There's nothing like a holiday to recharge your batteries but often the thought of leaving your dog behind can make you think twice about booking a break.
However, there are so many lovely places in Wales which will welcome your four-legged friend as well as you.
So we've rounded up some pretty cottages around the country, from historic places to one that comes with its very own treehouse where you can look forward to a much-needed getaway as soon as any lockdown restrictions allow.
If you're opting for a coastal getaway then we have found 21 gorgeous beaches where you can walk your dog in Wales all year round. You can read all about them here.
And if you're after more stories about dogs then visit our dedicated topic page here. You can also sign up to be a member of our new website dedicated to dogs at https://teamdogs.co.uk/
1. Church Cottage, Llandygwydd
Tucked against a hillside, the cottage looks out over the site of its former church and the pretty village of Llandygwydd.
Located nearly half a mile from the main Newcastle Emlyn to Cardigan road, Llandygwydd is a quiet village surrounded by well-wooded countryside and small farms. The south sweep of Cardigan Bay is under 10 minutes away. It sleeps four.
Visit landmarktrust.org.uk to book.
2. Brecon Mill, Brecon
This former mill was built in the 1800s from stone. It has its own private hot tub and a balcony over the river and nearly every room has a river view. It sleeps four and two dogs are allowed.
Visit bestofwales.co.uk
3. Dolbelydr, Trenant
Set in a quiet valley, this 16th-century gentry house has many of its original features, including a first-floor solar open to the roof beams.
Dolbelydr is within easy reach of the market town of Denbigh, which is dominated by its castle with a distinctive triple-towered gatehouse. This is just one of a number of gorgeous castles to visit in the surrounding area.
Dolbelydr also has an open plan kitchen and dining area in front of a huge inglenook fireplace. Dogs are also welcome and will surely love sleeping in front of a warming fire this winter.
Visit:landmarktrust.org.uk
4. Tailor’s Cottage, Betws-y-Coed
This gorgeous stone cottage makes the perfect retreat for anyone looking for a little outdoor adventure with a comfortable home to come back to. The living area has a lovely log-burning stove to relax by as well.
It's situated on a quiet country lane in the village of Ysbyty Ifan within Snowdonia and close to many of the region’s top visitor attractions and hiking and biking routes.
Tailor’s Cottage can sleep up to four people, but it's best suited to a couple or a couple with a child. Guests can also bring their dog and pay a £20 charge.
Visit:sheepskinlife.com
5. Willow Cottage, Crickhowell
Nestled high up in the Black Mountains, this romantic cottage is set on the hill above the villages of Crickhowell and Llangattock. With five pubs between them and good local coffee shops, there are plenty of watering holes to quench your thirst after a day of exploring.
As the cottage is set within the Brecon Beacons National Park, their really great hill walks and mountain routes to discover nearby that are perfect for taking your dog on a long and adventurous walk.
There are also fantastic biking routes for both road bikers and mountain bikers as well pony trekking and caving nearby too. Or you can just take a gentle stroll along the Brecon & Monmouth Canal which glides along at the bottom of the hill.
The cottage is warm and cosy, with a contemporary feel, country touches and a simple layout. It sleeps two and dogs are allowed.
Visit: sugarandloaf.com
6. Plas Iwrwg Granary, Conwy
Set in a private estate of 22 acres comprising undulating fields, woodland, a stream and a lake, this truly stunning semi-detached barn conversion has been styled to a high standard.
Ideal for couples with a dog, this stunning barn conversion also has a vaulted ceiling, wood burner and conservatory and is a lovely, dog-friendly stay in Conwy.
There are some brilliant walks from your doorstep so this will definitely get the paws up from your four-legged guest.
To book, visit the website here
7. Basel Cottage, Llandovery
You won't need to leave your dog at home when you have a dog-friendly trip at the award-winning 5* Basel Cottage in Llandovery.
This rural retreat is ideal for a winter weekend in the Welsh countryside. Enjoy a roaring fire in the snug living room, cosy beds, a fully-equipped kitchen and a huge patio and fire pit.
Nearby, you'll find the charming market town of Llandovery that has a good selection of boutique shops and independent cafes you can visit. The town is also well-positioned to explore the surrounding national parks, hiking trails, waterfalls and breathtaking Welsh landscapes.
Visit: baselcottageholidays.co.uk
8. The Glen, Devils Bridge, Cardigan
The Glen is a detached traditional stone holiday cottage ideally situated in the Ystwyth Forest on the historic Hafod Estate. Nearby, you'll find wonderful scenic walks with rivers, waterfalls and local wildlife. there are also plenty of walking trails where you can take your dog on a long walk.
Popular Devil’s Bridge is three miles away with its historic bridges, narrow-gauge railway and spectacular waterfalls.
The Glen is a detached traditional stone holiday cottage ideally situated in the Ystwyth Forest on the historic Hafod Estate.
Wonderful scenic walks highlight the river, waterfalls, local views, renowned birdlife making it the perfect holiday location in which to relax with your dog
Visit: The Glen
9. Chestnut Cottage, Cardigan
Situated near the Ceredigion Coastal Path and the sandy beaches of Aberporth and Tresaith, Chestnut Cottage is a renovated single storey loft apartment over the old farm workshop in the courtyard of the original farmhouse.
