Are you the owner of an anxious dog and considering a trip to Robin Hood’s Bay?
In this post, Sarah Jones, founder of My Anxious Dog, who makes yellow, space awareness products for anxious dogs and their owners, shares her experience.
Sarah is the owner of Cocker Spaniel Bella, an anxious dog who inspired her business, and Dogs In Yellow day which takes place on March 20th, and she’s on a mission for more dog owners to know what wearing yellow means.
Sarah, Bella and Sarah’s husband Matt stayed at Sunnyside Cottage in Lower Robin Hood’s Bay and in this post, she talks about what the Yorkshire village is like for dogs who aren’t so confident.
As the owner of Sunnyside Cottage, I gifted Sarah her stay and she was kind enough to chat about her stay in return.
We talk about traveling with an anxious dog, choosing the right accommodation, and what makes Robin Hood’s Bay a great (or not-so-great) destination for nervous pups.
I hope it will help you if you’re considering visiting Robin Hood’s Bay, and you’ll find details for Sunnyside and lots of other cottages at Baytown Holiday Cottages website.
Can you tell me about what it’s like to go on holiday with an anxious dog compared to a dog who is comfortable in different surroundings?
Going on holiday with an anxious dog is a completely different experience compared to travelling with a dog who is comfortable in new surroundings.
For me, it always starts with a bit of anxiety of my own – wondering how my dog will cope, whether the environment will be too overwhelming, and if I’ve planned everything properly.
What’s most important, though, is preparation. I always bring familiar items with her scent, like her bed and a throw for the seats, to help her feel secure.
Calming sprays and a plug-in diffuser are must-haves, and I use Pet Remedy, and this helps in creating a more relaxing atmosphere from the start.
Routine is key. I try to stick as closely as possible to our usual schedule – feeding, walking, and settling down for the night at the same times we do at home.
While some dogs bound into a holiday home, my dog needs time. I let her settle in at her own pace. With a little patience and the right preparation, our holidays have become enjoyable for both of us.
What do you look for in an ideal dog-friendly property?
I really appreciate when it feels like dogs are genuinely welcome, not just tolerated.
The little touches mean a lot – things like a welcome treat, dog bowls, or even a towel for muddy paws show that the owners understand and care.
One of the biggest things for me is that dogs are allowed upstairs and on the sofa.
My dog is used to these comforts at home, and suddenly being told “no” while on holiday can be confusing, especially for an anxious dog.
Keeping things as familiar as possible helps her settle in and enjoy the break as much as I do.
What do you look for in a destination?
When choosing a holiday destination, I always look for somewhere quiet and peaceful, as that’s what suits my anxious dog best.
I try to avoid traveling during school holidays when places are busier, but that’s not always possible.
For me, the perfect destination is the countryside by the beach.
There’s something so calming about walking along the shoreline – the fresh sea air, the open space, and the gentle sound of the waves.
It feels healing for both of us. If we do need to visit busier areas, I plan ahead, choosing quieter times of the day and making sure Bella has plenty of breaks to decompress.
What did you think about Robin Hood’s Bay?
What a magical place! Robin Hood’s Bay completely took my breath away.
The moment you park up and start walking down the hill, you can feel the magic of the place settling in.
The cobbled street lined with charming cafés and little shops is stunning, and then, as you reach the bottom, the sea stretches out in front of you – just perfect.
The Smugglers Inn couldn’t have a more fitting name, and I couldn’t wait to explore more.
The winding alleyways behind and around the buildings make you feel like you’re stepping back in time, always wondering what hidden gem you’ll find next.
Even the local fish and chip shop added to the magic, with fairy lights twinkling above the hatch where you order.
Robin Hood’s Bay has it all – the beach, countryside walks, and a sense of calm. It’s easily one of the most magical places I’ve ever stayed.
What were the positives of Robin Hood’s Bay for anxious dogs?
Robin Hood’s Bay is a fantastic place for people with anxious dogs, especially if you visit outside of peak season.
I went late in the season when it was much quieter, and it was still just as magical.
One of the biggest positives was how welcoming and accommodating the small, independent businesses were.
Because it’s not a big, commercialised place, I could chat with café and pub owners about Bella and why she wears yellow, and they completely understood.
They always found us a quiet table out of the way, giving her the space she needed to feel comfortable.
That level of understanding made such a difference and really helped us both relax and enjoy our time there.
Were there any negatives or things that might not be so suitable for anxious dogs?
The narrow streets can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you come across other dogs or groups of people in tighter spaces.
But with the right preparation, it’s manageable. I always have plenty of treats and use distraction techniques to help Bella stay focused and calm.
