A dog owner’s guide to Robin Hood’s Bay and Sunnyside Cottage

Are you looking for a super dog-friendly place to stay in Robin Hood’s Bay?

It’s a gorgeous traditional village on the Yorkshire Coast with wonderful walks and so many dog-friendly places you won’t know where to start.

So if you’re searching for paradise for your pup, you’re in the right place.

And if you’re looking for a place to stay that isn’t just dog friendly but rolls out the red carpet for you and your dog, then do check out Sunnyside Cottage.

I’m Rachel, a journalist and pet blogger, and HUGE lover of all things Robin Hood’s Bay, and in this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know for your stay.

And if you’d like to know more about Sunnyside Cottage, you’ll learn about that too.

The Bay Hotel right by the sea © Kerry Jordan – Fur and Fables

About Robin Hood’s Bay

You’ll find Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast, a short drive from Whitby.

It’s a picturesque village with a rich history dating back to the 16th century, as a fishing and trading port.

Then during the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a hotbed for smuggling activities with tobacco, rum, tea, and silk, and it was part of everyday life for the folk in the village.

Boats would stop at the dock, and through a myriad of secret tunnels and trap doors they’d push their wares up the hill, coming out at the top of the village and then across the moors.

Walk around the Bay and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time with narrow, winding streets and hidden passageways, higgledy-piggledy cottages, and a single-track road going in and out of the village.

It’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, and that’s part of its charm.

The rooftops at Robin Hood’s Bay (this is from Sunnyside Top Window)

Why Robin Hood’s Bay is great for dog adventures

Where do we even start? Robin Hood’s Bay is a beautiful spot on the North Yorkshire coast.

It’s actually at the end of the Coast to Coast walk, and from the village, there are so many different places to explore.

There’s the beach – turn right to go to Ravenscar where there’s a seal colony.

Turn left (check the tide times) and you’ll find an old shipwreck.

You can go on the coastal path to Whitby where there’s loads to see and do.

Or on the Cinder Track to Whitby or Ravenscar.

It’s a short drive to the Yorkshire Moors, where smugglers would cross in the height of the smuggling trade where the village was a hotbed of activity.

Then there’s the North York Moors National Park to explore, or you could simply let your pup have a sniff around on the beach.

Once your dog is ready for a rest, you can check out the village’s many restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.

And if you fancy some culture, there’s the Robin Hood’s Bay museum, the dinosaur museum, and a spook-tacular ghost tour that’s an absolute MUST.

The views around the village are so stunning © Kerry Jordan – Fur and Fables

Why Sunnyside Cottage is the dream destination

Sunnyside Cottage is for you if you’re fed up with staying in ‘dog-friendly’ places, only to arrive and be greeted by a list of rules.

Things like ‘paws on the floor,’ ‘keep dogs downstairs,’ ‘no dogs on the furniture.’

This would drive me mad because, at home, my dog Patch was used to being in the bed, being on the sofa, and having the run of the house.

I found myself worrying about being told off, getting bills to pay for paw prints on the duvet at the end of our holiday.

And I’d fret about Patch feeling confused about being barked at to stay in his bed all the time when he was used to booting us off the sofa at home.

So I decided I wanted to make Sunnyside Cottage the kind of place I always wanted to stay in.

Where, as a dog owner, you’ll be able to relax, a home from home, with everything you need on your doggie holiday, including all the things you tend to forget.

Stay with us and you get comfy beds, dog walking bags, water bottles – all the stuff I’d always leave at home. So it’s a home-from-home for you and your dog.

All we ask is that you are respectful of Sunnyside Cottage and treat it as you would do your own home.

Sunnyside was listed in the Guardian’s 20 best dog friendly places to stay: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/jul/15/20-of-the-best-dog-friendly-places-to-stay-in-the-uk

To find out more or book your stay head to: https://baytownholidaycottages.co.uk/our-cottages/property?s=sunnyside-cottage-robin-hoods-bay

How dog-friendly is Robin Hood’s Bay?

First, there’s the pubs and restaurants.

These are our recommendations…

The Bay Hotel

Traditional English grub, friendly staff, a decent selection of ales, and cosy in the winter with roaring fires.

In the summer you can sit out on the picnic benches at the bottom of the dock and have a drink or food.

Whether it’s a roast dinner, a quick sandwich, a hearty pie and chips, or vegan or veggie options, you won’t be disappointed.

And your dog will get a warm welcome too, they’re allowed in the bar and the staff always make a fuss of Patch.

Here’s the link to learn more: http://bayhotel.info/

Brambles Bistro

This is a new bistro at the bottom of the village run by Freya and James and the food is fabulous.

If you love steak, treat yourself as they’re just amazing and all meat is locally sourced.

Choose from breakfast and brunches and an evening menu and there’s an excellent selection of wines.

You can sit outdoors in the summer and the staff are welcoming. It may sound cheesy but they will become friends, for you and your pup.

Book early on their website to avoid disappointment, especially in busy periods.

See the menus and more here: https://bramblesbistro.co.uk/

The Victoria Hotel

Right at the top of the hill with a stunning beer garden looking across the Bay, the Vic is a grand old hotel.

They have functions there, an ice cream parlour, snacks, afternoon teas, and an extensive menu through the week, with offers like Steak Nights.

On a Sunday, there’s traditional Sunday lunch and baguettes and roast potatoes.

There’s the Seaview Orangery, the Captain’s Lounge and the bar where you can choose from a range of ales, wines, and spirits.

Staff are friendly, and dogs are allowed.

