Top 10 Dog-Friendly Hotels in York 2026
Historic charm meets four-legged hospitality. 23 handpicked hotels from 89 options, verified by 15,800+ guest reviews.
- Last verified: January 2026
- 23 top hotels curated from 89 pet-friendly options
- Clear pet policies – no hidden fees or surprise restrictions
- Rankings based on our quality score methodology
York ranks #3 in the UK for dog-friendly hotels. With 23 curated pet-friendly hotels from 89 options, you'll find medieval charm meets modern hospitality. Our top pick? Hotel Indigo York (4.5★, 2,872 reviews) in Walmgate treats your dog like the VIP (Very Important Pup) they are – with dog beds, bowls, and walking guides included. Most hotels charge £10-£30 per night; some boutiques include pets free.
- #1 Best Overall: Hotel Indigo York (4.5★, 2,872 reviews, Score: 3.11)
- #2 Best Luxury: Grays Court (4.8★) – boutique elegance in the Minster Quarter
- #3 Best Value: Travelodge York Central – from £60/night, flat £20 pet fee
- Pet Fees: Typically £10-£30/night (some boutique hotels include pets free)
- Best Areas: City Centre (Minster), Walmgate (foodies), Fulford (riverside), Bishopthorpe (country feel)
Best & Cheapest Dog-Friendly Hotels in York 2026
Not sure where to start? Here's a quick breakdown by category to help you find the perfect match for your budget and preferences:
| Category | Hotel | Rating | From/Night | Pet Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall | Hotel Indigo York | 4.5★ | £140 | £20/stay | Quality + location balance |
| 💰 Cheapest Top-Rated | Travelodge York Central | 4.0★ | £60 | £20/stay | Budget-conscious travellers |
| 👑 Best Luxury | Grays Court | 4.8★ | £250 | Free | Special occasions, splurges |
| ⭐ Highest Rated | No. 21 York | 4.9★ | £180 | £15/night | Boutique lovers |
| 🎯 Best Value | Novotel York Centre | 4.2★ | £95 | Free | Families, reliable chain |
| 💕 Most Romantic | Middlethorpe Hall & Spa | 4.7★ | £220 | £25/night | Couples, anniversaries |
| 🌳 Best for Dog Walks | The Principal York | 4.4★ | £150 | £30/stay | Museum Gardens on doorstep |
| 🍷 Best for Foodies | Hotel du Vin York | 4.4★ | £160 | £10/night | Wine lovers, bistro dining |
💡 Money-saving tip: Book directly with hotels for best rates. Avoid York Races (May, June, August) and Christmas markets (November-December) for lower prices!
Discover Dog-Friendly York
York is a dream destination for dog owners. This walled medieval city combines 2,000 years of history with surprisingly modern pet-friendly hospitality. Ranking #3 in the UK with a 4.53★ average rating, York offers genuine warmth for four-legged visitors.
From walks along the ancient city walls to riverside strolls by the Ouse, your pup will feel right at home. Whether you're seeking boutique luxury at Grays Court or a reliable budget stay at Travelodge, our curated selection ensures both you and your dog enjoy York's unique charm.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Hotels in York 2026 — Ranked by Quality
| Rank | Hotel | Rating | Reviews | Score | From/Night | Area | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | Hotel Indigo York | 4.5★ | 2,872 | 3.11 | £140 | Walmgate | View |
| 🥈 2 | The Grand, York | 4.5★ | 3,156 | 3.08 | £180 | City Centre | View |
| 🥉 3 | Hotel du Vin York | 4.4★ | 2,245 | 2.95 | £160 | City Centre | View |
| 4 | Grays Court | 4.8★ | 1,024 | 2.88 | £250 | Minster | View |
| 5 | Middlethorpe Hall & Spa | 4.7★ | 1,456 | 2.85 | £220 | Bishopthorpe | View |
| 6 | The Principal York | 4.4★ | 2,089 | 2.78 | £150 | Station | View |
| 7 | No. 21 York | 4.9★ | 412 | 2.72 | £180 | City Centre | View |
| 8 | Churchill Hotel | 4.3★ | 1,876 | 2.65 | £120 | Bootham | View |
| 9 | Dean Court Hotel | 4.4★ | 1,654 | 2.61 | £170 | Minster | View |
| 10 | Novotel York Centre | 4.2★ | 2,341 | 2.58 | £95 | Fishergate | View |
Quality Score = (Rating/5) × LN(1+Reviews). Prices are approximate "from" rates and vary by season. Last verified: January 2026.
