The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Break in Wales: Staying at The Longbarn in Haverfordwest & Exploring Pembrokeshire

A spacious, industrial-chic living room with a vaulted white ceiling and a prominent feature wall made of vertical corrugated grey metal. In the centre of the metal wall, a glowing orange neon sign reads "ZINC" beneath a rustic wagon-wheel chandelier with hanging Edison bulbs. The room features red leather chesterfield sofas arranged around a white media console with a television. Decorative elements include a large reproduction painting of Vermeer's "The Milkmaid", a large black wall clock, a wood-burning stove, and vintage industrial lighting fixtures. Double glass doors on the right open out to a garden area.

If you are daydreaming about the perfect dog-friendly breaks in Wales, you already know that finding accommodation that balances high-end, 5-star luxury with an actual genuine welcome for your dog can be a bit of a minefield. All too often, “dog-friendly” means a tired, dated cottage with a long list of strict rules and restrictions.

But on our recent road trip through Wales and Southern England with our English bulldog, Bonnie, we discovered a place that completely shatters that stereotype: The Longbarn at Shoals Hook Farm in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.

We spent two nights tucked away in their gorgeous property, Cedar, and we can honestly say it’s one of the most thoughtfully designed, luxurious, and authentically pet-welcoming retreats we have ever encountered. Here is our detailed, first-hand review of the property, followed by the ultimate guide to exploring dog-friendly Pembrokeshire.

A rectangular sign mounted on a textured white wall. The name "CEDAR" is cut out of a weathered grey metal faceplate, revealing a natural wood background underneath. The plate is secured at each corner by hex bolts.

Is Wales Dog-Friendly?

When it comes to planning a pet-friendly getaway, Wales isn’t just accommodating…it is widely considered an absolute paradise for dog owners and a true leader in “dog-first” travel. What makes Wales so incredibly special is that you are rarely forced to leave your pup behind. The country boasts over a 100 stunning beaches, and even its most famous coastal regions, like Pembrokeshire and the Gower Peninsula, offer miles of wide-open, golden sand where dogs are free to roam year-round. Beyond the spectacular coastlines and the rugged trails of national parks like Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Brecon Beacons, the hospitality sector here has truly embraced four-legged travellers. Historic castles like Cadw (including the massive Pembroke Castle) routinely allow dogs inside their ancient stone walls, heritage steam railways welcome canine passengers with open arms, and the country is packed with cosy local pubs featuring dedicated “doggy dining rooms”. It is a destination where your dog is treated as a core part of the family, making a Welsh road trip entirely stress-free from start to finish.

An Honest Review of The Longbarn (Cedar) The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Break in Wales

The First Impression & The Vibe

Tucked away at the very end of a quiet rural lane just on the outskirts of Haverfordwest, The Longbarn sits within nine acres of incredibly peaceful, landscaped grounds. The owners, Karen and Rob, live on-site and have poured their hearts into converting these traditional stone barns. There are two barns available for holiday rental; Cedar and Zinc. Zinc is the larger of the properties and sleeps 6, while Cedar sleeps 4.

The architecture seamlessly marries rustic charm with sharp, industrial design. Just imagine raw stone, slate flooring, reclaimed zinc, underfloor heating, and bespoke industrial lighting (including a stunning stair light made from reclaimed metal rebar!). It’s spacious, incredibly bright due to massive bi-fold doors, and instantly relaxing.

An indoor view peeking past a partially open beige paneled door into a stairwell area. A unique pendant light fixture, featuring a glowing Edison bulb enclosed in a minimalist, cubical metal rebar frame, hangs from a cord in the centre. The background reveals an olive-green painted wall and a staircase railing made of textured metal rebar. To the right of the doorway frame is a plain, light grey wall.

Why It’s the Gold Standard for a Pet-Friendly Break in Wales

The Longbarn doesn’t just tolerate dogs…they have built the entire experience around them. On arrival, Bonnie was treated like an absolute VIP, greeted with a personalised welcome pack that included soft blankets, throws to protect the furniture, bowls, toys, poo bags, and…the best bit…homemade dog treats baked right on the farm.

