Yorkshire is an outdoor-lover’s dream. Almost every person you come across is dressed in walking boots, waterproofs and a backpack. With the Dales and Moors to hike, cycle paths to ride, rocks to climb and rivers to canoe, you can have an action-packed time in this county. There are a host of dog-friendly days out in Yorkshire for you both to get stuck into.
The Best Places To Take Dogs in Yorkshire
To take your four-legged friend on a beautiful expedition, pick routes such as the one that takes you on a stroll to Ingleton Waterfall. Right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, you will pass through ancient woods and rolling hills along the way.
The coastline of Yorkshire is 45 miles long and includes delightful seaside resorts and well-known spa towns. The town of Scarborough, Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay and Withernsea are just some of the quaint coastal places that offer accommodation for guests and accept pets. Along with amusements, chip shops and donkeys, there are great strolls along cliff tops and the back of pretty coves.
Here is our must-do list of dog friendly attractions in Yorkshire – but there are plenty more days out where these came from:
Activities & Things to Do
Find below 7 of the best days out in Yorkshire for dogs
1. Hikes on The Dales
The Yorkshire Dales National Park covers 680 square miles of ground and can be enjoyed by walkers with their pups as it is pet friendly. With challenging trails and peaks to climb and gentle pathways through villages, there is something for every kind of walker.
Try part of the James Herriot Way – it’s 52 miles in total and goes through Swaledale and Wensleydale. Livestock can be in some of the Yorkshire fields, even ones with a path crossing through it, so be ready to put doggies on a short lead in some areas.
2. Visit Bolton Abbey
Bolton Abbey and the estate is a popular place to walk for families, hikers, photographers and nature lovers. There is the priory itself to see, and areas of woodlands and riverside to explore. With set-aside places for Fido to run free, your canine friend will love it here in Yorkshire. In other marked areas, such as the car parks, café and sites, guests and dogs are welcome on their leads.
3. Walking on The North York Moors
The North York Moors has some of the best dog walks in Yorkshire through heather-clad hills and still close to a nearby town for a drink. Remember, if you are booking one of our cottages in Yorkshire, that canine companions are not permitted on the open moors, make sure you head off on one of the many paths that are dog friendly nearby. The Cleveland Way is one, and it will take you from Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey.
4. Dog-friendly Beaches
Next to the town of Whitby, Tate Hill Beach is a small, sheltered bay that allows dogs on the sand all year round. It’s the ideal place to take a picnic or share a bag of fish and chips and is considered one of the best dog friendly beaches in Yorkshire. You can stroll along the Yorkshire coast for miles here and take a peek inside some of the smuggler’s caves along the way. Others in Yorkshire have restrictions, but normally all permit dogs from October to April.
5. Visit a Castle
Many of the cottages to rent are close to Castles which can be great as most are pet-friendly. And there are plenty of fine fortifications to discover in the county. Scarborough Castle on the coast, Richmond Castle in the North and Pickering Castle overlooking the Yorkshire Moors are just some of the splendid examples that will keep history buffs and their four-legged friends enthralled for hours.
6. Ride on a Steam Train
Yorkshire has several heritage railways. They are fascinating for all the family and offer a great day out on holiday. The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway featured in The Railway Children and ran through Bronte country. The Moors Railway runs throughout the area going from Pickering and is a great day out with the kids. Both allow you to take the dog along on the train for a ride you will never forget. Remember to search for pet-friendly special offers online.
7. An Outdoor Art Gallery
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park near the town of Wakefield is open almost every day of the year and combines a relaxing walk with roughly 80 pieces of art on the trail. Some works are permanently exhibited, and others are on loan for limited periods only. As you stroll around, take in the outdoor art and observe the changing light, it’ll open your mind to something new. Your four-legged friend is more than welcome around the gallery.
Looking at Visiting the Area
Now you know about the countless dog-friendly places in Yorkshire, we have a sneaky feeling you may want to visit. If that’s the case, look no further, you can find a superb selection of pet-friendly self-catering accommodation right here
Holiday Cottages
From hot tub cottages oozing with character to coastal retreats, we have put together a list of the finest dog friendly cottages around the Yorkshire Dales.
Log Cabins
Yorkshire log cabins that welcome dogs are fast becoming the most popular choice for families and couples wanting to get away from it all and relax.
Last Word
With so many activities and attractions to try, Yorkshire has become a popular destination for any type of holiday with your pet. If you still need to book your accommodation, whether that’s a lodge, cottage or cabin, see our vast range of breaks in Yorkshire.