plan ahead to catch one of their popular music events. They also have curry nights, steak night and Sunday lunch, so plan ahead.
Good to know
- Address: 14 High St, Tenby SA70 7HD
- Opening times: Monday closed, Tuesday 5pm–10pm, Wednesday and Thursday 12pm–10pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm–12am, Sunday 12pm–5pm
- Recommendations: Taste-test one of their sharing platters – they have great options for meat lovers and seafood lovers
Top dog-friendly walks in Pembrokeshire
Put your best paw forward on these fantastic dog walks in Pembrokeshire. We’ve dug out walks that bypass a fairytale waterfall, a 6th-century chapel, an ancient Iron Age hillfort and miles and miles of coastal views.
Stack Rocks to St Govans
Best for: A romantic walk with a bit of local history
You’ll pass by two magnificent limestone stacks – Stack Rocks – that tower out of the sea and, in the spring, are home to a host of birdlife, with guillemots, razorbills and kittiwake all nesting here. At the end of this Pembrokeshire dog-walking trail, you’ll arrive at St Govan’s Chapel, dedicated to the 6th-century Irish abbot St Govan, who was said to have hid here from pirates, when the rock miraculously cracked open to conceal him.
It offers a fairly level stone track but runs for over 6 miles, so provides a slightly longer dog walk. Please note, this walk is on the Castlemartin firing range and is closed when in use. If you’d like a shorter trail, but you’re still keen to visit the enchanting chapel, take a look at this 1-mile route to St Govan’s Head.
Good to know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 6.3 miles
- Location: SA71 5HS (Stack Rock Car Park postcode), SR 925 946 (walker’s grid reference) or pupils.tasteful.brochure (What3Words)
The Gwaun Valley Waterfall Walk
Best for: A fairytale waterfall walk
On the lower slopes of the Preseli Hills, this magical walking trail is just the place to get your steps in with your four-pawed pal on an enchanting dog walk. You’ll pass through a fairytale forest and come to a tumbling waterfall, which feels very special and like a real escape from the hectic outside world.
The Gwaun Valley Waterfall Walk is very new, with the footpath only having been open a few years. The walk is fairly short and easy but be warned – this trail is tricky to find, which is why it’s a bit of a locals’ secret at the moment. It’s very much worth it once you find it though.
Good to know
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1.2 miles
- Location: SN 053 346 (walker’s start grid reference) or mandolin.leans.dissolves (What3Words)
Marloes Sands and Mere Coastal Walk
Best for: A family trek with wildlife watching as you explore
You and your canine companion will love adventuring along this picturesque coastal dog walk in Pembrokeshire, which takes you along the Wales Coast Path passing through Iron Age remains, and offers the chance to spot wildlife out to sea – look out for seals, seabirds and porpoises during your seaside ramble.
As you pass by Marloes Mere at the beginning of the route, keep an eye out for wetland birds, while later on you can spot Skomer Island, Midland Isle and Grassholm out to sea – Grassholm even draws gannet colonies during the summer. Head out on this Marloes Sands Coastal Walk for a memorable dog-walking trail full of spectacular sights.
Good to know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4 miles
- Location: SA62 3BH (Marloes Sands Car Park postcode), SM 789 082 (walker’s starting grid) or shadowed.streetcar.shield (What3Words)
Top dog-friendly days out in Pembrokeshire
Venture back in time at one of Wales’ famous castles, let the kids loose at a family and dog-friendly adventure park, or unwind by walking through over 50 acres of stunning gardens. Pembrokeshire has plenty of dog-friendly attractions for you to visit, discover our top options below.
Pembroke Castle
Best for: Delving into the region’s heritage
On a visit to Pembroke Castle, you might be surprised at the wide range of places to explore. This dog-friendly attraction in Pembrokeshire has events, tours and exhibitions all on offer. It was the birthplace of Britain’s only Welsh king, Henry VII, and you can visit the Great Keep which stands 80ft high, and Dungeon Tower which was only ever accessed via a hole in the floor where prisoners were thrown down and held.
Make sure to visit the Wogan Cavern, a vast cavern that’s home to greater horseshoe bats and was used during the Middle Ages, the Roman period and even by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers.
Good to know
- Address: Pembroke SA71 4LA
- Prices: Adults £11, children £7.70
- Opening times: 2 January to 28 February 10am–4pm, 1 March to 31 March 10am–5pm, 1 April to 31 August 9.30am–5.30pm, 1 September to 31 October 10am–5pm, 1 November to 28 February 10am–4pm
- Where are dogs allowed? Dogs are welcome anywhere in the castle – the gift shop is the only dog-free zone. Dogs can join you for any daytime special events but unfortunately aren’t allowed at after-hours events such as concerts and ghost tours.
