Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
It’s not always easy knowing where you can visit for the day that is not only family-friendly but dog-friendly as well. We have compiled this list for you of our top days out where your four-legged friend can come along as well.
There may be some restrictions at some of these places such as dogs needing to stay out of indoor places or play areas. Sometimes they may always need to be kept on a short lead. We will point out as many of these as we can but we may not be able to find all the information to cover everything. In the things to do I will point out what there is to do at each place, dogs may not necessarily be permitted throughout.
It goes without saying that all venues require you to pick up after your dog and put the waste bags in the bins around the grounds.
Some of these places may not be open all year round and some may require you to prebook entry before you arrive. Please check their websites before visiting. Sadly there are no dogs in any of our photos below but there’s a reason I’ve written this post – watch this space!
EAST RIDING YORKSHIRE – DOG AND CHILD -FRIENDLY DAYS OUT
Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens – Burton Agnes
Burton Agnes Hall is an early 17th-century Elizabethan manor house. There are some lovely gardens with a hedged maze and giant board games. Behind the house, there is a woodland sculpture walk and a wooden adventure playground including a double zip wire. The hall has two floors of rooms to explore.
Address: Rudston Rd, Burton Agnes, Driffield YO25 4NB
Dog-friendly information – Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, except in the playground.
Burton Constable Hall and Grounds – Skirlaugh
This is an Elizabethan country house situated in the countryside north of Hull. There are Capability Brown-designed grounds to explore and you can visit the Grade 1 listed house with its opulent rooms and a trail for the kids. There are stables to look around and a small play area for younger kids.
Address: Skirlaugh, Hull HU11 4LN
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome in the grounds on a lead. They are not permitted in the hall but are allowed in the stables area. They even have an indoor dining area where dogs are welcome.
East Park – Hull
East Park is located on the outskirts of Hull city centre. It is the biggest park in Hull and is around 120 acres in size with many facilities. There is a large playground with play equipment for younger and older kids.
Next to here is a fishing lake with ducks to feed and pedalos plus a Wickstead splash boat in the summer. The animal centre is free to visit. Also in the summer, there is a large splash pad, crazy golf, land train and more. You can sit outside of the cafe with your dog.
Address: Holderness Rd, Hull HU8 8JU
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are allowed on a lead, they are not allowed in the playground, splash pad or the animal centre.
Sewerby Hall and Gardens – Bridlington
Sewerby Hall and Gardens are located close to the seaside resort of Bridlington. It sits high on a cliff by the sea. As well as having a large free car park during most of the year you can visit the Hall using the land train that runs from Bridlington.
There is a small zoo with lots of friendly animals with the highlight being their penguins. There is a small play area and the hall itself has activity trails for kids and rooms to look around. The hall has some beautiful gardens including a walled garden, a woodland walk and a putting green.
Address: Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED
Dog-friendly information – Dogs must remain on leads at all times. Only Assistance Dogs are allowed in the zoo, house, children’s adventure playground, Stables Gift Shop, Orangery and Clock Tower Cafe. There is a section in the cafe where all dogs are permitted.
More about Sewerby Hall and Gardens
Sledmere House and Gardens – Sledmere
Sledmere House and Gardens have a variety of things to see and do. The house is only open on limited days throughout the year. There is, however, a farm park with a small selection of animals. Plus along from here is the Spotty Pig playground. There is a circular walk around the perimeter of the deer park plus an impressive walled garden. They also have a maize maze in the summer.
Address: Sledmere, Driffield, YO25 3XG
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome at Sledmere. They must by kept on a lead at all times and that any dog waste should be cleared and placed in the bins in the grounds. Please note: Dogs are not permitted in the children’s play area, Café, Farm Shop or House. Assistance dogs are an exception and are welcome throughout. Dogs are permitted on the Café terrace. Unvaccinated dogs should not be brought on to the Sledmere House & Gardens site.
NORTH YORKSHIRE – DOG AND CHILD-FRIENDLY DAYS OUT
Beningbrough Hall and Gardens – Near York
Beningbrough Hall is a National Trust property and Georgian mansion with three floors to explore. There are family-friendly interactive exhibits with different things to do. There are some pretty walled gardens where kids can help out with the watering. They also have an outdoor playground plus den building in the woods. There is a good range of walks on offer so make sure you pick up a map at reception.
Address: Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, York YO30 1DD
Dog-friendly information – Dogs can go in the majority of the eight acres formal gardens including the ha-ha walk, pergola, south lawn, East and West formal gardens, double and south borders and the American garden. The shop. The brewhouse when open, and the outside seats around the restaurant. The parkland paths.
