Dog-friendly Holidays in Wales

The stunning location of Gorsddu is just one of its surprises when you arrive. You can’t tell by looking at this beautifully restored property that the original house, built before 1840, was the size of, what is now the living room. What was once a cowshed added in about 1901, is now a fitted kitchen. Records show that the owner’s great, great, great grandfather purchased the property in 1848 for £65 and it has been painstakingly built and renovated by the family using mostly their own home grown oak. Now the luxurious house of Gorsddu boasts huge panoramic windows from the spacious sun room that looks out over the eastern edge of the rolling Cambrian Mountains known as the ’roof of Wales’. You will probably want to while away many hours with a pair of binoculars and a drink and soak up the stunning scenery. From mid April to mid June you will often hear the plaintive call of the cuckoo.

The hamlet of Llanwrthwl, nearest to Gorsddu, lies on the River Wye south of Rhayader. From here you can take a walk, part of the National Trust Abergwesyn Common know as the Llanwrthwl Horseshoe Walk which starts at the church taking you through mountain moorland and peat bogs. The National Cycle Trail also passes through here, and with the Élan Valley cycle path close by, this area really is a haven for cyclists. The property is also well accommodated for keen cyclists, with a lockable shed for storage of up to seven bikes, and it also acts as a drying room.

To the north west is the RSPB nature reserve called Carngafallt, a heather clad hill with slopes covered in ancient hanging oak woodlands. Legend says that King Arthur’s dog, Gafallt, left his paw print in a stone somewhere on Carngafallt. It was also here that a hoard of bronze age gold jewellery was found, now in the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. In the churchyard next to the parish church of St Gwrthwl in Llanwrthwl is a huge standing stone.

The region is also home to spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys. Rich with rare wildlife, including the magnificent Red Kites, the area offers wonderful walking and some of the best mountain biking routes in the British Isles. Nearby Rhayader, about six miles, also renowned for being the canoeing capital of Europe, is best explored on foot where you should take time to discover the variety of independent shops and crafts where you’ll find everything from gifts to the essentials. There is a good choice of places to eat, where you can try traditional Welsh dishes and home cooked comforts, and for a friendly evening out, there are pubs in every direction each with its own welcoming atmosphere. There is also a convenience store, petrol station and cafe situated just two miles down the road from the property, so guests are within easy reach of essentials!

Other places to visit nearby include Wales’ most central town Llandrindod Wells, known locally as ’Llandod’ it was developed as a spa town in the 19th Century. Builth Wells, the interesting market town now famous for the annual Royal Agricultural Show and numerous smaller shows and fairs throughout the year. LLanwrtyd Wells, reputedly the smallest town in Britain, also has lots going on including the wacky events of bog snorkelling and Man Versus Horse marathons. Shop 2½, pub and restaurant 6 Miles.

Lovely detached barn conversion, a quality Llandrindod Wells cottage, with wonderful valley views near Dolau in Powys. Woodburner, beams, rural setting. Llandrindod Wells 8 miles.

Delightful Rhayader cottage in splendid isolated position. Games barn, large gardens, lovely views, ideal family retreat. Rhayader 4.5 miles.

A stylish, modernised farmhouse with stunning country views. Luxury hot tub, woodburner, two reception rooms. Pet-friendly. WiFi. Welshpool 8 miles.

This spacious, detached family home, nestled down a private lane, is situated on the owners working farm in the Radnorshire valley. It is a great place for families and friends to get together and has its own hot tub and games room. Set in the open countryside, with fabulous rolling views of the valley to be had from all angles of the property, it’s in an ideal location for those wanting to explore the countryside with Offa’s Dyke being just 15 minutes’ away, as well as other fabulous walks and cycle paths in the area.

After a long day of exploring the area, head back to Upper Close and dry off your four-legged friends with the dog towels found at the property, and tuck into some home made cake from the generous welcome pack provided. Sit back in the living room, complete with a wood burner, or make the most of the views and relax in the oak conservatory. There is also use of a lovely enclosed garden, great for letting your furry friends and children let off some steam. Shop 3½ miles, pub 2½ mile, restaurant 2 miles.
Upper Close (UK10873) can be booked together with Offa’s Dyke Lodge (UK10835), Red Kite Lodge (UK32610), Middle Hanter (UK37355) and Larchwood Lodge (UK42917) to accommodate up to 30 guests.

