Kate W
19 June 2023
Escape to dog-friendly Whitby and enjoy adventures with your favourite people including the family pet.
Whether your dog joins you on a visit to the gothic remains of Whitby Abbey or goes scampering across the beaches, everyone in your group will have a wonderful time at this popular destination.
Read on for all our favourite things to do in Whitby with your dog in tow or click the button below to explore our pet-friendly Whitby cottages.
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Dog-friendly beaches in Whitby
Leave footprints and pawprints on the sand at these beautiful beaches along Whitby’s coastline.
Tate Hill Beach
One of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Whitby, Tate Hill, is located right in the heart of town beneath the famed abbey making it an easy place for a morning dog walk to start the day right. It welcomes our four-pawed friends all year round and, if you’re staying in Whitby, you can pick up a pastry from a local store on your way back to your holiday cottage.
Whitby West Cliff Beach
The larger of Whitby’s two wonderful dog-friendly beaches, Whitby West Cliff, welcomes pets all year round too although part of the beach is off-limits during the summer months. It’s a great place for a family day at the seaside with shops, bumper boats, trampolines, and crazy golf to enjoy.
Sandsend Beach
A mile’s walk along the sand from Whitby West Cliff Beach sits the sand and shingle shores of lovely Sandsend Beach, sitting just below the picturesque village of Sandsend. A cafe, pub and gift shop can be found near this charming dog-friendly beach, although parts are restricted for dogs during the summer.
Saltwick Bay
Just a couple of miles from Whitby, on a particularly beautiful and peaceful section of the Yorkshire coast, you’ll discover lovely Saltwick Bay. This pet-friendly beach is ideal if you want to get out of town and see the sublime countryside, half-submerged shipwrecks and fossil-rich cliffs, although take care as there are the occasional rock falls too.
Dog-friendly Whitby walks
Plan an adventurous dog walk along the cliffs and beaches of the coast or a scenic stroll amongst the heather of the North York Moors National Park.
Cleveland Way to Runswick Bay
Follow the iconic Cleveland Way to Runswick Bay route for fantastic coastal views as you walk along the clifftops. Covering around 7 miles, this route can take about 3 hours to complete and Runswick Bay is a charming fishing village where you can grab a well-deserved bite to eat on arrival.
Falling Foss and May Beck
Go on a dog walk through fairy-tale woodland, strolling alongside the babbling May Beck and visiting the 30' Falling Foss waterfall on this circular dog walk near Whitby. Falling Foss and May Beck route is 2 miles long and great for families or groups of friends with plenty to spot along the way.
The Cinder Track to Robin Hood’s Bay
The entire Cinder Track trail runs from Whitby all the way to Scarborough, but if you’re staying in Whitby we’d recommend just following this first section that finishes in beautiful Robin Hood’s Bay. With charming, red-roofed cottages and pubs overlooking a shimmering beach, it’s just the place for a coffee and cake to refuel before heading back – whether that’s by foot or bus!
Esk Valley - Sleights to Whitby
Head out along this shorter, 4-mile section of the scenic Esk Valley Walk, a long-distance path that follows the Esk Valley Railway, taking in picturesque countryside and even heritage steam trains as you go. Best of all, you can hop aboard a dog-friendly Esk Valley Railway steam train for the journey back to Whitby.
Whitby Abbey, Lighthouse and Saltwick Bay
Beginning at Whitby Point, by the working lighthouse that overlooks the bay, you and your dog can follow this walk along the clifftops to Saltwick Bay, taking in views of the coast, countryside and Whitby Abbey along the way. It’s 4.5 miles to the bay where your dog can race around and chase waves before you walk back or call a taxi to drop you back at your holiday cottage.
Things to do in Whitby with a dog
Head out on the water for a sea safari or stay on dry land and explore the stunning North York Moors during your dog-friendly Whitby holiday.
Take a boat trip out to sea
There are some fantastic boat trips setting sail from Whitby Harbour, offering the chance to take in the coastline and some stunning location features and wildlife, all with your dog aboard too. Whitby Coastal Cruises offer pet-friendly boat trips from Whitby.
