Whether you’re having a weekend away in Whitby exploring the coast and North York Moors, walking Yorkshire with your pup, or making a pilgrimage to the infamous vampire-infested abbey, you’re sure to want a drink or two. We’ve sniffed out 15 of the most popular and dog-friendly pubs in Whitby where you can wet your whistle and enjoy a pint alongside your pooch.
The Star Inn is the quintessential seaside boozer. The busy and exceptionally friendly pub welcomes locals and visitors alike, and is just as happy to host furry visitors too. It is a family and dog-friendly establishment, but be warned, there is no food served here.
This is a proper, unpretentious pub with good beer, great company, and a lively atmosphere.
Address: 4 Haggersgate, Whitby, YO21 3PP
Opening Times: Sun-Thur 11:00-23:00 / Fri-Sat 11:00-00:30
Not to be confused with The Star Inn listed above, the Star Inn the Harbour focuses on fine-dining. Not only is it one of the best seafood restaurants in the area, it also boasts great game fresh from the Yorkshire Moors.
The Star Inn the Harbour is run by Michelin-starred Andrew Pern and well-behaved pooches are welcome to join their owners in the wooden-floored areas. (Booking ahead is recommended!)
Address: Langborne Road, Whitby, YO21 1YN
Opening Times: Various according to the day and season.
This down-to-earth pub has built a reputation for being super friendly, with amazing food, and the perfect place to watch whatever sport is on the widescreen TVs. What’s more, this spot is a CAMRA multi-award-winning cask ale pub so you’re sure to find a fantastic pint. (Or some really reasonably priced cider!)
The Little Angel is a family and dog-friendly pub in Whitby perfectly positioned to step in for a drink on the way to the station or the seafront.
Address: 18 Flowergate, Whitby, YO21 3BA
Opening Times: Sun-Thur 12:00-00:00 / Fri-Sat 12:00-01:00
In the shadow of Whitby Abbey and in the heart of the old town you’ll find The Black Horse Inn. A proper pub and a firm favourite with the locals, well-behaved pooches are welcome in both bar rooms and will be offered a bowl of water and a handful of treats to keep them happy. If you enjoy real ales, this pub is both CAMRA and Casque Marque accredited.
Fitting the historic feel, The Black Horse also stocks about 20 flavours of snuff, (and has a rather coloured history!)
Address: 91 Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4BH
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-23:00
The Board Inn has recently re-opened after extensive refurbishment, and their menu is always updating with delicious new specials. As well as being the perfect spot for a pint and tasty treat, the restaurant has beautiful views over the harbour. Dogs are always welcome, and there’s usually a few sprawled out by the bar.
This pub is nestled between the harbour and the abbey, making it an excellent pit stop after a day walking around the local landmarks and seaside.
Address: 125 Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4DE
Opening Times: Sun-Fri 11:00-23:00 / Saturday 11:00-00:00
The Endeavour is a fabulous family and dog-friendly pub in East Whitby overlooking the River Esk. Given the location and lovely landlords, you will always be warmly welcomed even if you have sandy feet and paws after a stroll along the beach.
This pub doesn’t have a kitchen so don’t expect pub grub, but there is fresh and tasty tapas supplied by local bakers Botham’s and Sandgate Seafoods. The Endeavour also runs a “bring your own fish and chips” policy, so you can still tuck into a tasty dinner.
Address: 66 Church Street, Whitby, YO224AS
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-23:00
If you’re looking for another traditional choice of pub, you’ll enjoy The Fleece. This watering hole is popular with locals and tourists alike and is another popular public house in the east of Whitby beside the Esk.
They even have a terrace you can sit on to enjoy the views over the harbour while your sample some of the wide range of real ales, gluts of gin, and sumptuous food. Kids and dogs are both welcome inside and out.
Address: 183 Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4AS
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-23:30
The Dolphin is a hotel and bar providing great food, drinks, entertainment, and accommodation in the heart of Whitby. They boast some of the best views over the harbour and it sits right next to the swing bridge.
You’ll find plenty of people bustling in and out and everyone is welcome, including kids and dogs. In fact, there’s always water bowls and treats to dish out to discerning doggy patrons.
Address: Bridge Street, Whitby, YO22 4BG
Opening Times: Mon 8:30-22:00 / Tue 12:00-22:00 / Wed-Sun 8:30-22:00
This quaint and cosy pub is nestled in the heart of Whitby at the foot of Downdinner Hill. Stepping into The Golden Lion feels like a trip back in time. That’s certainly welcome when you can curl up by the fire with your pooch, a good pint, and a hearty meal.
The timeless feel makes sense for this grade 1 listed building, and it’s a favourite amongst locals. If you stop by, be sure to peek into the lounge to admire the penny tables. It might be one of the smaller dog-friendly pubs in Whitby, but it’s big on character and charm.
Address: Golden Lion Bank, Whitby, YO21 3BS
Opening Times: Every day: 11:00-23:00
Fans of Tolkein will get a chuckle at this pub’s name and Gollum-adorned sign, but that’s as far as the Middle Earth influence extends, so don’t expect a themed pub! In the summer The Middle Earth Tavern is the perfect spot to sit outside and admire the waterside, while in Winter its a welcome bolthole out of the cold.
Dogs are only allowed in the downstairs bar, but you won’t be missing out thanks to the complimentary nibbles, wide selection of drinks, and warming stove fire.
Opening Times: Every day: 09:00-02:00
Paw-haps one of the hidden gems of Whitby is the First In Last Out pub, a short walk from the train station. Although it is family and pet-friendly this feels like a “proper pub” where you can sit with your pooch and a pint while watching a game on the telly.
If it wasn’t for the bold red signs, you might walk past this place thinking it’s a little house. Given the small size, it’s no surprise there is no kitchen. But the landlords are happy for you to bring in your own takeaway, and the chippie is only down the road.
Address: 1 Fishburn Road, Whitby, YO21 1PU
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-00:00
A short walk from the beach is The Pier Inn, where you’ll have a glorious view of the harbour whether you’re sat on the sun-soaked patio or inside the bar. Dogs are welcome inside in the bar area on the right-hand side.
There’s a simple menu of homecooked food and an all-day breakfast the humans will be happy to tuck into, but you might have the pooch begging for a scrap. There is regular live entertainment in the evenings, so your pup might prefer to visit during the quieter daytime hours.
Address: 4-6 Pier Road, Whitby, YO21 3PU
Opening Times: Sun-Thur 10:00-11:30 / Fri-Sat 10:00-00:30
Three miles outside of Whitby you’ll find the Hare and Hounds in the village of High Hawsker. It’s perched on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, making it an ideal pit-stop during a walk along the coast or over the famous rugged moors.
There is an amazing selection of food that uses seasonal, local ingredients, plus the warm atmosphere of a country pub. Dogs are welcome to join you inside but are not allowed in the restaurant.
Opening Times: Various
The Buck Inn, a casual pub that has won over locals and visitors alike as one of the most welcoming and dog-friendly pubs in Whitby. The popular menu is well-praised for its quality and value, but the food isn’t always on offer so you will need to phone ahead if you want to eat.
Dog-friendly throughout, canine customers are always welcomed with a bowl of water to quench their thirst while owners wet their whistle. However, there is a 9pm curfew for dogs visiting at the weekend.
Address: 11 St Ann's Staith, Whitby, YO21 3PW
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-00:00
More pubs: York, Keswick, Scarborough