Dog-Friendly Anglesey

Anglesey (Ynys Môn in Welsh) earned the title of Wales's most dog-friendly tourist destination, and for good reason. This island off the North Wales coast delivers over 40 dog-friendly beaches, a 130-mile coastal path, historic castles welcoming four-legged visitors, and a genuine culture of canine appreciation. With views across to Snowdonia's dramatic peaks, Anglesey combines island charm with exceptional dog walking.

What sets Anglesey apart is accessibility combined with variety. The relatively flat terrain suits dogs of all abilities, whilst the sheer number of beaches means you can always find uncrowded sand. The coastal path provides endless walking options, and welcoming pubs throughout the island offer post-walk refreshment.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Anglesey offers over 40 beaches where dogs can enjoy coastal freedom. Seven beaches have seasonal restrictions (1st May to 30th September) in designated areas, but dogs can still access portions of even these beaches.

Year-Round Dog-Friendly Beaches

Traeth Llydan (Rhosneigr): Over a mile of golden sand backed by dunes. Popular with surfers and dog walkers alike. No restrictions. One of Anglesey's finest.

Traeth Crigyll (Rhosneigr Town Beach): Easy access from the village. Golden sand with no restrictions year-round.

Red Wharf Bay: When the tide ebbs, nearly ten square miles of sand emerge. Excellent for birds (waders and waterfowl) and dogs. Waterside pubs overlook the beach.

Traeth Bychan: Sheltered cove near Moelfre with calm waters. Views to Puffin Island and Great Orme. Dog-friendly all year.

Rhoscolyn: Southern tip of Holy Island. Sandy beach with boats sailing past. Coastal path access to hidden coves.

Cemlyn Bay: Large sweeping beach on the north coast. Part of the Anglesey Coastal Path.

Cable Bay: Quiet beach on the west coast.

Bull Bay: Northern beach with character.

Newborough Beach: Vast sands reached through Newborough Forest. Seasonal restriction in one area, but enormous beach provides year-round access.

Penmon Point Beach: Quiet beach near Penmon Priory with short walks to the lighthouse.

Beaches with Seasonal Restrictions

These beaches have dog-banned areas from 1st May to 30th September. Dogs can still access non-restricted portions.

Beaumaris: Northern section dog-friendly all year. Southern section restricted in summer.

Benllech: Restricted area in summer. Dogs on leads on promenade.

Trearddur Bay: Restricted area in summer. Dogs on leads on promenade.

Cemaes Bay: Restricted area in summer. Dogs on leads on promenade.

Llanddona: Restricted area in summer.

Llanddwyn: Restricted area in summer (accessed through Newborough Forest).

Porth Dafarch: Complete summer restriction (1st May to 30th September).

Coastal Walks

Anglesey Coastal Path

The 130-mile path circles the entire island, providing endless walking options. Break it into manageable sections or tackle longer stretches.

Recommended Sections

Rhosneigr to Aberffraw

• Distance: 4 miles | Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Stunning coastal views, excellent swimming spots for dogs, magnificent panoramas throughout.

Llyn Maelog Circular (Rhosneigr)

• Distance: 3.5km | Time: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
• Popular lakeside walk near Rhosneigr. Great for a gentle stroll with dogs.

Rhoscolyn Headland Walk

• Hidden coves, breathtaking views, accessible from Rhoscolyn beach.

Penmon to Black Point

• Eastern Anglesey walk with lighthouse views and Puffin Island backdrop.

Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island

This stunning walk combines forest trails with beach and island exploration.

The Walk: Start from Malltraeth car park (LL62 5BA). Wide tracks wind through Corsican pine forest, emerging onto spectacular sandy beach. Continue to Ynys Llanddwyn, a promontory with ruined church and lighthouse.

Highlights: Mediterranean-feeling forest providing shade on hot days. Vast beach with dunes. Llanddwyn Island views across to Snowdonia.

Dog Considerations: Excellent off-lead territory through the forest. Beach has seasonal restricted area, but enormous space remains.

South Stack and Holyhead Mountain

Distance: Variable | Time: 2-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Dramatic clifftop walking on Holy Island's western tip. South Stack Lighthouse provides the focal point.

Dog Considerations: Keep on leads near cliff edges. Spectacular scenery. RSPB reserve (dogs should be controlled).

Towns and Villages

Beaumaris

The jewel of Anglesey, this historic town provides the island's best facilities and attractions.

For Dogs: Northern beach section dog-friendly all year. Pier walks, castle grounds, and characterful streets.

Beaumaris Castle: This UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes dogs on leads throughout the grounds. One of Britain's finest examples of medieval military architecture.

Dog-Friendly Options: The Bull (courtyard seating), numerous cafes and pubs. Red Boat Ice Cream Parlour for bara brith ice cream.

Boat Trips: Dog-friendly vessels depart from Beaumaris Pier for Puffin Island cruises.

Rhosneigr

Stylish coastal village with excellent beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

For Dogs: Two beaches (Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Llydan) with no restrictions year-round. Watersports scene adds atmosphere.

Dog-Friendly Options: Y Morfa pub (dogs in bar area), The Oystercatcher (terrace seating), various cafes.

Character: Hamptons-style beach houses give Rhosneigr a distinctive feel unlike anywhere else in Wales.

Menai Bridge

Town at the famous Menai Strait crossing, gateway to Anglesey.

For Dogs: Waterfront walks, views of both bridges.

Dog-Friendly Options: Various pubs and cafes welcome dogs.

Holyhead

Anglesey's largest town, primarily a ferry port but with access to Holy Island attractions.

For Dogs: South Stack walks, Breakwater Country Park.

Moelfre

Fishing village on the east coast with lifeboat heritage.

For Dogs: Traeth Bychan beach nearby. Coastal path access.

