Dog-Friendly Beaches

Beach information for dog-owners
The beaches in Gower and Swansea are wonderful for great days out with your dog.  The opportunities are extensive with beautiful sandy beaches and coastal paths with stunning views, as well as a promenade, which stretches from the Swansea City centre to Mumbles.  In addition, you could choose one of the attractive parks or countryside walks.  There are so many beaches around the Swansea and Gower Coastline, that your main challenge is where to choose!. The following guide can help you decide by giving you our views and Buddy’s experiences.

What is most important to you? - easy access, great views, lack of crowds, good surfing or swimming or a real adventure?  We hope we can give you the information you need: The Gower Peninsula is a very popular destination for dog-owners, with many of its beaches allowing year-round access for dogs. These include Rhossili, voted the UK's No. 1 dog-friendly beach by The Times.

From May 1 to September 30, dogs and their owners are only allowed to use specific 'dog friendly' beaches.

Dog owners who fail to keep to dog-friendly beaches risk being issued with a fixed penalty notice or a fine.

With the exception of guide dogs for the blind, that during this period each year dogs are banned from the following beaches:

• Swansea Bay (from the River Tawe to the slip opposite Victoria Park, from the beach access at Sketty Lane to the northern edge of the slip at the West Cross Inn)

• Bracelet Bay

• Limeslade Bay

• Rotherslade Bay

• Langland Bay

• Caswell Bay

• Port Eynon beach (from the eastern edge of the steps to Port Eynon beach to the eastern edge of Horton beach access)

Dogs ARE allowed on the following beaches at all times of the year:

• Swansea Bay from the slip opposite Victoria Park to the beach access at Sketty Lane

• Horton from the lifeguard station east towards Oxwich

• Mumbles

• Pwll Du

• Pobbles

• Three Cliffs

• Tor Bay

• Crawley

• Oxwich

• Mewslade

• Rhossili

• Llangennith

• Broughton

• Whiteford Sands

• Port Eynon from the main steps west to the Salt House

Swansea Council also has restrictions about dogs being kept on leads. The authority says you must keep your dog on a lead whilst walking along the entire promenade at Swansea Bay (from the River Tawe to the Knab Rock car park, Mumbles), the promenades at Langland Bay and Rotherslade, and the promenade at Caswell Bay.

Buddy’s Doodle Guide to having doggie fun in Swansea and Gower

Hello!  My Name is Buddy.  I am a miniature Golden Doodle and lucky enough to live in Swansea near the gorgeous coastline.  I love nothing more than running along one of the beaches, splashing in the surf and exploring the rock pools.  If I am lucky, I find some other friendly dogs who will play my favourite game of chase me chase me – now I’ll chase you. If you are thinking of visiting my part of the world, you will have a great time at any time of year.  I hope my guide will help you get the most out of your visit.

Beaches (Full Year Access)

The beaches in Gower and Swansea are wonderful for great days out with your dog.  The opportunities are extensive with beautiful sandy beaches and coastal paths with stunning views, as well as a promenade, which stretches from the Swansea city centre to Mumbles.  In addition, you could choose one of the attractive parks or countryside walks.  There are so many beaches around the Swansea and Gower Coastline, that your main challenge is where to choose!!   The following guide can help you decide by giving you our views and Buddy’s experiences.

What is most important to you - easy access, great views, lack of crowds, good surfing or swimming or a real adventure?  We hope we can give you the information you need: Many of the beaches of Swansea Bay and Gower allow year-round access for dogs.  These are:

Swansea Bay from the slip (opposite Victoria Park) to the beach access at Sketty Lane Car Park (opposite the Wales National Pool/Singleton Boating Lake)This is a great favourite of ours, with a safe and wide-open expanse of sand.  The sea is shallow and a real treat for dogs who like a swim, although you need to be aware that there are muddy areas at low tide. Café360 has now closed and a new venture called Seven will be taking over this year

There is a car park at the café and good beach access.

Mumbles (as far as the lighthouse)
Although you can walk on the beach, it is pebbly and most people would prefer to walk on the promenade.  You will pass Verdi’s a wonderful ice cream parlour with plenty of outside seating to enjoy a well-earned rest.  A great place to view the bay whilst people watch and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

SPECIAL MENTION: There is a small beach next to the Mumbles Pier that is accessible all year - The Pavillion Cafe is extremely Dog Friendly

Pwll Du
Not the easiest access – parking is limited and at a distance but combined with a walk through Bishopston Valley, it can be a lovely adventure with your dog. No facilities at the beach.

Pobbles A scenic walk from Southgate across the clifftop path and down sand dunes takes you to Pobbles.   There are no facilities after the village of Southgate.  The cliff tops are high and unfenced which might be a concern for some with adventurous dogs but the path is well away from the edge.  The walk back up from the beach is fairly strenuous.

Three Cliffs Bay The view of Three Cliffs Bay is one of the most spectacular views in the whole country.  You can start your walk opposite Shepherds in Parkmill.  It is an interesting walk of about a mile to the beach through woodland and across sand and grass.  You might want to take drinks and a snack as there are no shops on the walk.

Tor Bay A pleasant and fairly lengthy walk from Penmaen brings you out on this lovely horseshoe-shaped sandy beach. No Facilities.

Crawley If you like sand dunes and stunning views, this beach might be for you and your dog.  Limited parking, no facilities and a fairly lengthy walk but a beautiful beach for you to get away from the crowds.

