Dog-Friendly Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire feels like it was made for dogs. Britain's only coastal National Park wraps around this southwestern corner of Wales, delivering mile after mile of sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and one of Britain's finest long-distance paths. With over 50 dog-friendly beaches and countless welcoming pubs, this corner of Wales provides exceptional territory for four-legged holidays.

What sets Pembrokeshire apart is the sheer variety of coastal experiences. You can run on vast sandy beaches, explore hidden coves, walk cliff-top paths with seabird colonies overhead, and discover ancient villages where dog-friendly pubs serve fresh seafood. Spring and autumn offer particular rewards when beaches empty and the coastline belongs to dogs and their owners.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Pembrokeshire offers over 50 beaches welcoming dogs, though some popular beaches have seasonal restrictions (1st May to 30th September).

Year-Round Dog-Friendly Beaches

Freshwater East: Sweeping sandy beach backed by dunes. Excellent for running and swimming. Dog-friendly all year.

Broad Haven South: Reached via the Bosherston Lily Ponds walk. Beautiful sandy beach perfect for frolicking. Dog-friendly all year.

Barafundle Bay: Often voted one of Britain's best beaches. Access via coastal path walk. Dog-friendly all year.

Marloes Sands: Remote beach on the western peninsula. Dramatic scenery. Dog-friendly all year.

Abermawr and Aberbach: Wild, rugged beaches on the northern coast. Dog-friendly all year.

Monkstone Beach: Between Saundersfoot and Tenby. Accessible at low tide. Dog-friendly all year.

Manorbier Beach: Sandy beach beneath impressive castle. Dog-friendly all year.

Swanlake Bay: Quiet beach between Manorbier and Freshwater East. Dog-friendly all year.

Beaches with Seasonal Restrictions

The following beaches have dog-restricted areas or partial bans from 1st May to 30th September. Check signage for specific zones.

Partial Restrictions:

• Tenby South Beach and Castle Beach
• Saundersfoot Beach and Promenade
• Newgale Beach and Promenade
• Poppit Sands
• Broad Haven (North)
• Dale
• Lydstep
• Amroth Beach and Promenade

Total Summer Bans:

• Tenby North Beach (including Harbour Beach)
• Whitesands, St Davids

Best Beach Tips

Low Tide: Opens up beaches like Monkstone that may be inaccessible at high tide. Check tide times to avoid being cut off.

Off-Season: September to April provides unrestricted beach access throughout Pembrokeshire.

Early/Late: Even in summer, early morning and evening beach walks avoid crowds and restrictions.

Coastal Path Walks

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs 186 miles around the county, providing countless dog-friendly sections.

Tenby to Saundersfoot

Distance: 4 miles | Time: 2-2.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Classic coastal walk between two popular towns, passing Monkstone Beach.

Highlights: Dramatic sea views, blue flag beaches at each end, woodland and cliff scenery.

Dog Considerations: Cliff edges require care. Monkstone Beach provides swimming opportunity. Return by bus or reverse the walk.

Refreshments: Dog-friendly pubs in both Tenby and Saundersfoot.

Bosherston Lily Ponds to Broad Haven South

Distance: 2.5 miles return | Time: 1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy

Tranquil lake walk followed by stunning beach.

The Route: Start at Bosherston village, walk along boardwalks through the remarkable lily ponds (best in summer when lilies flower), then continue to the beautiful Broad Haven South beach.

Dog Considerations: Serene walking on boardwalks. Dogs can run freely on the beach.

Refreshments: St Govan's Inn in Bosherston welcomes dogs and sells dog biscuits at the bar.

St Davids Head Circular

Distance: 4 miles | Time: 2-2.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Dramatic coastal walk from Whitesands exploring the striking headland.

Highlights: Dramatic cliffs, neolithic burial chamber remains, spectacular views. Stream paddling opportunities.

Dog Considerations: Keep on leads near cliff edges. Dogs cannot access Whitesands beach in summer.

Refreshments: Cafes in St Davids.

Marloes Peninsula

Distance: 6 miles circular | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Explore the headland west of Marloes village with views to offshore islands.

