Proper pubs, dog-friendly spots and dinners out after a day of exploring. Take your pick from our top pubs and restaurants close to the forest to get a taste of the local.

 

 

The award-winning Cappleman’s Fish & Chips do traditional fish and chips to eat in or take away, plus home-made desserts, ice creams and sundaes. 17-minute drive away.

 

 

Enjoy authentic cantonese food just a short drive away at Fortune Inn Cantonese. 16-minute drive.

 

Namaste Bengal is another firm favourite in nearby Pickering. Call 01751 472 444 to order. 16-minute drive.

 

Two of the best dog-friendly pubs on Pickering Marketplace, across the road from each other.

 

An inn since the 17th Century, The Moors Inn sits in the beautiful village of Appleton le Moors, in the North York Moors. Cosy up by the open fire, enjoy dinner, or relax in the new snug. Dogs are also allowed, in the bar area only. 11-minute drive.

 

Enjoy proper Yorkshire hospitality at The Blacksmiths Arms, Lastingham, with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Psst! Dogs are only allowed in the outside area here – they've got a great garden serving pizza al fresco, so you (and the dog) won't miss out. 10-minute drive.

 

A traditional pub with local ales, The Crown serves daily specials, sandwiches and a seasonal menu. 15-minute drive.

 

The Coach House Inn, in the village of Rosedale Abbey, is a great country inn within the North York Moors National Park. 10-minute drive, post code: YO18 8SD

History, amazing scenery and even a steam railway − head out beyond the forest and discover what the area has to offer.

 

 

Take a trip to Castle Howard, with gardens adventure playground, farm shop, cafe and garden centre. 40-minute drive.

 

Try the North Yorkshire Moors Railway experience and travel all the way to the coast by steam train. 16-minute drive.

 

Visit a tranquil valley of the North York Moors and discover the impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries, Rievaulx Abbey. 30-minute drive.

 

Bit of a foodie? Cedarbarn is an award-winning farm shop and café. 19-minute drive.

This famous route follows along the old Whitby to Scarborough railway line is a glorious 33.8km hike. For a shorter day trip, take the 11.3km section from Whitby to Ravenscar, where you’ll find smugglers coves, sea views and natural beauty.

 

 

Bask in some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful scenery on the stunning Cleveland Way walking route. Stretching over 175km from the delightful market town of Helmsley to the Victorian seaside destination, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, the dramatic landscapes of both moorland and coastline are guaranteed to take your breath away. Only half an hour from our cabins and a favourite of our Forest Ranger. Don’t forget your camera!

 

 

Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey gives you glorious views of Helmsley Forest and the Yorkshire landscape. This 11.3km walk climbs gently from Helmsley, taking in beautiful views of the town and castle. It continues into the woods, carpeted by bluebells in the spring, to the beautiful abbey ruins at Rievaulx. Heading back, the views of the abbey from Rievaulx Terrace are breath-taking.

 

 

The 6.4km circular is another, shorter, coast and moorland walk, where you may spot birds of prey over Flyingdale Moor.

 

 

An 17.7km moorland-to-coast walk is Ravenscar to Robin Hood's Bay – take a break at Boggle Hole for some rock-pooling.

 

 

Take a scenic drive through the North York Moors to Roseberry Topping, known locally as the ‘Yorkshire Matterhorn’ to begin this 11.3km circular walk. It includes a strenuous climb that’s well worth it! Look south from the summit to heather-clad moors; look north to the contrasting industrial landscape of Middlesbrough and Redcar. The walk also takes in Cook’s Monument, another of Yorkshire’s iconic landmarks.

 

 

Try the Rosedale trail, a 4.8km loop with views of Rosedale, Hartoft Valley and the distant moors. A longer 16km loop offers more great views and a variety of landscapes.

 

 

For walks in Dalby Forest, take the moderate Bridestones Trail, with natural sandstone sculptures along the way. Meet the wildlife on the more demanding Deepdale Habitat Trail and savour the sweeping views over the Moors on the 7.5km Woodcock Way. The Visitor Centre at Dalby Forest is a great place to start and here you can pick up details of the many walks, as well as enjoying some refreshments.

 

 

Looking to make it a day out? Take the 6.4km circular walk connecting the moorland villages of Hutton le Hole and Lastingham, and visit the open-air Ryedale Folk Museum at Hutton.

• For a riverside ramble, Thornton-le-dale to Ellerburn is hard to beat.
• Take the 3.2km walk in the heart of Little Beck wood to discover the enchanting Falling Foss waterfall.
• For a more challenging hike, take the Wainstones 12.9km route end enjoy views of the whole of the moors spread out before you.

National Route 1 takes in the coast from Whitby down to Scarborough, along the Cinder Track while Route 165 runs through the beautiful Esk Valley.

 

 

No trip to North Yorkshire would be complete without visiting the North York Moors. Featuring moorland, coast, forest, and dales the North York Moors is truly beautiful and a must see for anyone visiting the area. At 44km, Bransdale loop is an ideal route for keen cyclists offering a mix of moorland road cycling and spectacular broad valley views. For the best experience we recommend tackling it from an anticlockwise direction starting at Kirkbymoorside. Towards the end of this route, you will be greeted to a string of cafés and country pubs - perfect for a welcomed break.