Best Areas for Dogs
York is compact and walkable. Here are the best areas for dog owners:
🏰 City Centre & Minster
Walk to everything – Minster, Shambles, city walls. Museum Gardens perfect for morning walks.
🍷 Walmgate
Trendy bars, independent shops, quieter than centre. Easy walk to Minster and riverside.
🚂 Station & Bootham
Grand Victorian architecture, Museum Gardens on doorstep. Perfect if arriving by train.
🌊 Fulford & Riverside
River Ouse walks, quieter atmosphere, more space for dogs to explore.
🏡 Bishopthorpe
Country feel just outside city. Middlethorpe Hall area, riverside paths, peaceful.
🏰 Minster Quarter
Historic heart of York. Grays Court, Dean Court – steps from the Minster and city walls.
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in York
York is genuinely dog-enthusiastic. Here's where to explore together:
🏰 York City Walls
Walk the 2-mile medieval walls with panoramic views. Dogs on leads welcome – a unique UK experience you won't find elsewhere.
🌳 Museum Gardens
10 acres in the city centre with Roman ruins and riverside views. Dogs on leads, perfect for a morning walk before breakfast.
🚣 River Ouse Walks
Miles of riverside paths from city centre to countryside. Off-lead sections available, swimming spots in summer months.
🌲 Rowntree Park
Large park with designated off-lead areas, café, and playground. Locals' favourite spot for dog walks and meetups.
☕ Dog-Friendly Tea Rooms
York's famous for tea rooms – many welcome dogs including Betty's outdoor terrace and The Hairy Fig.
🍺 Historic Pubs
York has more pubs per square mile than almost anywhere. Most welcome dogs – try the Blue Bell or Guy Fawkes Inn.
📍 Hotel & Park Locations
See where York's dog-friendly hotels and parks are located. Click any marker for details, directions, and links. Use the filters to show hotels, parks, or both.
💡 Pro tip: Hotels near Museum Gardens, the River Ouse, or Rowntree Park offer the best access for morning walks. Click any marker for details and directions.
All 23 Dog-Friendly Hotels in York
The complete ranked list of York's best dog-friendly hotels. All verified and scored using our quality methodology.
How York Compares
York ranks #3 in the UK for dog-friendly hotels – here's the full picture:
| Rank | City | Hotels | Avg Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | London | 49 | 4.67★ | 98.02 |
| 2 | Bath | 24 | 4.58★ | 66.42 |
| 3 | York | 23 | 4.53★ | 64.71 |
| 4 | Brighton | 21 | 4.44★ | 58.62 |
| 5 | Edinburgh | 28 | 4.41★ | 57.34 |
Pros & Cons: Travelling to York with Your Dog
York is fantastic for dogs, but it's not perfect. Here's an honest assessment to help you decide:
The Pros
-
Compact & walkable
York's entire centre is walkable in 15-20 minutes. Perfect for dogs who love to explore.
-
Exceptional pub culture
Most York pubs genuinely welcome dogs. Water bowls, treats, and cosy fires await.
-
Riverside walks
Miles of paths along the River Ouse with off-lead sections and swimming spots in summer.
-
Historic city walls
Walk the 2-mile medieval walls with your dog – a unique UK experience you won't find elsewhere.
-
Lower prices than London
Quality hotels from £100-150/night. Excellent value compared to the capital.
-
Dog-friendly tea rooms
York's famous tea room culture extends to dogs – try Betty's terrace or The Hairy Fig.
The Cons
-
Cobbled streets
Historic cobblestones can be tough on older dogs' paws. Consider paw balm or booties.
-
Crowded in peak season
The Shambles and centre can be packed. Visit early morning or avoid weekends.
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Limited off-lead in centre
Museum Gardens requires leads. Head to Rowntree Park or riverside for off-lead runs.
-
Minster & attractions off-limits
York Minster, Jorvik, and most indoor attractions don't allow dogs (except assistance dogs).
-
Race days = price spikes
York Races (May-October) can double hotel prices. Avoid unless you're attending.
-
Christmas market chaos
November-December markets make the centre very crowded and stressful for dogs.