Oxwich Bay is A great beach day for all the family including the dog.  Large car park and easy beach access with a ramp for launching boats.  There is a huge expanse of the beach so you can move away from crowded areas.  The beach has toilet facilities and snack bars as well as the beautifully situated Oxwich Bay Hotel, with extensive outside seating.

Horton (from the Lifeguard Station east towards Oxwich)
A lovely expense of sand backed by dunes.  There are caravan sites and the adjoining Port Eynon village with plenty of facilities.

Port Eynon (from the main steps west to the Salt House)
A popular bay set in a lovely village with shops cafes, restaurants and the Ship Inn.  The access for dogs takes you away from the main beach area with an interesting walk past the ruin of an old salt house, which may (according to rumour), have been used as a cover for smugglers.

Mewslade Bay
The access to this bay can be fairly tricky but if you like a more adventurous walk, you will enjoy this small rocky bay.  Access is via a rocky path or across the clifftops from Rhossili.  If you take the clifftop path be cautious as it involves a steep sudden drop-off. No facilities

Rhossili Bay
Combine a clifftop walk with some of the most stunning views in the world, with a walk down to the vast beach.  This bay joins Llangennith Bay and you can walk for miles across the straight stretch of sand.  Plenty of car parking space, and a village for food or shopping for gifts. The views from the dog-friendly Worms Head Hotel, are just amazing. 

Llangennith
This huge expanse of sand is a paradise for dogs and surfers alike. Plenty of room to run and run and run. Good parking with an area for camping and
caravans.  Facilities near the car park and do not forget to visit the King’s Head in the village.

Broughton Bay, North Gower
More sheltered and smaller than neighbouring, Llangennith this is a lovely bay for walking your dog.

Whiteford Sands, North Gower  (see BLOG for Whiteford Walk)
This is a very different option for a walk through the countryside, woodlands and sand dunes.  You emerge to see the wide, estuary beach with the iconic Whiteford lighthouse.  Make sure you take water and maybe a snack.  There are no facilities after the Britannia Inn.

Summer Season (Restricted Access to Popular Beaches)

Seasonal dog Restrictions

There is an annual, five-month access restriction for dogs on some beaches, which means that a small number of the popular beaches are off-limits to dogs from May 1st to September 30th each year. During this period, visitors with dogs are asked to keep to the beaches listed above, which allow year-round access.

Dog fouling

The City & County of Swansea has installed over 400 dog waste disposal bins. Dog owners who allow their animals to foul, without cleaning up, risk a fixed penalty notice.  If you have any queries, contact the City & County of Swansea Environment Department on 01792 635 600, or email evh@swansea.gov.uk.

Restricted BEACHES

These beaches include: 
Langland Bay and Caswell Bay

(Note Both Langland Bay and Caswell Bay are extremely Dog Friendly out of peak season and have good facilities. Dogs are welcomed at the Surfside Cafes at both Langland and Caswell. Dogs are allowed in an allocated area outside Langland’s Brasserie.

Rotherslade Bay, Langland
Limeslade Bay, near Mumbles
Bracelet Bay, near Mumbles

Port Eynon beach (from the eastern edge of the steps to the eastern edge of Horton beach access)

Swansea Bay from the River Tawe to the slip (opposite Victoria Park)
Swansea Bay from the beach access at Sketty Lane Car Park (opposite the Wales National Pool/Singleton Boating Lake) to the Northern edge of the slip (opposite the West Cross Inn)

Buddy’s favourite Coastal Paths (Dogs must be kept on leads) Between Langland and Caswell (watch video below), Limeslade to Langland, Rhossili towards worms head

Buddy’s favourite parks

Clyne Park is just gorgeous, particularly in May when it in full bloom.  Walk to the top of the hill for wonderful views across the bay. The Woodman Restaurant that is close to the bottom entrance will allow dogs into the bar area before 6pm.
Singleton Park has large open green areas for running and a lovely lake. There is a restriction on dogs being allowed into the botanical gardens.
Cwmdonkin Park has recently benefitted from an extensive regeneration programme.  It has a bowling green, children’s play area, tennis courts, walking trails, woodlands and  delightful tea rooms with homemade lemonade and cakes, as well as doggy teats.  Cwmdonkin was the favourite park of Dylan Thomas and there are a number of references to him, including a memorial stone with lines from ‘Fern Hill’

Dog Friendly Attractions

Oystermouth Castle

Set in the heart of Mumbles village, the castle is open all year round.  The grounds are a great place for dog walks but only guide dogs are allowed inside the castle.

Useful Information: 

In all public areas, dogs must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner attached. If you are on holiday, you may find it useful to have a temporary tag for your dog, with your holiday address on it.  If you have lost your dog, please contact City & County of Swansea as soon as possible on 01792 635 600. Please help to keep the area clean by picking up after your dog.  There are plenty of dog waste bins provided and you could be fined if you do not do this. Please remember that dogs should not be left in cars in hot weather.  Dogs can also overheat on beaches where there is a lack shade so make sure you plan your trip and ensure the dog has access to fresh water. 

Vets
St James Veterinary Group Sketty: 01792 20500

Pet shops

Buddy’s favourite is Killay Pet Shop in Broadmead, Killay. 
He loves to choose a treat  - heading straight for the hog logs and maybe a new toy.: Tel: 01792 512135