Heatherton World of Activities
Best for: Active family and dog-friendly days out
Heatherton World of Activities offers fun for all the family – and the family pet too! This wonderful Pembrokeshire attraction for dogs and their human companions has all kinds of adrenaline rides for kids, including the Dragon Slide, Jumping Pillows and Bumper Boats.
For our pet pals, there’s a fantastic dog agility course with ten obstacles to test your dog’s skills. You can also pick up doggy ice cream and treats in the outside café afterwards.
Good to know
- Address: St Florence, Tenby SA70 8RJ
- Prices: There’s a mix of credit-based activities with a combination of deals – to give you an idea, you could get an individual pass for £17.45 (6 credits) and a family pass for £79.95 (30 credits).
- Opening times: Open every day – 10am–5.30pm
- Where are dogs allowed? Dogs are allowed in most places in the park – unusual for an attraction like this! The only places that are pet-free are the main reception/coffee shop and the Triangle Restaurant – they have plenty of covered outdoor seating pet parents can use.
Picton Castle Gardens
Best for: Admiring well-kept and wild countryside
Picton Castle boasts over 50 acres of stunning gardens, so you and your pooch will not be short of places to explore at this fantastic, dog-friendly Pembrokeshire attraction. Get lost in the Jungle Garden with giant tree ferns, step inside the pristine walled garden with romantic flowers, and look out for wildlife as this setting is home to everything from frogs, toads and dragonflies to hedgehogs and bats.
Our canine pals are welcome to explore the grounds by your side and they are welcome in the downstairs area of the restaurant, so you can pick up a coffee after your rambles. Soak in the fresh air, clever historic planting and scenic views on a visit.
Good to know
- Address: The Rhos, Haverfordwest SA62 4AS
- Prices: Adults £14.50, children £7
- Opening times: Open every day 10am–5pm from 1 March to 31 October (summer hours) and 10am–4pm from 1 November to 28 February (winter hours)
- Where are dogs allowed? Throughout the 50 acres of gardens and on the ground floor of the restaurants, there’s outdoor seating for summer days too. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed inside the castle, but this attraction is all about the amazing gardens anyway!
Top dog-friendly places to stay in Pembrokeshire
From farmhouse hideaways to stylish beach houses, our collection of holiday homes for dogs and their human companions has something for everyone. Here are a few of our favourites, otherwise head over to our collection to pick out a great dog-friendly Pembrokeshire cottage for your next break.
Coastal Escape Cottage, Newport | sleeps 3 dogs and 4 humans
Best for: Peace and quiet with the family
Escape with the hounds to this country hideaway just 1.5 miles outside of Newport. With a pared-back style embracing the simplicity of rural life, this holiday home is the perfect place to unwind with the family. Impressive, exposed stone walls will make you feel like you're stepping back in time, alongside the rustic beams overhead and quaint wood burner and flue.
A sweeping lawn and garden is a great area for your canine pals to race around the grounds, and you’re surrounded by trees in this scenic destination, creating a feeling of privacy and seclusion.
La Bastille, Narberth | sleeps 4 dogs and 6 humans
Best for: A big dog-friendly reunion with friends
Set at the base of the Preseli Hills, this rustic holiday cottage mixes contemporary flair with quaint old features. Pretty panelling, exposed stone, stylish artwork and a roll-top bath are just a few of the beautiful touches that make this a very special getaway.
Up to four dogs are welcome to join you in this pet-friendly property, while a lovely, large garden provides space for dining while your pup pals roam. An external games room adds another option for entertainment during your break.
Trefloyne Lodge, Penally | sleeps 3 dogs and 6 humans
Best for: A seaside getaway dogs and humans will love
Just 2 miles from Tenby and 1 mile from dog-friendly Penally Beach, this is a fantastic coastal getaway. This retreat prides itself on the light, bright and spacious open-plan living area, which is the real heart of the property. Gather everyone together in here to cook, dine and plan your holiday adventures together.
Rugs offer perfect snoozing spots for your tufty-eared family members, and a wood burner in the living room offers the chance to light a fire and create a cosy atmosphere in the evenings.
Map of dog-friendly Pembrokeshire
Hunt down your favourite places from this guide in our map of dog-friendly Pembrokeshire below.
Holidays in dog-friendly Pembrokeshire
You and your favourite furball can embrace an unbeatable holiday by the sea with a stay in one of our holiday lets. From rustic stone cabins to contemporary farmhouses, we’ve got a wonderful range of places to stay in our collection.
Dig out a charming place to stay in our selection of pet-friendly cottages in Pembrokeshire and plan your next break today.
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.