Robin Hood’s Bay is an inspiring dog-friendly place to bound off to for a holiday. Set on the craggy North Yorkshire Coast, it is so-called because it’s thought that the eponymous outlaw once took refuge there whilst on the run from his enemies. Did Robin Hood have a dog? It’s possible, but one thing we are sure of is that Robin Hood’s Bay has a good number of dog-friendly attractions, walks, places to eat and most importantly, superb pet-friendly accommodation too.
Located between Whitby and Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay also sits at the eastern end of Alfred Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast long-distance path and is an important waystation on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors. Characterised by its charming, cobbled streets and old fishermen’s and sailors' houses, Robin Hood’s Bay makes for an atmospheric coastal backdrop for your holiday on the North Yorkshire Coast. Read on to discover our favourite places to go with your pet on your dog-friendly holidays in Robin Hood’s Bay.
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🐾 Top walkies
🐶 Top days out
🍴 Top dining spots
🏡 Top places to stay
Top dog-friendly walkies in Robin Hood’s Bay
Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast
The best for long walks: Robin Hood’s Bay is a holiday destination for long-distance wayfarers that have trekked across the country from the west coast at St Bee’s in Cumbria. Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast connects the Irish Sea to the North Sea linking three national parks (the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors). The 182-mile path is divided into roughly 12 chunks. We’d recommend that you try out the nearest section from Glaisdale to Robin Hood’s Bay in the North York Moors. Catch a bus there and the Coast-to-Coast trail follows a mostly downhill course all the way to the North Sea.
Why your dog will love it: They are bound to meet like-minded canines out on this beast of a trail!
Whitby Abbey
The best for dramatic views: The dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey are perhaps the North East’s most iconic landmark. The atmospheric remains provided inspiration to the earliest named English poet, Caedmon, and the author of Dracula, Bram Stoker. This is a superb place for a doggy day out, even Dracula would agree, as he transformed into a dog to climb the 199 steps that lead from the Abbey to the ancient parish church of St Mary. He probably did this because the steps are easier to climb with four legs than with two. Whitby Abbey is a dramatic proposition for a dog walk and makes for an unforgettable day out.
Why your dog will love it: Dogs love ruins to scramble around.
The Cinder Track
The best for history: The Cinder Track follows the old path of Scarborough to Whitby railway line. It closed in the 1960s and after its conversion, it’s become a popular alternative route to the Cleveland Way for walkers and cyclists. 17.5 miles long, it passes through Robin Hood’s Bay. The section of the trail between the village and Whitby to the north is particularly pretty. Landmarks include the 36.5-metre-high Larpool Viaduct, and you could walk home via the Cleveland Way for even more beautiful scenery.
Why your dog will love it: The Cinder Track is a great way to enjoy an off-road trail and see the sights and sniff the scents of the local countryside.
Top dog-friendly days out in Robin Hood’s Bay
Fossil hunting at the beach
The best for fossils: Robin Hood’s Bay has a long beach lined with tall cliffs. It’s a superb location for unearthing fossils at the base of the cliffs and around the rock pools. You could even visit the small Yorkshire Coast Dinosaur and Fossil Museum which is packed with some fine specimens in its display cabinets. You can purchase small fossils found on the beach in its gift shop. The beach is a great place for a dog walk and game of fetch, as when the tide rolls out, the sea reveals a wide expanse of sand and rock for you and your pet to explore.
Why your dog will love it: They will be able to help you sniff out some excellent fossils on your beach trip.
The seal colony at Ravenscar
The best for wildlife: One of the best natural sights for you and your dog to visit whilst in Robin Hood’s Bay is the seal colony at Ravenscar. Obviously, you need to keep your dog on a very tight lead and to keep your distance, but observing the seals at their haul-out is a lovely spectacle. Make sure that you stop in at the Ravenscar Visitor Centre for the latest advice on where to see them and how to behave around these gorgeous wild animals. Also, at Ravenscar, you can see the remains of a WW2 radar station and a rocket post, as well as the old Alum Works.
Why your dog will love it: Dogs always love smelling new creatures. Just keep them safe and respect the seals.
Staithes
The best for dog-friendly eateries: Staithes is a pretty village with a beach for you and your dog to enjoy. The village may be familiar to those with young children as it is the setting for TV’s Old Jack’s Boat. Those with an interest in maritime history will also want to spend time at Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre. Staithes is famously dog friendly, with plenty of places to eat and drink and to take in the lovely coastal views across the village’s picturesque harbour.
Why your dog will love it: Staithes is seriously dog friendly.
Top dog-friendly dining spots in Robin Hood’s Bay
Smugglers
The best for pizza: A sit-down meal at this dog-friendly bistro is a splendid idea. With its ambient atmosphere, evocative of the village’s smuggling history, the aptly named Smugglers is a great place to dine in style. Dogs are only allowed inside the bistro before 5pm or in the upstairs bar during the weekend in the evenings. The stone-baked pizzas are highly recommended (for the humans of course). Booking ahead is advised.
Why your dog will love it: The staff are very kind and they genuinely welcome dogs.
The Bay Hotel
The best for a beer by the sea: For an authentic North Yorkshire night out in a pub, The Bay Hotel is Robin Hood Bay’s top pick. It’s a traditional hostelry at the sea’s edge where dogs are most welcome. The meals are fantastic, you won’t go home hungry as the portions are large and hearty: try the steak and ale pie! The pub is something of a refuge during the colder weather; you’ll always find a roaring fire inside to warm up beside with a cheering pint of Yorkshire ale.
Why your dog will love it: Toasty fires, pub snacks, great atmosphere. Who wouldn’t want to be a carefree pub dog?
Tea, Toast & Post
The best for a cooked breakfast or a light lunch: Full-English? Baked beans on toast? A bracing coffee before your day of touring with the hound? Then this dog-friendly café, Tea, Toast and Post, is most definitely a mealtime pitstop you must make on your holiday to Robin Hood’s Bay. It’s lively, friendly and one of the very best places to get a cooked breakfast or a light lunch in the village. Your dog will love it.
Why your dog will love it: The scent of cooked sausages and bacon will send your dog spare with delight. It’s a holiday for their noses!
Top dog-friendly places to stay in Robin Hood’s Bay
Lenwood | Sleeps: 2 dogs + 4 humans
This charming sandstone cottage sleeps four guests and two hounds. It is suitably situated close to all the action in Robin Hood’s Bay, being within easy walking distance of the village’s friendly pubs and shops. It’s home to a lovely kitchen and selection of idyllic rooms that will impress you and your dog with their style and ample character.
Granary Cottage | Sleeps: 2 dogs plus 2 guests
Situated in a fantastic moorland location, Granary Cottage is a lovely dog-friendly retreat for you and your loved one to enjoy. It’s a cosy escape with traditional cottage features like vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams which all add to the character. Just 2 miles from the coast at Robin Hood’s Bay, you’re never far away from the highlights of this beautiful area of the North of England.
Visit our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Robin Hood’s Bay where you and your pet will find the perfect backdrop for your break on the coast in North Yorkshire. For more inspiration, browse our pet-friendly guide to Yorkshire. Select your ideal self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottage from our collection - book your perfect holiday home today.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.