Beachside Bliss & Sunset Pints: Exploring Newport, Swansea & Coastal Wales

K-Girl + Benzino
May 21
3 min read

From riding bikes in the hills to chasing sunsets by the sea — our next leg through West Wales brought all the vibes. Beaches, vegan feasts, charming B&Bs and (of course) a small vet emergency. Here's how we road-tripped our way into beach mode, dog in tow and Pimm's in hand.

Dog-Friendly Wales: Beaches, Sunsets & Vegan Pubs

Swansea | Vegan Breakfast & Pepe’s First Beach Day 🏖️

We said goodbye to the Brecon hills and hit the road west toward Newport — but first, a city stop in Swansea. On a lucky Google Maps dive, we found a plant-based café serving a full English vegan breakfast that was an absolute win (Ground Coffee Shop). Bellies full, we rolled on toward the coast for a big first: Pepe's very first beach visit.

We weren’t sure how he’d react — his top two obsessions are birds and water — but turns out, he crushed it. Happy dog, flapping ears in the wind, and a whole lot of zoomies. He even scored a dog treat from the next café as a reward. Dog-friendly Wales keeps impressing — most places offer not just water bowls but also treats and even doggy ice cream.

Lydstep | Coastal Walk to Church Door Cove

Our next stop on the drive was a spontaneous hike to Church Door Cove — a beach famous for its stunning sea-carved arch, known as the “church door.” Located near Lydstep, it’s a short but dramatic walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and the cove itself feels like it belongs in a fantasy movie.

Fun fact: The massive rock arch was naturally formed by thousands of years of wave erosion — and yes, it really does look like the doorway of a Gothic cathedral.

It’s a bit hidden and best accessed during low tide, so check conditions before you go. Worth every step for the views.

Newport | Sunset at the Boat Club & Pimms Conversion

We arrived in Newport, Pembrokeshire just in time for golden hour. Our home base? A picture-perfect old vicarage turned cozy B&B. After settling in, we strolled down to the Newport Boat Club, a popular local spot with pub classics, views over the estuary, and that one thing we always chase: a proper sunset.

The Old Vicarage B&B | Staying in a Priest’s House

Our accommodation, The Old Vicarage Bed & Breakfast, is more than just a charming place to sleep. Set in a historic former priest’s house, it was lovingly restored by a young couple who turned it into a beautifully designed guesthouse full of character and warm hospitality. Think: fresh flowers, homemade breakfasts, and that slightly quirky Welsh vibe we’ve come to adore.

It made for the perfect base to explore the area, especially with dog-friendly beaches and cafés all around.

Cardigan Coffee & Newport Dinner Magic

No trip with Katharina is complete without a specialty coffee hunt, and Cardigan delivered. She found another gem and added it proudly to her global coffee list: CRWST

Dinner that night was a highlight: Secret Garden in Newport, a cozy restaurant with private huts in the garden for guests to dine under the stars. It’s a hidden gem with rave reviews for its creative vegan menu, seasonal ingredients, and fairylight charm. The only hiccup? Ordering a Pimm's again caused mild confusion at the bar — apparently, we’re the only people in West Wales still asking for it.

Chocolate Trouble & A Visit to the Vet 🐾

What’s a road trip without a little chaos?

While we were downstairs enjoying breakfast, Pepe decided to treat himself... to a bar of chocolate left on the bed. Cue panic. Chocolate = toxic for dogs, so we called up the local vet, thanks to a quick recommendation from our lovely hosts.

A short drive later, Pepe was getting the VIP treatment. One tiny injection and exactly 60 seconds later, the chocolate reappeared — not the prettiest scene, but huge relief. We left with a massive syringe of charcoal paste (for safety) and a very confused dog.

Final Thoughts

This stretch of the journey had it all: coastal beauty, charming towns, and a true taste of Welsh hospitality. We’ve fallen in love with the rhythm of these small seaside towns, the warmth of dog-friendly spots, and the magic of a simple beach sunset.