For sand, sea and surf, there's no need to queue at airports or grind your way across or under the Channel. Wales is on your doorstep and is a lot quicker to reach. The beaches are as good as anywhere else in the world and there are more sunny days than you might think. The Driving with Dogs team have enjoyed exploring Wales for years and here are some of our favourite dog-friendly beaches.
If you're in Anglesey, then Red Wharf Bay is a wonderful sandy beach that stretches for miles. Driving with Dogs like to find a quiet space for the dogs to charge around and the beach at Llanddona is perfect. It's a bit of a trek to get to but well worth it. There's a cafe and toilets by the car park.
There are loads of great beaches as you drive down Cardigan Bay. One of our favourites is at Borth. The sand runs for miles and there are no restrictions so dogs can charge around as much as they want. There are loos and the visitor centre sells coffee and cold drinks.
Further down the coast you'll find Poppit Sands, near the town of Cardigan. It's a huge stretch of sand and, on most days, you'll find more dogs than people. There are WCs with a handy hosepipe for cleaning dogs after excessive charging around and a popular cafe with doggie ice-cream. If you want something more substantial to eat, both the Webley and the Ferry Inn in St Dogmaels are dog-friendly.
At Pendine Sands you've got nearly 7 miles of sandy beach for dog walking happiness. Don't miss the museum of speed near the car park. This is where land speed records were made, and then exceeded. The most famous drivers being Sir Malcolm Campbell in his car "Blue Bird" and J.G. Parry Thomas in his car "Babs". Babs was buried in the sand for years after the crash that killed Parry Thomas. It's been painstakingly restored and is now on view at the museum.
On the south coast of Wales is the beautiful Gower Peninsula. The further you drive away from the main road, the wilder it becomes. It's most famous beach is the one at Rhossili at the end of the peninsula. The walk to the wide sandy beach is a steady downhill from the car park and there's also a level walk along the clifftop too. There are cafes and loos by the car park. Less well known, but totally wonderful, is Three Cliffs Bay. It's a bit of a walk to get to the beach but it is a pleasure all of it's own. The cafe near the start of the walk is a welcome place to refresh yourself after your walk.
There are over 90 dog-friendly beaches to discover in Wales through Driving with Dogs. To subscribe and get access to all the information about these places, click here
