What beaches can dogs go on in Wales in August?

We’ve hand-picked our top 10 favourite Welsh beaches that are open to dogs all year round.

With over 830 miles of coastline, Wales is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the UK.

While some beaches place restrictions on dogs from March to September, there are still plenty of dog-friendly beaches you can visit all year round. So, if you’re staying with us in July or August, you can still plan a trip out for ice cream and a dip in the sea.

Whether you and your canine companion want pebbles or sand, a popular tourist destination or somewhere quiet and off the beaten track, there are plenty of choices, all within driving distance of Mid Wales Holidays.

We’ve hand-picked a fabulous selection of dog-friendly beaches in Ceredigion and Gwynedd that are around an hour’s scenic drive from Coed Y Gaer Fawr so you can look forward to exploring the coastline with your dog while holidaying with us.

Read on to discover our top 10 favourite Welsh beaches that are open to dogs all year round…

Aberaeron North Beach

Our first dog-friendly beach in Mid Wales is the rocky Aberaeron North Beach, which lies in the coastal town of Aberaeron.

This stretch of rocky beach, backed by a coastal path lies about half a mile north of Aberaeron harbour providing views along the Ceredigion coastline and out towards the Irish Sea. The beach is often frequented by dog owners, walkers, sailing enthusiasts and fishermen and it can also be a good place for birdwatching.

The town of Aberaeron has some beautiful Regency-era buildings, plenty of independent shops and good places to eat. The local honey is well worth a try, as is the honey ice cream. Each year the town also hosts a seafood festival.

Also known as: North of Groynes
Type of beach: Harbour/rocks
Dog restrictions: This beach is completely dog friendly all year round and there are no restrictions.
Nearest town: Aberaeron
Postcode: SA46 0JR
Distance from Mid Wales Holidays: 48miles / 1hr 20min
Parking: There are a number of car parks in the town, including one just southwest of the harbour, by the yacht club, and another at the end of Lower Regent Street right next to the shoreline.

Aberarth Beach

The small fishing village of Aberarth lies on the remote Ceredigion coast, between Cardigan and Aberystwyth. The shingle and pebble beach here is interspersed with groynes and backed by grasslands, with parts of the beach featuring low-rise clay cliffs.

The Ceredigion Coastal Path and the Wales Coastal Path both pass nearby and the beach is used by walkers, surfers and sea anglers. This part of the coast is a good place to spot bird life including chough, stonechat and even the occasional peregrine falcon.

The village has limited facilities but does include everything you might want. Pubs, seafood restaurants and shops can be found in Aberaeron, about one mile south-west of the beach.

Type of beach: Shingle/pebbles
Dog restrictions: This beach is completely dog friendly all year round and there are no restrictions.
Nearest town: Aberaeron
Postcode: SA46 0LU
Distance from Mid Wales Holidays: 47miles / 1hr 15mins

Aberdyfi Beach

Aberdyfi is a long, unspoilt, sandy beach stretching for over 3 miles from the mouth of the River Dyfi (also known as the River Dovey) in the south, opposite the village of Aberdyfi, up towards Tywyn to the north.

This is the place where the Welsh mountains meet the coastline, within Snowdonia National Park, rewarding visitors with a vista of beautiful natural scenery. The beach is backed by some sand dunes and the Aberdovey Golf Club, which offers excellent views of the surrounding coastline.

Walking is a popular pastime in the area, both on the beach and in the surrounding mountains. Sailing and windsurfing are also popular here, and yachting races are sometimes held in the summer months, although swimmers must be aware that there are strong currents in the area due to the outflow of the Dyfi.

Public toilets can be found at the tourist information centre, with further facilities such as shops, cafes, and restaurants located along Terrace Road, adjacent to the beach.

The town has a railway station (Aberdovey) located next to the golf course and holiday park, a short walk from the beach, with regular services along the Cambrian Coast Line, and occasional services as far as Birmingham.

Also known as: Aberdovey
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog restrictions: Dogs are not allowed in the area of the beach in front of the car park between 1st April and 30th September. However, the rest of the beach from the dunes onwards is dog friendly all year.
Nearest town: Tywyn
Postcode: LL35 0RT
Distance from Mid Wales Holidays: 35miles / 1hr
Parking: A large pay-for car park can be found in Aberdyfi, next to the tourist information centre, and from here there is direct access to the beach via a ramp or a short flight of stairs.

Aberystwyth South Beach

Aberystwyth’s sand and shingle South Beach is known for being quieter than the North Beach lying between the main harbour and Aberystwyth Castle.

During the summer months, you will find lifeguards patrolling the beach which means that families can swim here with peace of mind. The southern end of the beach is a popular spot for those who like surfing and body boarding as the waves here tend to be slightly larger.

If you are lucky when you visit Aberystwyth South Beach, you may see one of the resident porpoises, especially during warmer weather. As well as the flora and fauna found here, the beach has some gorgeous views that stretch all the way along the coast.

In the summer months, there are boat trips which leave from the neighbouring Aberystwyth Harbour. These pass by the beach and out into Cardigan Bay in search of lobster, scallops, mackerel, and crab.

Also known as: Traeth y De
Type of beach: Sand and shingle
Lifeguard service: Yes
Dog restrictions: No dogs are allowed on the northern part of the beach between 1st May and 30th September. Dogs are allowed all year round on the section of beach between the slipway and the harbour.
Nearest town: Aberystwyth
Postcode: SY23 1DZ
Distance from Mid Wales Holidays: 35miles / 1hr
Parking: Parking, disabled parking and park and ride are all available.

