The tale of 6 tails!

We were delighted to host Archie, Olly, Ozzie, Monty, Barney, and Benji alongside their owners in a three day stay in the Vale. If you missed their adventures during their stay, here's a recap.

Monday

Their journey began at Gileston Manor. Gileston Manor offers luxurious self-catering accommodation for families and their pets. The pet-friendly accommodation options include cottages and apartments, set in 9 acres of landscaped gardens. Onsite activities include croquet, spa treatments, and exploring the countryside, while the nearby coastline offers pet-friendly beaches.

After settling into their accommodation the dogs tucked into a delicious treat box courtesy of the Natural Pet Pantry, our furry friends ventured down the coast to the Three Golden Cups in Southerdown. Here, they enjoyed a warming meal by the fire in a welcoming pub ambiance. Guests can indulge in delicious freshly made food here at the restaurant or opt for a night under the stars at the picturesque campsite, where dogs are warmly welcomed.

Tuesday

Following a restful night at the manor, the following day commenced with a light breakfast of coffee and cake at Acorn Campsite. Acorn is a small peaceful family owned rural campsite situated amidst the surroundings of the Heritage Coast, just a mile away from Llantwit Major Beach. Onsite is the cosy Acorn café offering breakfasts, light lunches, coffee and cakes and of course, dogs are welcome!

Next on the itinerary was a leisurely stroll through Cowbridge high street, filled with charming independent shops. Remember to lookout for the Paws in the Vale sticker in shop windows letting you know that that shop welcomes dogs! Next, they visited The Bear Hotel for a delicious lunch. At the hotel, both The Grill Bar and The Courtyard welcome dogs. The hotel offers dog-friendly rooms, ensuring you and your pet feels right at home!

Despite the rainy weather, our four-legged friends then embarked on an adventure to Dunraven Bay, where dogs are permitted from October to April. This coastal gem offers ample opportunities for fossil hunting and boasts some of the finest rock pools along the shoreline, alongside its expansive sandy beaches and visitor amenities.

As evening descended, our guests made their way to Llanerch Vineyard, a pioneering destination renowned for its award-winning restaurant and captivating wine tasting experiences. For those unwilling to part with their furry companions, Llanerch Vineyard offers a number of dog-friendly rooms equipped with all the comforts and conveniences, including easy-to-clean hard floors and access to outdoor areas for playtime.

Wednesday

Wednesday morning brought a visit to Porthkerry Country Park, boasting 220 acres of pristine woodland, a striking viaduct, and a serene pebble beach. Porthkerry beach is dog friendly all year round, (you can find our other year-round dog friendly beaches here). This was followed by a jaunt to Barry Island, where sandy shores, picturesque promenades, and beach huts awaited, offering the perfect backdrop for some great photos!

Their time in the Vale ended with a visit to the Goodsheds, a vibrant hub in the heart of Barry featuring an array of street food and independent shops. Dogs are warmly welcomed (visitors are kindly asked to keep them on a lead during their visit). Keep an eye out for the Paws in the Vale sticker on individual vendors windows as some areas may not be suitable for your four legged friend!

It was a delight to follow the adventures of Archie, Olly, Ozzy, Monty, Barney, and Benji during their time in the Vale. If you're inspired to embark on your own adventure with your four-legged friend, be sure to explore our Paws in the Vale page for a comprehensive guide to dog-friendly establishments, beaches, and more.

Don't forget to share your furry friend's Vale adventures with us on social media using #VisitTheVale and #PawsInTheVale!