Yorkshire really should be known as ‘Dogs own Country’ because not only are there numerous dog friendly beaches and miles of walks for paws to explore but many tourist attractions will extend a warm welcome to your pooch too. Here are five great days out that my spaniels and I regularly enjoy.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
One great day out to be had with your dog is a trip on a steam train from Pickering to the popular seaside town of Whitby, the trains are dog friendly (except for the dining trains) but there is a small charge for your pooch to travel. You can hop on and off the train at the intervening stations, my dogs love alighting at Newtondale Halt in the heart of the moors for a walk in the woods and if you are a Harry Potter fan you’ll definitely want to stop off at Goathland Station which became Hogsmeade Station in the first film. Even if you don’t fancy taking your dog on the train, the 1930’s themed Pickering Station is still worth a visit, the tea-room is dog friendly and my girls revel in the amount of attention they get from the station staff here – they really do love dogs.
Ryedale Folk Museum
Situated in the picturesque village of Hutton-le Hole, Ryedale Folk Museum takes you on a journey of rural life from the Iron Age to the 1950’s. With 6 acres of history to explore and sniff both you and your dog will have a day to remember. Dogs are allowed everywhere so you won’t miss out on looking round any of the 20 buildings and can even visit the Daylight Photographic Studio, dress up and take a selfie! Afterwards you can enjoy a coffee or a spot of lunch at one of the excellent dog friendly cafes and pubs in the village while watching the free roaming sheep going about their business!
Rievaulx Abbey
A day spent sniffing out the majestic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in the North York Moors is a day well spent according to my dogs. Owned by English Heritage it was once one of the most powerful Cistercian monasteries in England and you can follow the story of it’s rise and fall by visiting the museum where dogs are also welcomed. Pooches can join you in the tearoom as well where of course they are provided with fresh water. You and your dog can also enjoy a beautiful walk (about 5 miles there and back) to the picture perfect market town of Helmsley where you can explore the dramatic medieval Helmsley Castle if you have time.
Helmsley Walled Gardens
If you are a lover of gardens you and your four legged friend will enjoy a relaxing wander around the 5 acres of Helmsley Walled Gardens. The gardens were restored from a derelict state back in the early 90’s and now boasts over 100 apple trees as well as stunning herbaceous borders and themed garden rooms. The onsite Vine House Café serves really tasty lunches and cakes and is extremely dog friendly inside and out. There’s always plenty of water bowls dotted around for your dog to quench his thirst but I think the real proof that dogs are welcome here and not just tolerated is that each pooch receives a biscuit from the ticket office on their way in.
Burton Agnes Hall
Situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds this stunning Elizabethan stately home is one of my favourite places to take my dog’s on a day out. The Cunliffe-Listers who own Burton Agnes Hall extend a warm welcome to all visitors including those with four paws and although dogs are not allowed in the Hall itself they are permitted to wander round the formal grounds and the award winning walled and jungle gardens. Probably the highlight of the day as far as your furry friend is concerned will be the woodland sculpture walk, which if you happen to visit in February is festooned in snowdrops. Your pooch will be welcome to join you on the terrace of the Courtyard Café, which I may add serves some of the most delicious home made cakes in Yorkshire.
If you’re thinking about visiting this area with your dog on holiday, be sure to see our collection of dog-friendly accommodation in Yorkshire.