Clarach - North Beach

Clarach Bay lies on the scenic Ceredigion coast, about one mile north of Aberystwyth. There is not a village here as such, only a cluster of caravan parks and holiday villages.

The award-winning beach is a popular destination in good weather and it is easy to see why. The northern end of the beach, which is the section furthest away from Aberystwyth, is a mix of sand and shingle, flanked by tall cliffs, and there are sea caves, rockpools and even fossils to be found along this stretch of the coast. Best of all is the glorious view of the bay and the craggy cliffs around it.

The sheltered bay is popular with bathers, surfers, windsurfers and canoeists. Parking can be found close to the beach, and there is a shop here and toilets.

The area is rich in birdlife and seals, porpoises and dolphins may occasionally be spotted off the coast, so bring along a pair of binoculars. There are plenty of good walks nearby, including a cliff-top nature trail which connects the bay to Aberystwyth.

Type of beach: Sand & shingle
Dog restrictions: This beach is completely dog friendly all year round and there are no restrictions.
Nearest town: Aberystwyth
Postcode: SY23 3DL
Distance from Mid Wales Holidays: 36miles / 1hr
Parking: Parking is available next to the beach.

Llansantffraid Beach

This predominantly shingle and pebble beach, backed by low mud and clay cliffs, lies on the Ceredigion coast, about 5 miles northeast of Aberaeron. The fact that there is not much sand and the remote location ensures that the beach never gets particularly busy. The village has a pub, a chip shop and a shop.

Type of beach: Pebble
Dog restrictions: This beach is completely dog friendly all year round and there are no restrictions.
Nearest town: Aberaeron
Postcode: SY23 5HS
Distance from Mid Wales Holidays: 44miles / 1hr 15mins
Parking: There is a short-term car park in the village of Llanon, and from here there are a number of paths leading down to the beach.

Llanrhystud Beach South

This popular beach in Cardigan Bay consists of a long bank of pebbles with sand at low tide. There are two beaches in Llanrhystud, with the south beach being located on the southern side of the Afon Wyre River. To the north, the coastline is much more rocky.

Llanrhystud is backed by fields and rolling countryside along with a caravan park which provides facilities.

Type of beach: Sand & pebble
Dog restrictions: This beach is completely dog friendly all year round and there are no restrictions.
Nearest town: Aberaeron
Postcode: SY23 5BU
Distance from Mid Wales Holidays: 41miles / 1hr 10mins
Parking: There is free parking for 15 cars to the rear of the beach.

Tanybwlch Beach

Tanybwlch Beach lies just outside the town of Aberystwyth and sits in the shadow of the towering Pen Dinas which is the site of a Celtic hill fort that dates from the Iron Age. Pen Dinas is home to a memorial in the form of an upturned cannon which marks the victory of Wellington in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The area which includes Pen Dinas and Tanybwlch was designated as a nature reserve in 1999. It is well worth the climb to the summit of the fort to get an aerial view of the beach as well as vistas that stretch out over the sea.

The beach itself is made up largely of coarse sand and shingle. Located just to the south of the wider Aberystwyth Harbour, Tanybwlch lies across the River Ystwyth with its picturesque valley beyond.

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round and although you can enjoy bracing walks here swimming is not recommended as the seas can be rough. You can however enjoy exploring the rock pools and the stunning scenery.

Also known as: Penparcau
Type of beach: Sand & shingle
Dog restrictions: This beach is completely dog friendly all year round and there are no restrictions.
Nearest town: Aberystwyth
Postcode: SY23 1BU
Distance from Mid Wales Holidays: 35miles / 1hr
Parking: Parking is available.

Wallog Beach

Set in Cardigan Bay on a remote section of the coast between Aberystwyth and Borth is the interesting little beach of Wallog.

The beach appears to be divided by some kind of pebble groyne, however, this is entirely natural. The shingle spit is named Sarn Gynfelyn and was deposited here by glacial action.

Just behind the beach is an area of grass with an old disused lime kiln. In years gone by lime was shipped here and baked before spreading over the fields of the Wallog estate.

Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Dog restrictions: This beach is completely dog friendly all year round and there are no restrictions.
Nearest town: Aberystwyth
Postcode: SY23 3DR
Distance from Mid Wales Holidays: 35miles / 1hr

Ynyslas - Twyni Bach (Estuary) Beach

This wide expanse of sandy beach lies on the southern side of the mouth of the River Dovey (Afon Dyfi). The beach is backed by an extensive dune system and the Ynyslas National Nature Reserve which features a popular visitor centre. From the beach, there are views across the estuary towards Aberdyfi, with a magnificent hilly backdrop in the distance.

Visitors come here to relax and walk amongst the dunes or look for the many interesting shells that can be found along the beach. Swimming here is dangerous because of the presence of strong river currents.

Type of beach: Sandy
Dog restrictions: This beach is completely dog friendly all year round and there are no restrictions, although this area is a nature reserve so dogs must be kept on a lead in some parts. NOTE: Dogs are not allowed on the Ynyslas Northern Groyne Sea Beach between 1st May and 30th September.
Nearest town: Tywyn
Postcode: SY24 5JZ
Distance from Mid Wales Holidays: 39miles / 1hr 5mins
Parking: There is a tradition of parking cars on a roped-off part the beach here, in return for a small fee.

So, if you're looking for a dog-friendly day out to the beach while staying with us here at Mid Wales Holidays, Ceredigion and Gwynedd are the perfect places to visit. With its stunning beaches, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals, you're sure to have a great time. Just be sure to pack your dog's lead, a bowl and some fresh water, and plenty of poo bags.