Akebar Park

Dog Friendly Park

When it comes to spending time with your furry friend, nothing beats an escape to the Yorkshire Dales. 

Whether you’re looking at purchasing your very own holiday home or simply booking a stay with us here at Akebar Park, we know how important it is that your dog is welcome too! We’ve put together a bit of info below on the best days out with your dog, recommended walks and of course, the best local places to stop for refreshments!  This includes suggestions from our wonderful owners community here at Akebar with some favourite walks and places to stop for a pint!

Dog Friendly Suggestions from our Owners at Akebar Park

Best Dog Walks 

If you’re bringing your furry friend along to Akebar, you’ll no doubt be looking for some fantastic walks to do from the park and in the local area. 

If you’d like to set off straight from the park, you can follow the footpath from the West side of the park that runs next to the stream out towards Finghall; from Finghall you can venture much further (towards Thornton Steward reservoir, Constable Burton or even down to the River Cover for a peaceful walk along the river banks). 

If you’re happy to jump in the car, take a look at these suggestions:

  • Take a short drive to Leyburn, where you can walk from The Shawl towards Preston Under Scar, Bolton Castle or drop down and follow the River Ure around the beautiful Bolton Hall estate. 
  • You can also park at Wensley and walk along the river from there, head up stream to Redmire for a drink in the pub and back down to Wensley
  • Thorpe Perrow near Bedale has plenty of walking space, but please note dogs must be on a lead here
  • Take a stroll from Middleham Castle through the fields up to Pinkers Pond and onto the gallops
  • Druids Temple is a short drive from Akebar and displays a nineteenth century folly nestled in the woods above Masham
  • Another walk from Masham is through the woods up to Hackfall and onto Nutwith Common
 

Dog friendly restaurants, cafes and pubs

After all that walking, it’s surely time for a bite to eat (and maybe a well deserved pint!) so here are a few suggestions:

 

  1. The Friars Head, Akebar Park – our very own Friars Head has a dog friendly bar area where you can enjoy both food and a drink.
  2. The Cover Bridge, East Witton – this charming country pub is the perfect spot for you and your dog to enjoy a fireside drink or pub lunch
  3. The Blue Lion, East Witton – for a more formal meal in a traditional setting, head to The Blue Lion
  4. The Black Horse, Kirkby Fleetham
  5. Johnny Baghdad’s Cafe on the Square, Masham
  6. Brymore Ice Cream Parlour, Masham – includes dog exercise area
  7. The Queens Head in Finghall, just a short walk from the park
 

Days out with your dog in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is a paradise for dog owners, offering endless scenic walks, dog-friendly attractions, and welcoming pubs where your four-legged friend can join you. The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors provide breathtaking landscapes for long countryside walks, with popular trails such as Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls, and Sutton Bank. These routes offer a mix of woodland paths, open moorland, and stunning views, ensuring both you and your dog have a fantastic time exploring. If you’re looking for a coastal adventure, the beaches at Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, and Filey are perfect for dogs to run free, especially during off-peak months when restrictions are lifted.

 

For a more relaxed day out, many of North Yorkshire’s attractions welcome dogs. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden offer miles of beautiful parkland to roam, while Castle Howard’s extensive grounds are another great option. If you fancy a break, there are plenty of dog-friendly pubs and cafés, such as The Friars Head at Akebar Park, which provide a warm welcome for you and your pup. Whether you prefer scenic hikes, historic sites, or cosy spots for a meal, North Yorkshire has plenty to offer for unforgettable days out with your dog.

Meet some of the dogs at Akebar...