10 scenic dog walks in East Yorkshire

Beverley Westwood offers over 400 acres of open space on the edge of the charming market town of Beverley and is the ideal setting for a dog walk. With rolling meadows, ancient woodlands, and open grassland, your dog can roam freely and enjoy a game of fetch.

Be sure to include Burton Bushes in your walk, which you’ll find on the western side of the Westwood. This ancient woodland is all that remains of the forest which once covered the area, with massive oak trees and a carpet of bluebells which envelop the woodland floor each spring – perfect for a cute Instagram photo or two!

For those interested in a bit of history, the area is dotted with landmarks, including the Black Mill, a former windmill. You’ll often see cattle grazing on the Westwood too so please remember to keep your dog on a lead around them.

If you’re in need of some refreshments, make a pit stop at the Burgess ice cream van which has been scooping ice cream there since the 1920s!

With ample free parking and Beverley’s shops and restaurants close by (many of which are dog friendly), the Westwood is just wonderful for walkies!

Learn more about Beverley and Beverley Westwood

Danes Dyke is a hidden gem and place of outstanding natural beauty. This 148 acre nature reserve offers a wonderful mix of woodland and beach, perfect for excitable doggie explorers!

The Tree Trail is a 3km circular walk which starts at the notice board in the car park and guides you through a ravine and down to a pretty, secluded beach. The trail features several flights of steps (some with up to 100 steps) so this is more of a challenging walk, although the paths through the woodland are shaded and peaceful, providing a cool retreat on hot days.

Danes Dyke has a pay and display car park for 80 cars and there’s a small café there too.

From the car park, you can extend your walk by heading towards Flamborough on a 16km circular route which takes you along the stunning heritage coast. Take in dramatic cliffs, sea views and an abundance of wildlife along the way.

Your dog will love the fresh sea air and the chance to explore the varied terrain, but it goes without saying that you’ll need to keep your pup on their lead for their safety near the cliffs.

Passing South Landing, North Landing and Thornwick Bay, you’ll then make your way into the village and across fields and woodland, back to Danes Dyke.

The beaches in Flamborough are dog friendly all year round so there are plenty of opportunities for a refreshing splash in the sea during your walk. You’ll find plenty of pooch friendly pubs and cafes in Flamborough too, including Boathouse Burger and Grill and Headlands Restaurant.

Learn more about Danes Dyke and Flamborough

Hornsea Beach is a fantastic destination for dog lovers, offering a long stretch of sandy shore where dogs can run and play to their hearts' content. Certain parts of the Blue Flag beach are dog friendly all year round, making it a great choice for a seaside adventure in any season. The wide, open sands are perfect for a game of frisbee or simply letting your dog chase the waves.

Lots of places close to the beach welcome dogs with open arms, including the café at Hornsea Hub, and many of the ice cream shops sell doggie ice cream!

Yorkshire’s largest freshwater lake, Hornsea Mere, is another pawfect spot to walk your dog. There are well-marked trails around the mere, and the nearby café offers a convenient spot for refreshments. The Hornsea Mere Circular is 10.3km and winds its way through wooded areas, open spaces, and stunning waterscapes.

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Burton Constable Hall is one of East Yorkshire’s finest stately homes and boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and parkland that welcome dogs on leads. The extensive grounds include woodland walks, a tranquil lake, and open fields, offering a variety of environments for you and your dog to explore.

Five different walking routes, a Wildlife Sculpture Trail and Parkland Waymaker Trail, cover a whopping 330 acres! Well worth the grounds admission fee.

Please remember to close gates behind you and follow any instructions or signage. Be mindful of cattle and grazing animals and always keep your pooch on his or her lead.

When you’re ready to put your feet up, the on-site café, Stables Kitchen, has a dog friendly area inside and there’s plenty of outdoor seating too.

Learn more about Burton Constable Hall

Head to Fraisthorpe Beach and we guarantee you’ll see dozens of dogs running, playing, and splashing in the sea. It’s a real doggy playground, thanks to its expansive sandy beach, quiet location, and shallow waters. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round and it’s also a popular spot for horse riding too.

After your walk, head to The Cowshed, a dog friendly café located just a short distance from the beach. With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious homemade food, it’s the perfect spot to relax and refuel.