Here are the features that stood out to us and that make Cedar an absolute dream for dog owners:

The Built-In “Dog Den”: Genius architectural design! Built perfectly right under the stairs is a cosy, dedicated dog house. It’s the perfect, quiet, den-like sanctuary where Bonnie could retreat to for a nap after a hard day of playing on the beach.

An English Bulldog sits outside a built-in, light sage green dog house that features an arched entryway. Above the opening, a small black sign reads "THE DOG HOUSE" in white lettering. To the right of the entryway, a brown ceramic dog bowl has a nameplate that reads "CEDAR". A silver metal bowl sits to the left near a textured grey curtain, and a couple of colourful dog toys lie on the floor of the dog house entrance.

The Fully Enclosed Courtyard Garden: Peace of mind is everything on holiday. Cedar features a completely secure, private courtyard with 6-foot-high fencing. We could open the large bi-fold doors, let the outside in, and let Bonnie potter in and out safely while we relaxed.

An outdoor covered patio featuring a white dining table with metal chairs, a vase of purple flowers, and a black barbecue grill against a corrugated metal wall. The space is illuminated by hanging string lights under a wooden deck ceiling.

Outdoor Hot & Cold Dog Shower: A total lifesaver after a day on Pembrokeshire’s sandy shores. You can wash off the sand and mud with warm water before your dog even steps foot inside.

The 9-Acre Grounds: Right outside your door is a waymarked circular walk winding through private meadows, alongside a running stream, and past a wildlife pond. It’s perfect for that early morning walk in your pyjamas while your dog sniffs to their heart’s content. There are even picnic tables laid out along the route if you fancy stopping to have your breakfast outside.

A flowing stream with dark water bordered by rocky banks and green bushes topped with clusters of small white flowers.

A wide field of tall, feathery wild grasses under a blue sky with scattered clouds, bordered by a line of mature trees.

The Human Luxury at The Longbarn Wales

While Bonnie was living her best life, we were thoroughly spoiled too. The open-plan ground floor features a beautiful bottle-green kitchen equipped with a top-of-the-range Smeg induction cooker, a rustic dining table, and a cosy living area centered around a wood-burning stove.

A spacious, rustic-modern living room in Cedar at The Longbarn Wales, featuring brown leather sofas, slate tile flooring, a wood stove, and industrial corrugated metal accents.

An ornate wooden bureau topped with a castle-shaped carving stands in a living room corner next to framed art and a floral arrangement.

A wooden coffee table holds a vibrant bouquet of pink and purple roses in a metal vase, with a lit wood-burning stove and a TV playing a coastal scene in the background. The property is Cedar at The Longbarn a unique dog-friendly break in Wales.

An English Bulldog with a white, brown, and tan coat lies down on a dark grey tiled floor, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression. To the far left, a carved wooden furniture leg is partially visible. The background is softly out of focus, showing a glimpse of an indoor room with stacked firewood.

Upstairs, the design elements continue to shine. The master bedroom features skylights, an antique double bed, and a stunning, deep roll-top bath right in the room. After a long day of driving and coastal walking, soaking in that tub with the log burner crackling downstairs was pure bliss. Outside, the covered patio area features a BBQ and a fire pit, making it the perfect spot to grill local Welsh produce as the sun goes down.

A view looking down a narrow hallway with dark grey tiled flooring. The hallway walls are painted an olive green on the right, featuring a rustic wall sconce made from a circular wooden ring with an amber bulb glowing inside. An open beige paneled door in the centre leads into a brightly lit bedroom with white walls, where an olive-green metal console table, a vase of purple flowers, and a framed mirror are visible in the background. Another paneled door sits mostly closed on the right, and a glimpse of a stairwell is visible on the far left.

