Due to the successful dog-friendly trials at a number of its historic sites in Wales since April, our four-legged friends are now welcome at Chepstow Castle, White Castle, Skenfrith Castle, Grosmont Castle, Coity Castle, New Castle and Kidwelly Castle in south Wales and Flint Castle, Criccieth Castle, Dolforwyn Castle and Ffynnon Gybi in north Wales. An information leaflet is available to download from the Cadw website www.cadw.wales.gov.uk and at Cadw sites.

The other monuments which have been dog-friendly since April are Blaenavon Ironworks, Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre, Caerphilly Castle, Raglan Castle and Caerwent Roman Town in south-east Wales; Oxwich Castle, Cilgerran Castle, Lamphey Bishop’s Palace and St Davids Bishop’s Palace in south-west Wales; Strata Florida Abbey in mid Wales; Denbigh Castle, Basingwerk Abbey, Ewloe Castle, Rhuddlan Castle and Valle Crucis Abbey in north-east Wales and Castell y Bere and Dolbadarn Castle in north-west Wales.

Before setting off on a heritage-packed day trip with a dog it is advised to first check Cadw's website (www.cadw.wales.gov.uk) and look out for the words ‘dogs welcome’ next to the site to be visited. Assistance dogs and their owners have access to all Cadw monuments without restriction. However, some areas such as spiral staircases, castle ramparts and exhibition areas will be out of bounds for the safety of four and two legged visitors.

Dogs must be kept on a lead and under close control at all times. At staffed sites, Cadw custodians will also provide, on request, a bowl of water to keep your dog hydrated. Owners will be expected to clean up after their dog (poop bags provided at staffed sites)

Marilyn Lewis, Director of Cadw, said, "Dogs are great companions and often integral members of the family. The trials at the initial seventeen sites have gone so well that we are extending the scheme to further sites around Wales so there is no reason why they should be left out when planning to explore Cadw’s fascinating heritage sites across Wales.

''From castles to abbeys we hope allowing dogs on leads to a selection of Wales's finest historic sites will increase everyone, including pets’ enjoyment.