 

 

We recommend the Ellerburn trail for family friendly cycling! Choose the short cycle route (2.8km) or the longer route (4.5km) - ideal for children learning to ride their first bike! This route is a multi-user pathway for walkers and wheelchair users so bear this in mind when letting your little one’s roam free.

 

 

At just 14.5km, Spaunton Manor circuit offers a short ride with some level stretches across moorland and the occasional climb. Offering beautiful views across the North York Moors this is a great family friendly cycle path. It's worth noting, that due to steep inclines, this one is better suited to older children. Follow quiet country lanes through nearby villages and you will find a pub or two – a welcome break for a bite to eat.

 

 

This long-distance cycle path takes in views of the coast and parts of the popular Cinder Track. At 35km this delightful coastal route offers breath-taking views from Scarborough to Whitby, featuring everything you need for a perfect bike ride. Look out upon secluded coves, ancient castles, and ruins this is an ideal route for those that want to make some pitstops along the way.

 

 

This course is best saved for the experts. If cycling is your forte – then this technical course could be the one for you. With steep climbs and challenging decents, this trial makes a tough but memorable experience.

 

 

Tackle the 26.5mile Bransdale Loop, or the nine-mile Spaunton Manor Circuit which passes by local villages and plenty of country pubs.

Bring your furry friend on an adventure and explore one of the many forest trails, where acres of woodland and country roads make a great spot for a scamper.

 

 

Boggle Hole is a hidden gem situated about a mile south of Robin Hood’s Bay. A sheltered cove in front of an old converted watermill, it was famous for smuggling ‘treasure’ and thought to be the perfect hiding place for pirates. The clifftop path offers beautiful views of Robin Hood’s Bay and the route also follows the Cinder Track, with on and off lead areas your pup will love exploring.

 

Boggle Hole can be reached by taking the narrow road through Fyling Park or Fylingthorpe, but be mindful, the road is not suitable for large vehicles. Our tip? Stroll along the rocky cliff tops and when the tide is low walk along golden sandy beaches.

 

 

A short 15 minute drive from your cabin, discover the North Yorkshire Steam Railway. Dogs are welcome aboard standard coaches (except dining trains) providing they are well behaved, settled under tables or seats and not obstructing the walkway.

 

A doggy ticket can be purchased for just £3 and the train stops at many tourist hotspots including Whitby Abbey and Robin Hood’s Bay. All aboard!

 

 

A little further afield, Robin Hood’s Bay is a great place to visit with your four-legged-friend. This circular walk joins the Cleveland Way coastal path towards Maw Wyke. Or switch things up on the way back by joining the Cinder Track for the return leg of the journey.

 

This loop is a 9.5 kilometre trail and the paths can get a little muddy after periods of wet weather. The Cleveland Way includes climbs and slopes through gullies so be careful when travelling through this area. Dogs should be kept close as the cliff edges are unfenced with steep drops. If you decide to return via the Cinder Track be mindful of horse riders and cyclists.

 

 

Runswick Bay (known as one of the prettiest areas on the Yorkshire coast) is well worth the 45 minute drive from your cabin at Keldy or Cropton. A former fishing village, this quaint area offers an ideal setting for your dog walk in Yorkshire.

 

With its beautiful crescent of sandy beach, Runswick Bay is a fantastic day out for families. Perfect for traditional bucket-and-spade fun, rock pooling, fossil hunting and of course coastal walks, where you can admire the outstanding views. The best part is that Runswick Bay is pet-friendly so there’s lots of opportunities for beach games with your pup.

 

 

The instantly recognisable Whitby Abbey offers a circular walk overlooking the popular seaside town of Whitby. It's one of the most romantic and atmospheric ruins in Britain and a fun place to walk your dog if you’re into sightseeing.

 

The route takes you away from the town along the Whitby Lighthouse and towards Saltwick Bay where you can enjoy the wonderful sea views. A little further on you approach the historic views of Whitby Abbey and the infamous 199 steps leading to St. Mary’s Church.

 

Dogs are welcome on leads at Whitby Abbey and on the east side of the River Esk lies a beach which is also pet-friendly – ideal for those warmer months when your dog could do with a dip to cool off.

 

 

If you’re looking for dog walks in Yorkshire that the whole family can enjoy, The Yorkshire Arboretum is a definite must. Less than 40 minutes away from our Yorkshire locations, Castle Howard is situated in the Howardian Hills - a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

 

There are two trails you can follow shown in the map provided. The short walk takes around an hour and the long walk lasts up to 2 hours. But you can spend the whole day exploring if you’d like.

 

In order to preserve the wildlife, your dog needs to be on a lead in designated areas so they don’t disturb any birds and animals. However there’s a good few off lead areas for your pup to explore.

Discover local activities and adventures just beyond the forest, and experience North Yorkshire at its very best.

• Flamingo Land Theme park
• Alpamere Water Park & Spa
• North Yorkshire Waterpark
• Puttstars York mini golf
• Mini Monsterz soft play

 

Meet some of our forest friends up close with incredible experiences near to the forest. Why not try...

• Horse Riding hack or lesson
• National Centre for Birds of Prey flying demos and experiences

You can pre-book your horse riding with us! Just visit my account or speak to the team at the Forest Retreat when you're here.