Your dog will love a cottage holiday in Whitby
Nestled on the Yorkshire Coast, gazing out across the North Sea, Whitby is famed for three things: a rich maritime history, a gorgeous gothic abbey and some of the best dog-friendly holidays in Britain. Home to sandy beaches, woodland walks and dozens of award-winning dog-friendly restaurants, Whitby was made for our four-legged friends, so why on earth would we leave them behind?
Wander across the North York Moors
We don’t have to tell you that nothing gets dogs more excited than the word ‘walk’. As much as you might love the great outdoors, it’s got nothing on how our four-legged friends get at the thought of leaping down bright green hills and splashing through woodland streams.
Settled right next to the North York Moors National Park, almost every road in Whitby will take you to some rugged route within minutes. Our advice is to make sure you pack your camera. At the right time of year, the National Park’s Heather Moorland is one of the most photogenic spots in Britain, as the ground looks like a field of pastel purple that no pooch can resist running through.
The perfect short stroll
If you find yourself with only an hour or so to spare, but would still like to try one of Whitby’s many wonderful walks, we recommend the Fish, Fangs and Fossils route. At just over a mile long, you’ll find dark forces that have shaped the town’s landscape and reputation. With great views along the way, move through the story of the seaside town’s blood-thirsty whaling past to chilling tales of Count Dracula, inspiring the most famous gothic tale of all time.
The feeling of sand between their paws, the salty call of the foamy sea and the thrill of being able to dig wherever they want; if you let your pooch plan your next day out, chances are they’ll take you straight to the beach.
Your four-legged friends will be pleased to hear that Whitby is home to dozens of dog-friendly beaches, from the award-winning beauty of Runswick Bay to the fossil-strewn shores of Sandsend Ness. For a secluded sandy paradise, head to Upgang Whitby Beach or for a swim and then a shop, make for Whitby Tate Hill.
As far as the vibe goes, the beaches of Whitby are home to something exceptional. Expect brightly coloured beach huts, rows of wooden sailboats and that utterly English magic that seems strongest on our eastern coast.
Whitby’s many must-visit spots
When holidaying in Whitby, there are few things you simply have to do. For starters, a trip to Whitby Abbey is essential. You’ll have to head to the heart of Whitby and take a tour of the town centre’s many quaint shopping spots, and in the evening, see a sunset from the bridge across the River Esk.
Nestled on the heritage coast, one spot we’d put on the top of every tourist’s to-do list is a trip to Robin Hood’s Bay, a picturesque old fishing port and one of the cosiest villages in Britain. Scattered with quaint tea rooms and traditional market stalls, it’s the perfect place to take life down a gear, and enjoy England at a slightly slower pace.
Dog-friendly luxury is always on the table
Booking a stay in a pet-friendly holiday cottage doesn’t mean compromising on luxury. Thanks to our unrivalled range of high-standard holiday homes, you can book dog-friendly accommodation and still have all your holiday dreams come true.
From ground floor flats in the centre of Whitby to barn conversions in the middle of the moors, we’ve got it all. As for add-ons, whether it’s as simple as private parking or as decadent as a private spa and shower room, whatever you’re after, all you have to do is ask.