More Information about Beningbrough Hall
Bolton Abbey – Near Skipton
On the banks of the River Wharfe in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales is one of North Yorkshire’s most famous sites, Bolton Abbey. It has over 80 miles of footpaths to walk and explore and you can also explore the abbey ruins. There are 60 stepping stones that you can attempt to cross across the river (don’t worry there is also a bridge).
North of here there is a large beach area popular with families and a wooden galleon kids can play on. Kids will love the wellie walk which is a woodland adventure trail with fun things to do along the way including obstacles, slides, tunnels and more.
Address: B6160, Skipton, BD23 6EX
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are most welcome to visit, however, they must be kept on a lead when walking in Strid Wood and along the Priory Trail and Welly Walk. Please walk your dog to heal outside of the woodlands and please be mindful of others as not everyone feels comfortable in the company of a dog.
Visitors are asked to leave their dogs outside the shops. There is a water tap and dog parking outside all three estate gift shops. Assistance dogs are welcome in the Estate gift shops. Dogs are not permitted on Barden Moor and Barden Fell.
Brimham Rocks – Summerbridge
In Nidderdale, North Yorkshire you will find an amazing collection of natural rock formations. They were formed many years ago and they sit high up on a hill. They are maintained by the National Trust and are free to visit (small parking charge for non-members).
Most of the formations have been named after things that they look like including dancing bear, eagle and the Druid’s writing desk (nick-named E.T.). You are free to explore these formations and climb on them. There is a small visitor centre.
Address: Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
Dog-friendly information – Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
Castle Howard – Near York
Castle Howard is a magnificent house which is Italian in design with some magnificent rooms and statues. There are extensive grounds with woodland, a stunning Atlas Fountain, a Temple of the four winds, walled gardens and more.
There are two fantastic play areas including Skelf Island which can be accessed with a rope bridge across the water. There is plenty to play on in both areas and you can stand right next to the wooden adventure playground with your dog. They can’t, however, go close to Skelf Island.
Address: Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
Dog-friendly information – Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating areas at their cafés and water bowls are provided. Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside the Courtyard Cafe and free bones are available from the Farm Shop, subject to availability. Dogs are not permitted in the Adventure Playground, Skelf Island or House, with the exception of assistance dogs.
Dalby Forest – Low Dalby
Dalby Forest is home to 13 walking trails, 6 cycling trails and 4 running trails. They have a Gruffalo orienteering trail with sculptures plus they usually have a child-friendly activity trail. There is a play area next to the visitor centre with slides, an assault course, a stream for paddling and more. There is also a play area on the other side of the forest which you will need to drive to. The forest is also home to Go Ape.
Address: Low Dalby, Pickering, YO18 7LT
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome, they need to be kept on a lead in most areas.
Eden Camp Modern History Museum – Near Malton
Eden Camp was once used to house prisoners of war and it still has many of its buildings. These are now home to an excellent museum detailing modern wars. Each exhibition building is home to new and interesting surprises and details all the different aspects of life during wartime.
They bring the past to life with moving animations, smells, lights and sounds. There is also a fun playground with towers and wooden walkways plus a smaller playground for younger kids. It’s an excellent hands-on museum that brings wartime back to life.
Address: Malton YO17 6RT
Dog-friendly information – Well-behaved dogs on a lead are permitted across the museum, including the display huts and a designated area in the café.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden – Near Ripon
Fountains Abbey is a National Trust property and it is huge! We spent hours there. The abbey is the largest monastic ruin in the UK and you can explore all of it. Kids will love being able to climb and walk on the ruined walls.
Make sure you pick up a map as there is a lot to find and see. There is an excellent wooden adventure playground. The Royal Water Gardens are as beautiful as their setting with follies to be found, beautiful lakes and many bridges.
Address: Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
Dog-friendly information – Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. If you’re visiting any part of the grounds including the deer park and Seven Bridges Valley. Dogs are allowed in most outside spaces throughout the grounds, but please don’t take them inside any buildings or into the play area.
Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park – Near Ripon
The gardens are set in picturesque countryside and feature over 90 contemporary sculptures plus other larger features and a small play area set within 45 acres of woodland and gardens. The sculptures are open-air and include a bronze leopard stalking a roe deer, a giant floating magnolia, a mini stone henge, a Japanese pagoda and more.
Larger features include a summerhouse, Himalayan shelter, Contemplation hut and a Norse hut. Look out for the fairy doors that are dotted around the gardens.
