Known for its diverse coastal paths, glorious beaches and abundant outdoor adventures, Pembrokeshire is a haven for dogs and dog lovers. The area heartily welcomes four-legged friends with an array of dog-friendly attractions, ensuring the whole family can enjoy a West Wales holiday!
1. Pembroke Castle, Pembroke
For a fun and educational day out, head to Pembroke Castle, one of the most iconic attractions in Pembrokeshire. Famed for being the birthplace of the first Tudor king, here you can learn all about the castle’s medieval past with a tour of the Great Keep and Dungeon Tower, as well as the mysterious Wogan Cavern.
Dogs are very welcome throughout the castle and grounds, so long as they are kept on a lead.
2. Lamphey Bishop’s Palace, Pembroke
For more medieval adventures, head to Lamphey Bishop’s Palace, located just outside Pembroke. Here you can see the remains of the grand palace used by the bishops of St Davids. Alongside the ghostly remains of the building, you can explore the surrounding grounds and get a sense for what it would’ve been like to reside here in the 14th century.
Dogs on leads are welcome on the ground floor levels of the site and around the grounds.
3. Carew Castle, Carew
With a combination of Iron Age settlement, Norman fortress, Elizabethan manor and 19th-century tidal mill, the Carew Castle site boasts a rich history with plenty to explore. Take a tour of this wonderfully evocative place and learn all about the people who built it and the ghosts that are said to haunt the historic walls.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome across the site, except in the tearoom.
4. Heatherton World of Activities, Tenby
For a bit of action and excitement, head to Heatherton World of Activities near Tenby. This activity centre offers all kinds of attractions to keep the whole family entertained, with everything from archery and golf to go-karting, a climbing wall and a zipline.
Not only are dogs welcome across the centre, but there is also a dog agility course, complete with 10 different obstacles, so no one has to miss out on the fun! The on-site cafe is also dog-friendly.
If you’re looking for some especially good spots to grab a bite to eat with your pup, check out our guide to the best dog-friendly pubs in Pembrokeshire.
5. Manorbier Castle, Tenby
Located on a clifftop looking out across beach and ocean views, a trip to Manorbier Castle offers a stunning day out. With fairytale-like turrets and romantic gardens, this Norman castle is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Pups on leads are very welcome, and there is drinking water for them outside the cafe when you’re both ready for refreshments.
6. Caldey Island, Off Tenby
For a unique, idyllic day out, take a boat across to Caldey Island, not far from Tenby. It is one of Britain’s holy islands and is still home to a working monastery. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the tranquility of the island and get a glimpse into monastic life.
There are various walks around the island that will provide plenty of intrigue for you and any furry friends in tow. Dogs are allowed all over the island, but must be kept on leads.
7. Colby Woodland Garden, Amroth
Hidden amidst a secret valley, Colby Woodland Garden is the perfect place to escape from fast-paced modern life and get back in touch with nature. Meander through this 900-acre estate, run by the National Trust, and get lost amidst the glorious woodland and wild meadow scenery. You can also walk down to Amroth beach from the gardens.
The gardens welcome dogs on leads all year round. The only places they are not permitted are the walled garden and the bookshop.
8. Picton Castle Gardens, Haverfordwest
The 50 acres of gorgeous gardens and woodland around the 14th century Picton Castle provides the perfect backdrop for walkies! Home to a sumptuous selection of plantlife spanning diverse zones, including formal walled gardens and the jungle gardens, as well as an array of local wildlife, this is a nature lover’s paradise.
Dogs on leads are permitted throughout the garden, but only guide dogs are allowed within the castle itself.
9. Stackpole Estate, Stackpole
Stackpole Estate is a nature reserve managed by the National Trust that covers a wide range of landscapes, offering all kinds of things to do and see. The Bosherston Lily Ponds are a lovely place to walk, sit and reflect, while the Quay and two sandy beaches offer the perfect sojourn to the coast.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the Stackpole Estate all year round, with numerous walking routes to explore. Please make sure to follow the National Trust’s guidelines when visiting.
10. Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The crowning jewel for dog-friendly adventures in Pembrokeshire is the fabulous 186-mile coast path that runs along the coast from Amroth in the south to St Dogmaels in the north. You won’t find anywhere better for stretching your legs and marvelling at picture-perfect coastal scenery!
The coastal path is wonderfully dog-friendly, just make sure you’re familiar with the route before setting off to ensure you’re prepared for what’s ahead. Some parts of the route, like the various beaches, may have seasonal bans, so make sure that dogs are permitted when you’re visiting.
Dog Friendly Cottages in Pembrokeshire
We understand that sometimes a holiday just isn’t complete without the whole family, including our four-legged friends. Our selection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in West Wales offers the ideal stay for your adventures.
Whether you’re ready to explore Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion or Carmarthenshire, our getaways include dog-friendly options all over West Wales – discover your perfect escape today!
Featured Properties
See Pembrokeshire-based cottages and special offers.
