Dog Friendly Vale of Glamorgan
There are a great many dog friendly places to visit in The Vale of Glamorgan. Often referred to as The Vale, Cardiff is located to the east with Bridgend to the West and Rhondda Cynon Taf to the north. Let’s see where you can visit when you treat your dog to a holiday in The Vale.
Dog Friendly Walks
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is now part of the Wales Coast Path and a great place to walk your dog. With stunning scenery, woodland walks and dog friendly beaches, it is a great place for walking. A short walk of less than 2 miles, or one up to 14 miles, there’s lots to choose from.
For a pretty woodland walk, why not try Hensol Forest, near Cowbridge. Wander along well maintained tracks, or veer off into the trees and let your dog follow all sorts of wonderful scents!
Dog Friendly Beaches
For a large expanse of sand and safe swimming, Ogmore–by–Sea is a great place to visit. It’s a very popular beach where dogs are welcome all year round. It is also a great place to go rock pooling with the kids.
A favourite place for a good run is Merthyr Mawr Warren. A National Nature Reserve comprising a vast expanse of sand dunes (the highest in Wales, and second highest in Europe). There is varied terrain, and many assorted tracks that eventually lead to a huge, almost deserted beach. This walk can be as long or short as you wish.
Southerndown Beach is a beautiful, sheltered, sandy beach with a lovely walk up to Dunraven Castle and Gardens. Unfortunately during the summer months (April to September), dogs are not permitted on the beach.
At Llantwit Major there is a choice of where to walk. The beach, a walk through the meadows beside the river, or a steep climb up the cliffs. From there you can walk along the top and have magnificent views.
Rest Bay at Porthcawl is a little further along the coast, and is famous for its surfing. There is also a lovely walk along a purpose made path by the Golf Course. This in turn gives you access to another large sandy beach.
Dog Friendly Cafes & Restaurants
You won’t go hungry in the Vale either. There are numerous lovely dog friendly pubs serving home-made food. The Plough and Harrow at Monknash, Red Fox at Penllyn and Fox and Hounds at Llancarfan are firm favourites. If you are after a cafe, there is K9 Plus 1 on Barry seafront. A great place to sit and watch the world go by. If you happen to be in Llantwit Major, check out Wine Street Coffee
Dog Friendly Attractions
If you fancy a Country Park, the Vale bosts two.
Porthkerry Park, near Barry, has extensive woodland to explore, plus vast green areas which lead down to a pebbly beach. Cosmeston Lakes Country Park is situated near Penarth and has over 100 hectares of lakes, reed beds, woodland and meadows. Set within the park is Cosmeston Medieval Village.
Located between Cowbridge and Barry is The Amelia Trust Farm. This charity supports disadvantaged and vulnerable young people. It’s a great family day out with animals to see, woodlands trails and a cafe.
St Fagans National Museum is a firm family favourite place to visit. There is free entry to the museum – you just pay car park fees. Original buildings from different historical periods have been relocated to grounds of St Fagans Castle and Gardens. Watch craftsmen work, buy sweets from the old sweet shop and see the farm animals. A great dog friendly day out.
Dog Friendly Holidays
We’ve given you a few ideas of dog friendly things to do in The Vale, you’re going to need somewhere to stay.
There’s plenty of places to treat your dog to a holiday in The Vale of Glamorgan. Are you looking for a self catering cottage, hotel or holiday park? You can find details on our South Wales page.