Accessed from the courtyard by a stone staircase, the tasteful clean simple conversion blends honeyed oak with cool whites and creams to give a calm relaxing style.
It sleeps two in one bedroom.
Visit: Chestnut Cottage
10. The Cable Hut, Pembrokeshire
If you are looking for a rural escape by the sea, the Cable Hut is the ideal break by the sea in autumn.
Owners say the Cable Hut was built to house the first telephone lines being laid across the Atlantic Ocean.
After a storm hit the Pembrokeshire coast more than 100 years later, it was left abandoned. It later captured the hearts of a passing couple who have lovingly transformed it into a unique luxury self-catering cottage. It sleeps two and one large or two small dogs are allowed.
It nestles between the remote beaches of Abermawr and Aberbach and is just metres from the Pembrokeshire coast path. It sleeps two.
Visit: uniquehomestays.com
11. Eirianfa, Ruthin
This is a stylish self-catering retreat that embraces its traditional Welsh cottage roots, seamlessly blended with eco-friendly mod cons. It sleeps four and one large or two small dogs are allowed.
The cottage is located peaceful valley close to the historic market town of Ruthin and enjoys 17 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside.
The jewel in the crown is the hot tub barn that overlooks the private lake and floating jetty
Its unique features don't end there as it also has its own games room, hot tub and bar in the adjacent barn.
Visit: uniquehomestays.com
12. Cwt Mochyn, Cardigan Bay
A pair of former farm buildings, cosy and welcoming dog-friendly accommodation, set alongside the owners’ smallholding.
These quaint holiday cottages are located in a peaceful setting near to the hamlet of Bethania, just a few miles from a shop and pub in nearby Cross Inn, close to the seaside resort of Aberaeron and a short drive from the sandy beaches of Cardigan Bay and the market town of Tregaron, Gateway to the Cambrian Mountains.
They have been furnished with complete comfort in mind, with intimate and personal touches that really give these properties their own unique style.
With access to both cottages to a private garden, games room, communal seating, a boardwalk, a firepit and a treehouse with a hammock, you may be happy to relax all day in the peaceful surroundings with just the wildlife for company.
Visit: sykescottages.co.uk
13. Penllwyn Cottage, Pembrey
A fully-restored Grade II listed cottage set in 25 acres of countryside and with stunning sea views, just one mile from the village of Pembrey.
There are three bedrooms, including two with character beams plus a ground floor bedroom. The spacious sitting room has a wood burner. There are enclosed gardens with a hot tub.
It sleeps eight.
Visit: sykescottages.co.uk
14. Harbour View, Conwy
An end-terrace cottage with estuary views, in an enviable location beneath the castle ramparts of Conwy.
This cottage has been decorated and furnished to a high standard, offering spacious open plan living, with underfloor heating, granite worktops, breakfast bar and full-width bi-fold doors opening onto a private patio overlooking moorings on the mouth of the river estuary.
It sleeps four.
Visit: sykescottages.co.uk
15. The Wobbly Cottage, Aberdovey
Pretty 18th century stone cottage retains much of its original character and charm.
This end-of-terrace property, which sleeps two in one bedroom, has a surprising garden with feature paths, patios and an area where you can listen to the water on its course down the stream towards the sea.
Enjoy alfresco dining, a charcoal BBQ and sit by the fire pit relaxing into the evening in the illuminated garden.
Visit: The Wobbly Cottage
16. The Smithy, Abercastle
The Smithy is a detached, stone cottage that has been renovated and restored and is a lovely dog-friendly stay near the sea. Four steps lead up to this quaint cottage with slate floors and exposed stonework and beams, step into the spacious open plan living space with a modern fitted kitchen area.
Spend your days exploring the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path to Abermawr and Aberferlin below Trefin where there is a friendly village pub to enjoy a pint. Or further down the coast lies Porthgain and Abereiddy only a short drive away.
It sleeps two and one pet is allowed.
Visit: coastalcottages.co.uk
17. Moss Cottage, Burry Port
This three-bedroom cottage sleeps six so you can enjoy an action-packed family holiday as it's located near to a variety of local visitor attractions.
Lovingly restored, this terraced cottage has retained all of the property’s original charm and character, with an open plan living/dining room complete with a focal inglenook fireplace and a great sociable kitchen/breakfast room.
Visit: Moss Cottage
18. Gwel y Mynydd, Dolgellau
This cosy Welsh mountain cottage is perfect for walkers and those who want a real mountain holiday in Wales.
Gwel y Mynydd has been in the same family ever since it was saved from destruction in the 1950s. Now lovingly restored, using reclaimed and sustainable materials, lime plaster, and with many of its older features uncovered.
The cottage is simple but comfortable with an open fire. It sleeps four and a maximum of two dogs are allowed.
Visit: Under the Thatch
19. Cwmhill, New Moat
This cottage is in an idyllic, private location in the heart of Pembrokeshire. It has an open fire, two acres of land, and is near mountains and beaches.
Bella' magazine named this the 'top UK cottage for star gazing' - as there is also zero light pollution
It's a perfect rural getaway for dog owners looking for lovely walks and a peaceful stay. Drive down half a mile of track to find the cottage in a field that runs down to a stream and there are two acres of land to roam about in and there is direct access to a good footpath network - making this a great cottage for adventurous dog owners.
Visit: www.airbnb.co.uk
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