Denbighshire’s coast runs from Rhyl to Prestatyn, with the River Dee and Llangollen inland. For dogs, the coast comes with a seasonal map and the river comes with warnings. Denbighshire Council says that from 1 October to 30 April you can take your dog anywhere on its beaches, and that from 1 May to 30 September only certain areas are open to dogs. Check the council’s dogs-on-beaches page for the current map before you set off.
We found no official statement that dogs may swim at any of these, so the notes below stick to dog access and safety.
1. Prestatyn Central Beach
Address: Prestatyn LL19 7LL
Google rating: 4.6 (337 reviews)
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The council describes the summer dog area as running from the Kite Surf Café in Rhyl eastwards to Ffrith Festival Gardens (Groyne 9) in Prestatyn. We couldn’t confirm whether the lifeguarded stretch at Central falls inside that area, so read the signs. The council says lifeguards respond to problems with mud and people caught on sandbanks, and the cover is seasonal, with core hours of 10am to 6pm; dates change from year to year. A local tourism site lists cafes, an outdoor shower and car parks nearby.
2. Barkby Beach – Prestatyn
Address: Barkby Ave, Prestatyn LL19 7HW
Google rating: 4.6 (1,536 reviews)
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The council gives the area east of the Sailing Club at Barkby as a summer dog area. It’s a walk rather than a swim, though: the North East Wales tourism site says there is no swimming here because of vessels using the slipway. A reviewer adds that the beach is covered at high tide.
3. Horseshoe Falls – Llangollen
Address: Llangollen LL20 8BT
Google rating: 4.6 (1,874 reviews)
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The council describes Horseshoe Falls as a 140-metre horseshoe-shaped weir that diverts water from the River Dee into the canal. It gives no dog or swimming guidance. The North East Wales water-safety article says swimming is not advised in many areas of the river because of strong currents and underwater obstacles, that weirs and fast-flowing sections present significant dangers, and to keep children and pets under close supervision. We’d treat this as a riverside walk.
4. Rhyl beach
The council says that from 1 May to 30 September dogs are only permitted on certain parts of Rhyl beach; dogs are welcome east of Old Golf Road, and not to the west up to the harbour, with one exception: the council names Splash Point as its dog-friendly beach at any time of year, though access is limited to certain points because the sea walls are high. Lifeguards cover part of the season, but the council doesn’t say which stretch. Ask on arrival.
One to check first
Llyn Brenig is listed by Visit Conwy as offering seasonal, lifeguarded open water swimming. That listing doesn’t mention dogs, so phone the site before you plan around it.
After a salty day
Rinse sand and salt off your dog afterwards. If you’re out near dusk, Calmshops has a USB rechargeable light-up dog collar. A Denbighshire dog trainer can help with recall. See best vets in Denbighshire for local vets, dog services in Denbighshire for the rest, and the UK dog swimming guide for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can dogs go on Denbighshire beaches?
Denbighshire Council says that from 1 October to 30 April you can take your dog anywhere on its beaches. From 1 May to 30 September only certain areas are open to dogs, so check the council’s dogs-on-beaches page for the current map.
Where are the summer dog areas at Prestatyn and Rhyl?
The council describes the Prestatyn summer dog area as running from the Kite Surf Cafe in Rhyl eastwards to Ffrith Festival Gardens (Groyne 9), and gives the area east of the Sailing Club as the summer dog area at Barkby. At Rhyl, dogs are welcome east of Old Golf Road and not to the west up to the harbour. The council also names Splash Point as its dog-friendly beach at any time of year, with access limited to certain points because the sea walls are high.
Can my dog swim at Barkby Beach?
It is better as a walk. The North East Wales tourism site says there is no swimming at Barkby because of vessels using the slipway, and a reviewer adds that the beach is covered at high tide.
Is the River Dee at Llangollen safe for dogs to swim?
The North East Wales water-safety article says swimming is not advised in many areas of the river because of strong currents and underwater obstacles, and that weirs and fast-flowing sections are dangerous. It advises keeping children and pets under close supervision, so we would treat Horseshoe Falls as a riverside walk.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
