DOG FRIENDLY SELF CATERING COTTAGES IN WHITBY
It’s Pet-Friendly in Wonderful Whitby.
Whitby is one of Yorkshire’s gems and draws families to its historic attractions and charming town centre every year. This coastal town offers pet-friendly accommodation, so you can enjoy coastal walks with your dog instead of having to leave your cherished pet behind.
It’s easy to see how Whitby inspired Bram Stoker to create his Dracula story following his visits here and there is a museum dedicated to Dracula in the town. Cobbled streets and pretty cottages lend Whitby a certain old world charm, but Whitby Abbey is rather more Gothic and dramatic. You can visit the ruins of the 13th century abbey, which reside on the cliff tops in a suitably dramatic location. Whitby has a strong association with the former whaling industry and this is remembered at one of the town’s iconic landmarks, the Whalebone Arch on the West Cliff.
Of course, going to the coast is all about spending time on the beach and Whitby has two sandy beaches for holidaymakers to choose. The larger West Cliff Beach offers lifeguards during the summer season. Donkey rides keep the kids happy. To access this beach, you can approach from the West Pier area or from paths on the West Cliff. A cliff lift operates from the end of April until the end of September. The small Tate Hill Beach is a sheltered spot. Dogs are permitted on this beach throughout the year.
It’s fun to ride a steam train on a heritage railway and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the most popular lines. You can go on board for the full Pickering to Whitby journey or pick out sections. Doggie passengers are made welcome, with the exception of dining trains and not in first class. A small charge is levied on dog tickets.
Captain Cook, the famous explorer, did his seafaring apprenticeship in the town and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum is housed in the 17th century building where the young Cook lodged. Four floors display items that bring Cook’s career to life and the part that Whitby played in his life. Themed rooms include The Voyages Room, The Scientists Room and The Whitby Room.
Pannett Park is a tranquil space for all the family to enjoy (no dogs except support dogs) with lovely gardens and wooded areas. It has been refurbished and is a popular day out. In addition to the Commemorative Garden, Jurassic Garden and Community Garden, there is a play area and lily pond. Guided walks and themed trails are available. Cultural venues have their home here too, such as the Whitby Museum. This has collections that cover, amongst others, natural history, whaling, fine art, textiles and shipping. Highlights include Jurassic reptiles and the collection of jet, for which the town is famous. Pannett Art Gallery is also here and features national and local artists.
If you want to time your visit for one of the annual events, you can choose from several, including Whitby Folk Week and The Whitby Regatta. Let your dog sniff the sea air and enjoy Whitby’s dramatic coastline!
A PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG IN WHITBY
Take your dog on a guided tour of Whitby and delve into its history and famous residents.
Dogs are banned from the main swathe of beach at Whitby, however, there are small stretches of beach where you can walk your dog on a lead. The end of the beach past the beach huts, all the way to Sandsend is dog friendly. Dogs are also permitted all year round at Tate Hill Beach inside the harbour walls.
A really good place to walk is along the disused railway lane which ran from Whitby to Scarborough and has now been coverted to a safe traffic free cycle and walk route. A company called Trailways offers daily cycle hire from a former station at Hawsker near Whitby.
