Skipton is a highly sought-after market town in North Yorkshire, nestled just outside the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. Voted the happiest place to live in the UK, it’s no surprise living in Skipton is very desirable as it is rich in both history and natural beauty. The town itself is a great getaway, with plenty to discover including its famous 900-year-old castle, historic cobbled streets, markets, and plenty of independent eateries and bars. Whatever’s brought you to town, you and your dog will need to quench your thirst, so we’ve handpicked some of Skipton’s best dog-friendly pubs for you to try.
The Castle Inn
If you’re looking for a traditional Yorkshire pub to enjoy a pint in, head to The Castle Inn. It’s steeped in history and character and stocked to the rafters with ales and spirits.
If you couldn’t guess, this pub’s the closest one to the castle itself so you and the family can nip inside after exploring the magnificent Norman fort. It’s one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Skipton too, with free treats and water bowls at the ready and the staff love to fuss a pup.
Address: 2 Mill Bridge, BD23 1NJ
Opening Times: Mon: Closed / Tue-Sun: 12:00-23:00
The Narrow Boat
Tucked away up a cobbled side street is The Narrow Boat, and this hidden gem is easy to miss despite being in the town centre! It’s worth searching for as this spacious pub is a self-proclaimed beer lover’s paradise with their ever-changing craft beer offering and one of the biggest gin ranges in town.
This dog-friendly pub in Skipton is happy for you to bring your pooch inside to find an actual pew to sit on!
Address: Victoria Street, BD23 1JE
Opening Times: Sun-Tue: 12:00-22:00 / Wed-Sat: 12:00-23:00
The Woolley Sheep Inn
Located just off the main high street is The Woolly Sheep Inn. It’s cosy, compact and characterful and you and your four-legged friend can curl up by the fireside, sun yourselves in the garden, or even take a break in a dog-friendly guest room.
The menu is small but packed full of exciting flavours and locally sourced ingredients, it boasts home-cooked favourites with a modern twist. It’s more than your average pub grub since the mouthwatering mains include dishes like slow braised blade of beef, venison haunch or a cod loin.
Address: 38 Sheep Street, BD23 1HY
Opening Times: Mon-Thu: 11:00-23:00 / Fri-Sat: 11:00-00:00 / Sun: 12:00-23:00
The Bay Horse
Just slightly outside of town you’ll find The Bay Horse, run by Vintage Inns. As is common with this chain, muddy boots and muddy paws are welcome inside the bar.
This is another of the most dog-friendly pubs around Skipton, with jars of free “doggy bar snacks” for you to dip into, bowls of water, and even bottles of doggy beer on sale to treat your furry friend. It’s right along the canal too, so you and your dog can enjoy a leisurely walk along the towpath to this charming country pub.
Address: Keighley Road, Snaygill, BD20 9HB
Opening Times: Sun-Thu: 11:30-22:00 / Fri-Sat: 11:30-23:00
The Cock and Bottle
The Cock and Bottle claims to be the friendliest local in town, and they live up to it! They’ve been in the top 20 pubs in Yorkshire for a few years running and deliver everything you’d expect from a proper Yorkshire pub, including mountainous portions of mouth-watering, home-cooked food, and friendly service.
This dog friendly pub in Skipton received a makeover during lockdown and the revamp has done wonders for the atmosphere.
Address: 30 Swadford Street, BD23 1RD
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-23:00
The Two Sisters
The Two Sisters is a fabulous space in the heart of Skipton that’s worth popping into at any time of day. If you’re after a breakfast pizza, mid-morning coffee and cake, or a nightcap there’s something here to tickle all tastebuds. It’s a cosy home from home vibe with a plethora of fresh food, gallons of gin, local craft beers and wines from around the world. Humans and hounds of all ages are welcome inside and here your four-legged friend will get a good fuss and sometimes a special treat from the kitchen!
Address: 3A Mill Bridge, BD23 1NJ
Opening Times: Mon-Tue: Closed / Wed-Thu: 12:00-22:00 / Fri-Sat: 10:00-23:00 / Sun: 10:00-18:00
Royal Shepherd
The Royal Shepherd is a dog friendly pub that is unique in many ways! Believed to be the only pub of its name in the country this 17th-century pub has a rather colourful past. With its prime position along the canal, it’s allegedly haunted by the ghost of a murdered man, as well as the apparition of a woman and her haunting hound called “Tag” who still go for walks along the towpath to this day!
Ghosts aside, the locals and staff are positively lovely and there’s a pleasant, warm atmosphere inside this homely watering hole, not least because new pub dog Josh is there to greet you!
Address: Canal Street, BD23 1LB
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 11:00-23:00 / Sat-Sun: 08:00-10:00 & 11:00-23:00
The Bull
The Bull is situated within the gorgeous, landscaped grounds of the Broughton Hall Estate and from the outside, you’d be forgiven for passing by thinking it’s just a cottage!
This traditionally handsome pub with its open fires, flagged stone floors and good old furniture is snug and pleasantly bright inside, with a host of friendly staff who are always happy to help and make sure every member of the family is comfortable, including the dog. They’ll fetch some water too so everyone can quench their thirst after a long hike.
Address: Broughton, BD23 3AE
Opening Times: Mon-Thu: 11:00-21:30 / Fri-Sat: 11:00-23:00 / Sun: 11:00-20:00
The Cavendish Arms
Just a mile outside of Skipton, you could enjoy a trip to The Cavendish Arms. This quaint country dog friendly pub borders the beautiful landscapes of the national park and Nidderdale, so there are even more hikes you and your hound can enjoy in the area. You could also hop off the steam railway before heading inside with your furry companion for a pint before home time.
Address: Skipton Road, Embsay, BD23 6QT
Opening Times: Mon: Closed / Tue-Fri: 12:00-15:00 & 18:00-23:30 / Sat-Sun: 12:00-23:30
At Space Homes, we currently have a range of 2-5 bedroom spacious homes at our Ellerwood development available and ready to buy. And with Skipton being such a desirable and friendly town, located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, there really is no better time to visit our
Ellerwood development and find the perfect home for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy.