Romance, Roaming, and Rover: A Couple’s Guide to the Yorkshire Dales (Dog Included, Obviously)
7th February 2025
Ah, the Yorkshire Dales. Rolling hills, dry stone walls, and more sheep than you’ve ever seen in your life. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway—just you, your beloved, and your four-legged shadow who refuses to leave your side even when you’re trying to enjoy a nice soak in the tub.
If you’re after a couples’ retreat but can’t bear the thought of those sad puppy-dog eyes when you start packing a weekend bag, fear not. Yorkshire’s full of dog-friendly holiday cottages where romance and muddy paw prints go hand in hand.
Finding the Perfect Cottage (Without a “No Dogs Allowed” Sign in Sight)
Not all cottages are created equal. Some are grand country houses where you’d be terrified to let your dog within ten feet of the antique furniture, while others are so rustic you’d have to share the bed with a sheep. The trick is finding that just right balance—cosy enough for a romantic evening by the fire, but not so pristine you’ll spend the whole trip apologising for the amount of dog hair now embedded in the furniture.
Ideally, you want:
✅ A cosy living room (for dramatic, wine-in-hand conversations about how lovely the Dales are)
✅ A secure area (because no one wants to spend their weekend sprinting after a terrier who’s just spotted a pheasant)
✅ A pub within waddling distance (because you will need to refuel after all those bracing walks)
Walkies, Welly Boots & Worn-Out Paws
A romantic break in the Yorkshire Dales usually involves at least one scenic walk where you get lost despite the fact that you swore you were following the footpath. The good news? Your dog doesn’t care if you know where you’re going, as long as they’re out sniffing everything in sight.
Some must-do walks for couples and their canine companions:
🐾 Malham Cove – Perfect for that ‘we’ve conquered the wild’ feeling, and if it’s good enough for Harry Potter, it’s good enough for you.
🐾 Bolton Abbey – A gentle(ish) stroll with the reward of a nice tea room at the end. If your dog enjoys a paddle, the River Wharfe is ideal.
🐾 Aysgarth Falls – Three waterfalls, a pub nearby, and plenty of opportunities for your dog to shake water all over you.
Just remember, this is Yorkshire. You’ll probably end up ankle-deep in mud, so pack sensibly. Nothing kills romance like soggy socks and a dog that smells like wet sheep.
The Local Pub Test
A holiday in Yorkshire isn’t complete without finding a proper pub where:
✔ The landlord greets your dog before acknowledging you
✔ The fire’s roaring no matter what time of year it is
✔ Someone’s eating a pie the size of a small planet
Luckily, the Dales are packed with such establishments. The trick is finding the perfect spot where you can tuck into a hearty meal while your dog lies under the table dreaming of stolen sausages.
Final Thoughts: The Paw-fect Getaway
Yorkshire is a place where romance isn’t just about candlelit dinners—it’s about muddy boots, stunning views, and sharing a bag of chips on a windy hillside. And if your idea of the perfect trip involves your furry best mate by your side, then you’ve come to the right place.
Just remember:
✔ Bring a towel for the dog
✔ Accept that your car will never be free of mud again
✔ And, most importantly, book a cottage ( Maybe Thisledo Holiday Cottage ) where you and your dog are both treated like royalty.
Because in Yorkshire, everyone’s welcome—especially if they’ve got a wagging tail. 😊