The Ultimate Guide to Dog Friendly Cardiff

Until I had my own dog, I wasn’t aware that there are so many dog friendly places in Cardiff. If you are already in the city or are coming to the capital with your four-legged friend, rest assured there are plenty of dog friendly things to do in Cardiff. If you’re struggling to find dog friendly activities or places to eat, then let me help you with some suggestions.

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Table of Contents


Meet Ivan the Irresistible

Your four-legged guide to dog-friendly Cardiff is Ivan the Irresistible. He has personally tried and tested all of the places on this list, along with his humans. Ivan is a rescue from Bosnia. He arrived after an arduous journey in December 2020. He was incredibly anxious but has become more confident over time. He loves playing and meeting other dogs. He is quiet and keeps to himself in the home, but his cheeky personality shines through when we’re having an adventure. Follow him on Instagram to see where he is exploring.

Alonside this guide, Ivan now has his own website where you’ll find an extensive collection of things to do, places to eat, hints, tips and special offers: Dog Friendly Things.


Explore Cardiff

Cardiff is a fantastic city for dog lovers, with plenty of dog friendly attractions to enjoy. Some of the best landmarks in Cardiff welcome dogs.

Things to do in Taffs Well

Nestled between rolling hills and the Taff Trail, this charming village is bursting with character, and there are plenty of dog friendly things to do.

Christmas at Bute Park

In Cardiff city centre, this annual event brings the holiday spirit to life with a dazzling, festive outdoor light trail that caters to visitors of all ages.

Hisdoryan at Dyffryn Gardens

National Trust South Wales

From tours to trails, you won’t be disappointed. Lush green valleys, rugged coastlines, captivating historical sites and attractive homes. 

Insole Court Events Dog Friendly Cardiff

Dog Friendly Attractions in Cardiff

When visiting the capital, you’ll want to know what you can do with your dog. Here are all the dog-friendly attractions in Cardiff.

Insole Court Events Dog Friendly Cardiff

9 Things To Do At Insole Court

The stately home is more than a beautiful garden to walk in and a cup of coffee in the café. Alongside regular community events.

Dog friendly shops in Cardiff

Dog friendly Shops in Cardiff

Cardiff is well known for its excellent shopping scene. You don’t have to leave your dog at home when you want to splash the cash.

Pumpkin Patches near Cardiff

Pumpkin Patches near Cardiff

That’s right, you can take your dog to one of the many pumpkin picking patches in Cardiff or in the surrounding areas.

Dyffryn Gardens

Dyffryn Gardens and Arboretum

On the outskirts of Cardiff you can find the National Trust property. The magnificent house and gardens are fun to explore.

The Orangery gardens at Tredegar House

Tredegar House and Parkland

Picturesque gardens to explore as well as 90 acres of parkland to walk in. Plus, swans, herons and, of course, ducks to chase.

City of Arcades Walking Tour

Are you ready to discover Cardiff on foot with your dog? Join one of Fogo’s Free Walking Tours and see the city’s most beautiful places.

Vintage for Victory Festival Whitchurch Cardiff

All of the Things to do in Whitchurch

I have put together a list of things you can see, do and enjoy in Whitchurch with your dog. From walks to places to eat.

facts about cardiff - cardiff castle

Dog Friendly Castles in Cardiff

Wales is the land of castles, in fact, there are more than 600 of them. Discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans with your dog.


FREE Visit Cardiff Checklist & Guide

Get your FREE Visting Cardiff Checklist and Guide with over 25 pages full of travel tips, how to get around, places to visit, food and drink, shopping, parks and green spaces, some Welsh phrases and a travel itinerary.


Dog Walks Cardiff

There are so many dog walks in Cardiff, with plenty of green spaces, parks and gardens. It is easy to forget about the hustle and bustle of the city is often behind the treeline. Time for you and your four legged friend to get outdoors and start walking.

The Dog Friendly Walks in Cardiff

Time for you and your four-legged friend to get outdoors and start exploring dog parks and trails in Cardiff. 

Woodland Magic at Fforest Fawr

Fforest Fawr is an incredible national nature reserve with three circular walking trails: a sculpture trail, Three Bears Cave Walk and Sir Henry’s Trail.

All of the Winter Walks in Cardiff

Take a stroll and explore the beauty of Cardiff in winter. It might be cold outside, but you don’t need to hibernate.

Dog Walks in South Wales

Dog Walks in South Wales

You will be truly spoilt on your next dog walk with a choice of parks, gardens, mountains, waterfalls, country parks and beaches.