Find out more: https://www.victoriarhb.com/

Tea, Toast and Post

If you’re a fan of bacon butties on doorstep white bread, accompanied by a steaming mug of Yorkshire Tea, then this is an absolute must-visit!

Located in the charming old Post Office, expect a cosy and friendly atmosphere from Luke and his staff and they warmly welcome both humans and their furry companions.

Alongside an impressive selection of teas, coffees, homemade cakes, and scrumptious breakfasts, you can get local coffee, greeting cards, and gifts.

Come evening, the café transforms into a live music venue.

For more information, head over to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/TeaToastandPost/

Doorstep bacon butties at Tea, Toast and Post

The Cove

This is a welcoming restaurant and bar favoured by families and has a ‘secret’ outdoor patio with breathtaking views.

The Telegraph voted it as one of the UK’s Top 10 Seaside Venues.

Whether you’re in the mood for a coffee or a cocktail, The Cove offers the perfect setting to unwind.

When it comes to food, you’re spoilt for choice with their selection of wood-fired pizzas, snacks, and artisan cakes. They also offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options.

The Cove warmly welcomes dogs indoors and outdoors, making it an ideal spot to relax and soak up the sunshine.

Check out their website: https://www.thecoverhb.com/

The Laurel

This is one of Patch’s favourite pubs thanks to the pork pies (I know he shouldn’t have them but…)

They don’t do food apart from a pie selection in the fridge and snacks like crisps and chocolate, but it’s such a good pub.

Staff are so friendly, there are decent ales, roaring fires and it’s a cosy place with traditional decor and brilliant stuff hanging on the walls and ceiling, including a photo of a double-decker BUS that got stuck outside.

Definitely worth a visit if you love an old-school pub and the quiz night is a must.

Find out more on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/laurelinnpub/

There’s so much to explore with your pup on the winding streets © Kerry Jordan – Fur and Fables

Fish and chips and ice creams

Fish and chips

You’ll get the BEST fish and chips in Robin Hood’s Bay and have a choice of TWO incredible chippys.

The village was recently voted the 6th best place to have fish and chips by TripAdvisor.

At the top of the village, you have the Fish Box. Choose from sitting inside or out – and enjoy the view of the bay.

They have an extensive menu and use vegetable oil (correct at time of writing), so you don’t have that ‘aftertaste’ and everything is cooked fresh.

Then at the bottom – about a 20-second walk from Sunnyside Cottage – is Fish Cottage which opened in Spring 2023.

The food here is gorgeous, I always have cod and chips, and it’s not a very ‘fishy’ fish, but if you prefer that there are loads of options including pan-fried Prawns.

Fish Cottage uses beef dripping and everything is cooked fresh.

And of course, both shops provide extras like mushy peas, curry sauce and my fave, gravy.

Check out Fish Box: https://www.fishboxwhitby.co.uk/

Find out more about Fish Cottage: https://www.fishcottage.co.uk/

Ice cream

In the Lower Bay are two dedicated ice cream shops, Browns, where you can also choose from handmade chocolates and treats.

It’s a traditional sweet shop with jars with classics like Bon Bons plus a chocolate fountain where you can dip in strawberries and marshmallows, bags of sweets, lollipops, and things kids love like brain lickers.

There’s an ice cream counter with loads of flavours and a choice of cones.

Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownsRHB/

At the bottom of the hill, next to the dock is Dolly’s, another sweet shop with ice creams and so many types of sweets.

Plus holiday treats like rock, fudge, souvenirs, biscuits and much more.

The ice cream counter has a selection of flavours and you can buy Dolly’s cones and treats on

the beach as well.

Check out the shop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dolliesrhb/

Patch on the field near Fisherhead car park © Kerry Jordan – Fur and Fables

Shopping in the Bay

Paws pet shop

If you find yourself running out of food, make a stop at Paws Pet Shop, conveniently located halfway up the hill.

They offer a good range of pet food, including brands like Pooch and Mutt and handmade treats from the Life of Riley.

They also have a variety of toys, harnesses, dog beds, chews, and luxury leads and collars for sale – everything your furry friend needs for their holiday!

Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Paws-Of-Robin-Hoods-Bay.

The Higgledy Pig

This is a recent addition to the Bay, and we first visited in the summer of 2021.

It’s a fantastic shop run by Helen, who curates a stunning collection of gifts and treats.

Not to mention the impressive selection of gins!

They have a wide variety of craft gins from York Gin, Cooper King, Whitby Gin, and Coast to Coast, along with different tonics.

You can even find pre-mixed G&Ts and alcohol-free tipples in a can and locally brewed beers in cans.

Plus they offer retro vinyl and audio equipment for old-fashioned records.

Helen also specialises in upcycling vintage furniture with chic French paint.

Find out more: www.thehiggledypig.co.uk/

So many treats in store at The Higgledy Pig – Image from their Facebook page

Jessica Hogarth

Jessica is a local artist and her shop is gorgeous, with loads of keepsakes you can buy to remember your stay in Robin Hood’s Bay.

We love the prints, the coasters and mugs (you’ll see them in the cottage), and keyrings, plus there are so many useful things from water bottles and socks to rucksacks, and all are ethically sourced.

If you’re doing the Coast to Coast, there’s lots of memorabilia if you’d like a keepsake of your trip from postcards to prints.

Jessica is often in the shop and is friendly and helpful, so do go and check it out, it’s a lovely little place and a must-visit.

Jessica’s website is: https://jessicahogarthshop.com/