Don’t let the rain ruin your North Wales holiday!
Rain, rain, go away! Yes, North Wales is known for its stunning coastline and breathtaking views, but let’s be honest, we get our fair share of soggy days too. If the rain clouds roll in and your beach plans are put on hold, don’t worry – there’s still plenty of fun to be had! Whether you’re travelling with kids, dogs, or both (we see you, brave multitaskers!), there are plenty of indoor and sheltered spots that’ll keep everyone smiling.
We’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly and family-friendly rainy day activities, all within easy reach of Anglesey, perfect for keeping tails wagging and kids entertained.
🚗 Anglesey Transport Museum & Café (Tacla Taid), Newborough
This vintage vehicle wonderland is packed with classic cars, motorbikes, tractors and even military trucks. There’s something for everyone – and dogs are welcome on leads inside! Warm up with a cuppa and cake at the dog-friendly café afterwards.
📍 Newborough, LL61 6HQ
🐾 Dog-friendly inside museum and café
🔗 Visit Tacla Taid website
🏰 Beaumaris Castle – A Rainy Day with a Royal Twist
Built to impress, even in the drizzle! Beaumaris Castle has towers and walkways to explore, with some shelter from the elements. Dogs on leads are welcome, and it’s a real hit with kids who love a castle adventure. Plenty of dog-friendly eateries in this pretty town – worth a visit, whatever the weather!
📍 Beaumaris, LL58 8AP
🐾 Dog-friendly throughout the grounds
🔗 Visit Cadw – Beaumaris Castle
While in Beaumaris, why not visit Beaumaris Gaol, a fascinating insight in to 1800s prisoners. While it’s not dog-friendly, they allow dogs into the reception area, so one can volunteer to stay with the dogs while the rest of the family discover the grizzly past! Read our blog for further details of our visit, where Neil volunteered to babysit the dogs and even got a coffee from the friendly staff!
🌾 Melin Llynon – Anglesey’s Last Working Windmill
A charming stop whatever the weather! Explore the mill, grab a drink and the famous monuts in the takeaway and gift shop, or visit the Iron Age roundhouses. Much of it is outdoors, but there are covered areas too – and dogs on leads are welcome.
📍 Llanddeusant, LL65 4NL
🐾 Dog-friendly (on leads)
🔗 Visit Melin Llynon
🚤 Moelfre RNLI Lifeboat Station – Rescue Heroes in Action
This small but mighty lifeboat station offers insight into local sea rescues and coastal safety. There’s a viewing gallery, display boards, a shop and the chance to meet volunteers. Kids will love it, and pups are welcome too!
Parking by the lifeboat station is next to impossible so recommend to park at the RNLI Pay & Display car park (LL72 8LG) and walk from there.
📍 Moelfre, LL72 8LG
🐾 Dog-friendly on lead
🔗 Visit Moelfre RNLI Station
🏛️ Plas Newydd House & Gardens, Llanfairpwll
Ideal for families who don’t mind splitting up – one adult can explore this National Trust elegant mansion, while the other enjoys a woodland walk with the pup, with plenty of coverage amonst the trees. And besides, the views are lovely, even on a grey day!
📍 Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, LL61 6DQ
🐾 Dogs allowed in gardens (except the terrances) and woodland
🔗 Visit Plas Newydd (National Trust)
Sheltered Outdoor Walks
🌲 Newborough Forest – A Walk in the Rain, Without the Mud!
When it’s drizzling but you still want to stretch your legs, Newborough Forest is the perfect escape. Thanks to its sandy soil and dense canopy of towering pines, the trails here stay surprisingly dry – even after a downpour. The trees offer great shelter from wind and rain, making it a favourite for dog walkers and families looking for a peaceful outdoor stroll without the soggy socks.
There are plenty of free and Pay & Display car parks to use, but be aware that they get full during holidays and peak season. We prefer one of the southern car parks near Pen-Lon (LL61 6RS) and then a short walk along the dunes to the forest and beach.
📍 Newborough, LL61 6SG
🐾 Dog heaven – just remember leads are needed in wildlife protection zones
🔗 Visit Newborough Forest (Natural Resources Wales)
🌳 Nant y Pandy (The Dingle) – Llangefni’s Hidden Woodland Gem
Tucked right behind the Oriel Môn Gallery, Nant y Pandy Nature Reserve (locally known as The Dingle) is a peaceful, dog-friendly woodland walk that’s ideal for a drizzly afternoon. It’s well-maintained boardwalks and gravel paths make it an easy and clean stroll, even after rainfall. With a canopy of trees overhead, bubbling streams below, and occasional red squirrel sightings, it’s a hit with families and four-legged companions alike. There are even covered seating spots for a quick picnic under the trees.
📍 Llangefni, LL77 7QE
🐾 Dog-friendly on lead
🔗 Nant y Pandy Info – Anglesey Council
☕ Bonus: Dog-Friendly Cafés to Hide from the Weather
If you just fancy a chill-out with a brew and a dog biscuit or two, there are plenty of dog-friendly cafés all over the island. Here’s a selection of our favourites to try:
🐾 Jolly’s Coffee Shop & Patisserie, Beumaris – great for a hot drink and a warm welcome
🐾 Skye’s, Amlwch Port – serving crepes, stacks and gallettes to die for!
🐾 Caffi Siop Mechell, Llanfechell – popular with walkers and dogs
🐾 Sea Shanty Café, Trearddur Bay – views even in the rain!
- 🐾 Llys Llewelyn Cegin Bar, Aberffraw – ideally situated in the beautiful village
🧳 Handy Tips for Rainy Day Explorers
Pack a microfibre towel and dog raincoat
Play puzzles or games back at Gwendon – a selection in the sideboard!
Check each venue’s opening hours and pet policy ahead of your visit
Don’t forget a spare pair of socks!
✨ Book Your Stay at Gwendon Holiday Home
This is a small selection of ideas. Let us know if you’ve found a great indoor family & dog friendly venue. We’d love to include it!