Top 10 Pet-Friendly Hotels Yorkshire Dales 2026
Top 10 Yorkshire Dales pet-friendly hotels 2026: Wensleydale (Leyburn, Middleham) + Ribblesdale (Settle). Five-paw B&Bs, self-catering, pub-rooms.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park covers 1,769 km² of upland Yorkshire and a small western strip of Lancashire and Cumbria. It is one of the UK's most walking-led national parks, with a dense network of public footpaths, the Pennine Way crossing north-south, and a heritage of small market towns (Leyburn, Middleham, Hawes, Settle, Skipton) that have been welcoming walkers - and increasingly dog-walkers - for centuries. The pet-friendly hotel and B&B stock reflects that culture: a high share of properties don't just tolerate dogs but actively factor them into the welcome.
This guide pulls together the ten Yorkshire Dales hotels that earn the highest pet-friendly scores on Four Legged Guests in 2026. The list leans heavily toward Leyburn and Middleham (Wensleydale) and Settle (Ribblesdale) because that's where the pet-friendly density is highest. Self-catering and B&B formats dominate at this end of the country - the Dales has fewer big chain hotels than coastal regions, and the small independent properties that do exist tend to be more personal in their dog welcome. Multi-review properties (Old Chapel, Priory, Craven Arms, Harts Head, Puzzle Cottage at 6-7 reviews) carry stronger signal than single-review entries.
1. The Old Chapel, Leyburn - 5.0/5 paw rating (6 confirmed reviews)
The Old Chapel earns the top spot in our Dales list because the Leyburn-centre location combines a thoroughly dog-friendly stay with one of the best walking bases on the site. Across six confirmed pet-traveller reviews the pattern is unanimous: guests describe the property as "very dog-friendly" and the surrounding area earns repeat praise as a "very dog-friendly area" with off-lead options minutes from the door.
The market-town centre means cafes, shops, and pubs are a short stroll away - useful for owners who want easy in-and-out access without driving every time the dog needs a walk. The format is a converted chapel cottage rather than a B&B, so you have your own front door and no shared corridors. Full Old Chapel review.
2. The Priory, Middleham - 5.0/5 paw rating (3 confirmed reviews)
The Priory at Middleham is a small B&B in the centre of this Wensleydale village. Across three confirmed pet-traveller reviews every guest scored their stay 10/10 and described the welcome for the dog as genuinely thoughtful rather than perfunctory.
The recurring detail is the host's effort. Sarah is named in multiple reports as a warm, attentive host who specifically extends the welcome to visiting dogs - phrases like "the dog was particularly made welcome" and "even our furry friend was looked after" appear across the confirmed reviews. Middleham itself is a quiet Dales market town with castle ruins, several dog-welcoming pubs, and easy access to the Wensleydale walking routes. Full Priory review.
3. Oaklodge House, Leyburn - 5.0/5 paw rating (2 confirmed reviews)
Oaklodge House is a 4.5-star whole-house rental in the centre of Leyburn. Two confirmed pet-traveller reviews describe one of the genuinely strong whole-house rentals on the dog-friendly Dales circuit, with two stand-out themes consistent across both: the dog-friendly run of the whole property (no shutting dogs into downstairs rooms or kitchens overnight), and the secure outdoor area with views over the Yorkshire Dales.
That secure outdoor space matters: morning toilet breaks and quiet evening sit-outs work without a lead, which is particularly valuable for owners of reactive dogs or those whose dogs need quick repeat trips outside. Full Oaklodge review.
4. Fox Cottage, Middleham - 5.0/5 paw rating (2 confirmed reviews)
Fox Cottage is a self-catered bungalow in central Middleham. Two confirmed pet-traveller reviews describe a textbook home-from-home dog stay, with the fenced-off rear garden as the headline asset - repeatedly described as a place the dog could spend most of their time.
That single-storey format with private outdoor space is the practical fit for dog owners. The cottage itself is described as cosy and spacious, with sensible flooring that survives the standard Dales-walking muddy-paw treatment. Best suited to small-group stays where the bungalow layout and the private garden combine for a relaxed cottage break rather than a constantly-on-the-go itinerary. Full Fox Cottage review.
5. Holly Cottage, Bellerby (Leyburn) - 5.0/5 paw rating (1 confirmed review)
Holly Cottage is a self-contained character cottage in Bellerby, a Yorkshire Dales village near Leyburn. One confirmed pet-traveller review (small sample, so treat the rating as a strong positive signal rather than a high-confidence average) - the reviewer picked out two features that make it genuinely dog-friendly: a decent-sized enclosed deck garden ideal for letting a dog out without a lead, and a two-minute walk to a friendly local pub.
The property's formal policy accommodates up to one pet on request. Bellerby itself is quiet enough for owners of reactive dogs while close enough to Leyburn (about ten minutes drive) for shops and cafes. Full Holly Cottage review.