Explore Whitby Abbey
These iconic gothic ruins are thought to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula and will certainly send a chill down your spine. Admire intricate carvings among the ruins and soak in those marvellous sea views from Whitby Abbey’s pretty position. Dogs are welcome around the grounds and among the ruins on leads, but unfortunately, they can’t go inside the museum.
Ride a North Yorkshire Moors Railway steam train
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a heritage railway that’s maintained and cared for so that visitors to the area can enjoy the experience of chugging along the scenic countryside in a wonderful, steam-powered train. Take in the natural beauty of the rolling North York Moors that dominate this corner of Yorkshire from the comfort of your carriage, your dog fast asleep at your feet.
Visit the Fuzzy Dog Bakery
When on a dog-friendly holiday to Whitby, you and the family pet must plan to stop by The Fuzzy Dog Bakery – we’re sure your dog will thank you! Offering their Whitby delicacies of woofles and other charming cookies and cakes just for dogs, there are also toys and other fun pet-centric memorabilia you can pick up in here too.
Dog-friendly Whitby pubs
A pub is always a hit and Whitby has a fantastic range of incredible, old pubs, many dating back centuries with beautiful features and a wonderful heritage.
The Dolphin
This traditional, dog-friendly pub is in a fantastic position right on the waterfront. The Dolphin’s large windows overlook Whitby Harbour so it’s a perfect place for a warming, hearty meal with stunning views on a chilly evening – your dog curled up under the table.
The Little Angel
Step inside this quirky little pub and enjoy a warm welcome for both you and your dog. This pub is Cask Marque accredited, boasts a wonderful selection of cask ales and is even home to the Lady Luck Brewery, so you know you’re getting quality beverages at The Little Angel.
The Pier Inn
Perfectly named, this lovely pub overlooks Whitby’s pier and the harbour too – The Pier Inn has a lovely balcony where you can sit to people-watch and see the boats come and go. There is often live music at the weekends too so you can enjoy a full evening out here.
Middle Earth Tavern
A traditional tavern bursting with atmosphere, Middle Earth Tavern is a top choice for fans of fantasy. The wonderful old-timey feel will make you feel like you’re in another world and the downstairs bar, where dogs are allowed, is a beautiful space.
Dog-friendly places to eat in Whitby
From quaint pet-friendly tea rooms to welcoming restaurants, you’ll find plenty of lovely places to eat that welcome dogs in Whitby.
Mr Cooper's Coffee House
Anyone with a sweet tooth will be drawn to this enchanting, quaint, welcoming cafe. Mr Cooper’s Coffee House has a great selection of sandwiches, however, the beautifully presented cakes and deluxe hot drinks make this particularly special.
Monks Haven
Bursting with charm, Monks Haven is a delightful little dog-friendly cafe offering seafood delights and fluffy cakes to snack on between Whitby adventures with the dog. They do big breakfasts too if you fancy starting the day right.
Hadley’s Fish and Chips
Of course, you can’t enjoy a coastal getaway without fish and chips and Hadley’s offers some of the best around! They have a dog-friendly section in the restaurant or you can pick up a takeaway and head down to the harbourfront with your dog for a chippy dinner with an unbeatable view.
Humble Pie ‘n’ Mash
A simple British classic. When it’s done right nothing beats a delicious pie and mash and Humble Pie ‘n’ Mash knows the tricks of the trade. From steak and ale pie to veg and goats cheese pie, there’s a fantastic selection of offerings to choose from and you can top it off with a sugary jam roly-poly for pud.
Dog-friendly places to stay in Whitby
We have a fantastic choice of beautiful dog-friendly accommodation in Whitby for you and your dog to discover. Enjoy a break with your dog in tow and stay in one of our holiday homes down by the beach or a country escape out of town and surrounded by the North York Moors.
Browse our collection and find your ideal pet-friendly cottages in Whitby today.
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.