Few places in the North are as fun to explore with your dog than Yorkshire. Not only are you spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic walks amongst stunning scenery, the historic towns offer a variety of dog-friendly places, from pubs to cafés, parks and gardens. We love having your four-legged friends join us on Northern trains, so book your tickets and get ready to explore the North with your dog!
Dog-friendly days out in York
You can't visit Yorkshire without a trip to York! A city steeped in history, take a walk with your dog through the iconic Shambles, a medieval street lined with quaint shops and dog-friendly pubs like the Shambles Tavern. Stop by for a drink or bite to eat, while enjoying the live music on offer. The Shambles Food Court also welcomes dogs and has an array of street food to choose from every day of the week.
Continue your adventure with a stroll along the city walls for panoramic views, and don’t forget to visit the beautiful York Museum Gardens. Found in the heart of the historic city, this tranquil garden lies in the shadow of the medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey and is open to well-behaved dogs on leads all year round. You can also hop on board a York City Sightseeing Tour bus, which is a great dog-friendly way to take in the city, guiding you around 21 stops.
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Step back in time with your dog as you board a steam train at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and travel through the scenic heart of Brontë Country. Dogs travel free and must be kept on a leash, but there’s no shortage of destinations to hop off and do a spot of exploring.
Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll along spectacular nature trails like the Top Withens Walk, which takes you to the village where the Brontës lived and wrote, along pathways they walked, and through the moorlands and waterfalls that inspired literary classics like Wuthering Heights.
Seaside fun in Whitby
If you and your dog love the sea, Whitby is a must-visit. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, Whitby offers plenty of dog-friendly attractions. After you've taken a stroll along the beach, visit the iconic Whitby Abbey, home to the spectacular ruins that inspired Dracula author Bram Stoker. Dogs are welcome to explore the grounds on leads.
Once you've worked up an appetite, enjoy some fish and chips at one of the many dog-friendly pubs in Whitby. The Endeavour pub, named after Captain Cook's famous ship, welcomes families and dogs alike. While they only serve bar tapas, you're welcome to bring along your own fish and chips to enjoy with a refreshing drink! The Dolphin offers a dog-friendly pub beside the harbour with beautiful views over the water, serving food 7 days a week.
The Yorkshire Dales
For a taste of the Great Outdoors, head to the Yorkshire Dales. Skipton, known as the gateway to the Dales, is perfect for a day trip with your dog. We recommend Skipton Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, where dogs are welcome in the grounds. Then, explore the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath, a peaceful spot for a walk with stunning scenery.
Northern trains run regularly to Skipton, so a day out with your dog to the Dales couldn't be easier. We've also introduced a brand new Yorkshire Dales Explorer service, which runs every Saturday and connects Rochdale, Manchester, Salford, Bolton and Clitheroe with Settle, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Ribblehead and the Yorkshire Dales.
Learn more about taking your dog on the train
Discover everything you need to know about taking your dog on a Northern train, as well as tips and tricks to make the journey as easy as possible!
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