Address: Hutts Lane, Ripon HG4 3DA
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are allowed anywhere in the Gardens, except for the play area, toy shed and Café. They have a terrace outside the Café where you can sit with them. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
More about the Himalayan Garden
Mother Shipton’s Cave – Knaresborough
Mother Shipton’s Cave is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the UK and can be found in the heart of Knaresborough. It is a stunning place full of mystery and intrigue. Mother Shipton was born in the cave in 1488 and as she grew older she looked more and more hagged like which made her likened to a witch especially as some of her prophecies came true.
You can see the small cave and the petrifying well where water turns items to rock in just a matter of months plus a wishing well. The site isn’t massive so you won’t be going for a long walk with your dog. They hold some excellent family-friendly events during school holidays and there is a good adventure playground with a pirate ship, obstacle course, zip wire and more.
Address: Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome in all areas of Mother Shipton’s Park, apart from the adventure playground which is clearly signposted. Out of respect for other visitors, they ask that dogs be kept on a lead at all times.
More about Mother Shipton’s Cave.
Murton Park Museum of Farming – Near York
Murton Park Museum of Farming has plenty to do including a large indoor museum with farm-related displays. Outdoors there are some animals and a playground. They also have a nature trail, an excellent recreated Viking village, a Wild West village and many other recreated historical structures.
It is even better on a special event day when their historical villages are brought back to life by re-enactors. If you visit on a Sunday your ticket also entitles you to ride on their light railway, it’s not a long journey but great for a bit of added fun.
Address: Murton Ln, York YO19 5UF
Dog-friendly information – Dogs on a lead are very welcome.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Pickering to Whitby
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs between Pickering and Whitby with a number of stops along the way. The most famous station is the one at Goathland which was used in the first Harry Potter film. Most trains are steam trains and you can spend time at different stops and then wait for a later train. Most of the stations look like you’ve stepped back in time to the 1930s.
Address: Station Road, Park St, Pickering, YO18 7AJ
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome on all their trains except Dining trains and some Special Events (see individual event pages for restrictions) provided they are kept off the seats and tables and not in first class. A dog ticket is £3.00
Ryedale Folk Museum – Hutton-Le-Hole
This is an open-air museum with a good variety of historic buildings that focus on rural life from the Iron Age up until the 1950s. There are a number of buildings and structures to explore including an Iron Age roundhouse, a medieval crofter’s cottage and a thatched Elizabethan manor house.
They host annual events and school holiday activities. Other things to see include thatched cottages, a washhouse, A dairy, workshops, A model village, A chemist, A village shop and more.
Address: Hutton-le-Hole, Kirkbymoorside, YO62 6UA
Dog-friendly information – Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the Museum, including within the buildings.
More about Ryedale Folk Museum
Skipton Castle – Skipton
This is a medieval castle and it is one of the most complete and well-preserved castles in the UK. It was built in 1090 and visitors can explore every corner of the castle including a banqueting hall, kitchen, bed-chamber, privy and more. You can even go down into the dungeons or climb to the top of the watchtower. You can also explore the local Skipton Woods where there is a modern version of a treasure hunt.
Address: The Bailey, Skipton BD23 1AW
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are allowed on leads in the castle and grounds.
Studfold Adventure Trail – Lofthouse
The Studfold Adventure Trail is a nature walk with adventures and activities for children. They can even borrow fairy wings to wear on their adventures. There are fairy homes to find, den building, go-karts and a fun play area.
Address: Bawtry Rd, Hatfield, Doncaster DN7 6Studfold Farm, Lofthouse, Harrogate HG3 5SG
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are allowed on a lead.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre – Near Thirsk
This park enjoys some of the finest views in England and it’s a great place for a family walk or bike ride. They even have an accessible walk suitable for wheelchairs. In the centre itself, there is an interactive exhibition. Outdoors there is a fun natural play area.
Address: Sutton Bank, Thirsk YO7 2EH
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome outdoors.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Wildlife Park – Near Bedale
Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre is set in 100 acres of woodland and gardens. The arboretum is a maze of pathways. Points of interest include islands, a Bothy, monuments and oak trees. There is a small adventure playground with a climbing structure and a mini assault course. The bird of prey centre has a number of aviaries and they have daily birds of prey displays. They also have a small wildlife park.
Address: Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale DL8 2PS
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome on a lead. They are not permitted inside the Tearoom (but can join you in the outdoor seating areas), the children’s play area, or the Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre. Please use the areas provided to secure your furry friend while you visit these facilities.
