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Dog days of summer – the best picks for you and your pup

As the temperatures cool and golden days stretch into warm evenings, there’s no better time to pack up the pup and head off for a holiday with your four-legged friend. Whether your dog likes nothing more than a run on the beach, a scramble up a mountain or a doze in a shady garden, we’ve created a guide of the best dog-friendly spots in North Wales.

Dog-friendly beaches in North Wales

North Wales has some of the most stunning beaches in the world, if your doggo loves nothing more than a sprint on the sand and a swim in the sea, these are not to be missed:

Harlech beach, Eryri – surrounded by dunes within Snowdonia National Park, this large beach is the perfect spot for families and their furry friends. There are some restrictions April-September so make sure to check them out before you visit.
Llanbedrog beach, Llŷn Peninsula – a sheltered beach overlooking Cardigan Bay. Be sure to keep your pooch on the lead until you’re past the colourful beach huts but then let them run wild. Fancy a climb? Head up the headland to the famous tin man sculpture.
Porth Neigwl beach, Llŷn Peninsula – don’t let its name, Hell’s Mouth, put you off. Escape the crowds of nearby Abersoch, watch the surfers and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. The four-mile has no restrictions in place, so let your dog off the lead all year round.
Traeth Llanddwyn beach, Anglesey – where the forest meets the sea. Also known as Newborough beach, this is a really popular spot for dog walkers. There are some restrictions in place so make sure to check those out before you go.

Left to right – Harlech beach, Traeth Llanddwyn beach

Pubs and cafes for dog-owners

After a long day of playing fetch, it’s time to refuel. We’ve curated a list of pup-friendly pubs and cafes perfect for puppaccinos and dozing in the sunshine:

Alpine coffee shop – found at Betws-y-Coed’s railway station, the Alpine Cafe serves up everything from homemade cakes to full breakfasts. Take your pup along and they could get papped for the cafe’s dog of the day!
Cafe Notos – this Rhosneigr cafe caters wonderfully to our four-legged friends. Order a puppacino, help yourself to treats and maybe order an extra sausage for your loyal friend?
Cantin – this hidden gem in the Conwy Culture Centre is mutt-mad. Dogs are welcome outside on the terrace. Pamper your pooch with a comfy dog bed and treats or order them a meal off the canine menu!
Sea Shanty – looking for a treat after a long day at the beach? Don’t leave the dog out and head to Sea Shanty in Trearddur Bay for a doggy ice cream.

Left to right – image courtesy of Sea Shanty Cafe, image courtesy of Alpine Coffee Shop via @maiasauramakes, image courtesy of Cafe Notos

Dog-friendly boltholes

After a long day of exploring with your best friend, you’ll want to put your feet up and cosy down with your pooch. Whether you’re looking for gardens for gamboling, fireplaces for snuggling up in front of or beachside boltholes for sunrise walkies we’ve got it all. Here are our favourite dog-friendly boltholes to book:

Swn y Mor Trefadog, Anglesey

This ten-bed base is the perfect hideaway for hounds. With a large garden that spills out onto Trefadog beach (dog-friendly), a wood-burner and airy, spacious bedrooms it’s ideal for families looking for a dog-friendly escape.

Bay View, Llyn Peninsula

Nestled in Nefyn is Bay View, an impressive townhouse a stone’s throw from Nefyn beach that comes with access to your own beach hut. Nefyn beach is dog-friendly so pack a picnic and your pooch and head to the beach for a day.

Cae Coch, Newborough

Spend your days exploring nearby Newborough forest and letting your pups blow off steam on the beach, then head back to Cae Coch, a contemporary cottage made for nights in with pizza in front of the fire.