An English Bulldog stands at the top of a small set of stairs in a hallway, looking slightly to the right with its tongue peeking out. The background features a dark olive-green wall decorated with a circular, sieve-like wooden light fixture containing a glowing amber bulb. To the left is a staircase handrail made from vertical metal rebar rods, and to the right is a white wall with a glimpse of an ornate, gold-rimmed mirror arrangement.

A neatly made wooden bed with light blue sheets and white towels sits directly under two large skylight windows in the attic room of Cedar at The Longbarn, the perfect dog-friendly break in Wales.

A white clawfoot bathtub with chrome ornate feet sits against a wall covered in rustic, multi-toned vertical wood planks with hints of blue, yellow, and grey. The floor is tiled with dark grey slate squares. In front of the tub, a small wooden table with black hairpin legs holds a grey vase filled with bright pink flowers, a glass jar of bath salts, a burning candle, and a glass of rose wine. The wall above the wood cladding slopes downward under an alcove where small pitchers of dried flowers are placed.

A stylized interior vignette features an olive-green metal console table situated beneath a large, wood-framed rectangular mirror. Arranged on the table's surface are three items: on the left, a textured white ceramic vase decorated with vertical brown stripes; in the centre, a slender, patterned ceramic vase holding a vibrant bouquet of large, purple allium flowers and green foliage; and on the right, a table lamp with a crackled metallic base and a cylindrical grey lampshade. The mirror behind the arrangement reflects the flowers and a bright, white-painted room with an angled ceiling and a skylight window.

An outdoor sheltered patio area under a wooden beam roof with string lights. A white metal dining table with a glass top sits in the centre, paired with several metal chairs. In the middle of the table, a white pitcher vase holds a rustic bouquet of purple alliums and tall green grasses. The back wall is made of corrugated grey metal, decorated with woven heart shapes and a wooden shelf holding various decorative items. To the right, a black rolling barbecue grill stands against the wall.

Our absolute favourite things about staying at The Longbarn were the beautifully personal touches that made it feel so much more than just a place to sleep. On arrival, we were treated to a wonderful welcome basket overflowing with incredible local Welsh produce, delicious homemade cakes and biscuits, and, of course, traditional Welsh cakes that set the perfect tone for our stay. But what truly stole our hearts was exploring the barn and discovering all the unique, thoughtful design features that were deeply personal to the owners, Rob and Karen. Scattered throughout the property are pieces of history repurposed with love…like a stunning light fixture creatively made out of Karen’s grandfather’s old sieve, and antique pairs of scissors hanging above the door sourced from her grandmother’s original Singer sewing machine. They have even preserved the beautiful old machine itself, complete with vintage spools of thread and the original operating manual tucked neatly inside the drawer. It is those intimate family stories woven into the very fabric of the building that make Cedar feel so wonderfully unique and impossible to forget.

A kitchen counter features a welcome gift tray filled with wine, treats and a card from "The Longbarn", alongside a glass cake stand with frosted ginger cake slices. Cedar at The Longbarn is one of the best dog-friendly breaks in Wales.

A rustic copper pitcher filled with dried pink hydrangeas sits on a matching gold-toned plate over a wooden surface.

A sage green door set into a corrugated metal wall with a rustic wooden lintel above it decorated with vintage keys and scissors.

Nicola & Ronan’s Personal Tips for The Longbarn

Utilize the Throws Instantly: Karen and Rob provide lovely, high-quality blankets and throws specifically for the dogs. Bulldogs love to make themselves comfortable, so lay these out over those gorgeous leather sofas the second you walk in to keep things stress-free.

Don’t Pack Heavy on Dog Gear: Between the custom under-stairs dog den, provided bowls, cosy bedding, and toys, Cedar is exceptionally well-stocked. Save your precious boot space for your own holiday outfits!

The Morning Routine: Take advantage of the 9 acres of private grounds right when you wake up. Walking Bonnie by the stream and wildlife pond in the morning mist; with a freshly brewed Pembrokeshire coffee in hand, was one of our absolute favourite rituals of the trip.

