Activities For Dogs In Wales

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Introduction

The land of Wales is known for its picturesque coastline, majestic mountains, timeless sites and opportunities for adventure. But aside from these, Wales is also renowned for another thing – its serious love for dogs. In fact, one visit to the River Glaslyn at Beddgelert and you will find the site where Llewelyn the Great’s pet hound, Gelert, is buried. Gelert’s story is a tragic one; upon returning from a hunting trip, the Prince of Gwynedd, Llewlyn, finds his infant son’s bed empty and Gelert covered in blood. Thinking that the hound had killed the baby, Llewelyn slew Gelert without hesitation, only to find out that the blood actually belonged to a wolf whom Gelert killed to save the child’s life. According to the Welsh people. Llewelyn never smiled again. Despite this sob story, Wales is very welcoming to dogs, making it a top destination for pet owners and their dogs. 

Go for a Walk

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Food
Water
Activity description

A walk with your dog seems like a simple task done on the regular but in a country like Wales, it can become a unique experience. With all the scenic routes and impressive trails and terrains found in the country, Wales offers lots of opportunities for dogs and their owners to explore a new environment, sniff some flora and fauna, exercise and simply spend some quality time together. The best part is that the people of Wales are very welcoming towards dogs, which is highly appreciated by furparents and their furbabies. Coastal paths, beaches, hills and mountains are just some of the several places where you can take your dog for a stroll. 

Step
1
Choose places to explore
Wales has an overwhelming amount of walking opportunities for owners who would like to take their dogs for a stroll. Do your research on where to go for a walk and find a location that is suitable for you and your dog’s fitness level and depending on what you want to see along the way. For instance, the Rhinogs is known for being a challenging but beautiful scenery while the Preseli Hills area is more for beginners. Those with senior dogs can choose an easy but equally beautiful Llangollen History Trail in Dee Valley.
Step
2
Take in the beautiful scenery
After you find the destinations you would like to see, go and explore the sights. One of the most popular places for walking dogs in Wales is the Gower Peninsula, where the prominent Rhossili Beach, which is considered to be the most dog-friendly beach in the United Kingdom, is located. Even if it is rainy, you have the opportunity to go for a stroll in places such as the Action Petz, which is an impressive indoor park in Cardiff that boasts 20,000 square feet of space and a myriad of toys and obstacles for dogs to play with.
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Explore North Wales

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
8 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Activity description

While the entirety of Wales has ample opportunity for dog owners and their buddies to enjoy themselves, those who have limited time in the country can make the most out of their trip by focusing on the Northern part of Wales. The North is home to lots of dog-friendly attractions. Moreover, the top sites are extremely beautiful, especially during the summer season. Want to go on an underwater journey through copper mines? Check out the Sygun Copper Mines in Beddgelert. Of course, you should not miss the famous Ceunant Mawr waterfalls, which includes a short hike and the best view of the Snowdonia mountains. Do not forget to pack a leash for your dog in case the place you want to visit requires one.  

Step
1
Create an itinerary
Making an itinerary for North Wales might seem simple but with all your choices, it might be a bit overwhelming to choose where to go. Search for the best spots or better yet, ask the locals for some recommendations on what not to miss. From there, make an itinerary and call ahead if any bookings or reservations should be made.
Step
2
Visit the spots on your list
Once your itinerary is completed, the next thing to do is to make it happen. Some of the most popular spots in North Wales include the Conwy Water Gardens, complete with lakes, nature trails and a play park. There is also the Llanberis Lake Railway, complete with a small steam engine that takes you on a five-mile ride towards the lake. Whatever your itinerary is, it will surely be a fun trip with your best furry buddy.
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Immerse in Welsh History

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Expensive
Normal
8 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Activity description

Immersing yourself in a country’s culture on your visit is always a great way to get to know the place and its people in an authentic manner. Wales is a country that is rich in classic history. Hence, it is no surprise that it features a number of historic sites that are worth checking out. The best bit is that most of these places let the patrons bring their dogs with them. The country hosts a number of remarkable castles, buildings and railways that are historically significant. The budget for this activity will range from moderate to expensive, depending on where you will go and how long you will stay. 

Step
1
Note which historic sites you should visit
To go on a historical tour around Wales, list the top places to see and create a schedule using this list. It is also crucial that you contact them to see if there are any rules about the bringing of dogs and that if there are availabilities on your desired dates. Remember, preparation is the most important element of a successful trip.
Step
2
Learn about the country's history
When you have your itinerary and have made all necessary bookings, go on and enjoy your trip. A popular choice among dog owners is the Ffestiniog Railway, which is the oldest narrow gauge railway in the world. In here, you can take a historic 13.5-mile ride with your dog from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Another historic railway is the Welsh Highland Railway, which happens to be the longest heritage railway in the entire United Kingdom. Other historic Welsh sites include the Valle Crucis Abbey and the Pembroke Castle, where Henry VII was born.
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More Fun Ideas...

Gym Workout

Wales offers dog owners an opportunity to exercise their pups in the gym, thanks to the country’s first ever dedicated dog gym, located in Swansea. This facility offers yoga balls, treadmills, and even a weight loss class specially made for dogs. The “dognasium”, as it is fondly called, can be found at the Swansea Enterprise Park.

Spiritual Retreat

Spiritual retreats are not exclusive to humans; in Wales, you have the opportunity to bring your doggy with you. In fact, the Ceridwen Centre, located in Teifi Valley, offers a five-day spiritual retreat for you and your dog, led by Caroline Griffith, a renowned “spiritual dog trainer”.

Dine Out

In Wales, even the restaurants and cafés are immensely welcoming towards dogs. Places like the Pier House Bistro, Jollys and Llygad yr Haul-Llanberis are great choices when looking to enjoy a meal out with your pooch.

Conclusion

Home to stunning waterfalls, impressive mountains and a scenic coastline, Wales is truly a must-see and should be taken into consideration when planning a trip with your dog. Thanks to fast rail links and well-connected roads, the country has become a really accessible destination for tourists who want to take their dogs on vacation.