The Castle Tavern, Richmond

The Castle Tavern sits right on Richmond's Market Place in North Yorkshire, and it is the rare town-centre pub that lists dogs as welcome rather than leaving you to ask. Rooms are above the bar in a characterful old building, and guests with dogs describe an easy, relaxed reception from owners who are visibly pleased to see them.

The property specifically confirms that dogs are allowed, and pub listings put them in the bar and the beer garden as well as in the rooms, so an evening downstairs is not off limits. It publishes no fee, weight limit or maximum number, so those are worth checking directly, but the starting point is clearer here than at most pubs with rooms.

The hosts are what guests mention most: warm, straightforward and honest about what the place is. That honesty matters for dog owners, because this is the busiest pub in town. There is live music and karaoke on some evenings, and it carries upstairs until around half past eleven before the building goes quiet. Anyone whose dog is unsettled by noise should ask which nights are busy before booking.

What you get in exchange is position. The Market Place is the centre of Richmond, and the castle, the cobbles and the paths down to the River Swale are all a few minutes on foot, with Swaledale beyond for longer walks. Breakfast is not served, so mornings start with a walk and a cafe.

Two practical notes. The stairs are steep and narrow, particularly up to the top-floor rooms, which is a real consideration with a large or elderly dog. And parking on the square is restricted, so check the arrangements before you arrive.

Best suited to dog owners who want to be in the middle of a lively Yorkshire market town, and whose dog is comfortable with a bit of noise below.