🐕 Our Verdict
York is one of the UK's best small cities for dog owners. The compact layout, exceptional pub culture, and riverside walks make it ideal for a weekend break. Visit in spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October) to avoid crowds and race day prices. Stay near the river or Museum Gardens for the best dog-walking access. The cobbled streets are charming but watch older dogs' paws – paw balm helps!
📅 Best Time to Visit York with Your Dog
Timing matters when travelling with your pup. Here's the seasonal breakdown:
Spring (Mar–May)
- Weather: Mild 12-18°C, occasional rain
- Parks: Bluebells in bloom, quieter weekdays
- Hotels: Mid-season rates, good availability
- Transport: Mild weather for exploring
💡 April is ideal – Easter crowds pass, summer hasn't started
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Weather: Warm 20-30°C, can be hot
- Parks: Long daylight, but crowded
- Hotels: Peak prices, book early
- Transport: Peak tourism – book early
💡 Early morning/evening walks essential. Carry water always
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Weather: Crisp 10-16°C, golden leaves
- Parks: Beautiful colours, fewer tourists
- Hotels: Rates drop after October half-term
- Transport: Comfortable temperatures
💡 October is magical – autumn colours in Museum Gardens are stunning
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Weather: Cold 4-8°C, short days
- Parks: Quiet, muddy trails – bring towels!
- Hotels: Lowest rates (except Christmas/NYE)
- Transport: Quieter streets, cosy pubs
💡 January has the best hotel deals. Cosy pub fires await!
🚇 Getting Around York with Your Dog
Good news: York is one of the most dog-friendly cities for public transport. Here's everything you need to know:
On Foot (Recommended)
- ✅ York is very compact
- ✅ Walk everywhere in 15-20 mins
- ✅ Car-free historic centre
- ⚠️ Cobbled streets – watch older dogs
- 💡 Use snickelways (hidden alleyways)
Best route: River path from station to Minster
Buses
- ✅ Dogs travel FREE
- ✅ Park & Ride useful for arrivals
- ✅ Step-free access available
- ⚠️ Driver discretion applies
- 💡 Good for outer areas
Park & Ride: Leave your car, bus into centre
Taxis
- ✅ Local firms accept dogs
- ✅ Station Taxis: 01904 623332
- ✅ Streamline: 01904 656565
- ⚠️ No Uber in York
- 💡 Call ahead to confirm dogs OK
Tip: Bring a blanket for the seat
Trains
- ✅ York is a major rail hub
- ✅ Dogs travel FREE on LNER
- ✅ 2 hours from London Kings Cross
- ✅ Direct services from most UK cities
- ✅ Step-free access at York Station
Best tip: Book quiet coach for calmer journey
🐕 Pro Tips for Getting Around York
📋 Dog-Friendly York Packing Checklist
Don't forget the essentials! Here's what to pack for your York trip:
🎒 The Essentials
🛏️ Comfort Items
🌦️ Weather Gear
🏥 Health & Safety
💾 Save this checklist: Bookmark this page or take a screenshot before your trip!
🍽️ Dog-Friendly Pubs & Restaurants in York
York's pub culture is legendary – and dogs are genuinely welcome almost everywhere. Here are our picks by area:
📍 City Centre
Near: Hotel Indigo, The Grand-
The Blue Bell
Traditional Pub
Tiny Edwardian gem, CAMRA heritage. Dogs very welcome.
-
House of Trembling Madness
Medieval Bar
12th century building. Dogs welcome downstairs bar.
-
The Hairy Fig
Café & Deli
Excellent coffee and food. Very dog-friendly.
📍 Minster Quarter
Near: Grays Court, Dean Court-
Guy Fawkes Inn
Historic Pub
Birthplace of Guy Fawkes. Cosy rooms, dogs welcome.
-
Lamb & Lion Inn
Traditional Pub
Medieval pub near Bootham Bar. Water bowls ready.
-
Betty's Terrace
Tea Room
Famous Betty's outdoor terrace allows dogs. Book ahead!
📍 Walmgate & Fossgate
Near: Hotel du Vin-
Brew York
Craft Brewery
Excellent craft beer taproom. Dogs very welcome.
-
Fossgate Social
Bar & Kitchen
All-day food and drinks. Dog-friendly throughout.
