Vibrant, modern rich in culture and the (unofficial) capital of Yorkshire, Leeds really is the pawfect city to spend an inspiring day or active weekend with your canine companion. Just a tail’s wag away from the natural beauty of the Yorkshire dales, Leeds offers the ideal mix of urban living and rural getaways.

Drinking

Whitelock’s Ale House

Twitter @WhitelocksLeeds

Built in 1715, the Whitelock’s Ale House is the oldest watering-hole in Leeds, so you can expect a well-pulled pint. Your pup will have the run of the place inside and out, including the large beer garden, as the venue is 100% dog friendly. You will also be able to delight in a wide selection of real ales, craft beers and a fresh menu of home-cooked food.

Whitelock’s Ale House, Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HB

The Bridge Inn

The Bridge Inn is a great stop off whilst exploring Leeds Liverpool Canal, the friendly staff will welcome you with a bowl of water for Fido and a refreshing beverage for yourself. You can choose from a selection of real ales, spirits and wines.

The Bridge Inn, Low Lane Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4HN

Roland’s

Roland’s is a great refuge for canines and owners alike. On a sunny day you will be able to make the most of the secret beer garden out the back, but you’re also more than welcome to bring your pooch inside. Thirsty? You can choose from a menu of local and exotic craft beers to enjoy, from Duvel to Blue Moon and Timmerman’s.

Roland’s, 39 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT

Outlaws Yacht Club

Instagram @outlawsyachtclub

This is a real mixed bag venue – is it a record shop, an exhibition space, a cafe or a watering hole? Well it’s all of these rolled into one. The Outlaws Yacht Club welcomes dogs too with water and cuddles on offer as soon as you step inside – just no paws on the furniture.

Outlaws Yacht Club, 38 New York Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DY

Eating out

The Woods

The Woods is a super dog-friendly pub/restaurant in Chapel Allerton. Offering a slew of local craft beers to try, from Magic Rock to Great Heck, along with wood-fired pizzas to tuck into. For your trusty companion, there’s water bowls, treats and even blankets to snuggle into. With three floors of space, take your pick from an armchair indoors, cosy seats in their heated garden area, or a spot on their top floor balcony.

The Woods, 5 Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PG

Bundobust

Twitter @Bundobust

For an array of tasty Indian street food with a modern twist head to Bundobust, one of the most pro-dog venues in the city centre. Offering a well-stocked assortment of craft beers and ales, as well as water bowls for your furry friends.

Bundobust, 6 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ

Nation of Shopkeepers

This food, art, beer, live music venue will welcome you and your canine with open arms, making a fuss with water bowls and treats. You can discover the courtyard – a glorious open space in the heart of the city centre or make yourself comfy inside and indulge with an enormous burger, fried chicken and a selection of craft beers and ciders on tap.

Nation of Shopkeepers, 29 Cookridge Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AG

Lamb and Flag

Instagram @lambsandflagslds

Looking for some hearty homemade food? The Lamb and Flag will not disappoint! Tuck into their scrumptious battered haddock or the delectable Yorkshire Dales steak burger – both you and your pooch will be salivating.

There are no restrictions when it comes to dogs, they can go anywhere in this renovated 19th-century pub. Find yourself a cosy deep armchair downstairs by the bar and delight in a G&T or bask in the superb courtyard and enjoy a refreshing beer.

Lamb and Flag, 1 Church Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HD

Staying over

Novotel Leeds Centre Hotel

Conveniently situated in the heart of the city centre this hotel is ideal for guests wanting to make the most of what Leeds has to offer. It’s walking distance from the top shopping, dining and entertainment destinations and best of all dogs are welcome too, at the additional charge of £10.00.

The rooms are stylish, modern and made for comfort. The Novotel hotel also has a cocktail lounge and kitchen, gym, sauna and tennis facilities all on-site.

Novotel Leeds Centre Hotel, 4 Whitehall Quay, Leeds, LS1 4HR

Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa

Instagram @chevinhotel

For a unique woodland experience, 25 minutes north of Leeds city centre, choose the Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa. The dog friendly hotel is the UK’s largest log cabin with 16 bedrooms and 32 lodges, situated adjacent to a picturesque lake, surrounded by a birch forest and Yorkshire dales.

The staff are always happy to help guests with dogs and will make sure you find a good dog-friendly spot in the dining room for a delicious breakfast.

Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa, Yorkgate, Otley, Leeds LS21 3NU, England 

Mercure Leeds Parkway

Set on the outskirts of Leeds, The Mercure Leeds Parkway provides a serene setting away from the bustling metropolitan, accommodating 225 guests. The rooms are well decorated, clean and comfortable, the ideal hotel to relax after a long day exploring the city centre or the Yorkshire dales with your pooch.

Just a across the road you will be able to find the Golden Acre Park, well known for its circular lakeside walk, wonderful gardens and popular tea rooms. Perfect to stretch yours and Fido’s legs in the morning.  There’s an additional charge of £15.00 for doggy guests.

Mercure Leeds Parkway, Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 8AG

The Met Hotel

Just minutes from Leeds train station and close to the city’s prestigious shopping quarter, bars and restaurants, The Met Hotel is a much-loved landmark in Leeds’ cityscape. Blending its original design with contemporary interiors to create a 4-star, city centre retreat.

The hotel will welcome you and your four-legged friend with open arms, after all you’re both on vacation. At the restaurant and bar, you can enjoy seasonally inspired dining and drinking, with menus crafted from local ingredients.

There is an additional charge of £30.00 per room, per night, per dog.

The Met Hotel, King Street, Leeds LS1 2HQ

Walkies

Meanwood Park

Four miles north of Leeds city centre you will find Meanwood Park a popular destination for Loiners and their pooches. The landscape is rich with remnants of industrial heritage of the area as well as woodland, meadows and a lovely stream. Why not follow the paths along Meanwood Beck? They continue on to The Hollies, where you can see all manner of stunning foliage, and on to Golden Acre Park if you really want to stretch those legs.

Meanwood Park, 92-96 Green Road, Leeds, LS6 4LT

Ardsley Reservoir

Just 20 minutes from Leeds city centre, Ardsley Reservoir is a charming spot with stunning views across Emley Moor. You and your hound will have a ball here, with tonnes of open space to run and jump around, as well as fields, woodland and sandy beaches next to the water. Your pooch won’t get too muddy either as the land is well maintained. If you’re looking for a big walk to tire out your furry companion, you can cross the nearby fields towards St Michael’s Church, where it joins onto the Leeds Country Way.

Ardsley Reservoir, WF3 2DH

Roundhay Park

Winner of The Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Best Public Park’ award, Roundhay Park is so good you could spend the entire day there. Waterloo Lake provides a beautiful stroll and there’s acres of open green fields where your dog can burn off some energy. The park has much more than meets the eye, you can hunt out Roundhay Gorge, take on the steep hill to the castle or head into the woods behind the lake for a peaceful walk.

Mansion Lane, Leeds, LS8 2HH

Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Looking for an urban dog walk? Head west on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, out of the city. The waterside paths are perfect for dog walking (just watch out for cyclists) and will take you through Burley and up to Kirkstall. By this point you will both deserve a well-earned rest and some refreshments, so come off the canal path and head over to The Bridge Inn. It sits alongside the River Aire and will welcome you both in for a drink.

If your favourite dog-friendly venue hasn’t made this guide, make sure you add your place to our Pets Are Welcome map.