6 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in the Gower
The Gower Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a truly special place, and wonderfully dog-friendly, thanks to its variety of expansive sandy beaches.
It's important to be aware that during the peak summer season, from May 1st to September 30th, some of the Gower's beaches implement dog restrictions. These are in place to manage the increased number of visitors during the warmer months. However, don't worry! As you'll see, there are still plenty of fantastic options where your dog is welcome to roam freely all year round, alongside some beautiful spots where partial bans still leave ample space for your pup.
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Dog friendly beaches in the Gower
1. Whiteford Beach
Located on the remote northwestern edge of the Gower Peninsula, Whiteford Sands is a very dog-friendly option in the Gower. This vast stretch of sand offers an incredible amount of space for your dog to run around, even at high tide! Given its exposed position, it's often a windy part of the coast, making it more suited for an energetic stroll than a sunbathing session, which also means fewer people that your dog can run up to.
Beyond the sandy expanse, the salt marsh nestled behind the dunes is a haven for birdwatching and there are some lovely bits of woodland you can walk through, adding another layer of interest to your dog walk.
🚐 Parking at Whiteford Beach Car park, SA3 1DE. Honesty box parking for £2.
2. Broughton Beach
Just a few miles around the coast from Whiteford Beach lies Broughton Bay, another stunning, sandy expanse that stretches for miles. Backed by impressive dunes and a caravan park at its northern end, this beach offers ample room for dogs to explore off-lead.
While swimming isn't recommended here due to strong currents from the estuary, it's perfect for a long walk with your dog. For the more adventurous, you can even walk around to the secluded Blue Pool Bay via the dunes and coastal path, but remember to time your visit with low tide to ensure there's enough beach to walk on.
🚐 You can conveniently park for free behind the caravan park to access this beautiful spot.
3. Rhosilli Bay
Often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, Rhossili Bay is an absolute must-visit when on the Gower, and thankfully, it's incredibly dog-friendly! This stunning, golden sandy beach is framed by lush green hills and boasts wild ponies roaming freely on the cliffs above.
Dogs are allowed on Rhossili Bay all year round, making it a truly fantastic destination for them to splash in the waves. The coastal walk around the magnificent Worm's Head Peninsula (named from the Viking for 'sea serpent') is also a great option, though due to the wild ponies, you will likely need to keep your dog on a lead for some sections to ensure everyone's safety.
🚐 Parking at the National trust car park at Rhosilli Bay or by the church in the village.
4. Three Cliffs Bay
An iconic location on the Gower, Three Cliffs Bay is widely regarded as one of the best beaches and boasts some of the finest views in the UK. The beach gets its distinctive name from the limestone headland with its clear three summits.
The beach itself is a wide bay of golden sand, intricately backed by sand dunes with the Pennard Pill (river) meandering through its middle. Despite its famed reputation, the beach rarely feels busy, largely because it does require a bit of a walk to reach. If you're simply looking for a breathtaking view over the beach, head to Pennard Castle.
At low tide, Three Cliffs Bay seamlessly joins onto Oxwich Bay, passing Tor Bay along the way, creating an even more expansive area for exploration. Its impressive two-and-a-half-mile stretch of sand means you can always find your own peaceful spot to relax, even on busier days. Dogs are allowed on Oxwich Bay all year round, making it a perfect destination for long walks.
🚐 Park either at the Gower Heritage Centre or the shorefront behind Oxwich Bay.
5. Brandy Cove
If you're in the area around Caswell Bay (where full dog restrictions apply), walking the coastal path to Brandy Cove and then onto Pwll Du Beach is a fantastic dog-friendly alternative.
Brandy Cove is a beautiful, secluded beach located to the west of Caswell Bay. At high tide, you'll mainly find rocks and pebbles, but visit at low tide, and a lovely sandy spot emerges, perfect for a quiet dog walk.
🚐 Park at Caswell Beach and walk the coastal path round to Brandy Cove and Pwll Du beach.
6. Pwll Du
Pwll Du Beach (interestingly translating to "Black Pool," though the sea here is anything but!) is a true gem of a secluded bay at the end of Bishopston Valley. Accessible only by the coastal path, this charming beach is mostly pebbles at high tide, but a beautiful sandy expanse is revealed at low tide. While it's a peaceful spot, you should be careful if you plan to swim due to strong currents around Pwll Du point, and there are no lifeguards present. Both Brandy Cove and Pwll Du offer wonderful, tranquil options for dog owners.
Beaches with Full Summer Dog Bans (May 1st - September 30th)
While many Gower beaches welcome dogs year-round or with partial restrictions, it's important to be aware that a few popular spots implement full dog bans during the peak summer season (May 1st to September 30th). These beaches are typically very busy and popular with families. If you're visiting outside of these dates, particularly in the quieter winter months, they are often open to dogs and can offer wonderful, serene walking opportunities.
Beaches with a full dog ban during the summer season include:
- Bracelet Bay
- Caswell Bay
- Langland Bay
Always remember to be a responsible dog owner: pick up after your dog, keep them under control, and respect any signage or local guidance to ensure everyone can enjoy the beautiful Gower coastline. Happy adventures with your furry companion!
For more of our favourite beaches across Wales, read our blog below