Llaethdy - Milkhouse was once the old dairy in the small town of Talgarth and what you see today once included a cow shed and hay barn, but has now been skillfully converted into a holiday home. In days gone by the farmer milked his cows here and delivered it from a churn by horse and cart; it wasn’t very far to travel so it must have been very fresh! The detached barn, with its oak beams, offers bright open plan living space, ground floor bedrooms and shower room and two large first floor bedrooms, one with an en-suite bathroom.
The ancient market town of Talgarth is an ideal base for visitors wishing to explore the Brecon Beacons National Park on foot, particularly as it forms the "Gateway to the Black Mountains" which act as a backdrop to the town. There are wonderful walking opportunities on the doorstep and an annual walking festival in the town in May. While in the town, visit the local businesses around the pretty stone streets where friendly staff will be able to offer you some of the finest local produce, watch the gentle river as it flows under the Medieval Tower Bridge or, at Christmas gaze at the dazzling lights. The town offers a real chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Thanks to the BBC’s Village SOS programme, Talgarth now has a fully restored working water mill with a very popular café. There are cosy pubs with roaring log fires, real ales and home cooked food; all within an easy stroll of Llaethdy - Milkhouse.
Discover Parc Wood or Pwll-yr-Wrach waterfalls and nature reserve, take a look at the views from the top of Bronllys Castle, or simply admire the spectacular views from the common land overlooking the town. Close to Brecon, Crickhowell and Hay-on-Wye, Talgarth is an ideal base for visitors wishing to explore the Brecon Beacons National Park on foot, whether it’s the high peaks or the lush green valleys of the Wye and the Usk which capture the imagination. Talgarth and the surrounding countryside is a haven for artists and photographers. For a fascinating insight into the life and times of workers during the early years of the Industrial Revolution, why not visit Blaenavon Ironworks? The site is home to one of the best preserved 18th century ironworks in Europe and comes complete with furnaces, cast houses, a magnificent water balance tower, cupola furnace and ironworker’s cottages. Take a trip on a vintage steam locomotive across the narrow gauge heritage railway that runs beside Pontsticill and Pentwyn Reservoirs. You could spend a lifetime in the Brecon Beacons National Park and not see all there is to see; but you can discover quite a lot if you make Llaethdy – Milkhouse your home for your holiday whether it’s a short break or slightly longer stay. Fresh air, wide open spaces, a creative atmosphere and loads to entertain you, whatever the weather. There’s plenty to enjoy after dark too, from superb annual festivals, full of authentic Welsh flavour, to the famously clear, starry skies. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

This detached holiday home is located at the edge of The Brecon Beacons National Park and furnished to a high standard. This property is ideal for families, offering spacious accommodation and four comfortable bedrooms.

The property comprises of a large kitchen and living area, with all the appliances you could need from a coffee pod machine to a Bose sound system, as well as a large TV. The living area leads through to the utility room, which opens out onto the private garden with swing ball, BBQ and a hot tub! There is also a table tennis table to the side of the garden area. There is something for everyone at Ty Glyndwr and you are sure to never have a dull moment.

The dining room is a great place for family dinners and get-togethers, and there is also a wet room on the ground floor. On the first floor are four large bedrooms, comprised of a master bedroom with super kingsize bed and en-suite, then two further super kingsize bedrooms and a twin room. Every bedroom features a 32" TV and bathrobes. In the property is a piano and two guitars, as well as a picnic basket and large ice box for sunny days at the beach.

This property offers the best of both worlds, for those wanting to walk, explore or cycle then Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales is 25 miles from the property, and for beach lovers the Gower Peninsular is 18 miles away. Rhossilli Bay is a must see and has some fabulous walks across to Worms Head, just remember to check when the tide comes in or you may get stuck for a couple of hours! Another must visit is the waterfalls of Henrhyd, sure to make for a great day out exploring the natural wildlife and waterfalls. The National Show Caves for Wales are a short drive from the property and have some wonderful caves, as well as some amazing dinosaurs and play areas, a great way to spend the day with your children.

Whatever you decide to do on your holiday Ty Glyndwr will be the perfect base, with home from home comforts and a fabulous welcome pack for both you and your four legged friend upon arrival. Shop and pub 530 yards, restaurant ¼ mile.

Set in the small village of Newchurch, this detached house was once a country inn and is full of character and charm. Newchurch is set just 7 miles from Hay-on-Wye which is famous for its many book shops and also the Hay Festival which takes place in May, attracting visitors from all over the world. With Hay-on-Wye and Kington Town being close by there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to enjoy, including many country pubs dotted along the England/Wales border. For those looking for a more active break, Offas Dyke Path passes right by the front door and offers stunning walks through the beautiful countryside. Nearby there is horse riding and canoeing. After a day exploring the area, relax in the well maintained, lawned garden with a glass of your favourite tipple. Shop and restaurant 7 miles, pub 3 miles.

A wonderful detached farmhouse located in the village of Llandeilo Graban in Powys. Spacious retreat. Four bedrooms. Woodburner. Pet friendly. Llandrindod Wells 8 miles; Rhayader 14 miles; Hay-on-Wye 20 miles.

A prestigious detached cottage located just outside of the village of Caersws in Powys. Traditional farmhouse. WiFi. Caersws 5.5 miles.