Half-term is always a great opportunity for some quality time with the kids, but when we plan a big day out to keep the little ones occupied, we often have to leave our four-legged friends at home.
As dog owners, when we head out with the family it often tugs at the heart strings having to leave our furry companions at home. Lucky for you, Bridgend is the pawfect place for the entire family to keep busy and have fun together.
Take a look at our top picks for dog-friendly half-term activities and places to visit!
The great outdoors
Fresh air and open space is the best place for both the kids and pups to let off steam and have fun, and Bridgend has them in abundance.
Bryngarw Country Park - Whether you’re looking to join the cycle track for a ride alongside the River Garw, take part in a bush craft activity, shoot down one of the slides in the children’s play area or simply take a stroll through the wildflower meadow, Bryngarw Country Park has something for everyone.
Kenfig Natural Nature Reserve – Kenfig Nature Reserve is one of Wales's top sand-dune reserves, with plants like wild fen orchids, birds, and insects who all depend on this habitat for their survival. Glamorgan's largest natural lake, Kenfig Pool, is set on the edge of this beautiful sand dune nature reserve with spectacular views across Swansea Bay to the Gower.
Shop, play, and have fun!
Shopping can sometimes be a daunting task with little ones, and you probably wouldn’t even consider bringing your dog! But Bridgend has some of the best places where the grown ups can do some shopping and the kids and dog can have a bit of fun too.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet – At McArthurGlen you'll find your favourite brands at up to 60% less, all year round in its 90 boutiques. There’s also cafes and restaurants to feed little mouths and a children's play area.
Pyle Garden Centre - Pyle Garden Village has become a destination for gardeners and non-gardeners alike, providing a shopping and leisure experience for the whole family to enjoy. There’s a plenty of space for you to wander with the kids and dog whilst doing a bit of browsing, and there’s also a pet emporium and groomers!
Take a break
After all of the running around and tail chasing that’s been done in Bridgend’s beautiful natural spaces, or all of the shopping (and spending!) you’ve done, the whole family will be ready for a pit stop to refuel. Head to some of the below places to grab a drink, snack, and a puppaccino.
Coffi Co – Coffi Co has something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, hot chocolate lover, or more of a tea drinker. There’s a wide range of hot and cold drinks and delicious food to be enjoyed with fantastic views of the water. And there’s also puppacinos for your pooches!
Corvo Lounge – In the heart of Bridgend on Adare Street, Corvo Lounge is the perfect place to make a pit stop, serving delicious coffees, teas, cold drinks, and food all day. There’s also a lovely outside seating area, perfect for those with paws!
Time for dinner
After a busy day out and about, the last thing you fancy doing is heading home to cook. There’s lots of places to enjoy a delicious dinner in Bridgend, and the best part is a lot of them welcome dogs too!
The Coach – A real ale and craft beer brew pub and home of The Coach Brewing Co. The Coach was voted 'Best Pub in Wales 2013' and has been in every CAMRA Good Beer Guide since 2012. Along with their great beer selections, they serve delicious food to suit the whole family!
The Llangewydd Arms - A vibrant and family-friendly community pub offering a wide range of drinks and a menu full of home-grown favourites, there’s something to suit everyone at prices that won’t break the bank.
Make a night of it
If you’re looking to stay for a few nights, we have a great selection of accommodation, where everyone, including the kids and dogs, are catered for.
Coed Y Mwstwr - The Coed y Mwstwr Hotel is a charming Victorian mansion set in Bridgend in a leafy, wooded hillside. The hotel provides a great base for exploring, or you could just stay put and relax with a big fire, a few cocktails, imaginative modern Welsh cuisine, or an afternoon tea for both humans and dogs!
Court Colman Manor – Court Colman Manor Hotel has so much to offer, with a convenient location and unique setting, it's the ideal place to kick back and relax. There’s plenty of places to explore in the surrounding area, and dog friendly rooms to retreat to after a busy day.
Llonyddwch – is a detached, self-catering holiday cottage for up to five guests and two pets in Porthcawl, just a few yards from the beach.
Old Newton Cottage – enjoy the many activities and attractions of Porthcawl and the surrounding area from this quaint self-catered cottage.
For more information on dog-friendly places in Bridgend visit – https://www.visitbridgend.co.uk/pages/dog-friendly – and keep up to date with the latest dog friendly content via our social media channels #WoofYouWereHere
