Conwy puts mountains beside the sea, which makes for scenery but not simple rules. Conwy Council publishes seasonal dog zones for its beaches, and between 1 May and 30 September parts of several are closed to dogs. The good news is that outside those zones, and for the whole winter half of the year, you’ve got plenty of choice. Check the council’s pages for the current maps before you go, because we couldn’t read the 2026 versions in full.
Nobody official we found says dogs may swim at these beaches, so we’ve stuck to what each source says about dog access and hazards.
1. Llanfairfechan Beach
Address: Promenade, Llanfairfechan LL33 0BY
Google rating: 4.6 (866 reviews)
View on Google Maps
The council says that from 1 October to 30 April you can take your dog anywhere on this beach. From 1 May to 30 September dogs aren’t allowed on the stretch between the main slipway and the river mouth. A reviewer notes dogs aren’t allowed in the cafe.
2. Conwy Morfa Beach
Address: Conwy Morfa Beach, Conwy LL32 8GA
Google rating: 4.7 (983 reviews)
View on Google Maps
We didn’t find a seasonal dog restriction listed for Conwy Morfa on the council’s pages, but that isn’t the same as confirmation, so check signs on arrival or ring the council on 01492 574000. Reviewers describe a long sandy beach, reachable on foot from Conwy in about 40 minutes to an hour. We couldn’t find official guidance on tides or currents here.
3. Llandudno West Shore and North Shore
Address: West Shore Beach, Gwynedd Rd, Llandudno LL30 2BB; North Shore Beach, Llandudno LL30 2LN
Google rating: West Shore 4.7 (683 reviews), North Shore 4.5 (1,547 reviews)
West Shore on Google Maps · North Shore on Google Maps
Both beaches are open to dogs anywhere from 1 October to 30 April, according to the council. In summer, dogs aren’t allowed on North Shore from the pier to the first slipway, and on West Shore they’re kept out of the area between the low water mark and the promenade between the two stone groynes. One West Shore reviewer, a local, warns that the tidal currents are unpredictable and says never to go in when the tide is on its way out. That’s their view, not an official one, but it’s a fair prompt to check conditions.
4. Deganwy Beach
Address: Marine Cres, Deganwy LL31 9BY
Google rating: 4.7 (86 reviews)
View on Google Maps
The council’s Deganwy page lists only a lead rule for the recreation field, with no beach restriction. A Google reviewer cautions against swimming in the sea here because of a strong current and a fast tide, so treat this one as a beach walk unless you know the water.
5. Llyn Geirionydd – near Trefriw
Address: Llyn Geirionydd, Trefriw LL27 0YX
Google rating: 4.8 (194 reviews)
View on Google Maps
Natural Resources Wales says swimming and some non-motorised craft are allowed from its car park, with some restrictions, and that the north end of the lake is privately owned. NRW also says the lake is up to 12 metres deep, the water can be very cold, the site is unstaffed and phone reception is poor. Parking is free. NRW’s page says nothing about dogs, so we can’t say whether they may swim; check the signs on site. Reviewers describe it as busy at weekends.
Beaches to avoid in summer
Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea both have year-round exclusion zones for dogs, according to the council, so read the signs before you let go of the lead.
Making it easier on a crowded day
Busy promenades and noisy beaches can be a lot for some dogs. Calmshops stocks the Calmdogs calming collar as a complementary option alongside training; it isn’t a medicine, so speak to your vet if you’re worried. A Conwy dog trainer can help with recall. Need a vet? See best vets in Conwy. The rest of our local guides are at dog services in Conwy, and there’s a wider UK dog swimming guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs go on Llandudno and Llanfairfechan beaches in summer?
Partly. The council says dogs can go anywhere on these beaches from 1 October to 30 April, but between 1 May and 30 September there are zones where dogs are not allowed, such as the stretch between the main slipway and the river mouth at Llanfairfechan and the pier-to-first-slipway section of Llandudno North Shore. Check the council’s current maps before you go.
Are there Conwy beaches where dogs are excluded all year?
Yes. According to the council, Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea both have year-round exclusion zones for dogs, so read the signs before you let go of the lead.
Can my dog swim in Llyn Geirionydd?
Natural Resources Wales says swimming is allowed from its car park with some restrictions, but its page says nothing about dogs, so check the signs on site. NRW also says the lake is up to 12 metres deep, the water can be very cold, the site is unstaffed and phone reception is poor.
Are the tides safe for dogs at Llandudno West Shore?
There is no official swimming guidance for dogs here. One local reviewer warns the tidal currents are unpredictable and says never to go in when the tide is going out. That is a personal view, but it is a fair prompt to check conditions first.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
