The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a superb dog-friendly holiday destination. Set in the north-west of England between the North York Moors National Park and the Lake District, it’s a fantastic region not to be overlooked by you or your four-legged best friend. As a whole, Yorkshire is packed with things to do and places to see, why not visit our full guide to the county after you’ve read this roundup?
The Yorkshire Dales is one of 15 national parks in the UK, and within its borders, you can enjoy around 380 official walking trails, or you and your dog could brave the county’s own Three Peaks Challenge and discover some great pet-friendly places to eat in amongst all the natural beauty spots that characterise this part of England.
To experience the Yorkshire Dales at its best and to immerse yourself in the place, why not treat yourself, your family and your dog to a stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages? Click the button below to find a place that you’ll all love.
What have we got to get tails wagging?
Click to fetch the Yorkshire Dales’…
🐕 Top walkies
🏦 Top towns to visit
🐾 Top days out
🥑 Top places to eat
🛏 Top places to stay
The best dog-friendly walkies in the Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Three Peaks
Best for exercise: Climb three peaks - Whernside, Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough. As you know, there are over 380 walks in the Yorkshire Dales that you could sniff out with your four-legged buddy, but we’d say that the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is the mother and father of all walking challenges in the county. You could climb all three in a single day if you are an early riser or plain bonkers, but we’d recommend a slower approach so that you can take in the awesome views from their summits.
Why your dog will love it: Active dogs will welcome the exercise and the chance to be with you on a bunch of great walks. Take a picnic full of treats.
The Twelve Apostles
Best for high views: If you have any energy left, ascend to the plateau of Ilkley Moor and visit the Twelve Apostles. At 381 metres above sea level, you will find the ancient stone formation called the Twelve Apostles. It’s an unmissable beauty spot popular with locals and visitors to the area. If you have an older dog or a pup and you don’t fancy a long climb, you can park at the Cow and Calf Rocks which is within a mile of the Twelve Apostles. There are no other facilities at the top, so pack some lunch, and dress for the weather!
Why your dog will love it: The Twelve Apostles is one of the best-loved viewpoints in the Yorkshire Dales, high above Ilkley. They will love the exercise.
Ingleton Waterfall Trail
Best for an easy walk: A most pleasant excuse to go walkies is this relaxed prospect for you and your dogs. The trail to the gorgeous Ingleton Waterfalls meanders through ancient oak woodland, and some curiously named natural features that include Hollybush Spout, Snow Falls, Beezley Falls, Thornton Force, Pecca Falls, Rival Falls, and Baxenghyll Gorge.
Why your dog will love it: The paths can get very muddy and dogs love mud, don’t they? Visit the falls after a rainy period to see the waterfalls in full gush!
The best dog-friendly towns to visit in the Yorkshire Dales
Dog-friendly Hawes
This charming Yorkshire Dales market town is characterised by its stone cottages and winding lanes. Its backdrop is the steep green fells, river valleys and deep woodlands of Upper Wensleydale, and the waterfalls in nearby Aysgarth. Hawes' narrow streets are home to dog-friendly pubs and cafes, interesting shops and handy amenities (seemingly) from a bygone age such as independent butchers, bakers, and greengrocers.
Why your dog will love it: It's like stepping back in time to a land of friendly shopkeepers with pockets full of dog treats!
Dog-friendly Grassington
Grassington is a charming Yorkshire Dales market town with limestone cottages set deep in Wharfedale. Perfect for dog-lovers that adore walking, this town is situated close to the Dales Way and a myriad of trails that ferry you through woodlands and over fells. The streets of Grassington are full of dog-friendly cafes and restaurants; we'd recommend The Corner House. There are lots of interesting independent shops where you can buy fancy and bespoke goods made in the Yorkshire Dales too.
Why your dog will love it: Your dog will love the scents wafting from the bakeries on the town square.
Dog-friendly Richmond
Richmond is a gorgeous Yorkshire Dales market town with lots of open spaces for you and your dog to explore. The town centres around its Norman castle, yet there are lots of parks and heritage buildings such as Culloden Tower, Easby Abbey, and Friary Tower to uncover. You could also take a dog-friendly ghost tour of Richmond one evening - see how brave your four-legged wonder really is. Find out even more about dog-friendly Richmond in our handy guide.
Why your dog will love it: There are many open spaces in Richmond for you and your dog to enjoy some quality time together in.
The best dog-friendly days out in the Yorkshire Dales
The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Best for new scents and sounds: Train lovers rejoice as well-behaved pooches are welcome to clamber aboard a steam locomotive alongside you. The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway cuts along the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales through prime scampering country and the eye-catching ruins of Bolton Abbey. Bolton Abbey is a lovely stop off for a leg-stretch with the dog – see if they can make it across the stepping stones before you do!