The Mud/Sand Solution: When returning from a beach run, don’t rush through the front door. Use the dedicated outdoor hot/cold dog shower on the patio. Trust us, washing a bulldog with warm water outside is infinitely easier than wrestling them into a luxury indoor bathroom!

An English Bulldog stands inside a built-in, light sage green dog house that features an arched entryway. Above the opening, a small black sign reads "THE DOG HOUSE" in white lettering. To the right of the entryway, a brown ceramic dog bowl has a nameplate that reads "CEDAR". A silver metal bowl sits to the left near a textured grey curtain, and a couple of colourful dog toys lie on the floor of the dog house entrance.

Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Pembrokeshire

Because Haverfordwest sits right in the geographic heart of Pembrokeshire, The Longbarn is the perfect central launchpad for exploring both the northern and southern coastlines. Pembrokeshire is widely regarded as one of the most dog-friendly regions in the UK, and it certainly lived up to the hype. It is one of our favourite places for a dog-friendly break in Wales.

Here is exactly how we spent our time, along with some highly recommended spots for your itinerary:

1. Stroll the Walled Town of Tenby

No trip to Pembrokeshire is complete without visiting the iconic, colourful seaside town of Tenby. We spent a gorgeous morning walking along the ancient town walls, winding through the narrow cobblestone streets, and taking in the classic postcard views of the harbour houses.

The Beaches: Tenby features spectacular beaches. Tenby South Beach is a vast, golden expanse of sand looking out toward Caldey Island. It is incredibly spacious and a paradise for dogs to burn off steam (note that some seasonal restrictions apply directly under the town cliffs from May to September, but the main stretch of South Beach remains open year-round!).

An aerial, high-angle view of Tenby, a coastal town in Wales featuring rows of brightly coloured pastel buildings overlooking a sandy beach cove. In the foreground, a curved stone sea wall encloses a small harbour beach with a central blue building and a stone structure. Above the harbour, streets lined with yellow, pink, blue, and white multi-story houses sweep around the landscape. In the background, a second, larger sandy beach extends along the calm, greenish-blue sea under bright daylight.

2. Discover the Charm of Solva Harbor

Next, we headed west to the picturesque harbour village of Solva. This tiny, traditional coastal village is tucked into a deep, narrow valley that creates a dramatic tidal harbour. When the tide is out, the harbour bed turns into a giant sandy beach, perfect for a gentle, low-intensity stroll with an English bulldog. We loved watching people crabbing from the harbour wall and walking along the lower edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for panoramic sea views.

A stop at Solva Pottery is an absolute must for anyone who loves unique, handcrafted treasure. Located just a short distance from the harbour, this charming, family-run studio features beautiful, hand-thrown ceramics crafted on-site by resident potter Robert Evans, ranging from vibrant tableware (of course we had to pick up a few pieces to take home!) to striking sculptural pieces inspired by the Pembrokeshire coastline. The best part for pet owners is that the studio and its lovely gift shop are completely dog-friendly, meaning that you can browse the authentic Welsh craftsmanship and pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Travelling by ferry meant that we didn’t have to worry about baggage weight limits or awkwardly fitting breakables into a suitcase. We could happily stock up on gorgeous Welsh souvenirs, pack them safely in the boot, and drive them straight back home onto the ship without a single worry while you relax together in the comfort of the Irish Ferries pet den.

A straight-on exterior shot of "SOLVA POTTERY," a two-story building painted entirely in bright cerulean blue under a grey slate roof with two stone chimneys. A central wooden door is flanked by two large display windows filled with pottery, and a sign reading Solva Pottery hangs above the entrance. A tall terracotta pot holding pink flowers stands next to the open doorway.

3. Dine at Waldo’s Lounge, Haverfordwest

After a full day of coastal exploring, we wanted somewhere close to home to eat where Bonnie would be genuinely welcome. We headed into Haverfordwest to Waldo’s Lounge, and it was fantastic. The atmosphere is warm, cosy, and vibrant, and the staff treat four-legged visitors like absolute royalty. Bonnie received plenty of ear scratches, a big bowl of water, and we got to enjoy brilliant, comforting pub food in a completely relaxed, dog-welcoming environment.

