As we bobbed over the headland in the Dottymobile, I felt a tingle of excitement — you know, the kind that flutters in your stomach like butterflies when you’re a kid. There it was, stretched out before us in all its glory: Robin Hood’s Bay, the most dog friendly village we’ve ever visited. A patchwork of green, peppered with red-brick rooftops and framed by the shimmering blue ocean. We were back in my most treasured little corner of the world.
It had been two years since this characterful bay on the North Yorkshire coast had won my heart, and boy had I missed it!
It didn’t take us long to slip back into village life. The cobbled ginnels weaving their way through time, the quaint higgledy-piggledy steps, the sea breeze that carries the whispers of yesteryear—it was all exactly as I remembered. Like we’d never been away. Well, almost…..
This time, the Bay had truly delivered. Bathed in sunshine, with the odd wispy cloud here and there, I couldn’t believe our luck! My favourite cottage, in my favourite place, with my favourite companions, wrapped up in the kind of weather you dream about. It honestly couldn’t have been more perfect.
A Dog Friendly Welcome at Sunnyside Cottage
As if being back ‘in Bay’ wasn’t enough, stepping inside Sunnyside Cottage was a treat to behold. I knew Rachel had been giving the place a bit of a spruce up, but wow, she’s worked her little socks off!
It’s still the same charming fisherman’s cottage we fell in love with, but it’s been lovingly refreshed and updated. I’m not just talking a lick of paint and a scatter cushion or two. Rachel has renovated every single room [and window – yes, even they’ve all been replaced!] to create the most inviting dog friendly holiday cottage imaginable.
The open-plan kitchen and sitting room has been transformed into a space that’s both stylish and snug. The kitchen now boasts a sleek monochrome colour-scheme that wouldn’t look out of place in a glossy interiors mag. With crisp white tiles, black worktops, and gleaming new appliances, every minute detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a space that’s both practical and welcoming.
Flowing seamlessly into the sitting room, the old flooring has been swapped out for Floors For Paws dog-friendly, non-slip wooden flooring—super smart, and ideal for mucky paws [and sandy feet!]
Upstairs, the bedrooms have been given a refresh, with new carpet throughout adding to the cosy feel of the cottage.
The twin room on the first floor has a fresh, breezy vibe, with gentle seaside hues and simple, homely touches that make it feel instantly relaxing. Winnie wasted no time bagsying the chair by the window, where she happily kept a watchful eye on the comings and goings of the neighbourhood! [Ever my curious little observer!]
But the pièce de résistance has to be the newly transformed bathroom. Tasteful aquamarine tiles give it a serene, spa-like feel, and well, the shower is something else. Honestly, it was like a hydrotherapy session. I emerged feeling like I’d had a deep tissue massage.
Up on the top floor, the attic room, which boasts glimpses of the ocean amid the jumble of quirky chimney pots – has been completely reimagined. Rachel’s worked her feng shui magic, with the new layout opening up the space beautifully and turning it into a light-filled, peaceful sanctuary. [Ideal for a cheeky nana nap after a day on the beach.]
A Holiday Cottage Designed for Dogs
Throughout the cottage there are tasteful little nods to the seaside here and there – subtle reminders of your idyllic location – but at its heart, Sunnyside Cottage is all about dogs.
Everything from the thought-provoking wall art to Rachel’s carefully curated bookshelves and the delightful dog-themed trinkets celebrates our special bond with these wonderful creatures.
And, despite its makeover, the girls knew exactly where they were. Back in the most dog-indulgent place we’ve ever had the pleasure of staying.
Tails wagging from the moment we arrived, the girls sniffed about like they’d never been away. And, with the welcome they received, who could blame them?
A welcome hamper to bark about!
Rachel had left the most thoughtful welcome gifts for them, which were not only practical but downright adorable. Gorgeous handmade collar flowers (from Leo, Charley and Me), scrummy natural dog treats (from Send the Dog a Bone and The Canine Menu), some soothing paw balm for post-walkies pampering, and of course, the all-important poo bags. [Not the usual tat that I buy, but the posh Adios ones – we’ll save those for pooping in posh places!]
