Dog-friendly Skipton: Pubs, walks & places to visit

Planning on house sitting as a pet sitter in Skipton, or local to this North Yorkshire town? Stick with us as we sniff out the best of dog-friendly Skipton, from cosy pubs and cafes to scenic walks, historic sights, and waterside adventures.

Dog-friendly pubs in Skipton, Yorkshire

You and your furry friend will feel right at home in Skipton’s dog-friendly pubs. Head to one of these watering holes to enjoy a hearty Sunday roast, a craft ale with countryside views, or a fireside pint with a pup at your feet.

The Cock and Bottle

Right in the centre of Skipton, The Cock and Bottle has a well-earned reputation for being one of the friendliest pubs in town, and that extends to their four-legged guests. They serve home-cooked food made from seasonal, locally grown ingredients, and the covered beer garden works even if the Yorkshire weather isn’t perfect.

Location: 30 Swadford St, Skipton BD23 1RD

The Castle Inn

As the name suggests, The Castle Inn is right beside Skipton Castle, making it a great place to stop after exploring the historic site. There’s a spacious, south-facing beer garden for sunny days, but dogs are also welcomed inside with a treat or two. Menu favourites include classic comfort dishes like steak & ale pie, liver and onions, and fish & chips.

Location: 2 Mill Bridge, Skipton BD23 1NJ

The Narrow Boat

Tucked away on a pretty side street, The Narrow Boat has rotating craft ale taps and one of the biggest gin selections in town. The pub is roomy enough for pups to stretch out, and the team are always happy to say hello to furry visitors. Their menu has all the classics, including proper pies, fish & chips, and loaded fries.

Location: Victoria St, Skipton BD23 1JE

The Woolly Sheep Inn

You and your pooch will feel right at home at The Woolly Sheep Inn, which is warm, cosy and full of character. They serve real ales (including Timothy Taylor’s) and a menu of pub classics, so there’s something for everyone after a long walk in the Dales.

Location: 38 Sheep St, Skipton BD23 1HY

The Bay Horse

Just south of Skipton, The Bay Horse sits beside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Paws and muddy boots are always welcome in the bar and garden area, with free dog snacks and water bowls at the ready. The menus cover everything from hearty classics to Sunday roasts and weekday lunch deals. 

Location: Snaygill Industrial Estate, Bradley, Keighley BD20 9HB

The Bull

Located within the grounds of the Broughton Hall Estate, this is a lovely countryside stop-off after a walk with your pup. Whether you want to enjoy the views from the garden or cosy up by the fire inside, staff will fetch water for pups and give them some fuss. They’re known for their Sunday roasts, but you’ll also find a range of warming meals served daily.

Location: Broughton, Skipton BD23 3AE 

Two Sisters

A little more modern than your average pub, Two Sisters has a food menu of nibbles, house specials, and something for the little ones, plus craft beer and artisan gin. You’ll find water bowls out front, and if you ask nicely, the kitchen might even rustle up a treat for your pup.

Location: 3A Mill Bridge, Skipton BD23 1NJ

The Railway

This bright, airy pub is located in the back streets just off the canal. Four-legged furries are welcome throughout (as long as they’re polite to resident pup Bonnie!), so you can enjoy a proper pub meal without leaving your pooch behind. Serving everything from traditional pub grub to modern specials, you’re sure to find something tasty here.

Location: 10 Cavendish St, Skipton BD23 2AB

The Royal Shepherd Inn

This historic 17th-century pub might be one of the oldest in Skipton – and according to legend, one of the most haunted! Tales of old pub ghosts aside, The Royal Shepherd is a warm, dog-friendly spot beside the canal, serving classic fare like homemade pies and steak & kidney pudding.

Location: Canal St, Skipton BD23 1LB

Dog-friendly restaurants in Skipton

If pub grub isn’t up your alley, here are some of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Skipton!

Calico Jack Restaurant & Bar

This laid-back spot serves all your comfort food favourites – think burgers, fajitas and pizzas – along with happy hour cocktails and early-bird deals. Four-legged friends are welcome to join you!

Location: 36 Water St, Skipton BD23 1PB

Alexander’s Grand Café, Bar & Terrace

Alexander’s is an award-winning restaurant that welcomes dogs on its covered terrace, which is complete with heaters and blankets to keep everyone cosy. There’s a seasonal, all-day menu as well as brunch and afternoon tea, with excellent options for vegan, veggie, and gluten-free diners.

