Discover Pet Sitting and House Sitting in Wales

Many of our housesitters like to share their experiences on our blog, in this article Jill Shelton tells us about pet and house sitting in Wales and all the ways to discover more about this principality. Finding a house sit in Wales in an exciting way to discover this remarkable terrain with an extraordinary history. Read on to learn more.

Discover Pet Sitting and House Sitting in Wales

Gower peninsula in Wales — The Gower Peninsula offers once of the most extraordinary landscapes in Wales

Photo by Ollie Craig

Having recently spent time Pet sitting and House sitting in Wales I wanted to share the experience and expand on what there is to discover pet sitting and house sitting in Wales.

When we first began our house and pet sitting journey, we had no idea the adventures it would lead us on. But over the years, one thing has become clear: house sitting offers a unique way to experience places, and Wales is no exception. Our time spent house sitting in this beautiful country has allowed us to see Wales in ways we never would have as regular tourists.

From the quiet coastal villages to the rugged mountain landscapes, house and pet sitting has given us the opportunity to discover the country’s culture, people, and natural beauty.

What you can Discover Pet sitting and House sitting in Wales

Living like a local when house sitting in Wales

One of the greatest joys you will discover pet sitting and house sitting in Wales is becoming part of the community, even if it’s just for a couple of weeks. Our first house sit in Wales was in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The homeowner was a lovely single Mum who was heading to Spain with her two teenagers for a holiday. They left us with their two dogs, a pair of energetic Springer spaniels, who were a a lot of fun to look after.

We even took them to a local festival as dogs are allowed to go almost everywhere with you. They certainly enjoyed all the wonderful smells of food from the people picnicking on the grass.

Photo by: Gavin Merritt

From day one, we felt welcomed into the area. The local shop owners, the neighbours, and even the postman would greet us with a friendly smile and a “hello.” Staying in someone’s home, taking care of their pets, and becoming part of their daily routine gave us an authentic taste of Welsh life that we wouldn’t have found staying in a hotel or rental.

We found Cardiff to be a vibrant city blending modern culture with historical landmarks. It’s a great base for exploring Wales and offers plenty to see and do. The National Cardiff Museum provides an excellent overview of Welsh art, history, and natural history. Cardiff’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, with plenty of parks, shops, and restaurants to enjoy.

Explore Castles and Welsh History

Our Pet sitting and House sitting in Wales took us all over the country, from the southern coast of Tenby to the northern ferry crossing of Holyhead. In each place, we made time to explore the rich history of the region, especially the castles that seem to be everywhere you turn.

Wales is often referred to as the “Land of Castles” with over 600 castles spread across the country. While not all castles are open to dogs, there are plenty of dog-friendly historic sites to explore. I highly recommend a visit to the majestic Conwy Castle, a 13th-century castle that boasts spectacular views over the Conwy township and estuary and one of the best-preserved medieval town walls in Europe.

We were in awe of the sheer size of its stone walls. In Wales, every town seems to have a story, often linked to ancient kings, dragons, or mythological figures. House sitting allowed us to take our time and soak in the history at a relaxed pace.

Conway castle — The very impressive Conwy castle is one of the best preserved in Europe

Photo by: Jill Shelton

Meet the locals

Cardiff wasn’t the only place we felt welcomed, as Welsh people are known for their warmth and hospitality, and we found this to be true throughout our stays. Whether we were in a large town or a quiet village, we were always met with kindness. In one memorable sit in Conwy, we were invited by the homeowners’ neighbours to join their family for a Sunday roast—a traditional Welsh meal that featured local lamb, roast potatoes, and vegetables.

As a pescatarian, I chose not to have the lamb and they were very accommodating, with some cooked fish to go with the delicious roast veggies. Over dinner, we swapped stories about our travels, learned about local traditions, but failed at picking up a few Welsh phrases, which proved too challenging for me.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Welsh life is the continued use of the Welsh language, which you’ll hear spoken in many parts of the country. Road signs and place names are bilingual, and many locals take great pride in keeping their language alive.

Welsh town with longest name - British Rail sign — This sign post shows the Welsh town with the longest name – try and pronounce it!

Photo by: Jill Shelton

Discover the Coastal Towns Pet sitting and House sitting in Wales

One of our favourite house sits in Wales, was in Tenby, a picture-perfect seaside town on the southern coast of Wales. We were caring for a lively Labrador named Toby, and his boundless energy was the perfect excuse to explore Tenby’s sandy beaches and coastal paths. Tenby is known for its colourful houses and medieval walls, but staying there as house sitters gave us a chance to see beyond its tourist attractions.

Another great reason to discover Pet sitting and House sitting in Wales. Mind you the tourist attractions are worth seeing as well, which we did while Toby rested at home. In the mornings, we would take Toby for a walk along Tenby’s South Beach, where we often had the entire stretch of sand to ourselves. Although we were told by locals that it gets very busy during school holidays, so best to avoid those periods.

In the afternoons, we’d wander through the narrow streets, stopping at local cafes for coffee and Welsh cakes, chatting with locals who gave us tips on where to find the best viewpoints and walking tracks.

Tenby in Wales — The picturesque coastal town of Tenby which is very popular with the tourists

Photo by: Jill Shelton

Unspoiled and Less Crowded

While England and Scotland attract large numbers of tourists, Wales remains relatively unspoiled and less crowded by comparison. This means you can explore its many attractions, from castles to national parks, without the hoards of visitors you might encounter elsewhere.

Even in popular areas like Tenby or Cardiff, it’s easy to find peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquillity of the country. For those seeking an authentic experience without the tourist traps, Wales is the perfect destination.

Discovering Wales in a Unique Way by House Sitting in Wales

Pet sitting and House sitting in Wales has allowed us to experience Wales in a way we never could have imagined. We’ve experienced life in local communities, explored remote landscapes, and formed bonds with wonderful animals along the way. Each house sit offered us a different perspective on the country—from the beaches of the coast to the quiet serenity of the countryside.

Wales is a place that stays with you, with its deep history, stunning scenery, and warm-hearted people. House sitting there has been one of the most enriching travel experiences we’ve had, and it’s a place we’ll return to again.