Six dog-friendly Yorkshire gardens to visit

Yorkshire is packed to the brim with dog-friendly holiday cottages, pubs, gardens and attractions so there is no need to leave your furry friend at home on your next UK holiday.

Whatever time of year you visit, Yorkshire’s gardens offer a great day out for all ages, surrounded by spectacular scenery, fabulous foliage and gorgeous greenery. We’ve picked Yorkshire’s six best dog-friendly gardens which you can explore with your four-legged best friend by your side. 

1. Helmsley Walled Garden

The beautiful Helmsley Walled Garden is open every day between the end on March and the end of October and it is a riot of gorgeous colours. The garden has been enchanting visitors to the market town of Helmsley for 250 years and has now been fully restored to its former glory.

The garden was originally founded in the 18^th century to provide food for the Feversham family who resided at Duncombe Park. After the First World War, the garden became overgrown until the early nineties when a local woman restored the space to provide horticultural therapy and it is now an extremely peaceful Yorkshire attraction.

You can explore the 5 acres with your dog by your side, as four-legged visitors are welcome on leads in all parts of the garden. The walled garden includes over 100 apple trees, herbaceous borders and themed garden rooms to explore, plus it’s conveniently situated at the start of the spectacular Cleveland Way National Trail, so it makes a great starting point for a longer walk if your tufty-pawed pal has limitless energy to burn! The Vine House Café is also dog-friendly if you fancy a bite to eat during your visit or to fuel up for an epic walk.

Stay nearby: The Velveteen Bath House, Helmsley | sleeps 4 + 2 dog

2. The Yorkshire Arboretum

Located in the beautiful Howardian Hills is The Yorkshire Arboretum. This fabulous 120-acre tree garden is part of Castle Howard and includes peaceful lakes and tranquil parkland. Plus, the garden's team are dedicated to restoring the UK’s biodiversity, so they have introduced some spectacular wildflower meadows. We recommend exploring and just seeing what you can find!

Dogs are welcome at The Yorkshire Arboretum too – you can even let them off the lead in an 11-acre area of the arboretum so it’s a great place to combine some sightseeing with a bit of exercise for your pup. The on-site café is also dog-friendly with water bowls available so you can all get a drink after your walk. If you’ve got kids in tow too, they’ll love the minibeast discovery trail and the woodland playground.

Plus, if you’re a member of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Westonbirt Arboretum, Bedgebury Pinetum or Ryton Organic Gardens, you can visit the Yorkshire Arboretum for free – so it’s a perfect option for dedicated dendrophiles.

Stay nearby: The Shed, Hovingham | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs

3. Burton Agnes Hall Gardens

The beautiful Burton Agnes Hall is one of the finest stately homes and gardens in the Yorkshire Wolds and dates back to the 12^th century. It still stands as a magnificent family home and will delight architecture appreciators.

Although they’re not allowed inside the hall itself, dogs are welcome in the beautiful grounds which include walled gardens and a mile-long Woodland Sculpture Walk. Their noses will twitch as they sniff out over 4,000 different plant species or make friends with the wildlife in the woodland. If you’ve got kids in your pack, they’ll love the maze and giant games.

Throughout the year, Burton Agnes Hall hosts a wide range of events – from flower festivals and Easter egg hunts in the spring, to Halloween trails and Christmas events in the winter – so it’s worth checking the calendar before visiting to see what’s on.

Stay nearby: Rock Lobster, Flamborough | sleeps 4 + 1 dog

4. Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park

Discover the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, one of Yorkshire's most unusual outdoor attractions. You’ll feel like you are in exotic climes with a trip to the fantastic park in Nidderdale. As you can expect from the name, Himalayan plants, rare rhododendrons and even a Balinese pagoda make this privately owned 45-acre garden near Masham well worth a visit.

As well as exotic plants to discover, you can also explore the arboretum and three lakes, as well as enjoying the 80 contemporary sculptures – making it a great day out for combining countryside and culture. Kids will love the woodland playgrounds, and there’s a lovely tea room surrounded by trees for when you need a spot of refreshment.

With a riot of stunning colours and a beautiful woodland setting, it’s a lovely day out for humans and doggies alike (although your pups must be kept on a lead at all times). It’s open from April through to November so if you’re keen to visit, make sure you time your stay right.

Stay nearby: The Mistal, Masham | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

5. Falling Foss Tea Garden

The small but magical Falling Foss Tea Garden in the North York Moors is a great choice for little legs – whether two or four! Falling Foss is home to a waterfall, a selection of woodland and riverside walks which dogs will love. There’s also a peaceful tea garden which serves light lunches and cream teas – well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Falling Foss is also loved by children for its enchanting setting. They can explore the woodland with their four-legged best friend by their side, play Pooh sticks from the bridge, paddle in the beck and visiting The Hermitage (a cave that’s carved out of stone) – as well as enjoying the sights of the mighty waterfall.

If your dog as a little more energy to spare, the garden is situated along Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk – so you can head 6 miles to Robin Hood’s Bay or continue inland the same distance to Grosmont. The coast at Whitby is only 5.5 miles away too – so Falling Foss makes a great stop-off on a big day trip!

Stay nearby: Swallow Cottage, Robin Hood’s Bay | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs

6. Thorp Perrow Arboretum

The 100-acre Thorp Perrow Arboretum near Bedale is home to one of the largest collections of trees and shrubs in the North of England. As well as beautiful scenery to admire, you can also meet a whole variety of creatures in the Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre. Plus, there’s an action-packed adventure play area – making this garden another great choice for families.

Dogs (as long as they are kept on leads) can happily explore the various walks and trails in the gardens, although they – understandably – aren’t permitted in the mammal or bird of prey centres but there are areas where you can secure them if you wish. When you’re dog-tired, there’s a sweet little tearoom service lunches, snacks and hot drinks, plus some items for smaller tummies. Your dog is welcome to join you on the outdoor seating areas.

Thorp Perrow also has a jam-packed schedule of events which range from family days and craft events to open-air performances – so it’s worth checking what’s on before you visit if you want to get involved in the fun!

Stay nearby: Wren, Bedale | sleeps 2 + 1 dog

Have we included your favourite dog-friendly Yorkshire garden on the list? There are so many more things to do in Yorkshire with your dog by your side, from secluded moorland walks to traditional days out by the seaside, and not forgetting the mouth-watering dog-friendly Yorkshire pubs and restaurants to dine in at. Gorgeous Cottages has a wonderful range of dog-friendly Yorkshire holiday cottages, so whether you are planning a romantic week away or want to bring your whole pack together for a large Yorkshire adventure, you can bring your four-legged family member along for the fun.