Kate A
15 December 2017
From the wide-open spaces of the moors, carpeted in purple heather during the summer, to the sweeping stretches of sand along the coast, the landscapes of the North York Moors are a paradise for adventurous dogs. Combine this with a great choice of pet-friendly pubs and dog-friendly attractions, and you have the perfect recipe for a memorable break with the four-legged members of your family.
Read on to discover ten of our favourite dog-friendly holiday cottages in the North York Moors. For our full collection of dog-friendly properties across Yorkshire, please click below.
Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Not only is this charming 19th-century cottage a fabulous choice for a romantic break in the North York Moors, but two of your dogs can come too! After treating your happy hounds to a w-a-l-k, hang up their collars and leads and sink into the sofa in the lounge with a film on the TV, and cosy up with your loved one while your pups snooze at your feet. Situated in a tranquil village, this rural retreat is an ideal base for dog walks galore and it also has a small southeast-facing patio for an outdoor afternoon snooze. The patio is unfenced so best to leave pups to bound about in the wilderness of the exquisite North York Moors - there's certainly enough space!
This gorgeous one-bedroom holiday retreat has a charming boutique feel, with a sitting room with feature fire (the hound won't know that it's not real), perfect for snuggling up after a long walk. The compact kitchen is big enough to prepare meals, and upstairs, a double-height bedroom and spacious en-suite give a feeling of space and comfort. Set right in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, Rosedale Abbey has a choice of pubs, shops and a charming village green, plus there are lots of tail-wagging walks to sample right from the front door. We recommend heading to the dog-friendly Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge for some of the most stunning views around.
Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
This chocolate-box stone cottage in Kilburn is perfect for a romantic getaway to the North York Moors National Park with a wood-burner for cosy nights in and a gorgeous hot tub in the garden. There are plenty of nearby walks to try with four-legged friends which include following the Cleveland Way to nearby Sutton Bank where dogs are welcome throughout the visitor centre including an on-site cafe.
There's a dog-friendly Yorkshire gastro pub just down the road from Tickleberry Cottage and the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead is just over a mile away making this country retreat the perfect choice for foodies. The bedroom comes with a super-king-size bed and a picture window so you can enjoy a comfortable night sleep and then wake up each morning to views of the White Horse at Kilburn.
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Located in Farndale (famous for its daffodils), Fern Retreat is a luxurious barn conversion with a great garden and a dog-friendly pub just over the road. You can look forward to chunky oak beams, exposed brick walls and fabulous views over the North York Moors. Dogs, meanwhile, will go barking mad for the underfloor heating, with so many warm spots to curl up on. You can even lay their favourite blanket by the wood burner for extra comfort. A cool and light kitchen will tempt keen cooks to prepare a variety of fabulous picnics and meals, to be enjoyed at the dining table in the open-plan living space with its vaulted ceiling and country-style furniture.
Outside, at the front of the property, you'll find an enclosed south-facing garden with lawned area and gravel patio. Sit back on the garden furniture in warm weather and enjoy some al fresco dining. Or grab a coffee and just drink in the amazing views while your favourite pup scampers about and has a well-deserved roll about on the lawn. A glorious expanse of heather-clad countryside is yours to explore right from the doorstep of this pet-friendly property in the moors – simply pick a trail and lose yourselves in the breathtaking landscapes. There are also countless picture-postcard villages to wander within a few miles, including the chocolate-box Hutton-le-Hole with its winding stream that dogs will love splashing about in.
4. Coco, Helmsley
Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Coco is a dog-friendly North York Moors cottage that has a prime and peaceful position in the popular market town of Helmsley. There’s a well-designed, enclosed courtyard garden that’s ideal for pooches to soak up some sunshine. Get the BBQ sizzling, throw Rover a sausage and enjoy some al fresco dining in the warmer months. And when it’s time for bed, there’s no better spot for canines to dream of chasing balls than snuggled on the rug in front of the wood burner. This bright contemporary space is stylish and thoughtfully designed, the perfect escape for a small family and their dog, or a few friends wanting a fabulous base for a holiday on the edge of the moors.