Dog walks in Caerphilly

Dog Walks in Caerphilly

If you’re sick of doing the same daily route on oyur dog walk, change your routine with one of these Caerphilly walks.

Bute Park. Taff Trail in Cardiff

The Taff Trail

The Taff Trail runs between Brecon and Cardiff for 55 miles along the River Taff. Here’s everything you want to know about the Taff Trail in Cardiff.

Dog Friendly Beaches near Cardiff

There are so many beaches only 30 minutes from Cardiff. Perfect for stretching your legs or swimming in the sea.

Don’t Get Caught Short 💩

Tuff Pets Dog Poop Bags are premium, extra thick, and environmentally friendly, providing a reliable and eco-conscious solution for pet waste. These zero-waste, home-compostable poo bags allow pet owners to care for their pets and the planet simultaneously, making walkies so much easier.


Dog Friendly Restaurants Cardiff

Thankfully, there are dog friendly places to eat Cardiff. You and your loyal companion can dine out together. From breakfast to brunch, or lunch or dinner – where you may even get a free sausage for your pooch. Plus, lots of cafes where you can get a caffeine fix and your dog can get a puppuccino and street food in Cardiff Market.

puppy smells the flowers

Dog Friendly Afternoon Tea Spots in South Wales

Whether you prefer a countryside retreat or an urban café, you and your canine companion will find the perfect relaxing place.

Welsh Burger Heaven at Ansh

Burger lovers, make sure you visit Ansh. Using farm fresh produce and creative Welsh ingredients. All burgers are named after Welsh legends.

dices and wooden pieces on game board

Dog Friendly Board Game Cafes in Cardiff

Offering a unique blend of social interaction, delicious food, and a vast array of tabletop games, some board game cafes welcome dogs.

Coconut Tree Cardiff

Dining at The Coconut Tree in Cardiff

Offering a diverse menu ranging from curry to cocktails is a unique experience for your taste buds – dine at Coconut Tree Cardiff.

Michelin Star Restaurants in Cardiff

From casual eateries to fine dining, indulge in the city’s best gastronomic delights. Some of the Michelin Star establishments welcome dogs.

Sunday Lunch at Gwaelod y Garth Cardiff

Sunday Lunch at Gwaelod y Garth Inn

Treat your tastebuds and have Sunday Lunch at Gwaelod y Garth. And you can take the dog and they can have a dogs dinner!

Dog Friendly Rooftop Bars in Cardiff

When the sun appears behind the clouds, we want to enjoy the beauty of Cardiff. It’s time to have a drink or bite to eat alfresco!

Places to eat in Llandaff

All of the Places to Eat in Llandaff

There are plenty of places to eat in Llandaff. From cosy cafes to traditional pubs and high-end restaurants where dogs are welcome. 

dog friendly restaurants in cardiff

Dog Friendly Restaurants in Cardiff

Some of the best places in Cardiff to eat and drink allow you to bring your four-legged best friend too. Where will you try first?

Gwaelod y Garth

Dog Friendly Pubs Cardiff

Did you know that there are over 60 dog friendly pubs in Cardiff? From Tiny Rebel to The Pen & Wig, here’s where they are all located.

Places to eat in Whitchurch Cardiff - Villaggio Pizzeria

Places to Eat in Whitchurch

For such a small village, there are so many quality places to eat in Whitchurch. Some of the very best Cardiff restaurants can be found here.

Cardiff food and drink Bottomless Brunch The Stable Cardiff

The Stable Cardiff

Stable Cardiff is dog friendly! They serve stonebaked pizza, craft beer and cider. You can expect casual dining & chilled out vibes.

Burger Restaurants in Cardiff - Hubbox in Cardiff Bay

Hubbox in Cardiff Bay

Looking for dog friendly restaurants Cardiff Bay? Look no further. You can expect decent burgers, mac and cheese, and dirty fries.

Get 50% off food in Cardiff

If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:


Dog Friendly Hotels Cardiff

When travelling, there’s no need to look for dog sitters; you can bring them with you. Even though Cardiff is a capital city, it’s quiet, compact, and perfect for dog friendly holidays. They include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses. Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits!

Here’s all the dog friendly hotels in Cardiff, including The Angel Hotel and Mercure Cardiff Holland House.

easyHotel Cardiff

The easyHotel Cardiff has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found a short walk behind Cardiff Queen Street train station, the budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby. Pets are an additional £10 per night.


