Nothing hits quite like a country pub in Yorkshire. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is full of homely, traditional little pubs. But what about your dog? Or dogs? Will they be welcome too? This guide will cover the best dog friendly pubs in the Yorkshire Dales. Whether you want to venture to the highest pub in Britain or stay central by heading to Malham’s local, these pubs will keep you and your dogs well entertained and refreshed.
1. Tan Hill Inn
Address: Long Causeway, Richmond, DL11 6ED
Wow Factor: Highest pub in Britain.
Tan Hill Inn is the most dramatic dog friendly pub on our list. Standing at 1732 feet above sea level, Tan Hill Inn is Britain’s highest pub. While it is situated on the famed Pennine Way hiking route, it is otherwise drastically isolated from society. The pub is a windswept outpost on rugged moorland – the ideal country pub for adventurous pups and their owners.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside, the only requirement being that they are kept on a lead.
2. The Royal Oak
Address: Bridgehouse Gate, B6265, Bridgehouse Gate, Pateley Bridge Harrogate, HG3 5HG
Wow Factor: Classic country pub with black and white exterior.
The Royal Oak has that classic white-painted exterior with black features and golden writing. Situated in the village of Pateley Bridge, it is one of the best dog friendly pubs Yorkshire Dales National Park offers.
It is particularly well-suited to those who want to explore a small country village. Pateley Bridge is home to some interesting attractions, including The Oldest Sweet Shop in The World, the Nidderdale Museum, and St Mary’s Church Ruins. You could easily leave your dog in the car for twenty minutes after a walk and pop into one of the attractions. Otherwise, enjoy a village walk with your dog and window shop, ending the day with a drink or meal at The Royal Oak.
3. The Buck Inn
Address: Cove Road, Malham, Skipton, BD23 4DA
Wow Factor: In the centre of Malham, next to a freshwater stream.
The Buck Inn is right in the middle of Malham – a Yorkshire Dales hotspot for hikers and dog walkers. The Victorian hotel is one of the loveliest ‘dog pubs’, with additional outdoor seating that is wonderful in summer. The Buck Inn is somewhere sociable with a community feel where you can watch the world go by with your pooch. The sign outside reads, “Muddy boots and dog friendly”; enough said.
If muddy boots sound up your street, you can enjoy one of the many walks around Malham. Harry Potter was filmed on the limestone pavement at the top of Malham Cover. This route is the village’s most popular. There are also hikes to Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar. You can check out more hiking inspiration in our guide on the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales.
4. The Foresters Arms
Address: Carlton-in, Coverdale, Leyburn, DL8 4BB
Wow Factor: Country inn with rural views
The Foresters Arms has a rural charm and is located just outside the village of Carlton. You pull straight in off a winding country lane with traditional drystone walls, and the pub has beautiful views over the surrounding farmland. As an inn, it functions as both a pub and somewhere to stay, meaning it has an extra hospitable, friendly atmosphere.
At The Foresters Arms, dogs are welcome in designated dog-friendly areas. If you are unsure, you can ask a staff member to show you where you and your pup can sit. The pub even has its own dog called Barney.
5. Aysgarth Falls Hotel & Restaurant
Address: Aysgarth, Leyburn, DL8 3SR
Wow Factor: Just down the road from Aysgarth Waterfalls.
Aysgarth Falls Hotel and Restaurant is technically not just a pub. The property also offers lodging and dining options – including dog-friendly rooms if you want an overnight stay. Keep Aysgarth Falls Hotel in mind if you want dog friendly pubs with rooms in Yorkshire. Planning a quick visit? The bar area welcomes drop-in visitors and their dogs though, perfect for a quick drink or bite to eat.
Apart from being one of the most dog friendly pubs in the Yorkshire Dales, it is just an 11-minute walk to Aysgarth Falls. Aysgarth Falls are one of the top waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales and include a series of cascades in a woodland park setting.
6. The White Hart Inn, Hawes
Address: Main Street, Hawes, DL8 3QL
Wow Factor: In the centre of Hawes.
The White Hart Inn is where to head for a pub experience with your dog in Hawes, a famous market town in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The 16th-century inn has a large bar area that welcomes owners and their dogs. You’ll even find dog treats at the bar. Chances are your dog will get more attention than you.
In summer, outdoor seating becomes very popular. The White Hart Inn has a courtyard-style beer garden if you’d prefer to sit outside with your pup. Hawes itself is great for walking around, too, and is home to the Dales Countryside Museum and the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre.
7. Kings Head
Address: B6270, Gunnerside, Richmond, DL11 6LD
Wow Factor: Rural location and rumoured dog treats.
The Kings Head is another rural pub for your dog friendly pubs list. It is a traditional stone building with stone-flagged floors and a wooden bar area. In summer, you can make the most of outdoor seating. Doug, the resident pub dog, may or may not still be living there. However, all dogs are welcome to join their owners for a drink and a bite to eat. It is rumoured that there may be dog treats at the bar too.
While it is situated in the village of Gunnerside, we can assure you that you’ll get a serene, laidback experience at the Kings Head. The village is tiny, backed by dramatic moorland hills, and cut in two by Gunnerside Beck, which a stone bridge spans.
8. Craven Arms Pub & Cruck Barn
Address: Appletreewick, Skipton, BD23 6DA
Wow Factor: Thatched roof.
Craven Arms Pub & Cruck Barn is a thatched roof beauty of a pub. The 16th-century building is a classic pub in the Yorkshire Dales for dog owners. From the stunning green-field scenery outside to the ivy-covered walls and fantastic staff, it is a welcoming spot to enjoy hospitality in the Dales.
Water is provided for dogs, and all well-behaved guests are welcome (canine and human alike). If you are lucky, you can catch seasonal events, too, like conker championships and ferret racing.
9. Sun Inn
Address: Main Street, Dent, Sedbergh, LA10 5QL
Wow Factor: Traditional whitewashed building
Sun Inn is a small pub better known by locals. Its traditional whitewashed exterior makes it a photogenic addition to this guide. It is also one of the best Yorkshire pubs that allow dogs. The Sun Inn is a great place to stop for a quiet drink with your dog. The open fires are perfect for warming up after a wet, muddy dog walk. You won’t be short of nearby walks either, as Dent is known for its scenic cobbled streets and country footpaths.
Sun Inn is surrounded by campsites that are practically empty in wet winter months. This is the most atmospheric time to visit, with fewer crowds and views of miles and miles of empty green fields.
10. Red Lion
Address: Burnsall, Skipton, BD23 6BU
Wow Factor: Busy, friendly atmosphere in centre of Burnsall.
The 16th-century hotel has a dog-friendly pub and is situated right next to the River Wharfe. You can sit in the cosy indoor bar area or grab a sunny spot in the beer garden. Past guests have counted as many as ten dogs in the bar area at a time – so it is a great sociable spot for dogs and people alike. The Red Lion is one of the best Yorkshire Dales dog friendly pubs if you want a busy atmosphere.
Check out our guide on visiting Burnsall here. It is a great village to visit with dogs, especially older dogs who can potter along the riverside park in the village centre and swim in the River Wharfe. The Dales Way also cuts through the centre of Burnsall, which you can follow up to Hebden Suspension Bridge or all the way to Grassington if you want.
Feeling inspired? We hope you have a wonderful Yorkshire pub experience with your canine friend. These dog friendly pubs in the Yorkshire Dales will be a real treat for all the family.
When it comes to dog friendly pubs, Yorkshire has it all. However, we have plenty more inspiration for visiting Yorkshire. Check out these 8 best destinations in Yorkshire or enjoy more country pubs in Haworth – the home of the renowned Bronte sisters.