Dog-Friendly Options: Ann's Pantry welcomes dogs.

Amlwch and Bull Bay

Northern Anglesey with industrial heritage and quieter beaches.

For Dogs: Bull Bay beach, Parys Mountain walks.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Anglesey offers dozens of dog-friendly pubs across the island.

Beaumaris

The Bull: 400-year-old establishment with character. Dogs welcome in courtyard (extensive shelter and heaters). Cask ales and excellent food.

Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn: Historic coaching inn. Dog-friendly areas.

The Liverpool Arms: Waterfront location.

Rhosneigr

Y Morfa: Laidback family pub. Dogs welcome in bar area. Reportedly the best pint in Rhosneigr.

The Oystercatcher: Stunning modern venue in sand dunes behind Traeth Llydan. Fresh seafood. Dogs welcome on terrace and limited indoor seating.

Red Wharf Bay

The Tavern on the Bay: Waterside inn overlooking the vast beach. Dogs welcome on terrace.

The Old Boathouse: Dogs welcome on outdoor terrace with beach views.

Holy Island

The White Eagle (Rhoscolyn): Popular pub near the beach. Dog-friendly.

Llanddona

The Owain Glyndwr: Country pub worth the steep walk from the beach.

Other Notable Options

The Gazelle (near Beaumaris): Edge of Menai Strait.

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

Dog-Friendly Attractions

Beaumaris Castle

UNESCO World Heritage Site welcoming dogs on leads throughout the grounds. The most technically perfect medieval castle in Britain, though never completed. Views across to Snowdonia.

Dog Considerations: Steep internal steps not suitable for dogs, so take turns exploring upper levels.

Puffin Island Boat Trips

Regular dog-friendly boats depart from Beaumaris Pier for cruises around Puffin Island. See puffins (spring-summer), seals, and seabirds.

Penmon Priory and Dovecote

Ancient priory ruins and impressive medieval dovecote. Dogs on leads welcome throughout.

Newborough Forest

Corsican pine forest providing Mediterranean atmosphere. Excellent off-lead walking through extensive trails.

South Stack Lighthouse

Dramatic lighthouse perched on cliffs. RSPB reserve for seabirds. Dogs should be controlled near nesting areas.

Plas Newydd (National Trust)

Historic house and gardens on the Menai Strait. Check National Trust website for current dog access policies.

Accommodation

Anglesey offers extensive dog-friendly accommodation.

Location Choices

Beaumaris: Best facilities, historic atmosphere, castle and pier attractions.

Rhosneigr: Beach lifestyle, stylish village, excellent beaches.

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

Notable Options

Sandy Mount House (Rhosneigr): Stylish hotel with Mediterranean feel. Dog-friendly rooms available.

The Bull (Beaumaris): Historic hotel with dog-friendly accommodation.

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

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: Cross either the Menai Suspension Bridge or Britannia Bridge from the mainland (A55). Approximately 90 minutes from Liverpool/Manchester.

By Train: Station at Holyhead (ferries to Ireland). Bus connections across the island.

Getting Around

A car provides the most flexibility for exploring Anglesey's scattered beaches and attractions. The island is compact enough to reach most destinations within 30 minutes.

Best Times to Visit

Spring: Quieter beaches, wildflowers, seabirds returning.

Summer: Best weather, some beach restrictions in place (May-September), busiest period.

Autumn: Beach restrictions end, emptier beaches, dramatic skies.

Winter: Quiet island atmosphere, all beaches fully accessible, some facilities closed.

Views to Snowdonia

Anglesey's position provides spectacular views across to the Snowdonia mountain range, particularly from southern beaches and the Menai Strait area.

Combining with Wider Wales

Anglesey combines naturally with other Welsh destinations:

Snowdonia: The National Park lies just across the Menai Strait. Easy day trips.

Llyn Peninsula: Quiet peninsula extending southwest from Snowdonia.

North Wales Coast: Conwy, Llandudno, and other coastal towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anglesey dog-friendly? Very much so. Named Wales's most dog-friendly tourist destination, Anglesey offers over 40 dog-friendly beaches and dozens of welcoming pubs.

Are there dog-friendly beaches on Anglesey? Yes, over 40 beaches welcome dogs. Seven have seasonal restrictions in designated areas (May-September), but dogs can still access portions of these beaches.

Which Anglesey beaches have no dog restrictions? Rhosneigr (both beaches), Red Wharf Bay, Traeth Bychan, Rhoscolyn, Cemlyn Bay, Cable Bay, and Bull Bay among many others.

Can dogs visit Beaumaris Castle? Yes, dogs on leads welcome throughout the castle grounds.

Are there dog-friendly pubs on Anglesey? Dozens, including The Bull and Ye Olde Bulls Head in Beaumaris, Y Morfa and The Oystercatcher in Rhosneigr, and The Tavern on the Bay at Red Wharf Bay.

Can I take my dog on Puffin Island boat trips? Yes, dog-friendly boats depart from Beaumaris Pier for Puffin Island cruises.

What's the best beach for dogs on Anglesey? Traeth Llydan (Rhosneigr) offers over a mile of golden sand with no restrictions. Red Wharf Bay provides vast space at low tide.

Is Newborough Forest dog-friendly? Excellent for dogs. Extensive forest trails provide off-lead walking through atmospheric Corsican pine woodland.

Discover Island Paradise

Anglesey delivers everything dog owners seek in a coastal holiday. Endless beaches, welcoming pubs, historic attractions, and genuine canine appreciation combine to create exceptional experiences for four-legged visitors and their owners.

Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly Anglesey accommodation and discover why this Welsh island earns its reputation as one of Britain's finest dog-friendly destinations.

Luke explores Anglesey with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys Traeth Llydan's golden sands and well-earned refreshment at The Oystercatcher.