Dog Friendly Things to do Near Cardiff

There are plenty of dog friendly activities near Cardiff, from scenic walks in the countryside to exploring nearby beaches and enjoying local cafés that welcome furry companions.

Cwmcarn Forest Drive and Visitor Centre

Cwmcarn has incredible views, beautiful walks, cycling paths, play parks & other outdoor activities. It’s a unique day out by car, bike or on foot.

All of the Sunflower Fields in Wales

All of the Sunflower Fields in Wales

Get up close and personal with the towering blooms. You can even take your dog to some of them with dog flower arches!

Raglan Castle in Usk, Monmouthshire

The castle’s beauty can be seen for miles around, and it is steeped in history and culture. It’s the grandest castle ever built by Welshmen.

Thigs to do in Caerphilly

Things to do in Caerphilly

Caerphilly is becoming one of the top tourist destinations in South Wales. Here are all the dog-friendly things you can do, from walks to places to visit.

Things to do in Pontypridd

With beautiful walks, heritage and historic tourist attractions. If you lare looking for things to do things to do in Pontypridd there’s lots to do.

Hike in Ystradfellte

The area is known as Waterfall Country where an unusually large number of publicly accessible falls are to be found. 

Mid Wales and North Wales

Behold! The Seven Wonders of Wales

These are the seven most iconic and historic landmarks that have defined the country’s rich heritage and culture found in Mid and North Wales.

Thrilling Outdoor Adventures in Rhayader

If you’re looking for breathtaking views and amazing attractions, Rhayader in Mid Wales is the home of outdoor activities. 

Dog Friendly Things to do in Aberystwyth

It is a quaint town to visit and somewhere you can easily spend a few days relaxing and exploring with something for the whole family. 

Things to do in Barmouth - Harlech Castle

Dog Friendly Things to do in Barmouth

Near Snowdonia National Park, is the seaside resort of Barmouth. Perfect for walking, outdoor activities and good food and drink.

Dog Friendly Restaurants in Barmouth

Grab your fork and knife (and maybe a bib if you’re a messy eater) because we’re about to dive into the best restaurants in Barmouth.

Pubs in Barmouth where Dogs are Welcome

If leaving your furry friend at home while you enjoy a pint is just too heart-wrenching, there are plenty of dog friendly pubs in Barmouth.

Machynlleth Y Llew Coch Red Lion Pub. Dog Friendly pubs in Machynlleth

Machynlleth’s Best Dog-Friendly Dining Spots

Here are all of the dog-friendly places to eat in Machynlleth, including cafes, pubs and restaurants. Where will you take your dog first?

Dog Friendly Places to Eat in Colwyn Bay

This dog-friendly haven boasts a variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs where your furry companions are not just tolerated but warmly welcomed.

Things to do in Colwyn Bay with your Dog

There are plenty of things to do in Colwyn Bay, whether you’re visiting as a family or a couple’s staycation. It’s super dog friendly too!

Erddig National Trust

Visit the National Trust’s Erddig

In Wrexham in North Wales, the much-loved home is filled with stories of a family and their servants. And the gardens are beauitful.


Our Dog Friendly Travels Elsewhere

Travelling with a dog is so much fun. With a hammock and doggy seat belt on the back seat of my car, we are always ready to go. Whether it be a few days away from home on staycation or with a packed lunch in the boot, I love that Ivan can explore with us.

Alonside these guides, Ivan now has his own website where you’ll find an extensive collection of things to do, places to eat, hints, tips and special offers: Dog Friendly Things.

Discover Devon

From dramatic coastlines to rolling countryside, Devon offers a diverse range of experiences for adventurers, history buffs, and foodies. 

Things to do in Bude

Cornwall is Calling

Beyond its iconic Cornish pasties and cream tea, uncover the beauty, history, and charm of Cornwall – including tons of things to do with your dog.

National Trust

The National Trust cares for over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks, and nature reserves.


More For Your Dog

As pet lovers, we love spoiling our dogs from food to accessories. You can find free samples, money off subscriptions, and much more here.

Pure Pet Food – Is it Right for You?

Have you heard of Pure Pet Food? It’s important that our dogs eat nutritionally balanced meals to keep them healthy.

Caboodle Dog Food

Caboodle Doggie Delight Delivered

Finding the perfect food for your dog can be overwhelming. Caboodle dog food has daily dog boxes delivered straight to your door. 

Tails Dog Food Review and try it for FREE

Tails.com review and you can try it for FREE

Take a short survey about your dog including what flavours they love and get the tailor-made box sent to you.


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