The Canine guide to the Llyn Peninsula

A place where coastal beauty, rural charm and ancient history combine; the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales is a haven for holidays and more importantly, a paradise for pooches. 

Cradled by the Irish Sea, this picture-perfect region boasts 100 miles of rugged coastline that hides secret coves, quaint fishing villages and golden beaches. For more rural Rovers, the peninsula’s rolling hills and lush farmland offer tranquil trails to sniff out, as well as historic sites and nature reserves waiting to be discovered.

This guide to the dog-friendly Llyn Peninsula highlights the region’s best pet-friendly attractions, walking trails, beaches, places to eat, and more. To start planning your Welsh getaway with Fido, click the button below to explore our collection of dog-friendly cottages on the Llyn Peninsula.

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• Top days out  
• Top beaches  
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• Llyn Peninsula map  

Dog-friendly days out on the Llyn Peninsula

Busy with breathtaking landscapes, historic sites and dog-friendly attractions, the Llyn Peninsula is a perfect destination for days out with Fido. Featuring castle ruins and award-winning seaside villages, below are some of our favourite days out across the dog-friendly Llyn Peninsula.

Explore the remains of Castell Cricieth

Photo credit: Castell Cricieth

A castle so picturesque that William Turner felt compelled to paint it on canvas, the dramatic remains of Castell Cricieth offer a splendid morning or afternoon out with the dogs in tow. Set high on a rocky headland with views over the surrounding beaches and Cardigan Bay, this is a fantastic spot to soak up the region’s history and jaw-dropping scenery. 

With dogs welcome to join you as you step back through centuries of invasions, castle raids and stone-throwing machines, visitors here can also make good use of the on-site exhibition and the gift shop before moving on to the next Welsh adventure.

Visit the fishing village of Porthdinllaen

The Llyn Peninsula is known for its rich history and coastal splendour, both of which are combined in the charming, ancient fishing village of Porthdinllaen. Set on the edge of a thin ribbon of land stretching into the Irish Sea, this inviting village abounds with seaside wildlife, local history, walking and water sports opportunities. 

With Fido by your side and binoculars in hand, cast your eyes to the cliffs where sand martins, cormorants and oystercatchers nestle, while out to sea, grey seals and pods of dolphins await. On foot, join the scenic Wales Coast Path for memorable walkies, or throw Fido’s life jacket on and take to the water on a paddleboard or kayak.

Discover Plas yn Rhiw – National Trust

Photo credit: Plas yn Rhiw

Soak up the Llyn Peninsula’s culture, history and natural beauty with a visit to the National Trust’s Plas yn Rhiw, an enchanting, 17th-century manor house surrounded by ornamental gardens, woodlands, meadows and quaint tea rooms. 

With views across Cardigan Bay, humans and hounds alike are welcome to explore the meandering paths of the lower woodland before stopping for a well-deserved cuppa in the tea room’s courtyard. Elsewhere on site, follow pollinator trails, get lost in age-old manicured gardens, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife.

Dog-friendly beaches on the Llyn Peninsula

Boasting sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, the Llyn Peninsula’s beaches are some of the very best stretches of sand in all of Wales. With many welcoming dogs throughout the year as well as offering family-friendly facilities, both humans and hounds are utterly spoiled when it comes to beach days.

Llanbedrog Beach

Sheltered by verdant headlands and backed by rolling countryside, the sandy, mile-long shoreline of Llanbedrog Beach is one of the best spots for a beach day in Wales. Colourful beach huts line the sands’ edge, while sheltered, clear waters make swimming and water sports a pleasure. With no dog restrictions, Fido is free to join in on the fun all year round. 

Beyond the sand and sea, make good use of the nearby café, shop and beach hut hire that boasts all you need to stay happy and energised. For nearby walkies, discover the many trails that follow the surrounding coastline, including the Wales Coast Path. 

Porth Neigwl Beach (Hell’s Mouth)

Otherwise known as Hell’s Mouth, the sand and pebbles of Porth Neigwl Beach combine to offer one of the most rugged and remote beach days across the dog-friendly Llyn Peninsula. Almost 4 miles in length and southwest-facing, this is a fantastic spot for water sports thanks to the strong winds and high waves that attract surfers from across Wales. 

For a more relaxed beach day, families have plenty of space to set up camp for the day, and dogs are welcome to join you throughout the year. Surrounded by a verdant coastline and backed by grassy dunes, this is a splendid beach to spend days together under the sun.

Porthdinllaen Beach

Set in the heart of the splendid fishing village of Porthdinllaen, the golden sand and grassy dunes of Porthdinllaen Beach beckon families and Fidos alike for an unforgettable, scenic beach day. With the village’s amenities at your feet, an afternoon here is made easy thanks to the cafe, pub and picnic area that await. 

Owned by the National Trust and surrounded by greenery, the beach itself is a true delight, offering plenty of sandy space to set up for the day, with swimming and water sports all on the cards thanks to the pleasant water conditions.

Dog-friendly walks on the Llyn Peninsula

The dramatic coastline and countryside trails across the Llyn Peninsula combine to offer a paradise for walkies. With routes like the Wales Coast Path waiting, as well as hill-top summits and verdant valleys on offer, both walkers and woofers are spoiled for choice.

