The Bike and Boot is a hotel for dogs, walkers, and cyclists, as the name suggests, right on the seafront in Scarborough.
We decided to check it out on our way to Sunnyside Cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay, our dog-friendly property, after Sal from Woof Wag Walk, another dog blogger, told us about it.
The hotel opened in 2020 with a mission to provide the perfect seaside getaway for dog lovers, with pups being welcome everywhere in the hotel.
What a find!
Because it’s so close to the beach and targeted at outdoorsy folk, they have a bike room, a bike cleaning room, and a dog cleaning room under the hotel.
It has two dog showers, a drying station, and fluffy towels so you can freshen your dog up after a day on the beach.
Here’s the lowdown on what to expect if you pay a visit.
What are the rooms like?
We stayed in a gorgeous room with a sea view.
They’re stylish with retro posters of Scarborough, one of the seaside meccas of the north.
For the dogs, there is dog bedding which was clean and fresh, and bowls are available at the bar.
For the humans, there’s tea and coffee and a very well-stocked mini bar.
The toiletries in the bathroom are designed for the hotel and smelled gorgeous, and you have shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner in the shower.
It does my head in when you only have one ‘shampoo and body wash’, no good for my wild hair after a day on the beach.
Inside the hotel
It’s self-check-in although staff are around to help if you need them.
The staff are really friendly, and Kathryn on reception made sure we knew where all the dog goodies were to be found!
When you walk in the foyer, there’s a stunning boot artwork with walking boots to wellies hanging down from the ceiling.
And in The Retreat area, there’s a clock with flip-flops where the numbers traditionally are!
There are several seating areas, so if you have an anxious dog and need somewhere a little quieter, you’ll be able to find a space.
The bar was pretty bustling when we arrived on a Thursday night, and Patch doesn’t like it if places are a bit loud, so we went in The Retreat.
This is a quieter area with books and games and comfy sofas to sit back and relax on.
There’s a treat jar for dogs in The Retreat and a tea and coffee machine so you can grab a brew and take it up to your room or out with you.
Plus, in the afternoon they have free ‘tea time cake!’
And the shower room for dogs is just amazing – you can walk right in from the beach from one of the bottom doors and it’s kitted out with towels, shampoo, baths and a drying station.
I’ve never seen anything like this and it’s such a brilliant idea.
What’s the food like?
Breakfast is continental and self service with a range of cereals, baked goodies, toast, croissants and jam and fresh fruit.
The menu has a mix of pub grub, burgers, pizzas, and pasta – ideal after a big walk or cycle.
There’s a decent wine list and alcohol-free options.
I opted for the burger and chips, which was a hearty size with fresh salad, although the bun was a bit hard.
There isn’t anything on the menu for dogs – and I think this is a real shame – they’re really missing a trick as there were so many dogs there when we visited.
When I asked if there was anything I could buy for Patch to eat, one of the staff even said, ‘Sorry there isn’t, but we really should have something for them!’
I would love to see something like the long-lasting chews from The Canine Menu behind the bar, they’d be perfect and also fit in with the stylish feel of the hotel.
There was a big tub of biscuits that Patch tucked into in the Retreat Area – thanks Kathryn for these!
What else is there for dogs?
The beach – you’re a short walk from a stunning sandy beach.
There are restrictions from 1st May to 30th September, with the left-hand side of the beach being no dogs from the area heading towards the amusements and shops.
The area to the right is dog-friendly though, and there’s loads of space for dogs to run.
Plus, it’s a gorgeous sandy beach, and if you’re an early bird like Patch, you can have it all to yourself.
We were up at 5.30am to check it out!
And you’ve got the dog washing station inside the hotel when you get back if your dog is in need of a freshen up.
Things to do in Scarborough
You’ve got the Cleveland Way walk, the beach, plenty of fish and chip shops to choose from, ice creams, and shops.
There’s a promenade with amusement arcades, shops selling rock, candy floss and traditional Kiss Me Quick hats so there’s loads of fun and games for families travelling with kids.
Scarborough was the first seaside resort in Britain.
Back in 1626, it started as a spa town when a stream was discovered running down the south cliffs, which was said to have healing qualities.
The railways in the 19th century brought mass tourism to the area and the town still has two of the historic Victorian funiculars.
These ‘Cliff Lifts’ were opened in 1875, linking the South Cliff Esplanade to the Scarborough Spa, which was a music venue.
The carriages were powered by water pumps and would carry 250,000 passengers each year, and you can still hop in them now for just £1.30.
Read more about them here: Scarborough Spa Cliff Lift
Other attractions are the Sea Life Centre, the Alpamare Waterpark, and Scarborough North Bay Railway, Britain’s biggest miniature railway.
Final thoughts on the Bike and Boot
The Bike and Boot is the ideal base if you’re travelling with your dog and with it being only 30 minutes from Robin Hood’s Bay, we’ll definitely be back.
We paid £131 for a double room with a sea view and breakfast (there’s a £15 charge per dog) in June.
A burger was £16.95 and £4.50 for a Peroni Zero.
Parking is via the Ringo app and there was space close to the hotel.
Find out more at Bike and Boot Scarborough
Get there: 1 Cliff Bridge Terrace, Scarborough, YO11 2HA
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A dog owner’s guide to Sunnyside Cottage and Robin Hood’s Bay
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What it’s like on a solo holiday with your dog
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The difference between dog friendly, dog welcoming and dog red carpet
