Dog Friendly Bucket List
Which are you most looking forward to checking off with your pooch?
To celebrate our fortieth birthday, we’ve put together the ultimate Pembrokeshire Bucket List with forty amazing things to do on our coast. We've split this into four sections, one of which is our Dog Friendly Bucket List which you will find below.
The other three sections consist of our Child Friendly Bucket List, our Foodie Bucket List and our Culture & Events Bucket List. Read our Ultimate Bucket List here.
In this section of the bucket list, you'll find some of our favourites, not just for you but for your pets too - each of the following is great to do with your dogs.
Holiday Treats & Extras Pet Parcel
Show your pooch a little love this holiday with our doggy welcome hamper. 15% of every sale is donated to Pembrokeshire's local animal rescue centre, Greenacres
Climb to the top of Carn Llidi
Choose a bright summer’s morn or an autumnal evening for a scenic hike to the top of Carn Llidi and you’re guaranteed to be greeted with magnificent views. Make sure it’s a clear day and you’ll not only see the sandy beach of Whitesands below, but you’ll also see the neighbouring RSPB island of Ramsey out to sea. Make sure to bring a camera, this is one viewpoint you’ll want to take home with you. We love to take along a picnic and waste away the hours at the summit, but if you have an energetic pup you want to tire out, extend your hike by following the Coastal Path to explore the headland further.
Hike in the Preseli Hills
Don your walking boots and backpack for a day out in the Welsh countryside and head to the Preseli Hills, where views across the rolling greenery are a-plenty. Steeped in history, these hills hold secrets of the Iron and Bronze ages with hints of ancient burial sites, standing stones and much more.
Visit Pentre Ifan
Made with the very same Preseli bluestones as Stonehenge they say, Pentre Ifan is a distinctive Neolithic burial chamber located in the hillside just outside of Newport. Strikingly set against the backdrop of the rural countryside, this is a top spot for a doggy selfie - instruct your canine to sit right under the capstone and snap your memento.
St Govan's Chapel
Positioned right on the edge of the coast, this tiny chapel near Stackpole is something to be marvelled at. Follow the steep steps down the cliff to reach this remarkable landmark and you’ll be astonished at the extraordinary building here. Take a photo with your pooch on the rocks between the chapel and the sea, this is one for the memory box.
Visit Strumble Head
Whilst you cannot access the lighthouse, taking in the spectacular scenery of the lighthouse and its surroundings is definitely recommended. Bring along some snacks to make the most of your visit or call into one of the cafes at Goodwick or Fishguard before heading onto the beach.
Walkies at the Lily Ponds
The circular walk at Bosherston is a favourite amongst our furry friends and it’s no wonder why. Part of the larger Stackpole estate, the trail around these man-made lakes is fairly even and suitable for most abilities and prams, making it a popular destination for all. May/June is the best time to visit as the water lilies are in full bloom though you will find this area teeming with wildlife twelve months of the year. You’ll see swans, otters, butterflies, herons and kingfishers in this picturesque setting.
Halfway round you’ll reach Broadhaven South - beach dogs will go wild for the soft sand and ebbing waves here. Tuck into a picnic, swim in the sea then bask in the rays under the warm sun. Continue east around the headland to sightsee one of Pembrokeshire’s worst-kept secrets, Barafundle Bay - often referred to as one of the best beaches in the world.
Reggie at Bosherston Lily Ponds
Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
An astounding 186 miles in length, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is by far one of the best dog friendly attractions in the region. Walk any stretch and it won’t be long before you reach a beautiful beach, a quaint cove or a great place to eat. You’ll stumble across plenty of places to play, rest and enjoy the views. Traeth Llyfn, Swanlake and Barafundle are beaches only accessible via the Path and to miss out on such locations would be a real shame.
Plus, if you’re travelling with a small dog or a pup who gets tired easily, fret not. Hop on the coastal shuttle bus to take you back to your starting point. Parts of the path take you through farmland and protected areas so it’s best to keep your canine on a lead and don’t forget to take poop bags and a travel water bottle.
Spend a day at Caldey Island
The journey to Caldey Island is a must when holidaying in Tenby as it’s guaranteed to be a great day out for all - families, children, friends and dogs. Take a short boat ride from Tenby Harbour over to the monk-inhabited island during the summer months and it’ll be like a holiday from your holiday! You and your hound can play on the soft sand at Priory Beach for hours before wandering up to the lighthouse for impressive views over the South Pembrokeshire coastline and Carmarthen Bay.
Call into the cafe for lunch or pack some sarnies and cake to enjoy an alfresco meal in any one of the scenic spots across the island. Pick up some perfume and homemade chocolates, both made on the island by the monks or purchase a postcard to send to your loved ones back home. Dogs are welcomed but should be kept on leads at all times.
Play catch on Newgale Beach
Newgale Beach in the west is one of the longest bays in Pembrokeshire with much of the sand here remaining dog friendly all year round. Keep to the left towards the Pebbles Cafe and you’ll be in the right place amongst other friendly dog families. The vast expanse of space means there’s many a game of catch to be had here with your best friend.
Bring along a football, a Frisbee and a tennis set - your pooch will have a field day! As well as playing catch, there is a multitude of fun pastimes to be enjoyed here. Build sandcastles with the little ones whilst your dogs get sandy paws digging or go for a quick sea swim, water-loving dogs will delight in the lengthy shoreline.
Go for a doggy paddle
Time and time again we hear heartwarming stories from guests about their dog’s very first time seeing the beach, what a special moment! Some pups take a few visits to warm up to the notion of a moving tide whilst others can’t wait to jump in and get their feet wet! Beaches such as Abercastle, West Angle and Wisemans Bridge are top choices for a doggy paddle - the latter even has an excellent dog friendly pub you might like to visit too, the Wisemans Bridge Inn.
Coastal Cottages Dog Friendly Holiday Cottages in Pembrokeshire & West Wales
If you're searching for a dog friendly holiday cottage in Pembrokeshire, then look no further, we've got an amazing selection of self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottages located throughout Pembrokeshire. - Please Note: There is a charge of £15 per dog per week or short break
