The K9 Guide to Harrogate
Harrogate is a Victorian Spa Town in the heart of Yorkshire that makes the perfect place for a getaway weekend or day visit with your dog. With the Yorkshire Dales on the doorstep, it’s a great place to make your base if you are planning on some walking adventures nearby.
If you fancy a more leisurely visit and wandering around the shops and stopping for food and drink is more your style then Harrogate town centre is the perfect place to visit.
WALKS
Valley Gardens
The Valley Garden is a 17-acre English Heritage Grade II listed garden that is just a stone’s throw from the town centre, next to the Pinewoods woodlands. The gardens are open all year round and have a range of facilities on-site including a cafe, bandstand, toilets, children’s playground and skate park.
The Stray
The Stray is open to the public all day, every day and is one of Harrogate’s best-known landmarks. It is 200 acres of grass parkland that encompasses the town centre on the southern half, as well as giving the town a uniquely green and spacious feel. Whether you are local to the area or visiting from further afield this is a great place to stretch your legs with the dog(s) when visiting the beautiful town centre of Harrogate.
Fountains Abbey
A stunning attraction to visit with your dog, Fountains Abbey is made up of the abbey itself, Studley Royal Water Garden, and a deer park filled with ancient trees! Now an established World Heritage Site, there’s plenty of fantastic walks with green lawns, wooded areas, and a riverside path. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere, just make sure to keep them on-lead.
CAFÉS
Prego Café Bar
This quaint cafe is set towards the bottom of Montpellier Parade and as well as serving the usual cafe fare it is also fully licensed. There is an outdoor seating area as well as indoors and dogs allowed at both. The staff were very friendly and couldn’t be happier to see dogs coming in with their patrons.
Grön Café
Grön is a vegan, vegetarian-friendly cafe bar that gives off a great brunch vibe. They like #KeepingItClean and use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to organic wines from local distributors. Their focus is on delivering great food with minimum impact on the environment.
Hoxton North
This London inspired cafe is a favourite for locals looking for a delicious bite to eat. Founded by a husband and wife team they have an extensive menu (which we happened to try) they have speciality coffee roasters, traditional, vegan, dairy and gluten-free food offerings, as well as serving organic, natural or biodynamic still and sparkling wines, craft beers and spirits. Their brunch menu runs from 9 am until 3 pm.
Love Brownies Café
This cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a decadent chocolate brownie and a freshly-roasted coffee with your pooch by your side. They have eight tempting flavours, including caramel fudge, fresh raspberry or our original double chocolate. All of their brownies are gluten-free and they have a delicious vegan range too. They also do nice takeaway boxes/bags if you want to take a sweet treat home with you.
Balitzersen's Café
Baltzersen’s is a café that offers you the best Yorkshire sourced ingredients prepared with Scandinavian inspiration to deliver a taste of the Nordic north in relaxed and calm surroundings. Dogs are allowed inside but there is also outdoor seating to choose from as well.
Starling Bar Café Kitchen
Whatever time of day, Starling Bar Café Kitchen is a relaxing environment for a bite to eat or a drink. Focused on prioritising excellent quality products and service, you’re sure to have a wonderful experience. Dogs are welcome too, and the relaxing environment should keep your pup calm and happy!
Nutrition Joes
If you are in the market for a spot of healthy clean eating during your visit we recommend you pay a visit to this cafe. Known for their all-day breakfast and clean eating, it’s a good place for those trying to stick to a diet and fitness regimes even while away from home. Menu options include gluten-free, vegan, protein shakes, juice bars and smoothies. The manager Louise is a big dog fan and will welcome dogs throughout the venue.
ACCOMMODATION
The Crown Hotel
If you are looking for somewhere central to stay that admits your four-legged travel companion then look no further than The Crown Hotel. Located in Crown Place towards the bottom end of the town this stunning venue has some rooms specifically set aside that are dog friendly. There is an additional charge of £15 per dog per night.
How Stean Gorge
How Stean Gorge is the stuff of local legend, nestled in the hillside in upper Nidderdale, the Campsite, Café, Visitor’s attractions, and caves are a brilliant place to explore with your furry friends, they can get there paws wet and have good old sniff around the caves, probably best to stay on the lead though, the gorge can be quite steep and slippery in places.
Acorn Lodge
Acorn Lodge is a hidden gem in the heart of Harrogate! Perfect for travelling with big groups, Acorn Lodge has easy access to the town centre and comes equipped with everything you will need! Small dogs are welcome to stay and there’s a small park just around the corner for quick walks. The north end of The Stray is also only a short walk away!
PUBS
The Old Bell
Located in the Montpellier Quarter in Harrogate town centre, close to the Pump Room Museum and Valley Gardens, the recently refurbished Old Bell offers fine ale and food to the folks of Harrogate and its many visitors. Dogs are welcome throughout the whole pub and there is a function room upstairs that could accommodate dogs on request. Whilst there is only indoor seating available at this venue, dog treats can be found on the bar and there’s always a water bowl available.
The Fat Badger
This traditional English style pub is very big as a venue and has a huge outdoor seating area which is good as that’s the only place they currently let dogs sit. If you are looking for traditional pub food then this is worth a visit and it’s only a stone’s throw from Valley Gardens if you’ve worked up an appetite from your walk.
Major Tom's Social Club
This quirky independent venue, which can be located in The Ginnel, is super dog friendly and is a craft beer and pizza kitchen. They are open from 12-10 most days. Dogs are allowed inside (although you have to go up some stairs) and the staff absolutely love having dogs to visit.
North Bar
This cafe-bar serves speciality coffee alongside craft beer and is known for its artisan menu with things like focaccia sandwiches. There is both indoor and outdoor seating for those visiting with dogs and there are treats on standby alongside the obligatory water bowl.
PET SHOPS
Paw Prints
Fancy a sweet treat for your pup? Why not pay a visit to the Paw Prints pet shop on James Street in the heart of the town. They have a selection of homemade treats on display as well as all the usual essential items you might need for you and your dog.
Posh Paws
For a unique pet shopping experience, head to Posh Paws! Stocking an extensive range of items is just one reason to visit and you’re sure to find something new. Posh Paws are on hand to offer recommendations for all their products, including nutritional advice, so you won’t be overwhelmed. Close to the centre of town, you won’t need to go too far to find some amazing dog products!
