Discovering Cardiff with your Dog

Planning your next paw-fect day trip or weekend away? Our new blog series features some of Britain's best dog friendly escapes that will leave you and your pooch well walked, well fed and well rested. 

To begin this series we’re starting in the land of castles, dragons, and Ralph and Co itself - Cardiff! 

Built around a stunning 11th Century castle, Wales’ friendly capital, Cardiff, is a treasure trove of good food, stunning walks and parks as far as the eye can see. 

Where to stay

When travelling to Cardiff, you’ll want to scout out its best boutique and dog friendly accommodation and sitting just 20 minutes outside of the city centre, we recommend indulging in the beauty of Llanerch Vineyard.

“All dog-friendly rooms are located on the ground floor and with hard floors and an outdoor terrace. Your dog will have its own bed, water bowl, treats, doggy bags and towel, as well as plenty of outdoor space to explore, and a warm welcome in our bar and terrace.” 

Or explore the grounds of Holm House and it’s stunning seaside setting that is a short five minute walk to the water. Set in the opposite direction, Holm House is also a quick twenty minute drive from the city.

Where to go

Now we’ve got you a place to rest, let’s discover Cardiff’s finest walks, starting with the Taff Trail. The Taff Trail begins outside the grounds of Cardiff Castle in the stunning Bute Park. The entire route from Cardiff to Brecon is 55 miles, however the 16.5 mile section from Cardiff to Pontypridd will introduce you to some of the city’s heritage, green areas, parks and Cardiff’s stunning countryside.  

For parks fit for tossing tennis balls for tireless pups, Roath Park is a definite winner. Set across 130 acres, Roath Park is split into three parts. The first third boasts unrestricted grass fields, the second, a winding, flower filled path following a narrow brook, and the third is the most spectacular of all; the path winds around Roath Lake which features its own lighthouse plus dog friendly cafe. During summer the ice cream hut opens up and you can follow your dog around the blooming flower gardens, with a mouth-watering gelato. 

Where to eat

To start your day, head over to The Early Bird Bakery for fresh out of the oven pastries and delightful brunch options. Their dog friendly philosophy means that every pup is greeted with a smile, making it the perfect breakfast spot. 

If you’re planning on making your way up the Taff Trail, we recommend stopping off at the Secret Garden Cafe in Bute Park for lunch with your best (furry) friend. The walled garden spot boasts a fantastic fresh menu and even a few tasty treats for the dogs! 

Cardiff is home to beautiful pubs and the Pen & Wig is a winner for great food and atmosphere for humans and pups. The converted Victorian terrace house has kept its historic and cosy features, plus the beer garden is the perfect spot for a pint and a bite to eat. Whilst your dog curls up at your feet at the end of a wonderful day, sit back and enjoy a local Cardiff brew. 

We hope you enjoyed this blog and more importantly, enjoy your time in Wales’ beautiful capital city.

For the most stylish dog to hit the dog parks, you can shop our luxury range of dog beds, collars, leads and accessories here.