-
The Chopping Block
Coffee & Brunch
Specialty coffee, great brunch. Dogs welcome inside.
📍 Outside Centre
Near: Middlethorpe Hall-
The Winning Post
Country Pub
Near racecourse. Large garden, very dog-friendly.
-
The Saddle Inn, Fulford
Traditional Pub
Riverside location. Dogs welcome, good food.
-
Ye Old Starre Inne
Historic Pub
York's oldest pub (1644). Atmospheric, dogs welcome.
🍺 Pub etiquette: Always ask before entering, keep dogs on leads, bring a towel for wet paws, and don't let them beg at other tables (no matter how charming they are).
🏥 24-Hour Emergency Vets in York
We hope you won't need this, but it's essential to know where to go in an emergency:
Vets Now York
📍 8 Hurricane Way, Clifton Moor, YO30 4GN
📞 01904 479 111
🕐 24 hours, 7 days a week
Dedicated emergency clinic. The go-to for out-of-hours emergencies in York.
Visit WebsiteMinster Veterinary Practice
📍 74 Nunnery Lane, York, YO23 1AJ
📞 01904 620 381
🕐 Mon-Fri 8:30-6:30, Sat 9-12
Excellent local practice. Out-of-hours redirects to Vets Now.
YourVets York (Acomb)
📍 12 Front Street, Acomb, YO24 3BZ
📞 01904 790 121
🕐 Mon-Fri 8:30-6:30, Sat 9-12
Good local practice west of centre. Emergency calls go to Vets Now.
Vet4life Fulford
📍 2 Main Street, Fulford, YO10 4PJ
📞 01904 625 111
🕐 Mon-Fri 8:30-7, Sat 9-1
South of city centre. Modern facilities, good for routine and urgent care.
🚨 In a Pet Emergency
- Stay calm – your dog will pick up on your anxiety
- Call ahead – let the vet know you're coming
- Bring records – vaccination history, medications, microchip number
- Transport safely – call a taxi (Station Taxis: 01904 623332)
- Have payment ready – emergency care can be £500-2000+
Pet insurance: We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers vet emergencies.
📱 Useful Apps for Dog Owners in York
These apps will make your York trip smoother:
Trainline
Transport
Best app for booking trains to York. Shows live times, delays, and platform info. Dogs travel free!
Doggy Lotty
Dog-Friendly Places
Find dog-friendly pubs, cafés, and restaurants in York. User reviews and photos. Great for spontaneous stops.
AllTrails
Walks & Trails
Discover walks along the River Ouse and Yorkshire countryside. Filter by dog-friendly. Offline maps available.
Google Maps
Navigation
York doesn't have Uber or Citymapper – Google Maps is your best friend for walking routes and local taxi numbers.
PetDesk
Pet Health
Store vet records, vaccination history, and medication reminders. Useful if you need emergency care.
Met Office Weather
Weather
Essential for York – the weather changes fast! Plan walks around rain. Includes hourly breakdowns.
Your Questions, Answered Honestly
What's the best dog-friendly hotel in York?
Hotel Indigo York tops our rankings with 4.5★ from 2,872 reviews and our highest quality score (3.11). For pure luxury, Grays Court has the highest rating (4.8★). On a budget? Travelodge York Central offers reliable stays from around £60/night.
How many dog-friendly hotels are in York?
York has 89 pet-friendly hotels in total. We've curated the top 23 based on quality scores – so you're choosing from the best of the best. That's why York ranks #3 in the UK.
What are the pet fees like?
Honestly? It varies wildly. Budget hotels charge £10-£30 per night. Many luxury hotels (including some five-star properties) include pets at no extra charge – they see it as part of the service. Always confirm when booking.
Are there size restrictions?
Most York hotels accept all sizes, though boutique properties may have limits. Chain hotels like Premier Inn and Travelodge have no restrictions. For large breeds, we'd suggest Novotel or DoubleTree properties.
Which area is best for walking dogs?
City Centre (Museum Gardens), Walmgate (foodie scene), and Fulford (riverside walks) offer the best walking options. Avoid staying far from the centre – York is compact and best explored on foot.
Can I take my dog on public transport?
Yes! Dogs travel free on York buses and trains. Taxis accept dogs at the driver's discretion – call ahead. There's no Uber in York, so use local taxi firms like Station Taxis (01904 623332). York is compact and best explored on foot.
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