There's an equally stylish outside space, with light tiles and a gravel area for either a spot of sunbathing or dining alfresco when the Yorkshire weather allows! At the front of the property, there is also a small open garden with a bench, perfect for that early morning coffee with the hound at your feet. Step out of this chic cottage and you’ll find a plethora of shops, bars and restaurants (many allowing dogs) within walking distance. As well as enjoying walkies in the surrounding moors, there’s also plenty to entertain four paws in the town, including Helmsley Walled Garden and English Heritage’s Helmsley Castle, which both welcome dogs on leads.
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Tails are sure to be wagging when they arrive at this rural retreat on a large sporting estate. Visit in summer and drink in the far-reaching views from the sheltered patio - or stay in the winter and spend quality time together in front of the flickering flames of the wood burner. Original brickwork and wooden beams maintain the charm of this lovely, old sandstone barn and instantly make you and your dogs feel at home. A double-height living space gives the barn conversion a feeling of light, with light walls and wooden floors continuing the theme. This cosy room is the ideal place to have dinner - you can then retreat to the comfortable leather sofas to kick back with a film and a bucket of homemade popcorn. Upstairs, there is a spacious master with en-suite and walk-in shower and separate bath - the views across to the moors are phenomenal. There's also a ground floor bedroom with en-suite as well.
To the front of the cottage is a lawned area which looks out to the estate and to the rear, a lovely sheltered patio with BBQ for al fresco evenings. Just be careful of those sausages as Fido will no doubt want to help you with them! This gorgeous barn conversion is high up in the North York Moors – close to the popular vantage point of Clay Bank. An ideal choice if you and your pups favour spectacular scenery and picturesque hikes. Within the village of Chop Gate, you’ll find The Buck Inn – a dog-friendly pub that’s a top choice for walkers. Please bear in mind that this cottage is set on a shooting estate, so nervy dogs may be better to visit out of season.
Sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
This two-bedroom dog-friendly cottage is a great choice for families as it is set around a quiet courtyard with a large, enclosed garden at the rear. Inside, leather armchairs, warm throws and a crackling wood burner make this a super cosy cottage to curl up and relax in. With elegant country-chic interiors and a village pub (dog-friendly, of course) a couple of minutes’ walk away, this idyllic bolthole is perfect for those seeking peaceful pet-friendly holidays in the North York Moors. You'll love it as soon as you arrive, its stone exterior and pretty paint a welcome sight after a long drive. Enter straight into the sitting room where a traditional décor and wood burner greet you and the pups, just the spot for a quick evening snooze before heading to bed.
On sunny days, fire up the BBQ and invite your hounds to snooze alongside you on the pink and white deckchairs. Let them have a roll about on the lawn while you sit at the outside table and try to catch some rays. Dogs who haven't burned off enough energy on the North York Moors can mosey down to the mature trees at the bottom of the garden and do a little squirrel watching. For days out, the cottage is just a couple of miles from both Hutton-le-Hole and the popular town of Kirkbymoorside where a variety of dog-friendly eateries can be found. For scenic walks with your pups, we recommend going for a hike through Ravenswick Woods.
7. Maheshwar, Kirkbymoorside
Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Dogs will just love a visit to Maheshwar – there’s plenty of space for them to run around outside in this beautiful rural setting. An enclosed paddock offers the perfect spot for a game of frisbee! It’s a great choice for families too as, within the grounds, you’ll find a shared hard court for tennis, a shared billiards room and a croquet set. Inside, the luxury continues with a huge wood burner for pups to enjoy a snooze by after a day of adventure. Both you and the pups will love the kitchen with its heated floor - those with four legs need never be far from the action while resting in comfort on the warm floor, hoping for some tasty crumbs to fall. While the various areas in the house invite you to take the weight off your feet and relax, the charming bedrooms provide a welcome respite at the end of the day.