Plenty of private parking is available just a short stroll to the beach.

Hessle Foreshore and the Humber Bridge Country Park provide a mix of riverside and woodland walkies.

The foreshore path runs along the Humber Estuary, offering stunning views of the mighty Humber Bridge. There are two walks to try; a shorter trail of 0.8km, and a longer 4km trail. Both are flat, easy walks and are perfect for a relaxed outing with your dog.

Hessle Foreshore is the gateway to the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail, so if you enjoy your walk and feel inspired to try other parts of the trail, 79 miles of glorious East Yorkshire countryside awaits! If you’re not quite sure where to start or you fancy some like-minded company, Walking the Wolds with Bill and Mrs M are here to help! Bill, the one-eyed red retriever, and his owner Mrs M share their tips and tricks for exploring the Yorkshire Wolds with your dog and they even run group walks.

The nearby Humber Bridge Country Park, also known as Little Switzerland, features a mix of habitats including woodland, meadows, and ponds. You can choose from three well-marked trails, The Pond Trail, The Cliff Trail and the Meadow Trail. They’re suitable for all fitness levels and provide lots of opportunities for spotting wildlife.

Lots of free parking is available, both on Hessle Foreshore and in the Humber Bridge car park.

Learn more about Hessle Foreshore and the Humber Bridge Country Park

Escape to the countryside with your canine companion and embark on the scenic Risby Round circular walk. Starting at the Folly Lake Café, between Cottingham and Beverley, this easy route of 4.6km takes you anti-clockwise around Risby Park, travelling through serene woodlands, open fields, and past peaceful lakes.

Along the way, your dog will love exploring the scents and sights, while you can appreciate the seasonal flowers, local wildlife and information plaques telling you all about the history of Risby Park.

Finish your walk back where you started and enjoy a visit to the Folly Lake Café, where you can enjoy a hot drink and bite to eat with your dog, whilst admiring the views over the picturesque lake. If you choose to sit outside on the veranda, you’ll often encounter many bird species getting up close looking to steal the odd cake crumb!

Learn more about Folly Lake Cafe

Sewerby Hall and Gardens in Bridlington is another stately home with dog friendly grounds. The 50-acre estate includes formal gardens, woodland walks, and cliff-top paths with spectacular views of the coast. Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads, and there are plenty of spaces for them to explore. The walled garden and pleasure garden are particularly beautiful.

When you’re ready to refuel, head to The Ship Inn which is just a short stroll away and one of East Yorkshire’s most dog friendly pubs.  Traditional pub grub and award-winning cask ales are the order of the day and you don’t need to worry about your doggy companion missing out either as there’s dog beer,  treat pots, fish and chips and even a doggy roast dinner on the menu for them!

Learn more about Sewerby Hall and Gardens and The Ship Inn

On the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds in South Cave, you’ll find Little Wold Plantation, a true haven for dog walkers and nature enthusiasts alike. This picturesque woodland, with its well-maintained paths and serene atmosphere, offers an ideal escape for you and your furry friend. As you wander through the plantation, you'll be surrounded by a tapestry of lush greenery, towering trees, and the melodic songs of local birdlife.

Little Wold Plantation is not just about the scenery; it's also about the experience. The varied terrain provides both gentle strolls and more challenging routes, ensuring there's something for every walker. Your dog will love the open spaces and new scents, while you'll enjoy the tranquil setting and fresh air. There are plenty of spots to pause and take in the pretty views, including a poetry bench.

Remember to bring a lead, you’ll need to be able to control your dog in certain areas to protect the wildlife.

Enjoy a relaxing 1.5km stroll with your dog along the charming Beverley Beck which runs along the edge of the historic town of Beverley. This serene waterway offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and local heritage. As you stroll along the beck, you'll be treated to picturesque views of boats gently bobbing in the water, complemented by the lush greenery lining the banks.

The well-maintained paths are flat and accessible, making it easy for walkers of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

For a longer adventure, follow the beck to its junction with the River Hull, where you can continue your journey along the riverbank. This extended route offers even more scenic beauty and a chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat which includes ducks and kingfishers.

Learn more about Beverley Beck