Tre'r Ceiri, Yr Eifl, and Mynydd Gwaith Circular

Encompassing the three highest peaks on the Llyn Peninsula, this stunning, circular walk is the best way to soak up the region’s far-reaching views. Hikers and hounds are spoiled with varied local wildlife including coastal birds and wildflower meadows as well as historic sites like Iron Age hillforts and other ancient remains. 

The terrain can be rocky in places, and extra slippery after rainfall. As expected from a tour of the peninsula’s peaks, there are some hilly sections, but nothing too difficult as this is a trail that families and Fidos can complete together in roughly 3 hours.

Trefor Circular

If you’re looking for an easy walking route that highlights the region’s coastal splendour and rich local wildlife, then look no further than this 2-mile, circular trail just outside the delightful village of Trefor. 

Starting at the beach car park before hugging the coastline and cutting back through the countryside, this is a scenic route with flat, steady terrain, making it perfect for walkers and woofers of all abilities. With a beach and several beauty spots along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop for a sun-soaked picnic, as well as a well-deserved bowl of water for your pooch.

Discover the Wales Coast Path

No seaside walk in Wales is complete without conquering a stretch of the wonderful Wales Coast Path. You’ll find that 110 miles of this 870-mile trail are set around the shores of the Llyn Peninsula, meaning walkers and waggy-tailed friends of all abilities are utterly spoiled with opportunities for adventure. 

Passing through historic fishing villages, golden beaches, hidden coves and rugged headlands, there’s no shortage of trails to match your experience. Head to the Wales Coast Path to find a Llyn Peninsula route suitable for you and the dogs.

Dog-friendly places to eat on the Llyn Peninsula

To break up your adventures around the dog-friendly Llyn Peninsula, this charming region boasts a wide range of restaurants and pubs that welcome both humans and hounds. Featuring seaside spots and hidden rural gems, below are some of our favourite dog-friendly places to eat in the area.

Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen

Photo credit: Ty Coch Inn

The inviting fishing village of Porthdinllaen features again, as this splendid corner of the dog-friendly Llyn Peninsula plays host to a very popular pub, the Ty Coch Inn. Once featured in the top ten beach bars in the world, this sandy inn sits on the edge of the village’s golden shoreline and welcomes both humans and their four-legged friends. 

Enjoy traditional, wholesome pub fare in the confines of their cosy interior on chillier days. When the sun is shining, head out to the beer garden and sip on your fresh Welsh pint as you take in the incredible sea views ahead.

The Ship Inn, Pwllheli

Photo credit: The Ship Inn

Hopping to the other side of the peninsula, The Ship Inn in Llanbedrog offers a delightful, dog-friendly pause during a seaside hike or coastal drive. This traditional pub boasts a wide range of freshly prepared pizzas, regional classics, and lighter bites and sandwiches. 

Find a cosy spot inside, or head out to the splendid, pet-friendly beer garden where you’ll find plenty of space and sheltered tables to call home for an hour or two with Fido resting at your feet.

Y Bryncynan, Morfa Nefyn

Photo credit: Y Bryncynan

With a children’s play area, a dog-friendly beer garden and a snack shack awaiting your arrival, Y Bryncynan is an ideal pub/restaurant for families with dogs in tow. Sitting less than 1.5 miles from two local beaches, it’s also a great spot for a lunchtime pause during a day on the sand. 

Choose from a wide range of classic pub dishes, loaded chips, lighter bites and even tacos from the menu, and quench your thirst with a fresh local pint. The interior is chic and airy, while the expansive beer garden is the best spot to head to when the sun is shining.

Dog-friendly places to stay on the Llyn Peninsula

If you’re looking for some cottage inspiration ahead of your visit to the dog-friendly Llyn Peninsula, we’ve featured some of our favourite pooch-welcoming properties from across the region.

Bryn Benar, Abersoch | sleeps 13 + 2 dogs

Set in the popular village of Abersoch and boasting incredible views over the beach and surrounding coastline, this luxurious, dog-friendly holiday home is the perfect choice for large groups of friends or a family planning a seaside getaway. 

Airy open-plan living spaces allow for easy relaxation and socialising, while the sea-view bedrooms, expansive terraces and open-aspect games room set the house apart from other holiday homes.

Geufron House, Aberdaron | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs

Nestled in the rolling hills around Aberdaron Beach awaits this delightful, open-aspect holiday home. With a modern and airy design featuring skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive, scenic patio, a stay at this property is a true delight. 

Sleeping eight guests across four sumptuous bedrooms, with walking trails and sandy beaches all around, this is a great choice for outdoor-loving families bringing two coastal canines with them.

2 The Boathouse, Llanbedrog | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Perfect for space-seeking couples or small families with two salty sea dogs in tow, this property is the epitome of a beach house stay. Set on the edge of the breathtaking Llanbedrog Beach, guests are only ever a few steps away from golden sand and turquoise waters during their time here. 

Overhead beams and exposed stone walls add to the property’s original charm, while modern comforts, incredible ocean views and a wonderful patio enhance its coastal appeal.

Map of the dog-friendly Llyn Peninsula

To help you navigate through our favourite spots across the Llyn Peninsula, explore our map below.

Dog-friendly holidays on the Llyn Peninsula

Now that you’re armed with the very best days out, beaches, walks and places to eat across the dog-friendly Llyn Peninsula, it’s time to start planning your getaway. Click the button below to explore our collection of poochy cottages and find plenty of options for solo travellers, intimacy-seeking couples, extended families, and groups of friends.