10 Dog-Friendly Days Out Across Yorkshire and the North East
Celebrate Walk Your Dog Month with your four-legged friend
Beamish Museum
Dogs are welcome at the museum and there’s no extra cost to bring them along. They’re usually allowed on transport (lower deck only and at the conductor’s discretion), as well as in lots of the museum’s buildings, including the 1920s Waggonway, the 1900s Colliery Yard and the Rowley Station. Don’t miss Beamish’s dog treats, tried and tested by their very own sheep dogs.
Raby Castle
There are plenty of scenic walks across the beautiful 200-acre parkland at Raby Castle with impressive views of the castle fortress, the lake and an abundance of wildlife across the ponds and woodlands. Plus, when you need a refresh, head to the Vinery Café where water bowls are available, and The Coach House Shop.
Auckland Castle Grounds
Visiting Auckland Castle? Dogs are welcome to explore the Deer Park and gardens on a lead and can even join you for lunch in the Bishop’s Kitchen courtyard (accessed via the North Terrace Garden). There are plenty of photo opportunities no matter the weather, with beautiful views of the castle and rolling countryside beyond.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
The ancient abbey ruins and water garden at this World Heritage Site are stunning in all seasons. Dogs are welcome in all of the outdoor spaces at Fountains Abbey and throughout the grounds (on a short lead) as well as in the visitor centre restaurant. Pick up a Pooch Passport whilst you’re there and collect six stamps from six National Trust properties to receive a pack of free Fourthglade treats for your dog.
Bamburgh Castle
Allowing dogs inside the castle grounds, the Tack Room Café and the Victorian Stables, Bamburgh Castle is a great day out for the whole family.
Yorkshire Air Museum
Visit one of the UK’s largest independent aviation museums, on the former site of RAF Elvington, a World War II bomber base, and take the dogs with you. Open seven-days-a-week, explore the museum and discover the fascinating collection of pre-World War II aircraft including the tiny Flying Flea and the famous SE-5A WW1 fighter.
Mother Shipton’s Cave
Dogs are welcome to enjoy the park alongside their owners at Mother Shipton’s Cave. Allow your four-legged friend to roam the park and join you in exploring the curious cave where Mother Shipton, England’s most famous prophetess, was born before marvelling at The Petrifying Well, England’s oldest visitor attraction which is believed to have healing waters.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Keep your dog on their lead and they can come with you to Sheffield Botanical Garden where you can wander the winding paths and explore more than 18 different garden areas based on geographical and botanical themes.
Castle Howard
While the House remains closed until spring so the Christmas spectacle can be dismantled, visitors to Castle Howard can still enjoy the farm shop, courtyard café and garden centre as well as Skelf Island Adventure Playground and the glorious gardens and grounds. Castle Howard host dog-friendly events throughout the year and dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating areas at the various cafés on-site, with water bowls provided. Bones are sold in the farm shop too.
Ford & Etal
Whilst Lady Waterford Hall and Heatherslaw Corn Mill will reopen for the new season on Monday 31st March, there’s still plenty to discover at one of rural Northumberland’s best kept secrets, Ford & Etal. Creative workshops are taking place throughout January and visitors can explore the countryside at Ford & Etal Estates all year round with footpaths perfect for dog walks.
