Our guide to dog-friendly Tenby

Planning a break in Tenby with your canine companion? You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming destination for a dog-friendly holiday. Tenby rolls out the red carpet for four-legged visitors, making it a fantastic choice; with many shops, pubs and cafes displaying ‘dogs welcome’ signs. Discover plenty of places where your furry friend can join you for a meal or a refreshing drink, often with water bowls readily available.

Beyond the town's dog-friendly atmosphere, Tenby boasts an abundance of walking opportunities perfect for dogs of all sizes and energy levels. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers miles of breathtaking coastal trails, with varying degrees of difficulty, allowing you to choose routes that suit your dog's capabilities. Many of the beaches around Tenby are also dog friendly too, so you can plan plenty of seaside adventures.

We’ve put together this handy guide to help you plan the ideal itinerary for you and your beloved pup. And if you’re on the hunt for the perfect place to stay, look no further; our collection of dog-friendly cottages in Tenby offers plenty of choice. Have a browse of our range and get planning your getaway today.

Skip to:

• Dog-friendly things to do in Tenby
• Dog-friendly pubs and restaurants Tenby
• Dog-friendly walks in Tenby

Dog-friendly things to do in Tenby

One of the best aspects of a dog-friendly holiday in Tenby is the ability to include your four-legged friend in many of your day trips and activities. While some attractions may have restrictions, you'll find plenty of options for outings where dogs are welcome.

Boat trips to Caldey Island, for example, allow well-behaved dogs on board, enabling the whole family to explore this fascinating island together. Many of the historic sites and gardens in the surrounding area also welcome dogs, although it's always best to check their policies beforehand.

So, with just a little planning, you can create a holiday itinerary that includes your dog in all the fun, making your Tenby getaway a truly memorable experience for all, regardless of whether you have two legs or four.

Hit the beach

Tenby's diverse coastline offers a perfect beach for every taste. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly day out, a tranquil escape for two, or an adventure-filled group water sports experience, you'll find it here. The town’s South Beach is the ideal location for an outing with your doggo; its mile-and-a-half-long stretch of golden sand is backed by dunes, offering plenty of space to sniff out adventures together.

South Beach is largely dog-friendly but with specific restrictions in place; between 1st May and 30th September, dogs aren’t allowed in the area below the cliffs or east of the beach car park and cafe. Outside of these dates, however, and in other areas of the beach, dogs are welcome to frolic along the shoreline year-round.

There are also plenty of handy canine-friendly facilities nearby for those who work up an appetite, including a beach cafe, car park (with toilets) - and the town centre, with all its shops and eateries, is within half a mile. You can also pick up the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from here should you wish to carry on your adventures beyond the beach.

Take a boat trip

Tenby Boat Trips offers a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline and the best part is, your canine companion can also join in the fun. Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard their cruises, so whether you're interested in a short scenic tour or a wildlife-spotting adventure, Tenby Boat Trips has an option to suit. 

Specifically, dogs are permitted on the aft and fore decks of their Island Ranger vessel, but not on the top deck. On the Seal Safari, the crew will allocate an appropriate place to sit on the day of the trip itself. It is also recommended that you give your dog the chance to have a good run around and do its business before getting aboard the boat. 

It’s also worth noting that Tenby Boat Trips offers dog-free decks for passengers who prefer areas without pets, so please be mindful of this when being allocated your seat. When planning your dog-friendly boat trip, it's always a good idea to check ahead with the tour operator to confirm any guidelines they may have regarding leash requirements, allowed areas on the boat, or any restrictions based on breed/size. 

Carew Castle

Offering a blend of history, nature and an abundance of outdoor activities, Carew Castle is a great day out for families and dog owners alike. With its stunning setting, interesting exhibits, and dog-friendly atmosphere, it's a must-visit attraction for a day out during your holiday in Tenby.

The castle enjoys an impressive location; perched on a limestone bluff overlooking the Carew inlet, its commanding position offers panoramic views across the surrounding countryside towards the Cleddau River. The castle grounds themselves are full of historic charm, beautifully landscaped with a mix of ancient ruins, lush lawns and tranquil wooded areas, perfect for Rover to enjoy a ramble.

Exploring the castle ruins is a must, allowing you to wander through the various chambers and towers. For far-reaching views of the surrounding landscape, a climb to the top of the keep is highly recommended. The extensive outdoor space invites you to take leisurely strolls throughout the parkland and when you need a refreshment, the on-site Nest Tearoom offers a welcome break with drinks and snacks.

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Tenby

Tenby offers a variety of dog-friendly eateries where both you and your canine companion can enjoy a delightful meal. The Fuchsia Caffe, located on Upper Frog Street, is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and has been recognised as 'The Best Dog-Friendly Cafe or Restaurant in Pembrokeshire'.

Many of Tenby’s restaurants, pubs and cafes offer dog-friendly dining options, ensuring enjoyable experiences for both you and your four-legged friend.

