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If you’re looking for the perfect seaside escape to enjoy with your dog, Porthcawl in South Wales should be on your list. Known for its stunning coastline, sandy beaches, and scenic walks, this charming seaside town offers everything you need for a dog-friendly visit.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the eight beaches of Porthcawl with your four-legged friend.
Dog Access and Rules
While Newton Beach, Pink Bay, Sker Beach and Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes welcome dogs year-round, Rest Bay, Trecco Bay, Sandy Bay, and Town Beach have seasonal restrictions, with dogs only allowed from October to April. If you’re visiting in the off-season, you’ll have access to all eight beaches, but during the summer months, you’ll need to stick to the more dog-friendly options.
Things To See & Do
We will walk you round the seven Porthcawl Bays and one dune system from West to East:
Sker Beach
Sker Beach is a remote and rugged beach for dog walkers. Its wild, untamed beauty makes it a fantastic place for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path adventure with your dog. It’s a favourite among surfers and those looking for a peaceful beach experience away from the crowds.
Pink Bay
Pink Bay is known for its pebble beach, which leads to firm sand. Its distinctive pink-hued rocks make it a beautiful spot for a tranquil walk with your dog.
Rest Bay Beach
Rest Bay, a favourite among surfers and nature enthusiasts, boasts expansive golden sands backed by rugged cliffs. But it’s not just surfers drawn to Rest Bay; its natural beauty makes it a popular spot for walkers and rock pool explorers.
During the summer, dogs are restricted from the main beach, but Rest Bay becomes a dog-friendly haven from October to April. It’s an excellent spot for winter beach walks with stunning views and the sound of crashing waves in the background.
Porthcawl Town Beach
Town Beach is located near Porthcawl’s town centre and is popular with tourists. During the off-season, it’s a convenient spot to take your dog for a walk, but it has restrictions and can get busy in the summer.
Overlooked by the Grand Pavilion Theatre and with the harbour to the east, this rocky town beach has sand-coloured concrete steps, part of a flood defence scheme.
Sandy Bay (Coney Beach)
A popular beach for families, Sandy Bay, also known as Coney Beach, is lively in the summer. However, in the off-season, it’s a great place to take your dog for a peaceful beach walk.
A broad, sheltered, sandy beach adjacent to the eastern promenade, Sandy Bay is known more for the Coney Beach Pleasure Park. This brings you back to days gone by of a traditional seaside resort with funfair, amusement arcades, and fish and chip shops.
Trecco Bay
Recognized with a Blue Flag award, Trecco Bay is a beautiful sandy beach near a large holiday park. However, like Rest Bay, it has seasonal restrictions for dogs. Between October and April, dogs are welcome, but from May to September, you’ll need to head elsewhere. It’s a lovely option for off-season beach visits, with plenty of space to run.
Newton Beach
Newton Beach is the most dog-friendly beach in Porthcawl, offering plenty of space for your dog to roam, run, and play. Its mix of pebbles and sand makes it perfect for a long walk or a game of fetch.
Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes
Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes is often considered the eighth beach of Porthcawl. It is a fantastic spot for dog owners and should not be missed. While technically not a beach in the traditional sense, it offers expansive sandy dunes and access to the coast, making it ideal for a dog-friendly adventure.
Merthyr Mawr boasts one of the largest dune systems in Europe, including the famous “Big Dipper,” the tallest at around 61m (200 ft) in Wales. The wide, open space makes it a dog’s dream, providing plenty of room to run, dig, and explore. The dunes lead to the beach, so your dog can enjoy the dunes and the shoreline.
Access and Facilities
Porthcawl is easily accessible by car, with several car parks close to the seafront. Buses regularly run to Porthcawl from Bridgend and other surrounding towns if you’re coming by public transport. Most of the beaches are within walking distance from Porthcawl town centre, with Newton Beach being about a 15-minute stroll from the centre.
While some beaches, like Rest Bay, have cafes, toilets, and surf shops, others, like Newton Beach, are more rugged and natural. If you’re heading to Porthcawl in the summer, you’ll need to think about bringing everything you and your dog need for the day, as you are likely heading to the more remote beaches.
Some beachfront cafes in Porthcawl allow dogs in their outdoor seating areas so you can grab a bite after your beach adventures.
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