Woldies Lavender & Nature Farm – Near Malton
Located a few miles drive from Malton is this 12-acre site devoted to lavender. Included in the entry price are a fun timber play trail for kids, a willow maze where you have to answer questions and a 9-hole mini-foot golf course. Plus a woodland walk with den building, lots of pretty lavender, a pond and for £2 each you can take a ride on their miniature train. This attraction is only open in the summer.
Address: Wintringham, Malton YO17 8HW
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome on a lead.
York Maze – Near York
At York Maze, there are over 20 attractions and shows. There is a large maize maze with challenges plus other smaller mazes including a mineshaft maze, maze of illusions, Jurassic World maze and more. Other things to do include a tractor ride with live actors along the way, crazy golf, a climbing wall, an inflatable course, sand and water play, excellent slides and much much more.
Address: York Maze, Elvington Ln, York YO19 5LT
Dog-friendly information – Well-behaved dogs with responsible owners are welcome at York Maze. They must be on a lead at all times.
SOUTH YORKSHIRE – DOG AND CHILD-FRIENDLY DAYS OUT
Boston Park Farm – Hatfield Woodhouse
This is a small farm park that is great value for money. They have a small indoor soft play area and outdoors there are farm animals that you can feed. Plus a couple of playgrounds with a playhouse, things to slide and climb on, swings and more. In the warmer months, there is a bouncy castle and a maize maze.
Address: Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Hatfield, Doncaster DN7 6DS
Dog-friendly information – Well-behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome.
Cusworth Hall Museum and Park – Hatfield
This is a free place to visit close to Doncaster. The house is set in beautiful parkland and has been transformed into a museum that documents Doncaster’s social history. You can purchase duck food from the shop and walk around the grounds and lakes while feeding the ducks.
There is a playground with something for most kids to play on. The museum has lots of exhibits and interactive displays. These include code-breaking, dressing up and historic kitchens.
Address: Bawtry Rd, Hatfield, Doncaster DN7 6PH, South Yorkshire
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome outdoors but not inside the house/museum.
Rother Valley Country Park – Near Sheffield
This is a multi-recreational park near Sheffield and Rotherham. It covers 3 square kilometres in size and has four artificial lakes plus nature reserves. There are plenty of open spaces and you can enjoy walking and cycling on their pathways. There is a play area, a miniature train station, cycle hire and a few animals. You can also enjoy water sports and one of the biggest inflatable parks on a lake in the UK.
Address: Mansfield Rd, Sheffield S26 5PQ
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome, it is recommended that you keep them on a lead especially away from swans.
Wentworth Castle Gardens – Near Barnsley
Wentworth Castle Gardens are 60 acres of gardens maintained by the National Trust near Barnsley. As well as the gardens there are woodland and parkland that you can explore plus annual family-friendly trails. Within the grounds, there are 26 listed buildings and monuments including a fake castle that was built in the early 18th century. They also have a wooden play area with a large castle-like structure and plenty to climb and play on.
Address: Park Dr, Barnsley S75 3EN
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome on fixed short leads throughout the gardens and parkland. There is a dog-friendly area inside the Long Barn café. Dogs are not allowed in the playground area and only assistance dogs are allowed inside the Conservatory.
More about Wentworth Castle Gardens
Wentworth Woodhouse – Near Rotherham
This is a Grade 1 listed country house located near Rotherham. It is one of the largest houses in Europe and you need to prebook on a tour to be able to see around the house. There are 50 acres of gardens you can explore that include 18th-century follies, monuments, a wildflower meadow and more.
Address: Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TQ
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are very welcome in the gardens and in the specially dedicated area of their tearoom in the house. Assistance dogs only are allowed throughout the public areas of the house. Dogs can be walked in their gardens as long as they are kept on leads at all times.
Worsbrough Mill and Country Park – Worsbrough
Worsbrough Mill is a 17th-century working watermill set in a 240-acre country park. The museum has recently had new interactive display panels installed. You can tour the water mill and learn all about the milling process from beginning to end. The country park can be explored on foot or by bike.
There is a 60-acre reservoir that is a haven for wildlife. There are three walks varying from 2-5kms. There is also a playground with play equipment for children up to the age of 8. They also run a range of family-friendly events throughout the year.
Address: Worsbrough Bridge, Worsbrough, Barnsley S70 5LJ
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are allowed in the country park but please keep them on a lead around children, ducks, geese and sheep.
