Top 5 dog-friendly things to do in York

26 March 2024 - 3 min read
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Planning a day trip or long weekend with the dog to the city of York? We don’t blame you. For pet parents, York has it all; beautiful countryside for long dog walks, top-tier dog-friendly pubs and cafes, not to mention its 2000 years of rich history to soak in.

It’s a tall order trying to experience the best of it all with your pup - but it is possible. Especially when all the the hard work is done for you. Read on to discover our top 5 dog-friendly things to do in York.

1. York Maze

For a family day out with the dog in the summer, look no further than the York Maze. From July to September, it’s home to Europe’s largest maze made from... wait for it... maize. Yes, really. There’s a new design every year and you’re welcome to bring along your dog on a lead to help you solve it. 

That’s not all York Maze has to offer. The family attraction also boasts over 20 rides, shows and attractions to keep kids and adults busy; including the Jurassic Maize, the Crazy Maze Show, the House of Cornfusion and much more! It’s perfect for pups with lots of energy to burn – as long as they don’t mind staying on a lead.

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2. Kirkham Priory

A little bit of history, lots of beautiful scenery and fresh air – what could be better? Situated between York and Malton, the riverside ruins of English Heritage site, Kirkham Priory, can be found in the beautiful Derwent Valley near the Yorkshire Wolds.

Learn about the secret visit of Winston Churchill, visit the Gatehouse, or simply have a picturesque picnic by the river. Dogs are welcome throughout the site, making it a great stop on a countryside dog walk. 

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3. City Sightseeing York

Not got long in York? One of the best ways to see lots of tourist attractions quickly is a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. City Sightseeing are great for this – their open top buses travel to 21 stops around the city and they allow well-behaved pups (on leads) to board. 

With a ticket that's valid for 24 hours and buses every 30 minutes from 9am - 5.30pm you have full control of your itinerary, allowing you to plan essential doggy bathroom breaks between landmarks.

You can do a full loop with an included audio commentary and then hop off at any destinations that take your fancy – you decide! 

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4. City Cruises

If you prefer sightseeing by water, then a York City Cruise is a great dog-friendly option. This company offers a range of different boat tours along the River Ouse, but the best one for dogs is their 45 minute Daytime Sightseeing cruise.

You’ll enjoy historical and local commentary from the captain while spotting famous city landmarks from the water. Dogs can come on board for free, but must be kept on a lead at all times. 

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5. City Screen Picturehouse

If you want to see the latest blockbuster in York, there’s now no need to leave your furry best friend at home.

The Picturehouse City Screen hosts regular dog-friendly viewings of selected popular movies, complete with snacks, water and dog blanketed seats. They even dip the volume a little to cater to your pup’s sensitive hearing. Does it get any more dog-friendly than that? Check out our full review to find out... and pass the popcorn.

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Scarlett White
Senior Copywriter

Scarlett is an experienced copywriter who’s worked within a variety of industries, including health, beauty and interiors. Before joining ManyPets as Senior Copywriter in 2022 to focus on pet health, she held in-house copywriting roles at MADE.COM and Liz Earle Beauty Co. She has a penchant for puns, a love of dogs and a degree in English Literature.