Location: 4-6 High St, Skipton BD23 1JZ  

Le Bistro Des Amis

The menu here is a fusion of British and French cuisine, made from seasonal, locally sourced produce. Seafood is the specialty, so you’ll find dishes like moules marinière, oysters, and freshly dressed crab on the ever-changing menu du jour – and pooch pals are free to join!

Location: 1 Jerry Croft, Skipton BD23 1DT

Dog-friendly cafes in Skipton

If you’re spending the day exploring this bustling market town, you’ll find plenty of cafes that welcome you and your four-legged friend. From brunch spots to bakeries made just for pups, here are some of the best dog-friendly coffee shops in Skipton.

Kibble Bakery

Possibly the most dog-obsessed place in town, Kibble Bakery is a dog-friendly coffee shop and bakery. They serve award-winning coffee, freshly baked goodies, and an entire menu for dogs – with pupcakes, biscuits, and ice cream made with human-grade ingredients.

Location: 44 Sheep St, Skipton BD23 1HY

Dales Cottage Cafe & Grill

This quaint, family-run cafe is open for breakfast through to late lunch, and even does Sunday roasts to take away! Furry friends will enjoy some attention while you choose from full English breakfasts, giant Yorkshire puddings, and other homemade dishes.

Location: Albion House, Otley St, Skipton BD23 1ED

Phoebe’s

This dog-friendly cafe is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a Friday-night dinner. Everything’s made fresh to order, and there are plenty of vegan options too.

Location: 18 Coach St, Skipton BD23 1LH

The Flip Side Cafe, Skipton

Crepes, breakfast sandwiches, and a selection of hot and cold drinks (including boba) are served in a warm, friendly environment, which welcomes four-legged fluffs.

Location: 6 Swadford St, Skipton BD23 1RD

Coopers Café Bar

The food here is as good as it looks, with an all-day brunch menu alongside breakfast and lunch dishes. Favourites include the bacon, sausage and egg muffins, goats’ cheese paninis, and Biscoff waffles – and there’s always water for thirsty pups!

Location: 6/8 Belmont St, Skipton BD23 1RP

The Coffee Mill

This is a popular place for coffee and cake, and four-legged friends are welcomed with treats and fresh water. Dishes like soup, jacket potatoes, and hot roast sandwiches are also on the menu, and the staff will make everyone feel welcome!

Location: 9 Otley St, Skipton BD23 1DY

Caffé Capo

This Italian family-run business is warm and friendly, and pups are greeted with a treat. They have a good selection of teas and coffees, along with breakfast and lunch classics like eggs and avo, toasties, and wraps.

Location: 10 Swadford St, Skipton BD23 1RD

Dog walks in Skipton

Seeing as Skipton’s right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are plenty of places to stretch your legs. Whether you’re on a peaceful stroll along the canal or hiking in the Dales, just remember to keep Fido on a lead – you never know when livestock might appear.

Skipton Castle Woods

In the woods behind Skipton Castle, you’ll find leafy paths, riverside trails, and plenty of new scents for curious noses.

Length: Around 1.6 miles (circular)

Location: Skipton BD23 1AW

Embsay Reservoir loop

This flat walk circles the reservoir, surrounded by dramatic views of Embsay Crag and Crookrise Crag. The loop takes around half an hour, but if you’re feeling energetic, you can climb Embsay Crag to enjoy 360° views across the Dales.

Length: 1 mile loop (longer if you climb the crag)

Location: Skipton BD23 6PR

Grassington to Conistone Pie

If you’re up for a real adventure, start your walk in the village of Grassington and head off into the Yorkshire Dales. The trail takes you across wild moorland, through the Cornistone Dib gorge, and past the limestone outcrop known as “Conistone Pie”.

Length: 8.5 miles (circular)

Location: Grassington BD23 5LB

Taking the Aire from Skipton

This scenic route starts at the front door of The Woolly Sheep Inn and leads out along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. You can head in either direction and loop back along the River Aire for a longer stretch.