WEST YORKSHIRE – DOG AND CHILD-FRIENDLY DAYS OUT
Anglers Country Park, Room on the Broom Trail – Wintersett
Approximately 15 minutes drive from Wakefield is the popular Anglers Country Park. The park has a visitor centre and a huge lake that you can walk all the way around. There is a Room on the Broom trail around the lake with sculptures from the children’s story.
You can pick up an activity pack for £2 from the visitor centre. The trail is 2 miles long. There is also a small adventure playground plus you can download the free Love Exploring App and find dinosaurs and fairies in augmented reality.
Address: Waterton Countryside Discovery Centre, Haw Park Lane, Wintersett, WF4 2EB
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome.
More about Anglers Country Park
Greenhead Park – Huddersfield
This is a beautiful urban park located west of Huddersfield town centre. It was originally opened in 1884 and it still retains a lot of its Victorian charm. There are two play areas and various gym equipment dotted around the park. There is also a skate park, tennis courts and a multi-sports centre.
The grounds are well maintained with an ornamental lake, flower gardens, rockery and more. There are extra things to do at the park during the summer months.
Address: Trinity St, Huddersfield HD1 4DT
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome in the park but owners are expected to keep their pets under control and clear up after them. Owners can be requested to put dogs on a lead if they are causing a nuisance to other park users.
The play areas, paddling pool, sports courts and skate park are dog exclusion zones and owners are also asked to keep their dogs out of the lake as they disturb the wildlife. Dogs can be taken into the top cafe by the tennis courts and the conservatory section of The Park Cafe.
Lotherton Hall – Aberford
This is a country house near Leeds that also has a small wildlife park within its grounds. There is a playground for under 8s and also an adventure playground for older children. In the wildlife park, there are flamingos, penguins, tapir, other birds and more.
There are 8 acres of Edwardian gardens to explore including walled gardens. You can look around the house with a trail, interactive displays and dress up. There are woodland and parkland walks.
Address: Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome at Lotherton and they have plenty of space for them to play, sniff and explore on the estate. Their boundary trail, woodland and open parkland are great spots to stretch their legs and play fetch, or enjoy a more leisurely pace through the gardens.
Oakwell Hall and Country Park – Near Batley
Oakwell Hall has over 100 acres of parkland and gardens. The house is Grade 1 listed and you can look around the rooms within the house. Within the parkland, there are streams, woodland, pasture land, ponds and bridleways. There are several walks around the park including a nature trail of around 2 miles. There are also six gardens and an adventure playground.
Address: Nova Ln, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LF
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome but they must be kept on a lead. There may be areas where they are not permitted.
Temple Newsam – Leeds
Close to Leeds, you will find a vast and free-to-visit parkland. You can explore the gardens, park and lake and you can park for free at Go Ape. Next to this, you will find an outdoor play area for the kids. You can pay to visit the farm and the house but do be aware that dogs aren’t permitted in these areas.
Address: Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE
Dog-friendly information – Dogs are welcome to all areas of Temple Newsam except the house, Home Farm and the café. Guide and Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas. Dogs need to be kept on leads in the gardens and courtyard but are free to roam around the rest of the grounds if under control.
Whistlestop Valley Railway – Near Huddersfield
This is a 3.5-mile-long 15-in gauge railway line in the area of Kirklees. You can travel behind their great little steam trains with the journey taking around 25 minutes each way including the longest tunnel on any 15in gauge railway in Britain. There are outdoor play areas at both stations with one more suited to younger children. You can also ride on their miniature railway and play crazy golf.
Address: Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield HD8 9XJ
Dog-friendly information – Well-behaved pooches are very welcome at Whistlestop Valley on general admissions days and are permitted to travel free of charge on the railway. All we ask is that book your dog a ticket. Dogs are allowed inside the facilities and our eateries but they must be kept controlled and on a lead.
More about Whistlestop Valley Railway
Yorkshire Sculpture Park – Near Wakefield
Located halfway between Wakefield and Barnsley is the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It is set in a vast parkland that you can spend literally hours walking around. The park covers over 500 acres and the sculptures are spread out far and wide with some changing throughout the year. There is a great range to find and all the sculptures are modern and outdoors.
Address: West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG
Dog-friendly information – Please keep your dog on a short lead at ALL times. To protect livestock and wildlife, dogs are NOT permitted around Upper Lake or Menagerie Wood
Dogs are not permitted in their indoor spaces i.e. galleries, visitor centres and cafes. Assistance dogs are permitted throughout the Park
More about Yorkshire Sculpture Park
