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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Portmeirion - no dogs (not BU)

53 replies

Otins · 31/01/2024 10:03

It’s been a while since a dog thread 😉 and I recently found this. I’m considering a trip to Portmeirion in North Wales and their dogs policy is definitely not unreasonable in my view.

I wish more cafes etc would take this stance. They tried it but rules weren’t adhered to so they took the privilege away.

“Pets are not allowed on-site, with the exception of Guide or registered assistance dogs/animals.
We are often asked about the reason for Portmeirion & Castell Deudraeth's no-dogs/pets-allowed policy. One reason for the rule is the conflict pets (particularly dogs) produce in natural areas used as wildlife habitat and also used by people for recreation. Portmeirion's natural areas are managed in a way that protects habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species. Dogs, by nature, can damage sensitive habitats as well as harass or kill vulnerable wildlife. The no-dogs policy is also applied to protect the many people who may be picnicking, walking, swimming or relaxing in the grounds.
A dogs-on-leash rule used in the past proved ineffective because many people disregard the policy. We have also found that a few pet owners do not take the responsibility to pick up pet waste. Patrolling park grounds to assure that dogs are under control, contacting those who are not being responsible with their pet and cleaning up after pets to assure a safe visitor environment was an inefficient use of limited staff time.
With the exception of registered guide & assistance dogs/pets, Portmeirion will continue its policy of excluding pets from the village and its grounds to help assure a quality visitor experience and help protect natural resources at Portmeirion.
The company policy regarding dogs/pets includes the village, woodlands, farmland, Castell Deudraeth, estate cottages and gardens. The policy does not affect any statutory rights of way, bridle paths, public footpaths or access to these areas.”

OP posts:
Mindyourfunkybusiness · 31/01/2024 10:10

This is nice for all the people who dislike dogs and love to whinge about it online - they can now meet in person and do that there instead! It sounds like an amazing holiday and hopefully more places will do this so you all have more places to hang out and complain. I wonder what will piss people off next if there are no dogs. Kids? The slow elders? Haha

Pocketfullofdogtreats · 31/01/2024 10:23

Great post @Mindyourfunkybusiness

I'm a responsible dog owner and I'm a bit sad that I won't get to go there because (not for the first time) a minority have spoilt it for the others. The point about disturbing wildlife is a valid one - in a supposed nature reserve near me, dogs crash through the undergrowth (ground-nesting birds), and I've seen one rampaging through the ducks' nests by the river with the owner not batting an eyelid. Some stupid woman was allowing her dog to put up all the seabirds on the sandbanks at the estuary. People think the rights of their precious fur baby are paramount. And that's without the argument about picking up the poo. So I don't blame Portmeirion. The only thing is that they're cutting out a big potential business area - dog owners

Bigearringsbigsmile · 31/01/2024 10:26

More places should do this.

The dog friendly thing has gone way too far with dogs in John Lewis etc!
Why does anyone need to take their dog to a department store???

Cazpar · 31/01/2024 10:27

What's your AIBU then?

Haydenn · 31/01/2024 10:29

Just as a bit of a different perspective. I am a single woman and most often when I go on holiday and out walking I do so alone. I love to explore and head out to quite remote places, mountains, woods and the like.

There is absolutely no way as a woman I would feel safe walking in remote areas on my own without a dog. So whilst I “get” this policy. For me I love my dog for many, many reasons- but he is also my freedom to explore safely.

vodkaredbullgirl · 31/01/2024 10:30

Yeah all of 3 days 🙄I would rather stay at home than take my dogs on holiday.

IrritatingIrritant · 31/01/2024 10:33

Sounds great!

VickyEadieofThigh · 31/01/2024 10:33

I'm a dog owner and applaud this stance. I'm sick to death of seeing dog shit everywhere and am unable to take my nervous rescue dog to several parks where the sign - "All.dogs must be kept on leads" - apparently has an additional line visible only to certain people which says "Except yours - let them off lead if you like".

People don't need to take their dogs to every tourist attraction and Portmeirion has clearly reached the end of its tether with the 'Fuck everyone else, I'll let my dog run off lead despite the rule and I'll leave its shit where it laid it' brigade.

NoCloudsAllowed · 31/01/2024 10:33

Their tickets are always sold out, so I guess they are able to do this where other attractions wouldn't.

wetotter · 31/01/2024 10:34

I think the facilitation of human tourism is probably having a greater effect on wildlife habitat than whether a proportion of those visitors bring dogs!

That said, completely happy with them having this policy. I think the shitty owners who cannot keep their dogs on lead in designated areas and who do not
pick up after their dogs have led to this situation. And though I think it's a shame that the antisocial behaviour of a few has led to the ban on all, I think it's a perfectly valid way forward

SleepyYolo · 31/01/2024 10:35

Whats the aibu? Im in favour of this policy but wish they restrict how many they admit as its too many people to enjoy the place.

Bigpaintinglittlepainting · 31/01/2024 10:38

I wish they would do this at more sites, we were at a RSPB beach with a large rock pool area where there is a lot of wildlife and seals, a couple with a dog off lead running on the rocks just ruining the peaceful environment for wildlife.

Dogs whilst loving to humans do not react in the right way to wildlife and wild areas. And owners can't be trusted to keep them away from sensitive wildlife sites.

wetotter · 31/01/2024 10:39

Bigearringsbigsmile · 31/01/2024 10:26

More places should do this.

The dog friendly thing has gone way too far with dogs in John Lewis etc!
Why does anyone need to take their dog to a department store???

