Dog-Friendly Stays in Yorkshire Dales
Dog-friendly, and the Dales on your doorstep – what could be better? That’s exactly what you get when you book a stay with us at The Golden Lion. An ideally located dog-friendly hotel in the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll find plenty of scenic walking routes, open countryside and charming villages to explore.
Whether it’s a daytime adventure or a night or two away with your dogs, the Yorkshire Dales is well-known and loved for its exceptional scenery, range of trails and waterfalls, as well as its pet-friendly atmosphere. With such an expanse of beauty and no shortage of areas to explore or things to do, the Yorkshire Dales is ideal for days out, short breaks or longer walking holidays with your four-legged friends.
Your four-legged friends will enjoy plenty of treats, dog bowls for water, blankets and dog beds – and probably a good amount of fuss from the staff. For an additional £20, our rooms are all dog-friendly rooms, you’ll benefit from outdoor areas for quick sniffs, nearby walking access to stretch their legs and relaxing communal spaces with plenty of space for them to curl up after a long day.
Dogs are welcome in some areas of the pub, with the restaurant being the only exception.
Whatever walking capability you or your dogs have, there’s a stroll, hike or climb that will suit you. The lovely village of Settle is an excellent base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales with your dog, as you’re perfectly placed to explore nearby walking routes and the best local attractions.
The Malham Cove Walk is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ most iconic walking routes, and with good reason. This popular circular route is a fantastic adventure for dogs and owners alike, with dramatic limestone scenery, rolling countryside and the remarkable natural amphitheatre of Malham Cove itself. The walk can be tailored to suit different abilities, with shorter routes of around 3 miles, or longer loops extending beyond 7 miles.
The terrain is generally well-maintained, featuring grassy paths, country tracks and some rocky sections around the cove. Dogs will enjoy exploring the open landscapes, though owners should keep them under control near livestock, particularly during lambing season. The famous limestone pavement at the top of the cove provides stunning panoramic views across the Dales and is a prime photo opportunity spot.
At just a 20-minute drive away from The Golden Lion, you can park at Malham National Park Visitor Centre* at any time. From there, you can also enjoy the lovely village of Malham, which is full of dog-friendly pubs, cafés and other walking routes – including our sister venue, the Lister Arms, where your four-legged friend will always get a warm welcome too.
It’s easy to turn a walk into a full day out before coming back to your dog-friendly hotel in the Yorkshire Dales for a well-earned rest.
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is perfect for more active dogs and their owners with woodland paths, rushing rivers and spectacular waterfalls along a circular route of approximately 4.5 miles. It’s one of the most scenic walks in the Yorkshire Dales, as the trail follows the River Twiss and River Doe, showcasing a series of impressive cascades and natural beauty spots throughout the journey.
The route features a mixture of surfaced paths, stone steps and woodland tracks, making it moderately challenging in places for humans, while dogs that are comfortable on mixed terrain will love the sights, sounds and scents along the trail. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the waterfalls, as well as shaded woodland sections to enjoy the views in a cooler spot on warmer days.
The nearby village of Ingleton is around a 30-minute drive with parking available at the Broadwood Car Park*, and the whole family will enjoy plenty of dog-friendly cafés and traditional pubs, which make for perfect pit stops. With the trail’s stunning scenery and manageable distance, it’s an excellent choice for a fun dog-friendly walk in the Yorkshire Dales.
For experienced walkers and energetic dogs, the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge offers one of the most rewarding adventures in the region. This classic route covers around 24 miles and tackles the three iconic peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, with breathtaking views across the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The terrain is significantly more demanding than many other local walks, with steep ascents, rocky paths, exposed moorland and long stretches of open countryside. As a result, this route is best suited to fit, well-trained dogs that are accustomed to long-distance hiking.
Although there are shorter sections of the Three Peaks routes that can still provide incredible scenery without committing to the full challenge. Whatever you decide, along the way walkers can enjoy incredible landscapes, traditional stone villages and some of the most memorable views the Yorkshire Dales has to offer.
At just a 12-minute drive away from us, the most popular starting point for this dog-friendly walk in the Yorkshire Dales is in Horton-in-Ribblesdale* where limited parking is available.
This is a walk that requires a bit of planning ahead, so be mindful to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, carry plenty of water and be aware of changing weather conditions, which can affect both comfort and safety on the hills.
The Golden Lion is the ideal gateway to an incredible dog-friendly stay in the Yorkshire Dales. The wonderful market town of Settle is welcoming, full of charm and ideal for those looking for an adventure, as it’s also a short 20-minute drive to Yorkshire Dales National Park. You’ll find plenty of lovely dog friendly things to do and places to eat and drink, as well as plenty of local walking routes, including Attermire Scar and Scaleber Force. Both trails can be reached directly from Settle and are ideal if you’re looking for picturesque but relaxing dog walks close to town.
If you are travelling with pets, there are convenient parking facilities within walking distance of the hotel, and we’re also just a 5-minute walk away from Settle Railway Station.
So, if you’re looking for a dog-friendly stay in the Yorkshire Dales with a warm welcome, superior rooms and excellent dining options, you’re sure to find it with us.
