Our top Dog-Friendly Walks Around York for 2025
Our favourites that we think you and your pooch will love
Let’s be honest — every good dog deserves an epic adventure, and frankly, so do you. Whether you’re after daffodils, castles, or full-on moorland zoomies, York’s got it all. Here’s your 2025 guide to the best wag-worthy walks near the city. If you want to know our top 10 walks right in the centre of York just download our book for free here York Local Knowledge: Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less
Brimham Rocks – Big Boulders and Bigger Adventures
Start: Brimham Rocks car park | 6.3 miles | 3–4 hours
Natural rock playground (dogs = loving it).
Panoramic views and loads of places to scramble around.
Picnic spots galore — if you can tear them away from chasing squirrels.
Top tip: Keep an eye out for Insta-famous rock formations — The Idol Rock is legendary.
Beningbrough Hall – Stately Sniffs and Easy Strolls
Start: Newton-on-Ouse | 4 miles | About 2 hours
Open fields, shady woods and a dog-friendly café.
Plenty of space for off-lead madness (outside the main gardens).
Views that make you feel like you’re starring in your own period drama.
Top tip: National Trust membership = free parking. Otherwise, a few quid and totally worth it.
Castle Howard Parkland Walk – Grand Estates and Grander Walkies
Start: Castle Howard courtyard | 5 miles | 2 hours
Wander past lakes, temples, and old stately home vibes.
Massive open spaces for the doggos to stretch their legs (on lead).
Very “Sunday stroll but make it fancy.”
Top tip: No dogs allowed inside the house, but the parkland = full doggy paradise.
Farndale Daffodil Walk – All the Yellow
Start: Low Mill car park | 3.5 miles | About 2 hours
Rivers, flowers, wagging tails — you get the vibe.
Best between mid-March and mid-April for MAX daffodil goodness.
Bonus: Cakes at Daffy Café afterwards.
Top tip: Go early in spring — it gets busy when the flowers pop.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal – Ruins, Rivers and Running
Start: Fountains Abbey visitor centre | 2.5 miles | 1 hour
UNESCO World Heritage Site — and dogs are very welcome.
Gorgeous water gardens for a sniffy wander.
Insta-ready ruins everywhere you look.
Top tip: Stop at the tea rooms for a sneaky sausage roll (dog-friendly seating outside).
Haworth Moor – Moody Moors and Literary Legends
Start: Haworth village | Distance flexible | 2–4 hours
Wild, broody landscapes (Wuthering Heights energy).
Plenty of room for sheep-watching, and wildflower sniffing.
Head up to Top Withens for some dramatic selfies.
Top tip: Seriously pack for the weather – it changes faster than a Labrador spots a sandwich.
York’s Millennium Bridge to Rowntree Park Loop – In the Heart of the City
Start: Millennium Bridge | 2.5 miles | 1 hour
Start by the River Ouse, stroll through leafy paths.
Rowntree Park = brilliant for a ball chuck about.
Stop at Rowntree Café for coffee and pup treats.
Top tip: Grab an ice cream at the park kiosk if the sun’s out — they sometimes have doggy ice lollies too!
Askham Bog – Woodland Sniffs and Wild Things
Start: Askham Bog car park | 2 miles | About 1 hour
Nature reserve packed with rare plants and muddy puddles (heaven for some pups).
Boardwalk trails = easy on the paws.
Dreamy in spring with flowers and frogs everywhere.
Top tip: Leads on! It’s a protected nature reserve packed with critters.
So, Who’s Ready for a Walk?
Whether you’re after a full day out or a cheeky hour with the doggo, York’s serving up some serious walkies goals. Boots on, lead clipped, treats packed — time to explore!
Ready to go? - the sunny days are here again so get out there and don’t forget if you need a place to stay, then just visit our website www.houseofyork.org and book:
- one of our homes for up to six people
- two of our homes for up to 12 people
- or all three together for up to 18 people
Rather conveniently, all our houses are next door to each other!
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.