Highlights: Martin's Haven, Wooltack Bay, Marloes Sands, Iron Age fort remains, WWII airfield history.

Dog Considerations: Dramatic scenery throughout. Dogs can enjoy Marloes Sands beach.

St Brides to Little Haven

Distance: 5 miles | Time: 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Often quiet coastal section with fabulous bay views.

Highlights: May brings skylarks and wildflowers. Views across St Brides Bay.

Return: Puffin Shuttle coastal bus runs back to starting point.

Woodland Walks

Minwear and Canaston Woods: Semi-ancient woodland with shady trails. Perfect for hot or wet days.

Colby Woodland Garden: National Trust woodland valley near Amroth. Tearoom and walled garden. Dogs on leads welcome.

Pengelli Forest: Near Newport. Atmospheric ancient woodland.

Towns and Villages

Tenby

The jewel of Pembrokeshire, this medieval walled town provides the area's best facilities.

For Dogs: South Beach is dog-friendly (seasonal restrictions in one area). Medieval town walls, harbour, and streets provide pleasant exploring.

Dog-Friendly Pubs: The Moorings (breakfast to dinner), numerous traditional pubs throughout the town.

Boat Trips: Caldey Island boats welcome dogs for monastery visits.

St Davids

Britain's smallest city, centred on its magnificent cathedral.

For Dogs: Cathedral Close welcomes dogs. Surrounding coastal walking includes dramatic headlands.

Dog-Friendly Options: The Bishops pub welcomes dogs.

Nearby Beaches: Whitesands has total summer ban. Caerfai Bay and Porthclais provide alternatives.

Saundersfoot

Family-friendly resort with excellent walking access.

For Dogs: Glen Beach (harbour side) provides year-round dog access. Coastal path access to Tenby and beyond.

Dog-Friendly Options: The Mulberry restaurant, Captain's Table bar welcome dogs.

Newport (Pembrokeshire)

Quiet town on the Nevern Estuary with excellent walking access.

For Dogs: Parrog beach, estuary walks, access to Preseli Hills.

Dog-Friendly Options: Several welcoming pubs and cafes.

Bosherston

Small village near the famous lily ponds and Broad Haven South beach.

Dog-Friendly Options: St Govan's Inn provides perfect post-walk refreshment with dog biscuits at the bar.

Pembroke

Historic town dominated by impressive castle.

For Dogs: Pembroke Castle welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads with extensive grounds to explore.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Pembrokeshire's pubs warmly welcome dogs, particularly those catering to coastal path walkers.

Tenby

The Moorings: Central location. All-day service from breakfast to dinner. Dogs welcome throughout.

Various traditional pubs: The town offers numerous dog-friendly options.

Around the Coast

St Govan's Inn (Bosherston): Perfect for lily ponds and Broad Haven walks. Hearty lunches. Dog biscuits at bar.

The Stackpole Inn (Stackpole): Gastro-pub with dog-friendly welcome. Excellent food.

The Bishops (St Davids): Good for cathedral and northern coast exploration.

The Sloop Inn (Porthgain): Harbour-side pub in characterful fishing village.

The Mulberry (Saundersfoot): Restaurant welcoming dogs.

Melin Tregwynt: Near Abermawr. Heated outdoor cabins allow dogs. Excellent cafe.

Country Pubs

Ye Olde Worlde Cafe (Bosh Tearooms) (near Bosherston): Dog-friendly tearoom.

Various village pubs: Throughout Pembrokeshire, village pubs generally welcome dogs warmly.

Dog-Friendly Attractions

Pembroke Castle

Birthplace of Henry VII, this impressive castle welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads. Extensive grounds and fascinating history.

Carew Castle and Mill

Castle ruins beside a beautiful lake. Dogs on leads welcome throughout.

Heatherton World of Activities

Family and dog-friendly activity park near Tenby.

Boat Trips

Caldey Island: Boats from Tenby welcome dogs for visits to the historic monastery.

Voyages of Discovery (St Justinians): Wildlife watching trips around the islands. Check individual operators for dog policies.

Colby Woodland Garden

National Trust woodland with tearoom and walled garden. Dogs on leads welcome.

