Dog-friendly things to do in North Wales
North Wales is a happy stomping ground for dogs. From spectacular Snowdonia to the seaside charm of Porthmadog, there are plenty of places to visit, where your four-legged friends will be in their element.
Here we’ve listed a range of options, all within a short drive of Haven’s Greenacres (Porthmadog), Hafan y Mor (Pwllheli), or Presthaven (Prestatyn) holiday parks.
So, if you’re looking for the best dog-friendly things to do in North Wales, you’re barking up the right tree!
Snowdon Ranger Path
This is a dramatic and rewarding adventure. If you want to see one of the best views in the whole of the UK, it’s worth making the 13km trek up and down Mount Snowdon, via the more gradual, and quieter Ranger Path.
Allow a whole day for this and start at Llyn Cwellyn car park (and pre-book a parking space during busier months). Established by the 19th-century “Snowdon Ranger,” John Morton, it’s a gentler route than many, and crosses the Snowdon Railway, providing spectacular views down to Porthmadog and Caernarfon.
Follow the marker stones, take a map, and wrap up well, as the weather can change here dramatically and it’s often very windy on the summit.
Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway
If you’re looking for a more active way to enjoy British engineering, take a trip on a steam train on the world’s first preserved railway. The third-class carriages are dog-friendly and only cost a few pounds extra.
The railway runs from the coastal town of Tywyn, eight miles northeast to the pretty mountain village of Nant Gwernol, where there are picturesque woodland walks. Trains run three times a day from Tywyn and the last return train leaves Nant Gwernol mid-afternoon.
With six historic steam and four diesel engines pulling period carriages, it’s a train enthusiast’s heaven and dogs will enjoy lolling their tongues out the open wagons as the train huffs up the hillside.
Black Rock Sands walk, Porthmadog
If you’re staying at Haven’s scenic Greenacres Holiday Park in Porthmadog, you have one of the most beautiful beaches in North Wales on your doorstep.
Close to the village of Morfa Bychan, with rolling dunes, two miles of beach, rockpools and caves, there are plenty of good sniffs for your dog, and lots of natural beauty to appreciate.
Enjoy a relaxing family beach day and bring your dog along for a romp. Dogs are welcome on the eastern or western sections of the beach but are not permitted on the main sands from April to September.
On the eastern side of the Afon Dwyryd estuary, lies Harlech Beach, another popular beauty spot with day-trippers and holidaymakers. This is a quieter beach with spectacular Snowdonia views.
Llangollen History Trail
This circular near 10km trail takes you and your furry friend through the rolling hills of Llangollen. Park in East Street car park and allow a few hours for a leisurely stroll.
The route begins alongside Llangollen Canal before passing by the scenic Horseshoe Falls where you can take a dip if you’re feeling brave (bring a towel and warm clothes).
Next you’ll pass by Llantysilio Church and the 13th-century Valle Crucis Abbey ruins. Two miles further on you’ll see more remains – this time of the medieval Castle Dinas Bran, high on its scenic hilltop.
It’s simply one of the best dog-friendly walks in North Wales.
Swallow Falls
One of the most glorious falls in Snowdonia, the waterfall on the River Llugwy plunges 138 feet down the hillside amid verdant forest trails. Visit the nearby villages of Betws y Coed and Capel Curig, where there are plenty of cafes and restaurants for lunch.
You can walk two miles from Betws y Coed on either side of the river, or park at the Swallow Falls Hotel. Take sensible shoes and rainwear.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Visit a UNESCO-listed feat of creativity and engineering in Trevor, Wrexham. Thomas Telford’s aqueduct, opened in 1805, took 10 years to complete and spans 307 feet, standing over 120 feet above the River Dee and carrying the Llangollen Canal.
Watch narrowboats navigate this spectacular structure, enjoy Instagrammable views and stroll the towpath. Keep your dog on the lead though, unless you want to deal with a wet pooch!
The nearby Ty Mawr Country Park is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and well worth a wander while you’re in the area.
Conwy Water Gardens
The perfect blend of nature conservation and good food, Conwy Water Garden is home to beautifully landscaped ponds, fishing lakes, an aquatic centre, and the Dutch Pancake House.
Enjoy a woodland walk, try your hand at coarse fishing, follow the nature trail, and even feed the birds (buy seeds on site). You’ll want to keep your pet on the lead for this visit.
Traeth Porth Wen Beach
The hidden cove of Traeth Porth Wen Beach, on Anglesey, offers a mixture of natural beauty and industrial heritage, since this was once home to a Victorian brickworks, whose buildings remain.
A few miles west of the better-known Bull Bay, Porth Wen Beach is popular for both sea swimming and fishing, and dogs will find plenty to enjoy in this sheltered and calm cove.
There is a steep descent to the beach and no toilet facilities, so do plan ahead.
Start planning your Great British break
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Dog friendly beaches in North Wales
Best walks in North Wales
Water parks in North Wales
Important information
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
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Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
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Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.