Salty’s Beach Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy your food with a view at Salty's Bar & Restaurant; taking up prime location in Tenby, it’s located right on South Beach. This enviable spot offers diners stunning views across to Caldey Island, a constant source of entertainment. Offering a relaxed and informal atmosphere where you can soak up the coastal charm, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the town or enjoying the nearby beaches.

A comfortable space for casual dining with friends and family, the menu at Salty’s typically showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a focus on seafood dishes. Expect to find a variety of options, from classic fish and chips to more creative seafood creations, alongside other popular choices like burgers, steaks and vegetarian dishes. 

A significant draw for many visitors to Salty’s is its welcoming attitude towards four-legged friends; they are a dog-friendly establishment, understanding that holidays often mean bringing the whole family along, including the furry members. Dogs are usually welcome in designated areas of the restaurant, allowing them to relax alongside their owners while they dine. 

The Cove

The Cove is a characterful pub located on the High Street in Tenby and it offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a selection of craft beers, ciders and gins.  

The pub is well known for its sumptuous dark interiors, as well as its creative spin on pub fare, offering a variety of dishes from small tasting plates and sharing boards, to salads, burgers and fish and chips. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, a welcoming place to unwind and enjoy good food and company in comfort.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at The Cove, and at times, there’s even a cosy fire lit for your pup to curl up beside. However, if you plan on visiting with your dog, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check their website for the most up-to-date information, especially if you're planning to visit during busy periods.

Hope & Anchor

The Hope & Anchor is a traditional pub located in the heart of Tenby. It’s a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike, due to its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location and you’ll often see people spilling out of the doorway into the pub courtyard during high season. 

Its prime location provides stunning views of the bustling harbour, whilst the pub's interior typically features traditional pub decor, cosy fireplaces and comfortable seating; it is a warm and inviting place to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal.

The Hope & Anchor generally welcomes dogs in certain areas of the pub, often the bar area or the outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy a drink or a meal without leaving your furry friend behind.

Dog-friendly walks in Tenby

From the dramatic cliffs of Monkstone Point to the tranquil beauty of Caldey Island, the diverse walking routes around Tenby showcase the region's stunning natural beauty and fascinating heritage. Whether you prefer gentle strolls along sandy beaches or more challenging hikes through ancient woodlands, Tenby provides a plethora of options.

These routes are not only beautiful but also perfectly suited for bringing with your canine companion along too. The well-maintained paths and diverse terrain ensure that both you and your dog can enjoy the experience safely and with plenty of sights and smells to sniff out. Many of the trails offer opportunities for your dog to stretch their legs, explore their surroundings and also enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea. 

So, grab Rover’s leash, pack your walking boots and get ready to explore the inspiring landscapes and hidden gems of this coastal paradise.

Tenby to Saundersfoot

This route is a fantastic option for dog owners looking to combine stunning coastal scenery with a moderately challenging hike. Roughly a 4.5-mile stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, it offers a delightful mix of terrains, from clifftop paths with panoramic sea views to sections that dip down into sheltered coves and onto sandy stretches, providing plenty of variety for both you and your canine companion.  

The walk offers ample opportunities for your dog to explore, sniff and stretch their legs, making it a stimulating experience for them, whilst the frequent changes in scenery will keep both you and your dog engaged throughout the walk. 

While the route isn't overly strenuous, there are some inclines and descents, so it's important to ensure your dog is comfortable with moderate exercise and keep in mind that some sections of the path may be narrow or have steep drops, so try to keep your dog on a leash for their safety and the safety of other walkers. As you approach Saundersfoot, you can look forward to rewarding yourselves with a well-deserved rest and refreshments at one of the village's dog-friendly pubs or cafes. We also have a lovely collection of dog-friendly cottages in Saundersfoot for you to enjoy. 

Colby Woodland Garden

Dogs are welcome year-round at Colby Woodland Garden, offering plenty of opportunities for you and your furry friend to explore its 8.5 acres of beautiful ancient woodland. Whilst visiting, your canine companion must be kept on leads at all times to protect the wildlife, including otters and ground-nesting birds. Dogs are not permitted in the Walled Garden or the Bothy Tearoom (though there are outside tables), but they are welcome in the rest of the garden. 

This magical setting offers a variety of trails, including a moderate walk through the woodland and wildflower meadow. This scenic trail features streams, stepping stones - and a log bridge - to keep you and your pup busy. 

Water bowls are available outside the toilet block and dog treats and doggy ice cream are available in the Bothy Tearoom.

Enjoy a dog-friendly holiday in Tenby

Tenby is undoubtedly a dog-friendly destination; from the expansive sands of South Beach to its many pubs and restaurants, including the popular Hope & Anchor and the harbourside Salty's Beach Bar & Restaurant. And with plenty of opportunities for walkies along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and even boat trips where dogs are welcome, Tenby ensures that your four-legged companion is always part of the adventure.  

Ready to plan your perfect dog-friendly getaway? Explore our range of dog-friendly cottages in Tenby and start creating unforgettable holiday memories with your beloved pet by your side.