Carmarthenshire certainly is a dog friendly county. You don’t have to look far to discover why. It has World class gardens and greener than green countryside for you and your best friend to explore, a superb array of country parks and castles. There is an idyllic coastline - long beaches and beautiful estuaries, mountainous National Parkland plus a superb range of dog friendly accommodation. Carmarthenshire is a dream holiday or short break destination for dog owners.
The towns, villages and resorts here retain a character that is becoming difficult to find else where. Carmarthenshire is conveniently located too. Take a look at the map. It is surprisingly easy to explore most of South West Wales from Carmarthenshire. To the West there’s Pembrokeshire and its coastal National Park. From the Northern part of the county you’re only a short hop away from the lush woodlands of the Teifi Valley or the harbours along Cardigan Bay. On Carmarthenshire’s Eastern boundaries you will find the Black Mountain part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the ultimate great escape and just a stone’s throw away from places like Llandeilo and Llandovery. Also on Carmarthenshire’s doorstep is the Gower Peninsula, the first part of Britain to be declared an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
You'll find lots of essential information here, whether you're on "staycation" having a day out, or spending some time away from home with your dog, we list some of the finest dog friendly places in the county. Those all important dog friendly beaches and country walks, as well as a few places you never perhaps thought you’d be able to take your dog, are featured here. You will be spoilt for choice as there's lots to see and do with your best friend!
Some of your comments...
"Every day, whatever the weather, my black labrador Millie and I go to Pembrey Country Park, parking our car adjacent to the beach. Millie loves to walk out through Pembrey forest and then down through the dunes and the burrows to the long stretches of Cefn Sidan beach. We try and time our journey back along the beach to coincide with high tide as it’s Millie’s delight to dash out through the waves and breakers to retrieve a toy from the sea. Pembrey Forest and Cefn Sidan provide a doggy paradise unrivalled anywhere else in the country."
Mike Cohen, Kidwelly.
"Ferryside beach, from the marsh at one end, across to the dunes to St. Ishmaels, and you can stop off and have a drink or eat outside at the Ferry cabin, who do great fish and chips and supply a water bowl for the dogs. (were it not for the Ferry cabin I would be very slim!)"
Clare Yarnton, Ferryside.
"One of the best dog friendly places would have to be Llansteffan, there's LOTS of very good exercise there for the dogs to stretch their legs, the parking is really good, loads of clean sand and clean water for them to play and paddle in, there's also loads of "treasure" for them to chew on the beach!! lots of strange things get washed up! - DOGGIE Heaven!"
Mike Palmer, Lampeter.
"Nant Y Gronw Woods, near Cwmduad are highly scenic, little visited and very dog friendly"
Matt Morden, Hermon.
"Swiss Valley Reservoir, near Llanelli is good, as well as the cycle track above that leaves the Coastal Path climbing up to Tumble. The Waun Wyllt pub in Five Roads (literally on the path) has accommodated my dog - and me!"
Phil Pike, Llanelli.
Countryside Code
We want you to make the most of being on holiday with your best friend, here's some useful Countryside Code tips...
Dog Treats
Why not treat yourself and your best friend with a treat along the way. There are numerous Pet Friendly Pubs, Restaurants, Cafes and quaint Cream Tea Houses to satisfy your craving. Some will even provide a doggy ice cream!
Heavenly, of Llandeilo, does a unique and, I’m sure, delicious ice cream tailor made for dogs! They also produce their own handmade chocolates and desserts (for human consumption only!) Why not treat yourself AND your pooch here. To try out the doggy ice cream, please pre-order by phone before you call in. If it’s a mouth-watering three course meal you’re looking for, with your pet for company, then look no further than the Plough Inn at Rhosmaen near Llandeilo. This charming, dog loving 4 star boutique hotel and AA rosette award winning restaurant, does a special "dog friendly menu" providing your canine friend with the ultimate dog treat!
Dog Friendly Pubs & Cafes:
Fresz Sandwich Bar / Coffee Lounge
Llanelli. 01554 776813.
Heavenly
London House, Llandeilo.
01558 822800. www.heavenlychoc.co.uk
The Queens Hotel
Carmarthen. 01267 231800.
Red Lion
Llangadog. 01550 777357.
www.redlioncoachinginn.co.uk
The Waun Wyllt
Horeb, Llanelli.
01269 860209. www.waunwyllt.com
The Black Lion Inn
Abergorlech. 01558 685271.
© 2011 Carmarthenshire County Council.