Why your dog will love it: Some dogs love the sights, scents, and sounds of being aboard a huge steam train. It will certainly be a new experience for many, humans included.
Ingleborough Cave
Best all-weather attraction: Dogs love digging holes. Your layperson often puzzles as to why they partake in this mad pursuit. There are theories and facts to uncover but, in the meantime, why not take your dog down a really big hole instead? Dogs on leads are welcome at the enchanting Ingleborough Cave. Made passable for visitors in the 1800s, there are over 500 metres of paved walkways through the maze of stalactites and stalagmites to venture along. Ingleborough Cave is one of the best dog-friendly all-weather attractions in the Yorkshire Dales, so add it to your itinerary should the weather take a turn for the worse.
Why your dog will love it: It’s a whole new experience for most dogs, but most will appreciate a subterranean adventure.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Best for a relaxing day out: The ruins of Fountains Abbey near the cultural and historic gem of Harrogate are majestic and make for an inspirational day out. A recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Studley Royal Water Garden, there are idyllic ornamental ponds to rest beside and huge lawns on which to enjoy a picnic. The park is home to wild deer like Sika, fallow, and red deer so keep your dog on a lead, please. Dogs are allowed everywhere except inside the buildings or the children’s play area.
Why your dog will love it: The astounding beauty of the open spaces and trees is bound to bewitch your pooch with their scents.
Top dog-friendly places to eat in the Yorkshire Dales
The Yorke Arms, Pateley Bridge
The best for a post-walk pint: Settle in the bar with your trusty pet and enjoy a rewarding pint and some bar snacks at this lovely 18th-century former coaching inn near Pateley Bridge in the Nidderdale AONB. Welcoming dog owners with open arms, The Yorke Arms is a superb choice to conclude a day of touring the Yorkshire Dales with a well-earned pint or a glass of wine.
Why your dog will love it: The bar is nice and cosy with a safe space to stretch out and rest.
The Blue Lion, East Witton
Best for tasty food: Fine dining may draw in the humans to this country pub, but dogs are also welcome to accompany you in the bar. Divine food and warm, welcoming spaces ensure that you can unwind in peace and imbibe some delicious ales, wines, and food from the impressive menu. The Blue Lion is a cosy gastropub where man and beast can enjoy the very best of Yorkshire Dales hostelry.
Why your dog will love it: The food is top class here, so any dog snacks are likely to be of the same calibre.
The Singing Kettle, Settle
The best for warm welcomes: With dog biscuits and drinking water on hand, The Singing Kettle in Settle knows how important a happy pet is. Put this merry establishment on your hit list if you are in the area as it’s a very nice spot to stop by for a cup of tea and cake, or maybe a light lunch. The staff are lovely and always give dogs a warm greeting.
Why your dog will love it: Your dog will make friends for life at this cosy café in Settle.
The best places to stay in the Yorkshire Dales
Dragonfly | sleeps 1 dog + 2 humans
Best for cosy evenings: This dog-friendly holiday home for two is perfect for a couples' getaway. With the dog in tow, you can discover the best of the Nidderdale AONB direct from your doorstep. Visit the North Pennines for culture days and long hikes too. This apartment is cosy and romantic with its fireplace and elegant lounge designed for relaxation. Dragonfly will appeal to your dog too as there is lots of room in front of the fire for them to unfurl and warm their fur.
Why your dog will love it: It’s all about the spot in front of the fire!
Boutique 39 | sleeps 1 dog + 4 humans
Best for location: Set in Wensleydale, this dog-friendly holiday accommodation called Boutique 39 has a brilliant location close to The Blue Lion, the ruins of Middleham Castle (former home of the notorious Richard III), the Wensleydale Creamery, and all the stunning beauty of the Nidderdale AONB. Boutique 39 is a tastefully furnished and decorated family home and could be the perfect backdrop for your holiday touring the Yorkshire Dales with your dog.
Why your dog will love it: The lovely walled garden with terraced patio will inspire hours of rest and play.
Croft House | sleeps 2 dogs + 6 humans
Best for a sociable stay: This gorgeous pet-friendly holiday cottage for two lucky dogs and six humans near Kettlewell is a superb choice for an extended family break. Grandparents, parents and kids can all pile in and spend some quality time together enjoying this Yorkshire Dales house furnished for comfort and location. Croft House is a great base for a walking holiday being close to the Dales Way National Trail and the pretty Bolton Abbey.
Why your dog will love it: This holiday home comes with a toasty wood burner. Need we say more?
Dog-friendly holidays in the Yorkshire Dales
Planning a holiday bunk up with the hounds, a walking trip to remember, or do you want to experience the wild outdoors of northern England with your family and pets? Then book a stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales! We have properties large and small to accommodate you and your dogs. Click the button below to browse our pet-friendly Yorkshire Dales holiday homes 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.