The storefront of "WALDO LOUNGE" painted in dusty rose and yellow tones with scalloped trim. The large, illuminated name sign sits above a recessed glass entryway with double doors, flanked by large windows labeled "CAFE" on the left and "BAR" on the right. A wooden A-frame chalkboard sign stands on a patterned tile floor in front of the entrance.

4. More Award-Winning, Dog-Friendly Beaches to Visit:

If you have a bit more time in your itinerary, these incredible beaches are just a short drive from The Longbarn:

Newgale Beach: Located just 8 miles from the property, this massive, 2-mile-long pebble and sand beach is a favourite for walkers. It offers endless space for a long trek (just look out for minor central restrictions in the peak summer months).

Broad Haven South: A spectacular, award-winning beach that allows dogs all year round. Backed by dramatic dunes and limestone cliffs, it connects directly to the famous National Trust Stackpole Lily Ponds…a gorgeous circular walk where you might even spot an otter if you’re lucky!

Marloes Sands: Another stunning, National Trust-owned golden expanse that welcomes dogs year-round. It’s rugged, beautiful, and located close to the highly-rated, dog-friendly Runwayskiln café.

5. A Bonus Pupa-Cino Stop: The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery

Located right in Haverfordwest, make sure to pop into the Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery. It is a brilliant concept where humans can grab an excellent coffee and a slice of homemade cake, while your dog is treated to their very own dedicated “doggy menu” filled with healthy, freshly baked canine treats.

Pembrokeshire is incredibly accommodating for dogs, meaning you don’t have to limit your itinerary to just standard beach walks. If you are looking to expand your road trip itinerary from The Longbarn, here are some of the best, highly-rated dog-friendly attractions and unique activities in the area:

Dog-Friendly Castles in Wales You Can Actually Go Inside

Most historic sites only allow dogs to look at the outside walls, but Pembrokeshire is different:

Pembroke Castle: The birthplace of Henry VII is massively dog-friendly. Well-behaved pups on short leads are allowed everywhere inside the castle grounds, including down into the striking caverns and up into the castle towers (only the indoor cafe and gift shop are off-limits).

Carew Castle & Tidal Mill: Regularly voted one of the county’s absolute best dog-friendly attractions. You can explore over 2,000 years of history right alongside your dog, take a scenic stroll around the millpond, and finish with a picnic overlooking the water.

A large , historic stone castle, Pembroke Castle, featuring a massive round keep flying a flag under a blue sky. It is a must visit on a dog-friendly break in Wales.

Dog-Friendly Island Cruises & Sea Safaris

Want to take your dog out on the open ocean? You have some amazing options:

Caldey Island Boat Trip: From April to October, you can catch a short 20-minute boat ride right out of Tenby Harbour to Caldey Island. Well-behaved dogs sail completely free! Once on the island, you can wander up to the lighthouse, explore the woodland trails, or let your pup run wild on the soft sand of Priory Beach.

Ramsey Island Boat Trips: Head over to St Justinians (near St Davids) and hop onto a dedicated sea safari boat cruise. Companies like Falcon Boats allow dogs on their 1.5-hour voyages around Ramsey Island, where you can spy grey seals, harbour porpoises, and thousands of nesting seabirds from the water.

Dog-Friendly Woodland Walks & Estate Gardens

If you need a break from coastal sand, these lush green spots offer pristine paths and endless sniffs:

Bosherston Lily Ponds (Stackpole Estate): Highly recommended by locals, this National Trust site features a stunning, mostly flat circular trail around man-made lakes. If you visit in early summer, the water lilies are in full, spectacular bloom, and you might even spot an otter! The path easily connects to Broad Haven South beach for a longer trek.

Colby Woodland Garden: Another National Trust hidden gem tucked into a secluded valley near Amroth. Dogs on leads can explore the walled gardens and open meadows with you, and you can sit out on the terrace at the Bothy Tea Room for afternoon cake.