JL has always let dogs into its stores - this is not new. It's just that there was a puppy boom, so the dog population is that bit larger and more visible than it was. JL opened its first store in 1864, and is presumably taking a longer view - that the number of dogs will drop back a bit after the current bulge (who will now be aged about 3 or 4). And that although there are more dogs, it's still no more than a handful across a whole store at any one time.

ClaudiaWankleman · 31/01/2024 10:42

What's your AIBU?

If a business allows dogs or doesn't allow dogs it attracts or appeals to different demographics and might be able to price itself differently. It's ultimately a business decision - Portmeirion obviously didn't like the expense that came with allowing dogs - OK, fine. It sounds like their are footpaths with public rights of way over the area anyway, so dogs may still be found on those paths.

Bargello · 31/01/2024 10:43

We went to Portmeiron about a year ago and thought it was a total rip off, but very much applaud their stance on this matter.

Well done them.

Hedwiggy · 31/01/2024 10:43

Haydenn · 31/01/2024 10:29

Just as a bit of a different perspective. I am a single woman and most often when I go on holiday and out walking I do so alone. I love to explore and head out to quite remote places, mountains, woods and the like.

There is absolutely no way as a woman I would feel safe walking in remote areas on my own without a dog. So whilst I “get” this policy. For me I love my dog for many, many reasons- but he is also my freedom to explore safely.

I think this is so true. I was speaking to my SIL recently, she's also single and likes to get out and about but her dog goes nearly everywhere with her. She said that a guy she had been chatting to with a view to dating had been quite sniffy about some of her photos, seeing her dog in the background and not liking those people who take their dogs everywhere.

She said that since she has had her dog whilst more people will stop and chat to her in a pub, she doesn't get the sleazy approaches or men who wont take no for an answer at all. She was telling me that there is no way she would feel as comfortable going out walking in strange areas or holidaying in the places she does without having a big dog alongside her.

I found it really interesting. I've been with her brother since university and have never really seen her dog from that point of view before or appreciated what travelling for her might be like. I have just seen him as a pet. Gave me a bit of a different perspective on what he means to her. (granted its a big dog, I doubt she'd feel the same with a daxie by her side).

She had found the guys attitude quite filled with male privilege that he would just book a pub or hostel somewhere to stay in overnight, and think nothing of it- whereas for her she says to many bad experiences over the years mean she would never enjoy or find that experience relaxing.

ohtowinthelottery · 31/01/2024 10:45

I have visited Portmeirion (I don't have a dog) and must admit it was refreshing not to have to be checking what you are putting your feet in or having to jump out of the way of unruly off lead dogs charging towards you on paths.

I think some dog owners forget that not everyone loves their dogs (ditto applies to children).

A local cafe put a post on Facebook yesterday advertising that they were dog friendly. Unfortunately they put a photo of a 'cute' dog with it's chin resting on one of the tables. Almost immediately someone commented that it was unhygienic and they would not wish to use a table a dog had been on. The post disappeared pretty quickly after that.

As a non dog owner, I'm more than happy to frequent places where dogs are allowed but only if they are on a lead or under very close control and in the case of places serving food and drink that the dogs are on the floor under the table. You might think it looks cute to have your dog sitting up on a chair at the bar or the table but I don't want to sit on that chair/stool afterwards and be covered in dog hair. Nor do I want dog hair in my food.

As in the rest of life it is the few that spoil it for the many.

craigth162 · 31/01/2024 10:47

I wish more places were conscious of this...cafes especially. I love dogs but my nearly 4 year old is terrified. Not sure why but he is disabled and has delays so not easy to discuss with him. The worst is when dogs off lead come bounding up to his wheelchair - he cant escape and gets hysterical no matter how friendly they are. He cancope with 1 in a cafe but if a 2nd comes in they often bark and we have no option but to leave.

BeardieWeirdie · 31/01/2024 10:48

Ticket entry isn’t cheap but if you book afternoon tea/lunch, entry is included which works out at pretty good value. There are so many beaches nearby - I’ve left the dog in the car and enjoyed Portmeirion before going for a dog walk at spectacular Morfa Bychan.

Cazpar · 31/01/2024 10:48

Almost immediately someone commented that it was unhygienic

People's phones, wallets, handbags etc are generally absolutely filthy and yet it's odd that an awful lot of people have no issue leaving those on a café table...

takealettermsjones · 31/01/2024 10:49

Cazpar · 31/01/2024 10:48

Almost immediately someone commented that it was unhygienic

People's phones, wallets, handbags etc are generally absolutely filthy and yet it's odd that an awful lot of people have no issue leaving those on a café table...

Phones don't usually lean over and gozz on your plate 😆

Cazpar · 31/01/2024 10:52

takealettermsjones · 31/01/2024 10:49

Phones don't usually lean over and gozz on your plate 😆

You're right.

People hold them instead, get the bacteria all over their hands, and then transfer said germs to door handles, plates, their cutlery, their face, each other...

Not to mention holding them to their faces when they make a call.

Citrusandginger · 31/01/2024 10:53

This brings back fond memories of taking our very soggy first dog around Portmerion some thirty years ago with his tail between his legs in the pouring rain.

I swear we got a don't even think about it look from him every time we ever talked about going back to Wales.

Tempnamechng · 31/01/2024 10:53

It's a shame that a minority have spoilt it, isn't that always the case though. I haven't visited for a couple of decades, as a holiday to North Wales for us would involve us taking the dogs.

coatonthewashingline · 31/01/2024 10:54

As a dog owner, I wish that dogs were banned from ALL beaches. I’d be sad, personally - really sad. But the disruption to birds that are already struggling to breed due to all the other human disruptions now seems insupportable.

The fear of dogs, even when on leads, screws things up too badly for birds.