Bridgend County Borough has a long stretch of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, and some of it is excellent for dogs. Some of it isn’t, at least not between May and September. Bridgend Council’s dog beach ban page says that from 1 May to 30 September dogs are banned from Rest Bay, Sandy Bay (Coney Beach), the Seafront/Town Beach and Trecco Bay, with guide and assistance dogs exempt. That leaves Newton Beach and the beaches further along the coast, covered below. Check the council’s page before you go, as dates can change.
The council doesn’t say whether dogs may swim at any of these. We’ve stuck to what it does say.
1. Newton Beach – Porthcawl
Address: Beach Rd, Porthcawl CF36 5NE
Google rating: 4.5 (2,302 reviews)
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The council names Newton as one of the beaches still open to dogs through the summer. It describes the shore as very rocky in parts, and says volunteers patrol at certain times, with the rule being “if there’s no flag, there’s no patrol”. Parking is pay and display and there’s no beach cafe, though Trecco Bay Holiday Park has refreshments nearby.
2. Kenfig Sands – Kenfig National Nature Reserve
Address: Kenfig, North Cornelly CF33 4PT
Google rating: 4.8 (101 reviews)
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Bridgend Council doesn’t list Kenfig Sands by name, but its beach pages say dogs are allowed at neighbouring Sker Beach, which you reach from Kenfig National Nature Reserve, with owners asked to clean up after them. For Sker it says wreckage can still be found at very low tides and that there is no car park close to the beach; the nearest are at Rest Bay or the nature reserve, and it lists no cafe. It’s a long walk across the dunes, so bring water for your dog. We couldn’t find the reserve’s own rules on leads and livestock, so contact the Kenfig Corporation Trust if you want to be sure before a visit.
3. Merthyr Mawr Beach
Address: Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend CF32 0PD
Google rating: 4.8 (77 reviews)
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Visit Wales says dogs should be mostly kept on leads inland, but once you reach the expansive sandy beach there’s plenty of room to run. The beach sits next to the Ogmore river mouth, where the RNLI has warned that the river quickly gets deep and has strong, unpredictable currents. A reviewer also points out there are no lifeguards. We couldn’t find official dog rules for the beach itself, so look for signs at the entrance.
Getting it right with the tide and the dunes
Soft sand and a big tide make for a tiring day, so pace it. If your dog gets overexcited by open space, it’s worth some work with a Bridgend dog trainer before you try somewhere tidal. If you’re considering everyday extras, Calmshops has Calmdogs 8-in-1 multivitamin chews; ask your vet whether your dog needs one. You’ll find best vets in Bridgend here if you need one, and the rest of our local guides are on dog services in Bridgend. For more ideas, try the UK dog swimming guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bridgend beaches ban dogs in summer?
Bridgend Council says that from 1 May to 30 September dogs are banned from Rest Bay, Sandy Bay (Coney Beach), the Seafront/Town Beach and Trecco Bay. Guide and assistance dogs are exempt. Check the council’s page before you go, as dates can change.
Which Bridgend beaches are open to dogs in summer?
The council names Newton Beach in Porthcawl as open to dogs through the summer, and its beach pages say dogs are allowed at Sker Beach, reached from Kenfig National Nature Reserve. For Merthyr Mawr we couldn’t find official dog rules for the beach itself, so look for signs at the entrance.
Is it safe for my dog to swim at Merthyr Mawr?
Take care. The beach sits next to the Ogmore river mouth, where the RNLI has warned that the river gets deep quickly and has strong, unpredictable currents. A reviewer also notes there are no lifeguards, and the council doesn’t say whether dogs may swim at any of these beaches.
Is Newton Beach lifeguarded?
Only at certain times. The council says volunteers patrol at certain times, with the rule being that if there is no flag, there is no patrol. It also describes the shore as very rocky in parts, so keep your dog close.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
