Dog Friendly Cottages in Whitby by the Sea

Dog Friendly Holidays in Whitby

One of Whitby’s advantages for dog owners is the choice of walks straight from town. You can explore the harbour and old town before heading up the 199 Steps towards Whitby Abbey, or pick up the coast path for a much longer walk.

Tate Hill Beach, beside the harbour on the east side of Whitby, is not included in the current seasonal beach exclusion. On West Beach, dogs are excluded from a defined section between 1 May and 30 September. Outside those dates the seasonal restriction is lifted, opening up much more of the main beach for walks.

If you are choosing accommodation specifically for a holiday with your dog, check the individual property details before booking. Our collection includes different sizes and types of cottage, so you can find a stay that suits both the people and dogs travelling with you.

Beaches Around Whitby with Your Dog

Sandsend lies at the northern end of almost three miles of beach stretching from Whitby, making the two places easy to combine when the tide allows. A defined section of Sandsend Beach has the same 1 May to 30 September dog exclusion, so check the signs when you arrive during the summer months.

There are more beaches to explore along the Yorkshire coast, including Runswick Bay, Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay. If days beside the sea are an important part of the holiday, it is worth checking the current restrictions for each beach before setting out rather than assuming the same rules apply everywhere.

Coastal Walks from Whitby

Whitby is also a natural starting point for longer walks. Head south and the clifftop trail leads towards Robin Hood’s Bay, with sections running close to high, unfenced cliffs. Dogs should be kept on a short lead where the path is exposed, and around livestock or wildlife. National Trails gives the same advice for exposed sections of the Cleveland Way around Robin Hood’s Bay.

In the opposite direction, you can walk towards Sandsend and continue along the coast towards Runswick Bay and Staithes. These routes give you plenty of alternatives to the busier parts of Whitby itself and make the town a practical base for exploring more of the Yorkshire coast with your dog.

For a wider choice of places to stay, browse our Yorkshire dog friendly cottages by the sea.