Anglesey has more genuine dog-swimming beaches than most Welsh counties we’ve covered, which makes a nice change. The island’s council also publishes exactly which beaches carry restrictions and when, so this one is easier to be precise about than most.
1. Lligwy Beach – near Moelfre
Dogs are welcome here year-round. It’s a sandy beach on the east coast, and safe swimming is possible when the tide is right, so check tide times before you go. There’s a car park, a seasonal café and public toilets, and it gets busy in high summer.
2. Cable Bay (Porth Trecastell) – near Rhosneigr
Also a year-round dog beach, on the south-west coast. The water here is calmer than much of the island’s coastline, which suits a gentle swim or a paddle. Keep your dog on a lead during busy periods or when the tide is high, since parking is limited and there are no permanent facilities.
3. Red Wharf Bay – near Benllech
Dogs are welcome year-round on this big, east-facing bay, good for a gentle paddle rather than a serious swim at most states of the tide. Facilities on the beach itself are minimal, but nearby Benllech and Red Wharf have cafés, pubs and parking. Much of the sand disappears at high tide, so check times before you set off.
4. Traeth yr Ora – near Dulas
A quieter option, reached only on foot via the coastal path, with no on-site facilities. Dogs are welcome year-round, and the waters here are shallow, which suits a calmer swim with a less confident dog.
Where dogs face restrictions on Anglesey
Isle of Anglesey County Council publishes dog restrictions for seven busier beaches: Beaumaris, Benllech, Cemaes Bay, Llanddwyn (Newborough), Llanddona, Porth Dafarch and Trearddur Bay. These restrictions apply 1 May to 30 September each year, and they cover marked areas of each beach rather than a ban on the whole beach, with signs and maps showing exactly where. At Benllech, Cemaes Bay and Trearddur Bay, dogs must also be kept on leads on the promenades. None of the four beaches above is on that restricted list, but always check the signs on arrival, since local rules can change.
Lots of dogs and other beach users call for good manners in the water as well as out of it, and an Isle of Anglesey dog trainer can help with recall around other dogs and distractions. If you’re stocking up before a beach trip, Calmshops has Calmdogs 8-in-1 multivitamin chews; ask your vet whether your dog needs them. Local vets are listed under best vets on the Isle of Anglesey, and the rest of our local guides are on dog services on the Isle of Anglesey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Anglesey beaches allow dogs all year?
Lligwy, Cable Bay (Porth Trecastell), Red Wharf Bay and Traeth yr Ora all allow dogs year-round. The council’s seven restricted beaches – Beaumaris, Benllech, Cemaes Bay, Llanddwyn, Llanddona, Porth Dafarch and Trearddur Bay – have seasonal limits on marked areas instead of a full ban.
What do the Anglesey summer dog restrictions actually mean?
Between 1 May and 30 September, seven beaches have marked areas where dogs aren’t allowed, shown by signs and council maps. The rest of each beach stays open to dogs, so it isn’t a full seasonal ban, but check the signage on arrival.
Is it safe for a dog to swim at any Anglesey beach?
Tides matter more than the beach itself. Several of the island’s beaches lose most of their sand at high tide, and currents can be strong on the open coast, so check tide times and conditions before letting your dog swim.
Are any of these beaches easy to reach without a car?
Traeth yr Ora is reached on foot via the coastal path, with no car park at all. The other three all have parking, though it’s limited at Cable Bay.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
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