Bookings for staycations with pets have risen 40% in 2021 compared to 2019, according to recent research by Sykes Holiday Cottages - and one of the most popular places in the UK is Benllech on Anglesey.
The village of Benllech is home to a dog-friendly beach with rock pools full of starfish and sea crabs, up close and good access via a carpark, as well as public toilets.
Some parts of the beach are restricted to no dogs during high season.
Read more: Five Welsh resorts among the UK's top 10 trending seaside towns for a summer break
One TripAdvisor reviewer even called it “by far the best beach in Europe”.
Benllech was beaten into third place by Whitby in Yorkshire and Ambleside in Cumbria in the search for the top locations for pet owners.
The biannual report on travel by Sykes also saw North Wales lead the top 10 most popular holiday regions for summer, knocking Devon and Cornwall off the top spot for the first time. You can read more about that here.
Benllech has a small population of 3,300 people and relies heavily on the tourism industry.
You can stay anywhere within the Isle of Anglesey and still be within a 50-minute drive to Benllech beach.
Here are a few pet-friendly places in the area:
Paradwys
This beautiful detached house does what it says on the tin.
It is located on Red Wharf Bay which is the perfect location to walk to Benllech Beach.
It even comes with its own hot tub and gym, as well as a more relaxing conservatory with 360 degree views of the bay.
Manadwyn
A short 15-minute drive from Benllech beach is this unusual accommodation built into the cliffside, overhanging the water.
Complete with views over the Menai Strait and a roof terrace where you can catch sight of rare birds, you will feel as if you’re about to set sail in this one.
Ynys Castell
Granted, this might take a little longer to get to Benllech Beach down to the fact it is on its own island, but it couldn’t be excluded
However, its tidal causeway makes it easily accessible to Anglesey.
The island offers amazing views of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia.
Tithe Barn
A 25-minute drive from Benllech beach, this barn is a Grade II listed property dating back to the 18th century.
Now, the property is a striking three story holiday home close to the Isle of Anglesey Coast Path.
Y Goedwig
This spacious property is located in the small village Llanfaelog, near Rhosneigr.
You can get to Benllech Beach with your dog in a half-hour drive.
