I assumed cities aren’t great places to visit with a dog, but over the last few years I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Cardiff was one of those trips that completely changed my expectations.

We tagged along when my husband wanted to watch a football match nearby, and I didn’t have particularly high hopes for how dog-friendly it would be. Turns out, Cardiff is brilliant.

The journey there 🚗

I came across a really handy website called Driving with Dogs, which lets you plan routes and find dog-friendly places to stop along the way. In the end, though, I ditched the motorway and took the back roads into Wales instead and I’m so glad I did.

The drive itself became part of the trip. Rolling countryside, little Welsh villages, and plenty of opportunities to stop. I planned a break after about an hour so we could all stretch our legs. Public toilets were easy to find, and Kobe got plenty of sniffing time too.

Where we stayed 🏨

I knew I wanted to be right in the city centre, which can be tricky when you’re travelling with a dog. I used Booking.com and hoped for something close to green space.

I was genuinely blown away when I saw that the Hilton Cardiff allows dogs. It’s right next to Cardiff Castle, with Bute Park literally on the doorstep. Location-wise, it couldn’t have been better.

Where we walked 🌳

Saturday was a bit of a washout. We walked in a few local parks near the town where my husband was watching football, but the rain didn’t let up all day, so we eventually retreated back to the car for warmth and sanity.

Sunday was a different story. The sun came out and we spent hours wandering around Bute Park. It was busy, but in a really nice way: loads of friendly dogs, relaxed people, and that cheerful post-rain atmosphere you only seem to get when the weather finally improves.

I absolutely loved the mix of things to see: the castle views, sculptures dotted around the park, and the famous animal wall. It’s one of those parks where there’s always something interesting around the next corner.

After that, we headed down to Mermaid Quay by the coast. There was plenty of parking and loads of food options. Since it was such a nice day, we grabbed some chips and joined everyone else sitting along the wall, watching the water. It’s a lovely, easy place for a relaxed walk.

Where we ate 🍟☕

After the soggy Saturday, none of us had the energy to go out, so we ordered room service at the hotel and had a chilled evening in.

On Sunday, we grabbed breakfast at a café in Bute Park, then had lunch down at Mermaid Quay. Nothing fancy, just good, easy food eaten outdoors, which always feels like a win when you’ve got a dog with you.

Final thoughts 🐾

Cardiff completely surprised me. Central green space, genuinely dog-friendly accommodation, great walking spots, and a relaxed coastal area all within easy reach. If you’ve ever dismissed cities as “not dog-friendly”, Cardiff is absolutely worth reconsidering.