Plan Your Visit
The North York Moors with dogs
Moor, forest, coast and plenty of dog-friendly pubs. The North York Moors is excellent dog-walking country. A few simple rules keep it safe for livestock, wildlife and your own pet.
- On open moorland and farmland: keep dogs on a short lead, or under very close control, whenever sheep or cattle are nearby. This matters most in spring during lambing.
- Ground-nesting birds: from March to July keep dogs on the path and on a lead on heather moorland where curlew, lapwing and grouse nest.
- Beaches: many Yorkshire coast beaches have seasonal dog bans in the central lifeguarded zones, usually May to September. Signs mark the boundaries.
- Livestock worrying is a crime: even a playful chase can end badly for the animal, the farmer and your dog. If in doubt, put the lead on.
- Pubs and cafes: most village pubs welcome well-behaved dogs in the bar or a designated area, but food service rooms may be off-limits. Ask first.
- Poo bags and water: carry both. There are rarely bins on open moor, so bag it and carry it out.
Village-by-village dog notes
These links jump straight to the dog-friendly notes on each village page, so you can plan where to walk, where to eat and what to avoid.
Whitby
Abbey grounds are assistance dogs only; the 199 steps are steep and slippery when wet. Best dog spots: West Pier early, the beach walk to Sandsend, and the Cinder Track.
More villages coming soon
We are adding dog notes for Pickering, Goathland, Robin Hood's Bay, Helmsley, Hutton-le-Hole and Thornton-le-Dale. Check back, or read the full moors with dogs guide in the meantime.
Good all-round dog walks
These routes are reliably dog-friendly, with manageable underfoot conditions and water or shade along the way:
- Thornton-le-Dale, easy beck-side paths and village greens.
- The Bridestones, short moorland circuit with firm paths.
- The Cinder Track, flat, shaded and excellent for a steady dog trot.
- Whitby to Sandsend, beach at low tide, with fresh water at Sandsend.
Where to stay with a dog
Many self-catering cottages in the moors accept dogs, and several pubs allow them in the bar. If you are touring with a classic car as well, see where to stay in the Moors and the Bangers & Cash accommodation guide.
More dog guidance
For the full picture, beaches, pubs, lambing season and what to do if you meet livestock, read our complete North York Moors with dogs guide and the dog-friendly pubs round-up.