Sand, sea and supernatural spooks – Whitby really does have it all, and it’s a brilliant place for your next dog-friendly holiday. Surrounded by the Cleveland Heritage Coast and the countryside of the North York Moors, there are plenty of opportunities for walkies, but there are also many dog-friendly things to do in Whitby which will set tails wagging too.
We’ve taken the lead and put together a guide to pet-friendly Whitby, so whether you’re looking for dog-friendly restaurants in Whitby or the best pet-friendly beaches for your pup to zoom along, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our Canine guide to dog-friendly Whitby, and when you've finished here, why not go and take a look at our complete canine guide to Yorkshire for more inspiring ideas for you and your four-pawed pal?
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Furbulous dog-friendly things to do in Whitby
Whitby Abbey
Photo credit: Instagram @theohsosmallone
Make your first port of call in Whitby the iconic ruins of Whitby Abbey. These spooky ruins are said to have inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula, and four-legged vampire fans are welcome to visit this famous attraction. Not only can you see the legendary ruins, but its hillside location offers brilliant coastal views, plus your furry friend can stretch his legs on a walk around the site.
St Mary’s Church
We know dogs might not be so interested in a walk around a church, but it’s the 199 steps up to it that we think will set tails wagging. Perfect for tiring out even the most energetic of hounds, take a walk up this famous set of stairs to St Mary’s, the parish church of Whitby, where theological tail-waggers are welcome inside. You could also combine it with a visit to Whitby Abbey close by.
Bark Endeavour
If there’s a more appropriately named dog-friendly attraction in Whitby, we’d like to see it. Salty sea dogs are welcome aboard the HMS Bark Endeavour, an authentic replica of the ship sailed by Captain James Cook on his 1768 expedition, for a 25-minute trip around the Whitby coastline. You can learn about the geological features of this part of the North Yorkshire coast and maybe even spot dolphins and seals while your four-legged first mate feels the salty sea breeze through his fur.
Wonderful dog walks in Whitby
Cleveland Way
This 109-mile trail covers some of the most beautiful landscapes in North Yorkshire and also runs right through Whitby, giving you and your hound the opportunity to roam to your hearts’ content. Take the trail 3 miles north to Sandsend or 7 miles south to Robin Hood’s Bay where you can enjoy epic cliff-top vistas and stunning coastal scenery.
Cinder Track
At 21 miles, this track is shorter than the Cleveland Way but we’re still sure your dog will be tired out before you reach the end! It runs south from Whitby along a disused railway route to Scarborough so it’s a brilliant choice if your pup likes things a little quieter (although keep an eye out for cyclists). If you don’t fancy walking the whole thing (even if your dog would), stop off at Hawsker, Ravenscar or Hayburn Wyke before making your return journey.
The Whitby Ghost and Dracula walk
For brave pups only – this 75-minute tour of the supernatural side of Whitby will send shivers down your spine. Begin in the graveyard in the shadow of the abbey and learn all about the town’s spiritual history, bewitching folklore and spooky ghost stories. It won’t tire your dog out, but it’s a walk you won’t ever forget!
Woof-tastic dog-friendly beaches in Whitby
Tate Hill Beach
There are three dog-friendly beaches in Whitby to choose from, but this is our favourite because it offers dogs the opportunity to dig in the sand, swim in the sea and run along the shore all year round! It’s a small, sandy beach just below Whitby Abbey, so it’s the perfect place for a picturesque dog walk. Amusement arcades found a short walk from the beach will delight the kids, while there is also an array of independent shops nearby – maybe you could pick Fido up a treat for being such a good boy?
Whitby West Cliff Beach
This beach is probably Whitby’s most popular and has a wide range of attractions to please the whole family, including trampolines, crazy golf and cafes nearby. There’s also a lovely row of multi-coloured beach huts. The huge stretch of sand is perfect for your dog to go mutts on, but there are dog restrictions between May and October on certain areas; keep an eye out for the stencils on the ground which mark out the restricted areas.
Sandsend to Whitby
At the north end of Whitby is this wonderful 4-mile stretch of sand which runs all the way to Sandsend. If you’re after epic walkies along the sandy shore, this is the beach to come to; not only can you and your hound both stretch your legs but there are some beautiful views to soak up too. This section of beach is also subject to dog restrictions in the summer season so make sure you check the signs when you visit.
Delicious places to eat in Whitby with dogs
Black Horse Inn
There’s nothing better after a long dog walk than a pint of local ale to quench your thirst, and the Black Horse Inn is one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Whitby. The traditional pub has a brilliantly old-school vibe and, although the menu is limited, it’s a great place to sit and soak up the historic atmosphere while your pup laps up a complimentary bowl of water.
Mr Chips
It should be illegal to visit a coastal town such as Whitby and not tuck into a plate of fish and chips. Whitby boasts many chippies but it’s hard to know which welcome hounds as well as humans. However, Mr Chips is a great place for dog-friendly fish and chips in Whitby. Fido can join you in the restaurant as you tuck into a plate of freshly fried fish and fluffy chips, or there’s the option to takeaway too – just watch out for greedy seagulls!
Beckett’s Coffee Shop
If you’re looking for dog-friendly cafes in Whitby, Beckett’s should be top of your list. This little café is a brilliant place to take a pause (or should that be paws?) away from the hustle and bustle of the town. Tuck into a slab of homemade cake and a steaming pot of tea while the staff make a fuss of your four-legged friend – he might even get a dog treat to nibble on!
Tail-wagging dog-friendly Whitby cottages
Or, sniff out your dream cottage from our collection of dog-friendly accommodation in Whitby by clicking the button below.
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.