Picton Castle Gardens: Boasting 60 acres of breathtaking, rare rhododendrons and woodland walks, dogs on leads are welcome to wander the entirety of the spectacular grounds. There’s even a Spanish restaurant on-site with a dog-friendly indoor lower seating area.

High-Energy Fun & Quirky Experiences

Heatherton World of Activities: Bonnie had some energy to burn so we took her to this adventure park near Tenby that goes above and beyond. They have a dedicated dog agility course featuring A-frames, tunnels, and mazes where your dog can play, plus plenty of dedicated water stations and outdoor seating at the Tree Top Café.

Castell Henllys Iron Age Village: Located in North Pembrokeshire, this is a brilliantly reconstructed prehistoric hillfort. Dogs on leads are welcome to step back in time with you to explore the ancient roundhouses, wander the woodland trails, and try out the barefoot Celtic warrior trail. Dogs are not permitted inside the cafe, but they are welcome on the veranda and outside seating areas.

St Davids City & Doggy Ice Cream: Spend an afternoon exploring Britain’s smallest city, St Davids. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the cathedral itself, the surrounding grounds are gorgeous, the independent shops are incredibly welcoming, and you can finish the stroll by stopping at Gianni’s Ice Cream parlour to order a dedicated pup-cone for your dog!

Nicola & Ronan’s Tips for a Dog-Friendly Break in Wales

Watch the Tide Times: Places like Solva Harbour completely transform depending on the tide. When the tide is low, it opens up a massive beach playground that is brilliant for a lower-stamina walk. Check local tide tables before you head out so you don’t get caught out or miss the beach window.
Parking App Prep: Pembrokeshire’s coastal villages and beaches are beautifully managed, but many of the beach car parks (especially National Trust sites) require specific parking apps or exact change. Download the PayByPhone and RingGo apps onto your phone before you lose mobile signal on the coast.
If You are Taking Your Dog to Wales by Ferry: When navigating the ferry, always ensure your passenger tickets and your Pet Den lounge tickets are booked simultaneously. Space is strictly limited on ships like Ulysses or Isle of Innisfree, and you don’t want to be forced to leave your pup in the car deck. Also you legally need a tapeworm treatment recorded by a vet 24 to 120 hours before landing back in Ireland, book a UK vet clinic before you leave home.

Our Verdict on The Longbarn

Our two nights at The Longbarn were the perfect introduction to our UK road trip. Karen and Rob have created a rare, authentic blend of sustainable luxury and genuine dog hospitality. From the warm-water dog shower to the cosy under-stairs den, every single detail has been thought out so that both humans and hounds can truly unwind.

If you want a 5-star base to explore the jaw-dropping coastlines of West Wales without ever feeling like your dog is an inconvenience, Cedar at The Longbarn should be at the absolute top of your travel bucket list.

About us

We are Nicola and Ronan Lavin experts in finding unique accommodation all over the world. Voted as No.1 Travel Bloggers in Ireland by Stellar Magazine and the Top 10 Travel Influencers in Ireland by readers of the Irish Independent, we are dedicated to helping you find authentic and immersive travel experiences to help you plan your perfect vacation.

We’ve spent years exploring Ireland and have a real passion for finding the most unique places to stay — from dreamy luxury cabins tucked away in the woods to boutique hotels with a story to tell. We’re drawn to places that feel personal, thoughtful, and full of character. It’s not just about pretty interiors (although we do love those too), it’s about the feeling a space gives you. Somewhere that lets you switch off, reconnect, and make memories. That’s what we always look for, and it’s what we love sharing with you. We’re currently putting the finishing touches on a brand new guide featuring hundreds of the most unique places to stay and luxury hotels across Ireland. If you’re planning a romantic break, a wellness retreat, or just a cosy weekend away, this guide will be packed with inspiration. Sign up to our email list to be the first to hear when it launches — trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

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Until the next stay,