Whilst the beginning of spring and the warmer weather is an excuse for many to take their furry friends on a trek along one of the many picturesque beaches across the Vale, six beaches have the ban enforced until autumn.
These are:
· Whitmore Bay (Barry Island)
· Dunraven Bay (Southerndown)
· Cwm Colhuw (Llantwit)
· Penarth beach (between the Pier and the Yacht club only)
· Penarth Pier (decking area only)
· Cold Knap, Barry
However, those who still wish to take to the shores with their dogs can still do so at nine other beaches across the Vale. These include:
Summerhouse Bay – This pebble beach in Boverton is made of mainly flat rock, though the path down to it is uneven and can be slippery at times. Once down there, it offers brilliant views across to Minehead.
Jacksons Bay – Jackson’s Bay is a small, secluded, sandy cove, backed by high cliffs. It is accessed down a steep path from Redbrink Crescent and along ‘Clement Colley Walk’ which runs around the headland to Barry Island.
Aberthaw Beach (the Leys) – Once the site of a busy port trading in grain and livestock in the early sixteenth century, this beach is now a quiet and peaceful haven for people and wildlife alike. There is no parking provision at this beach, though it can be reached by walking along Vale Trail Four.
Fontygary Bay – This pebble beach is made mostly of pebbles and backed by cliffs, offering a striking backdrop. Behind these cliffs are mostly fields, as well as a caravan park and other facilities like a café and toilets. Parking can be found a short walk from the beach along Fontygary Road.
St Mary’s Well Bay – Nestled between Sully Island and Lavernock Point, this bay is backed by steep cliffs and dense trees. A mix of sand, pebbles and rocks make up the terrain, with a large expanse of mud and wet sand being exposed with seaweed covered stones and low tide.
Watch Tower Bay and Old Harbour – Regarded as one of the quieter corners of Barry, this pebble beach is flanked by rocks and cliffs. When the tide recedes, vast amounts of sand are exposed. The closes facilities and parking are at the Knap Beach, a short walk away.
Porthkerry – This beach lies at the foot of the valley within the Porthkerry Country Park, easily spotted thanks to its impressive Victorian viaduct. The beach itself is made of grey pebbles with views across to the Cold Knap and Barry. Access to the beach from the car park is via a tarmac path.
Penarth Beach (between the Pier and Cardiff Bay barrage) – Accessed via stairs or a slipway, this beach mostly comprises of pebbles. But toward the sea it becomes increasingly sandy with plenty of exposed sand at low tide. The beach is backed by the esplanade with parking spaces and some restaurants and toilets, alongside the iconic pier.
Hardees Bay (to the east of Ogmore-by-Sea) – Located in St Brides Major, this beach is near to the forest of Craig Ddu, offering variation for those who are wishing for a change of scenery, and a quieter spot to enjoy.
Dogs will be allowed back on all beaches from October 1, 2026.