Length: Around 9 miles (out and back)

Location: 38 Sheep St, Skipton BD23 1HY

The Welly Walk at Bolton Abbey

This one’s perfect for families and furry friends who don’t mind getting a bit muddy (hence the name)! The trails wind through woodland and riverside scenery, with stepping stones, little bridges, and shallow spots for paddling along the way.

Length: Up to 12 miles, depending on your route

Location: Abbey Village Car Park, Bolton Abbey Bolton, B6160, Skipton BD23 6EX

Buckden to Starbotton Hillside

This classic Yorkshire Dales walk starts in Buckden, then follows the fellside trail overlooking the River Wharfe before looping back along the riverside path.

Length: 5 miles (circular)

Location: Car Park, Skipton BD23 5JA

Langstrothdale Valley Trail

Enjoy beautiful valley scenery as you follow the River Wharfe past an old packhorse bridge and a stone circle from the Bronze Age.

Length: 2 miles 

Location: Yockenthwaite Bridge, BD23 5JQ

Other dog-friendly places in Skipton

There’s more to Skipton than great walks and cosy pubs – plenty of attractions around town happily welcome dogs too. Take a look below to find even more dog-friendly activities in Skipton!

Skipton Castle

One of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, Skipton Castle is a must-see for history buffs. Pups are welcome to join (on a lead) as you wander the winding staircases, peek into the Banqueting Hall, and imagine life behind those thick stone walls.

Opening hours: Daily, 10 am-4 pm

Cost: £11.70

Location: The Bailey, Skipton BD23 1AW

Aireville Park

Just on the edge of the town, Aireville Park has plenty of room for walkies and playtime. There are big open spaces, wooded areas, and walking routes that link up with the canal.

Opening hours: Daily, 10 am-6 pm

Cost: Free

Location: Skipton BD23 1UD

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

All aboard! Treat yourself (and your dog) to a trip on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. The pair of you can enjoy an old-fashioned adventure as you watch the Yorkshire countryside roll by from the carriage of a 1950s train.

Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, 9 am-4:30 pm

Cost: £15

Location: Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AF 

Parcevall Hall Gardens

Hidden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Parcevall Hall Gardens has beautifully kept terraces, peaceful ponds, and woodland paths that climb up the hillside. The views from the top are well worth the legwork, and your pup will love exploring beside you.

Opening hours: Daily, 10 am-6 pm

Cost: £10

Location: Skyreholme, Skipton BD23 6DE

Skipton Boat Trips

Why not swap your walking boots for a boat trip? Cruise along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal with Skipton Boat Trips, either book a guided cruise or hire your own narrowboat for the day.

Location: The Wharf Office, 3 Coach St, Skipton BD23 1LH

Tips for pet parents in Skipton

• Keep your pup on the lead. Skipton’s surrounded by beautiful countryside, which often means nearby livestock or nesting wildlife. Keep your furry friend on a lead and under control to keep everyone safe and happy.
• Share the path. Canal and riverside trails are popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. Use a shorter lead and take it steady so everyone (two-legged and four-legged) can enjoy the route.
• Plan ahead for pet care. Now you know the best dog-friendly places in Skipton, you might be wondering what to do when your furry friend can’t tag along. The good news is you don’t need to book a kennel – a verified in-home sitter can keep your pets safe and happy right at home. It’s the kind of care vets (and pets!) love most. Find out how it works below.

Tips for pet sitters in Skipton

• Use dog waste bins. You’ll find bins for dog waste at the entrances to places like Skipton Castle Woods. They’re less common mid-trail, so make sure to bag it and carry it until you find one.
• Check for “dogs on lead” zones. Before setting off somewhere like Bolton Abbey Estate, check for any areas where dogs need to stay on a lead (some moorlands or wildlife zones have restrictions).
• Explore Skipton as a pet sitter. Feeling inspired by dog-friendly Skipton? Why not experience it for yourself! Exchange pet care for a pet sitting stay in Skipton, and discover the best of this charming market town with a pooch by your side.

More dog-friendly travel guides near Skipton, North Yorkshire

Thinking about house sitting near Skipton, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.

• Dog-friendly Leeds: Things to do in Leeds with a dog
• Dog-friendly Manchester: things to do in Manchester with a dog
• Dog-friendly Sheffield: Things to do in Sheffield with a dog
• Dog-friendly York: things to do in York with a dog
• Dog-friendly Liverpool: things to do in Liverpool with a dog