Of course, Bella always wears her yellow when we’re out in public so people can see she’s anxious and give her space, which definitely helps.
Other than that, everything else about Robin Hood’s Bay was lovely.
Like with any trip, it’s all about being prepared – knowing what to expect, planning ahead, and making small adjustments to keep things as stress-free as possible.
What was it like staying at Sunnyside Cottage?
Staying at Sunnyside Cottage was an absolute dream – it felt like walking into the perfect holiday home.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a “dog red carpet” welcome, which instantly made us feel at home.
The cosy living room set the scene for a relaxing stay, complete with a thoughtful welcome pack for both humans and dogs.
One of the standout touches was the borrow box, packed with all sorts of things you might need but may have forgotten and it has our yellow harnesses, lead slips and lead so people can try yellow.
There was also a dog toy box and even a dry robe for warming up after beach adventures. The cottage itself was so well-equipped, with a fully stocked kitchen and everything needed to feel at home.
After a busy day of exploring, we loved curling up in the living room with the fire burning and Bella happily settled on the sofa.
Sunnyside Cottage wasn’t just dog-friendly, but truly dog-welcoming.
Is there anything anxious dog owners should know before booking Sunnyside Cottage?
One thing anxious dog owners should know before booking Sunnyside Cottage is that it doesn’t have a garden.
But for us, that actually turned into a positive! It meant we got up and out early to explore while it was still quiet, which was perfect for Bella.
Another thing to keep in mind is that, being in a popular spot, people do walk past the cottage quite often.
If your dog is sensitive to noise or movement outside, it’s something to be aware of.
But overall, with a little planning, Sunnyside Cottage is a fantastic place to stay even with an anxious dog.
Are there any places you’d recommend for eating out in Robin Hood’s Bay with an anxious dog?
There are so many lovely places to eat in Robin Hood’s Bay, and we found several that were great for visiting even with an anxious dog.
Brambles was wonderful – the staff were really accommodating, making sure Bella had a safe space so she felt comfortable.
The Bay Hotel was also welcoming, with a balcony overlooking the beach, making it a perfect spot for a drink while soaking in the views.
For breakfast, The Cove was fantastic, serving up delicious food in a relaxed setting.
And The Smugglers Inn was a real experience – dark and atmospheric, just like you’d imagine a smugglers’ hideout to be!
What would you say to anyone thinking of staying in Robin Hood’s Bay with an anxious dog?
Robin Hood’s Bay is such a magical place, and with a little preparation, it’s more than manageable with an anxious dog.
The combination of stunning coastal walks, peaceful early mornings on the beach, and welcoming independent businesses makes it a fantastic destination.
I’m not at all surprised that Robin Hood’s Bay has been featured as one of the best dog-friendly places to visit.
Every detail at Sunnyside Cottage has been considered to make dogs feel as welcome as their humans, which makes all the difference when travelling with an anxious dog.
Thanks so much Sarah for this lovely review and come back soon!
About Sarah Jones
Sarah Jones is the founder of My Anxious Dog a website and community supporting shy and nervous dogs and the creator of Dogs in Yellow Awareness Day (March 20th), a campaign dedicated to educating the public about dogs who need space.
Inspired by her own anxious cocker spaniel, Bella, Sarah created a range of yellow space awareness products to support reactive dogs and their owners.
Sarah is on a mission to make sure everyone knows what a dog in yellow means, she continues to raise awareness and provide vital support worldwide.
She’s also the creator of Yellow Space Zones – chill-out areas at dog festivals designed to help anxious dogs feel safe.
Want to find out more about Sarah and Dogs in Yellow?
Visit Sarah’s website: www.myanxiousdog.co.uk
Follow My Anxious Dog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myanxiousdog
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myanxiousdog/
Join the Yellow Army Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/215979409295118
Fancy a stay in Robin Hood’s Bay?
To book Sunnyside and see loads of other fabulous properties in Robin Hood’s Bay, head to the Baytown Holiday Cottages website.
Check out Sunnyside here: https://baytownholidaycottages.co.uk/our-cottages/property?s=sunnyside-cottage-robin-hoods-bay
Check out the rest of the cottages here: https://baytownholidaycottages.co.uk/our-cottages
And you can connect with me on social media on the Sunnyside Cottage pages.
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnysidecottagerhb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnysidecottagerhb
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnysidecottagerhb
Further reading
Why Sarah Jones founded Dogs In Yellow Day
How Cocker Spaniel Bella inspired Sarah to create My Anxious Dog
A dog owner’s guide to Robin Hood’s Bay and Sunnyside Cottage
Dog-friendly things to do and places to stay in Robin Hood’s Bay
A review of the dog-friendly Bike and Boot hotel in Scarborough
