Dog Friendly Wales at Craig y Nos Castle

Craig y Nos Castle sits in a dramatic gorge in Powys, and if you're bringing the dog along on a Mid Wales break, this is properly worth the detour. The castle itself - a Victorian Gothic pile built by an opera singer called Adelina Patti - makes for a striking backdrop, but the real draw for dog owners is the grounds and the valley setting. You can wander the estate with your pooch without the usual restrictions that come with many heritage sites. The landscape here is raw and moody, with steep valley sides and woodland that feels genuinely wild rather than manicured.

Walkers with dogs will spend a solid hour or two exploring the grounds, though it's not flat. Bring proper boots if you're planning to get off the main paths. Families with less agile members might find it tiring - the terrain is genuinely undulating. The nearest town is Swansea, which feels a world away despite being under an hour's drive.

If you're basing yourself at Brecon Beacons Camping & Caravan Park just up the road, this slots in nicely as a half-day stop. The glamping options further afield at Four Falls or Aber Glamping work too, though you'll have a longer drive. The castle grounds have a particular appeal in autumn and winter when the crowds thin out and you've got the valley more or less to yourself. Do check opening hours before you go - it's not always staffed.