Hello, I’m Liz, the Owner and Manager of The Old Mill Holiday Cottages in North Wales (And this is Eli our gorgeous mini Schnauzer!) I love North Wales and I feel very lucky to live here. If you are visiting the area for the first time, or if you’re simply looking for new places to go, I hope you enjoy my recommendations of dog friendly attractions, as much as we do! (All recommendations are within 1 hour radius of our self-catering cottages).
Our dog friendly accommodation includes Millers Cottage and The Long Barn. Please follow the link If you would like to find out more The Old Mill Holiday Cottages - Dog Friendly cottages in North Wales (old-mill.co.uk)
National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
Distance From the Cottages – 35 miles (45 minutes)
SatNav: CH65 4FW
Time at Activity – Half a day
Cost – Adults £9.75, Children £6.00 Under 5’s free
Open – All year round (Please check website for times)
Parking - Yes
Dogs Welcome on a lead
This is a beautiful canal-side location, where the Shropshire Canal meets the Manchester ship Canal and River Mersey. Tucked away in a surprising corner of Ellesmere Port it is a real hidden gem. This museum celebrates the history of what it was like to live and work on the waterways over the last 200 years. There are canal-boats you can go on-board and explore, a terraced street presented in styles through the ages, plus loads of interactive experiences and events. There is a good gift shop and café, plus picnic areas and play park.
Gwrych Castle
Distance from The Cottages – 19 miles (35 minutes)
SatNav: LL22 8ET
Time at Activity – A couple of hours (Longer if picnicking!)
Cost – Adults £5 / Children £2.50 / Family Ticket 2 Adults & x3 Children £15
Open – 10am – 5pm
Parking – Yes
Suitable for the whole family (Due to a hill and steep steps, push-chair access would be difficult)
Website www.gwrychcastle.co.uk
Dogs Welcome on a lead
Gwrych Castle, has become famous as the recent venue for ITV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!’ Gwrych Castle is truly a unique fairy tale castle - Its ramparts hug the towering cliff tops, and stretch for what seems like miles, with fabulous views over-looking the sea. The main building is in ruin, but there is an ambitious plan to convert the castles and grounds back to its former glory. We love wandering around here, taking in the pretty winding steps, immaculate gardens and view-points at every corner. We really hope its new-found fame will provide a much needed cash injection into this beautiful place.
Accessibility - The main building is a ruin so there is currently no public access. Please read accessibility statement on the website. The gardens and grounds are open to explore.
Ruthin Castle
Distance From Cottages – 15 miles (26 minutes)
SAtNav: LL15 2NU
Time at Activity – Good location for lunch. Allow ½ a day if exploring Ruthin.
Cost – Nil
Open – All year round
Parking – Yes
Bar & restaurant open for non-residents
Dogs welcome on a lead
Ruthin Castle and Grounds - A prominent medieval castle in the picturesque and historic town of Ruthin. We enjoy walking around the landscaped grounds, while the children look out for peacocks! The castle operates as a popular wedding venue locally, however, it is open for non-residents and has an attractive bar, and out-side terrace serving food and drinks. Dogs are welcome inside the castle. I also recommend a stroll around Ruthin, it has a range of independent shops and cafes, plus popular Craft Centre. In addition, Ruthin Gaol is also worth a visit – Now converted into an interesting museum, find out what life was like in a Victorian Goal..! (Also dog friendly)
Bala Lake Railway
Distance From the Cottages – 35 miles (45 minutes)
SatNav: LL23 7DD
Time at Activity – Half a day
Cost – x2 Adults x2 Children £28.00, Adult Return £12.00, Dogs £1.00
Open – End of March – End of October (Check time-table for more info).
Parking – Limited
Dogs welcome on a lead
Located on the banks of Lake Bala (The largest natural lake in Wales) this small stream train takes you on a 9-mile return journey alongside the lake and into the beautiful Snowdonia National Park. There is a small lake-side picnic area where you can dis-embark the train and relax for a while if you wish. At the end of the route there is a small station with gift shop where you can buy refreshments and ice-creams.
Great Orme Mines, Llandudno
Distance From the Cottages – 32 miles (45 minutes)
SatNav: LL30 2XG
Time at Activity – Half a day
Cost – x2 Adults x2 Children £24.50 (Adult £9.00, Children £6.00, Under 5’s Free).
Open – Please check website for details
Parking – Visitor car park available on site
Dogs welcome on a lead
Website: Great Orme Mines
Discovered in 1987, in an area of the Great Orme, this is a fascinating copper mine that dates back 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. It is thought to be the largest prehistoric mine, so far discovered in the world. This is a self-guided tour, which takes you underground for approximately 200 meters. Inside the mine it is very atmospheric, with cooler temperatures, sloping walls, and low head height (Safety helmets are issued). Although it is dimly light inside the mine, my children love exploring and learning about its incredible history. Café and gift shop on site.
Dogs are welcome underground as well, although please note, there are metal grates and staircases that not all dogs like. Our dog Eli is only small so we can carry him up the steps.
Access: Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Please see full access statement on the attraction website.
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