6. The Craven Arms, Giggleswick (Settle) - 4.5/5 paw rating (7 confirmed reviews)
The Craven Arms is a 17th-century coaching inn in Giggleswick, a short walk from Settle station. Across seven pet-mention stays the verdict is the same: dogs are welcomed by name, the staff treat them as guests, and the practicalities are properly thought through.
The larger superior king rooms have floor space for a travel crate without rearranging furniture, and the inn keeps a separate seating area for guests with dogs. The Settle station location is uncommonly useful for dog owners arriving by train, and the Yorkshire Dales walks west of Settle (Castlebergh Crag, Attermire Scar, the Three Peaks approaches) start within walking distance of the inn. Full Craven Arms review.
7. Harts Head Hotel, Settle - 4.5/5 paw rating (7 confirmed reviews)
Harts Head Hotel is one of the more genuinely dog-integrated inns in the Yorkshire Dales. Across seven confirmed pet-stay reviews the welcome includes thoughtful pet-specific extras that most properties don't bother with - dog beds laid out in the room on arrival (one party reported two beds and a goody bag for two dogs), welcome packs for individual dogs, and a sausage at breakfast for the dog by name.
That kind of unprompted, dog-specific gesture is the signal that separates a property that tolerates pets from one that actively folds them into the welcome. Best suited to walking-led couples and small groups who want a properly equipped Settle base. Full Harts Head review.
8. Puzzle Cottage, Leyburn - 4.5/5 paw rating (7 confirmed reviews)
Puzzle Cottage is a small character-filled Dales cottage that consistently delivers on the practicalities dog owners look for. Seven confirmed pet-traveller reviews repeatedly highlight the secure outdoor space - the front courtyard is enclosed by two gates which makes it usable for letting dogs out without worrying about the lane beyond.
The garden is described as quiet and well-maintained. One important caveat across the reviews: the layout has narrow stairs that are awkward for larger or older dogs - small breeds and active medium dogs fit best. Full Puzzle Cottage review.
9. Falcon Manor Hotel, Settle - 4.5/5 paw rating (5 confirmed reviews)
Falcon Manor sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in Settle, a small market town that suits dog owners looking for a comfortable country-house base with serious walking on the doorstep. The building is a Grade II listed manor from 1841 with sixteen bedrooms, run as part of the James Places collection - small enough to feel personal and big enough that staff have a clear, practiced rhythm around guests travelling with dogs.
The pet policy is unusually clear for a property of this style. Dogs are welcome in every bedroom and across the bar and lounge for a fee that's openly disclosed at booking. Best for owners who want chain-hotel reliability paired with personalised pet hospitality. Full Falcon Manor review.
10. Grove House, Leyburn - 4.5/5 paw rating (5 confirmed reviews)
Grove House is a 4-star B&B in the centre of Leyburn where the pet welcome goes further than most properties in the category. The recurring detail across five confirmed pet reviews is the on-arrival kit for dogs: bedding, bowls, a towel, dog bags, and treats.
That's a level of preparation that puts Grove House at the friendlier end of the pet-friendly B&B spectrum, and the hosts are described as flexible about earlier check-ins and accommodating short-notice changes. The Leyburn-centre location is the same walking-led advantage as the Old Chapel and Oaklodge House. Full Grove House review.
Why the Yorkshire Dales works for dogs
Three things make the Dales particularly dog-friendly. First, the public footpath network is one of the densest in England - dog walks start from almost any village pub car park without driving. Second, the market towns (Leyburn, Middleham, Hawes, Settle) are walkable and most cafes/shops welcome leashed dogs on outdoor seating. Third, the Pennine Way crosses the park north-south, giving a backbone of long-distance walking that works for fit working-breed dogs.
The caveat: livestock grazes most of the open access land throughout the year. Sheep (everywhere), cattle (especially around the Wensleydale and Wharfedale valley floors), and the occasional moorland grouse-shoot site (autumn) all require on-lead walking or wide berths. Signage is generally well-marked but operating on-lead by default in stock country is the safest rule.
If this guide has you planning a wider UK trip with the dog, the same combination of beach access + dog-friendly pubs + coast-path or walking-route density shows up in several other regions worth knowing about:
- Norfolk Coast - Holkham, Wells, Brancaster, Cromer, Sheringham; sandy beaches end-to-end and the 84-mile Norfolk Coast Path.
- Brighton & Sussex Coast - Brighton, Hove, Seaford, Birling Gap, Eastbourne, Hastings, Camber Sands; chalk cliffs and the South Downs Way.
- North Yorkshire Coast - Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay (year-round off-lead), Scarborough, Filey; the Cleveland Way.
- Pembrokeshire Coast - Tenby, Newgale Sands, Barafundle, Whitesands; 186 miles of dog-friendly Coast Path.
- Edinburgh - Standout dog-friendly Scottish city base; Holyrood Park access from multiple central hotels.
- Lake District - Keswick, Borrowdale, Windermere, Penrith; UK's largest National Park.
- Devon Riviera - Torquay, Paignton, Brixham; sheltered south-coast bay with mild micro-climate.