Wildly wonderful Wales is only 170 miles long, and at its narrowest points, 60 miles wide. It’s easy to get to the sea or a mountain from where ever you stay, which makes the country extremely popular with walkers, climbers, cyclists, surfers and twitchers. And of course dog owners! So, dog friendly hotels in Wales are plentiful — dotted across the region, from the beautiful islands off the Welsh mainland, on The Gower Peninsula, along the coasts of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, and all across the country. Because there are so many options, the challenge is not to find a Welsh hotel that will wlecome your canine companion, but to find the best one, which is where our Gurus come in. Use our guide and find the best hotel for you and your pooch!
Dog Friendly Hotels on the Welsh Coast
- The Penhelig Arms on the Dyfi Estuary is a 15 room inn in a fabulous spot, right across the road from the seafront in Aberdovey. The restaurant has especially good views, and is known for its locally sourced produce turned into delicious menus. There are 15 rooms and suites, some in the hotel building, some in an annex above the hotel, and there’s also a cosy cottage. The bar is cosy in winter, and airy in summer.
- The Old Vicarage Moylegrove is, as the name suggests, a former vicarage, converted into a B&B with four rooms, plus a collection of luxurious private huts. The decor is lovely, but it’s the location that’s the main draw, in a scenic, secluded spot close to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, so the fresh, light rooms open out onto gorgeous views. Two of the rooms are dog friendly, and include bowls, beds and blankets.
For Incredible Views
- For proper mountain views try the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, a traditional climbing inn right under Mount Snowdon, in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. Here hearty dinners are announced to guests by a member of staff banging a gong, one of the walls in the bar is made of polished halved tree trunks, and there is home-made lemonade in summer and mulled wine in winter. There are 16 rooms and suites, some perfect for families, and it’s only £5 per night extra to bring your dog.
For Walkers and Their Dogs
- The Bell at Skenfrith is a former coaching inn in the Welsh Marches with light, unfussy, modern country-style bedrooms and the opportunity to start lovely walks right from the inn’s back door. The 11 rooms and suites have quaint, country touches, and the food is superb. As well as being great for dog owners, with a charge of just £5 per night for dogs, this is also a great spot for fisherfolk and other outdoor types.
For a Countryside Escape
- The Lake Country House is a 19th century, mock Tudor county house hotel surrounded by 50 acres of parkland and gardens, where huge lawns meet rhododendron walks and riverside paths, perfect for endless canine gambolling. Inside are 30 stylish rooms and suites, some perfect for families, plus an award winning restaurant, a large indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a nine hole golf course, and a spa.
For Romantics and Their Dogs
- The Swan at Hay is a chic little pick in pretty Hay-on-Wye, known for its 38 books shops, literary festival and for being close to the Brecon Beacons. The hotel has 19 elegantly decorated rooms, featuring large windows, soothing colours and antique furniture. The restaurant is fantastic and the lawns huge. Dogs are most welcome in the classic double rooms in the Coach House.
For Foodies and Their Dogs
- Llys Meddyg translates to Doctor’s Court, and the family who run this charmingly artistic restaurant with room will be more than happy to help with the pronunciation, along with anything else you need! Located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, on the Nevern Estuary, the well-regarded restaurant is largely outdoors in the summer, and moves into a cosy cellar in winter. The restaurant runs a series of hunting and foraging courses to teach you to find food, plus cooking classes. There are nine rooms and suites, decorated with local art and both children and pets are welcome on request at no charge.
For Luxury-Loving Dogs
- Llangoed Hall is a grand and rather glorious, creeper-covered stately home with a mountainous backdrop. The restaurant is very popular, and award-winning — known for its meticulously sourced, and unusual, ingredients; there’s an impressive art collection, and a long list of country pursuits on offer. The manor also has 24 individually decorated rooms and suites, in a range of prices that correspond with the variety of size — all have charming personal touches, like Roberts radios and sherry decanters. A handful of rooms are dog friendly, and they also offer heated kennels.
For Pub Dogs
- The West Arms is a beautifully maintained 16th century inn nestled into the foothills of the Berwyn Mountains. With plenty of cosy corners and warm fires to stretch out in front of, this is the perfect place for a post-walkies dog and master. There are 16 cosy rooms, all unique, and the food is heartening, concocted by an acclaimed local chef.
- The Saracens Head is a country pub in Beddgelert, a picturesque Snowdonia village. Its 11 rooms are simple, with country chic decor in white and pale neutrals. The restaurant serves hearty fare and excellent Welsh ales. Dogs are welcome in their four superior rooms.
- The Hand at Llanarmon is a cosy country pub in the Ceiriog Valley, a stunning spot in Denbighshire. The view are really something — especially from the hot tub in the back garden. The inn is know for its British pub cuisine and selection of ales, and the 13 rooms are country-comfortable. Four of the rooms allow pets for a small nightly fee.
For Families
- The Manor has been turned into a manor house hotel, with 23 individually designed and decorated rooms and suites and views that take you almost as far as the Brecon Beacons. Some of the rooms have four-poster beds and oil paintings in gilt fames, whereas others have more of a country chintz vibe. All benefit from antique furniture, large sash windows and access to an indoor pool and a huge garden. There’s a lot to do on the hotel grounds, and this is a great pick for families. They have a number of dog-friendly rooms, and dogs are allowed in most parts of the hotel.
- Close to Caernarfon and the Snowdonia National Park, Ty'n Rhos is a simple, but charming hotel, with gorgeous gardens and an excellent fine dining restaurant. There are 19 rooms and suites, all with huge, garden-view, windows, contemporary bathrooms and soft colours. Dogs are welcome in certain rooms for a nightly charge of £5.
For Dogs who Like a Run Around
- Palé Hall is an historic Victorian-built manor house turned 18 room manor house hotel next-door to Snowdonia National Park. Large windows overlook expansively sloping lawns and enjoy incredible views; the grandest of the traditionally decorated rooms and suites is probably fit for royalty. There’s a cosy library, exquisite cuisine, fantastic walking, and dogs are welcomed with a comfortable bed, food and water bowls and special treats.
For a Mini Break
- Manorhaus Llangollen is a stylishly simple B&B in a charming mountain village on the Llangollen canal. There are seven rooms, decorated in black and white, with chic Welsh wool details — some rooms have a private hot tub. Breakfast is served in the smart bar and lounge, and there are a number of restaurants within walking distance. Pets are welcome on request.
For Great Value
- Browns Hotel is indelibly linked with Dylan Thomas, who it was said usually visited this, his favourite watering hole, twice a day. So it’s a place of pilgrimage for many, with plenty of Thomas related material and memorabilia, especially in the bar with its stock of Welsh ale. The 14 affordable rooms have been simply and tastefully refurbished. Pets and kids welcome.
- Caer Beris is an historic manor house hotel built on the motte of an ancient castle and set in 27 acres of picturesque gardens and parklands in the Wye Valley. The welcome is friendly, and the atmosphere relaxed, the roaring fires perfect to come back to after a day in the rugged countryside. There are 23 rooms and suites, and you can dine in the Victorian style dining room, or in the conservatory. Well behaved dogs are welcome everywhere except the dining areas.
- Manorhaus is a restaurant with rooms, plus an art gallery, in the market town of Ruthin, or the North Wales borders. There are only eight rooms, each featuring a different artist, decorated with simple style, and added colourful details. The bar and restaurant are well regarded, and there’s a private cinema, and pets get beds, bowls, blankets and treats!
Still not sure where to book?