The Preseli Hills

Often overlooked, the Preseli Hills provide inland walking contrast to the coast. These rolling uplands supplied the bluestones for Stonehenge.

Foel Eryr: Short walk to Bronze Age burial cairn with panoramic views.

Ancient Landscapes: Numerous prehistoric sites dot the hills.

Dog Considerations: Open moorland with livestock. Keep dogs under control.

Accommodation

Pembrokeshire offers extensive dog-friendly accommodation.

Location Choices

Tenby: Best facilities, beach access, medieval atmosphere.

St Davids: Cathedral city, dramatic northern coast access.

Saundersfoot: Family-friendly, excellent walking access.

Rural Cottages: Scattered throughout, often near coastal path access.

Notable Options

Penally Abbey Hotel: Dog-friendly rooms opening onto gardens. Walk through dunes to beach. Sunset room welcomes dogs.

For more options, see our guide to dog-friendly Wales.

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: M4 to Carmarthen, then A40/A477/A478 to Tenby or A40 to St Davids. Approximately 4 hours from London.

By Train: Stations at Tenby, Saundersfoot, and Pembroke Dock. Dogs welcome on trains.

Coastal Buses

The Puffin Shuttle and other coastal bus services allow linear coastal path walks without car shuttling. Dogs welcome on buses.

Best Times to Visit

Spring (March-May): Cliff-top wildflowers, seabirds returning, some beach restrictions begin May.

Summer: Best weather, beach restrictions in place, busiest period.

Autumn (September-October): Beach restrictions end, quieter paths, seal pupping season.

Winter: Dramatic weather, empty beaches, some facilities closed.

Wildlife

Seabirds: Puffins, razorbills, and guillemots nest on offshore islands (spring-summer).

Seals: Grey seal colonies, particularly visible during autumn pupping season.

Dolphins and Porpoises: Regular sightings from the coast and boat trips.

Tides

Several beaches (particularly Monkstone) require tide awareness to avoid being cut off. Check tide times before walking.

Combining with Wider Wales

Pembrokeshire combines well with other Welsh destinations:

Carmarthenshire: Gardens and gentle countryside nearby.

Snowdonia: Contrasting mountain landscapes in north Wales.

Gower Peninsula: Additional coastal walking to the east.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pembrokeshire dog-friendly? Very much so. Over 50 beaches welcome dogs, the coastal path provides excellent walking, and pubs throughout warmly welcome four-legged visitors.

Are there dog-friendly beaches in Pembrokeshire? Yes, numerous beaches welcome dogs year-round including Freshwater East, Barafundle Bay, Broad Haven South, and Marloes Sands. Some popular beaches have summer restrictions.

What beaches have dog bans in Pembrokeshire? Tenby North Beach and Whitesands (St Davids) have complete bans from 1st May to 30th September. Other beaches have partial restrictions. Check signage.

Can I walk the coastal path with my dog? Yes, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is excellent for dogs. Some cliff sections require care. Livestock may be present in fields.

Which is the best dog-friendly beach in Pembrokeshire? Barafundle Bay is often voted Britain's best beach and welcomes dogs year-round. Freshwater East offers easier access for year-round dog walking.

Are there dog-friendly pubs in Tenby? Yes, numerous pubs welcome dogs including The Moorings. Most traditional pubs in the town accommodate four-legged visitors.

Can dogs visit Pembroke Castle? Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the castle grounds.

What's the best base for a dog-friendly Pembrokeshire holiday? Tenby offers the best facilities. St Davids provides dramatic northern coast access. Rural cottages suit those seeking quieter experiences.

Discover Pembrokeshire's Coast

Pembrokeshire delivers Britain's finest coastal experiences for dogs and their owners. From vast sandy beaches to dramatic cliff paths, from medieval towns to wildlife-rich islands, this corner of Wales combines natural beauty with genuine canine welcome.

Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly Pembrokeshire accommodation and discover why this magnificent coastline captures hearts across generations.

Luke explores Pembrokeshire with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys Barafundle Bay and well-earned refreshment at St Govan's Inn.