One of the great joys of dog ownership has to be taking them for long country walks. Not only is it an opportunity to enjoy the company of man’s best friend, it’s also a chance to escape and enjoy nature.

For this reason, a staycation with your dog has become an increasingly popular way to holiday, with more and more hotels becoming pet-friendly. Couple this with the stunning landscapes that can be found in the north of England, and you have the perfect setting for a weekend break or holiday with your four-legged friend.

Discover 10 great dog-friendly hotels in the north of England that could be the ideal destination to escape to.

1. The Boar’s Head, Ripley, Yorkshire

Located next to 700-year-old Ripley Castle, this charming hotel is on the doorstep of stunning scenery that provides walkers and dog owners the perfect opportunity to escape.

With its traditional rooms and welcoming restaurant, bright decoration and free Wi-Fi, it’s a superb way to experience some down time and enjoy life in the slow lane. If you want to venture further afield, you can drive to the Yorkshire Dales National Park in 20 minutes.

You can then round it off in the contemporary dining room, where you can choose from a menu that boasts fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce.

2. The Golden Fleece, Thirsk, Yorkshire

Sitting on Thirsk’s cobbled marketplace, the hotel offers easy access to the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Once a famous coaching inn that retains structures dating from the 1500s, all of its 26 en suite rooms are individually designed to provide a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

After a day’s walking you can relax in the hotel’s restaurant, with its diverse menu of seasonal fayre, which can range from salmon fillet to sausage and mash.

3. The George and Dragon, Kirkbymoorside, York

This dog-friendly hotel and inn offers plenty of rustic charm with a friendly atmosphere and comfortable rooms. Sitting at the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors with its breathtaking views, the hotel is 10 minutes from the bustling towns of Helmsley and Pickering.

Recently featured in the top 50 places to eat in the country thanks to its use of Yorkshire’s finest produce, you can enjoy a well-deserved meal in the restaurant after a day exploring the moors.

4. Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spa, Cheshire

This elegant Georgian country house hotel overlooking the Cheshire Plain sits in 262 acres of wooded grounds, making it ideal for you and your four-legged friend to escape to.

Located on the western edge of the Peak District National Park, the hotel is next to the delightful village of Pott Shrigley and offers spectacular views. Built in 1825, the hall’s neoclassical building still has many original features, and there is a spa housed in a former chapel, should you be looking to pamper yourself after a long walk.

Its Oakridge Restaurant offers mouth-watering food prepared using locally sourced produce.

5. The Ambleside Inn, Cumbria

A stunning refurbished dog-friendly inn and hotel that’s close to Windermere and the Southern Lakes in the Lake District National Park. The traditional building provides a welcoming atmosphere with stylish and characterful decoration, making it an excellent base for you and your pet to explore the stunning surrounding landscape.

Whether you opt for Windermere’s lake, the mountain peaks or surrounding villages for your walks, you can relax in comfortable bedrooms afterwards. Thanks to its use of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, all freshly cooked to order, you can also enjoy a wonderful meal after a day’s exploring.

6. Bamburgh Castle Inn, Northumberland

This award-winning dog-friendly inn and hotel is located in the popular fishing village of Seahouses, and overlooks the castle itself. Some of the hotel’s rooms have wonderful seaside views and balconies, overlooking the beach, which is dog-friendly all year round.

After exploring the surrounding beach or countryside, you could make the most of complimentary access to the award-winning Seafield Ocean club. Just a few minutes’ walk from the inn, you can relax in thermal spa rooms, a whirlpool tub and swimming pool.

Afterwards you can enjoy a dish from the inn’s tempting menu of locally sourced produce, including game and shellfish.

7. Lindeth Howe, Lake District

The former home of Beatrix Potter, this 34-bedroom hotel is the ideal place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the nearby Lake District National Park and beautiful surroundings.

Overlooking Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, the four-star hotel has stunning gardens that can be seen from the hotel’s lounge. After a day’s walk, you can relax in the hotel’s 2AA award-winning restaurant, which offers a wide range of dishes.

8. Embleton Spa Hotel, Lake District

Originally an 18th century Lakeland farmhouse, the hotel now provides a relaxed, informal atmosphere with stunning views over the Lake District. Located near Keswick and Cockermouth, with its dog-friendly eateries, it’s an ideal base from which to explore the Lake District and its breathtaking views.

With character bedrooms and hotel apartments that are individually styled, those looking for a more relaxed pace can enjoy the Embleton’s indoor pool and steam room followed by a drink in its comfortable lounge area.

9. Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Cheshire

This four-star, dog-friendly hotel combines traditional elegance with contemporary luxury, all within easy access to stunning walks with your pet. While it sits amongst picturesque surroundings on the Welsh border, it’s just a 5-minute drive from the historic city of Chester.

The hotel offers 75 wonderful dog-friendly bedrooms, and after a day of walking you can enjoy a hearty bar meal in the hotel’s gastro-pub with its open fires and traditional ales. Alternatively, you can have a more formal meal at the hotel’s Palm Court restaurant and piano lounge.

10. The Chevin Country Park, Otley, Yorkshire

A wonderful West Yorkshire retreat with hotel and 32 alpine style luxury lodges and cabins in its grounds. Once there, you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of its birch forest location and get away from it all, or venture out into the Yorkshire Dales.

Alternatively, you can enjoy the health club with a pool and spa, or unwind with wonderful walks through the various woodland trails. The lodges themselves are beautifully designed and there’s also a Lakeside restaurant and bar that overlooks the lake and forest.

Get in touch

We hope you found the list helpful if you’re thinking of a staycation with your dog, either now or in the future. If you would instead like to discuss a financial matter such as investments, pension or wealth strategies, please contact us on 0800 434 6337.

This article is for information only. Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.