Tucked away on a farm, there are three different footpaths to follow leading across the countryside to neighbouring villages and towns. Dog-friendly Kirkbymoorside is just a couple of miles away, where you can enjoy a good old Yorkshire brew and a slice of sticky cake in the Penny Black café which welcomes canine companions with open arms. If you prefer to dine at home, you'll love the large courtyard which looks over the North York Moors. With a large table and BBQ, it's the perfect place to breathe in the fresh Yorkshire air while your furry friends take the opportunity for a well-earned nap.
Sleeps 7 + 3 dogs
Surrounded by open fields and sharing 27 acres of grounds with the owner’s farmhouse, this dog-friendly cottage for rent in the North York Moors is certainly a treat of a retreat for holidaying hounds. They won’t believe their luck when they sniff out their very own private room under the stairs with a canine chaise-longue! Humans are well catered for too, with a sauna, hot tub, pool table, and exceptional views across to Roseberry Topping. The property is a great place to get together with family and friends, including three lucky canines. Socialise together in the open-plan living space downstairs and have a game of pool, or let sleeping dogs lie in front of the wood burner as you lie back on the hugely comfortable L-shaped sofa.
As the property accepts up to three dogs, you'll be glad to know that there's lots to love outside too. Hop into the Western Red Cedar barrel sauna and then sink into the hot tub to admire the wonderful views. The garden is fully enclosed so safe for both those with little legs and four legs but do be aware that there is livestock in surrounding areas so best to keep nosy canines attached if they get too close. When the pups aren’t barrelling around in the enclosed garden, there’s a wealth of walking routes from the doorstep, plus you are only a few miles from the famous Cleveland Way. One of the best local walks favoured by canines is the relatively easy circular route around Cod Beck.
Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
This spacious 4-bedroom holiday home has lots of space for families or groups of friends to gather together and comes with lovely large enclosed gardens that are just right for children and dogs to run around and let off some steam. Highlights of the outside space include a sweeping lawn, a patio with BBQ, a beautiful rose garden and a stargazing pod where you can enjoy far reaching views of the surrounding North York Moors countryside as you relax with a drink or two.
Head inside and the space has been perfectly designed for a multi-generational get together. A couple of downstairs bedrooms with en-suites are ideal for anyone with mobility issues and the open-plan living/kitchen/dining room has plenty of space for every (including four-legged friends) to socialise together. The location is equidistant from Scarborough and Pickering so the dog-friendly beaches of the Yorkshire coast and the delights of Dalby Forest are both just a short drive away. There’s also an array of dog-friendly walks to try directly from the front door and an abundance of nature to spot in the scenic surroundings of this peaceful holiday home.
Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
One of our dog-friendly cottages in the North York Moors for larger families, Crag Cottage boasts three floors of luxurious features including a toasty double-sided wood burner. After tucking into the thoughtful welcome hamper brimming with goodies, younger members of the family can get competitive with a game of table football while the dogs doze peacefully by the fire or outside in the huge elevated garden. With exposed stone, wooden beams and country-style furniture, a warm welcome awaits at this charming cottage, yet a contemporary design brings it into the 21st century. Four bedrooms are set across the first and second floors, one of which even has its own table football for younger guests - you may have a hard time getting little ones down for breakfast in the morning!
An elevated garden sits outside and a gorgeous large enclosed patio with rattan furniture and solar lighting is the focal point on balmy summer evenings. There's also another level with a further patio area and garden furniture at the top. Located within the village of Ruswarp, the River Esk is only a short amble away with rowing boats and a miniature railway for kids of all ages to enjoy. It’s also just a couple of miles from the coast where you’ll find lots of beaches where you can take the dogs. And Whitby is 3 miles, where all members of the family can explore the atmospheric ruins of Whitby Abbey, whether on two legs or four.
Have any of these dog-friendly holiday cottages in the North York Moors caught your eye? There are even more gorgeous properties within our pet-friendly collection, so why not click the button below to browse all our dog-friendly Yorkshire cottages!
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.