One of the things we adore about Sunnyside is there are absolutely no doggy house rules or restrictions – meaning the girls could properly relax—and relax they did! Within minutes, they were upstairs, sprawled out on the big bed like the little queens they are, absolutely convinced this delightful little cottage is reserved just for them!
And they didn’t take long to rediscover the comfy beanbag beds and the ingenious ‘borrow box’ brimming with doggy essentials—everything from spare leads and bowls to dog walking bags and shampoo. Perfect if you’ve forgotten anything or just fancy trying something new.
Oh, and how could I forget the adorable towelling dog robes? Winnie was thoroughly unimpressed with this thoughtful touch—giving me her best “you’ve got to be kidding” look—while Gertie, true to form, nodded off in hers!
Robin Hoods Bay – A Mecca for Dogs
Robin Hood’s Bay strikes that perfect balance between peaceful escape and quiet connection, which makes it ideal for solo travellers—especially those with a dog (or two) in tow. There’s an unhurried rhythm to the village, a unique friendliness, that instantly puts you at ease, without ever feeling isolated.
Mornings are slow and still here. Aside from the plaintive squawk from a hungry gull or the nimble footsteps of an early riser, it’s blissfully quiet. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time easing into the day. [Which is handy for two dogs who can happily slumber until noon!]
With a plethora of places to eat and drink on the doorstep, there’s no awkwardness walking into cafes or restaurants with just your dog for company. In fact, the village is so exceptionally dog-friendly I’ve affectionately renamed it ‘dog’s own country!’ There’s a genuine effort from locals and businesses to make everyone feel included—paws and all.
Robin Hood’s Bay Beach
We soon adopted the beach as our back garden. Less than a minutes walk from the cottage, it became our go-to spot for morning strolls and sunset daunders. (Tide willing!) On the beach, locals and tourists alike were refreshingly responsible with their dogs, creating a calm and respectful atmosphere for everyone. Unless they had a velcro-dog like Gertie, who rarely strays more than two inches from my ankles, most dogs were either on leads or longlines.
For a dog like Winnie, who can be very nervous around unfamiliar dogs, it made all the difference. Finally I could put all those months of training and hard work into real-world practice, without constantly having to second-guess every off-lead dog heading our way. For reactive or sensitive dogs, it was the kind of environment you dream of.
Exploring Dog Friendly Robin Hood’s Bay and Beyond
If there’s one thing about Robin Hood’s Bay, it’s that it’s seriously addictive! And, as reluctant as I was to leave our cosy coastal haven, I was determined to venture a little further afield this time. So, we set off in search of adventure!
Staithes
Staithes feels rather like Robin Hood’s Bay’s baby cousin—smaller, quieter, but with that same charming, timeworn character. Colourful cottages are etched into the hillside, and a steep hill winds its way down to the harbour where fishing boats bob gently on the water and crab pots sit patiently waiting for their next catch.
While there aren’t as many cafés or shops as Robin Hood’s Bay, Staithes more than makes up for it in atmosphere. It shares the same quaint, timeless vibe; the same busy hum of tourists exploring the honeycomb of side streets and cobbled walkways.
With its dramatic cliffs, crooked cottages, and ever-changing light over the water, it’s easy to see why Staithes is a natural muse for painters and photographers alike. The girls and I happily spent a couple of hours here, soaking up the sights and sounds before heading off to sniff out Runswick Bay.
Runswick Bay
We’d visited Runswick Bay on our last trip to Sunnyside, but the tide had been in, swallowing up most of the beach and leaving us only a glimpse of its beauty. This time, though, we got to see what’s often hailed as one of Yorkshire’s prettiest coves in all its glory.
A vast stretch of golden sand opened up before us, with plenty of space for the girls to tear around to their hearts’ content, completely undisturbed by other dogs. There were plenty of quiet spots to perch and watch the world go by—ideal for a bit of people-watching while Gertie recharged her batteries!
There’s a lovely café on the harbour-front (sadly not dog-friendly inside), but the staff were kind enough to serve us from the doorway, which meant I could grab a cold drink whilst we sat and soaked up this unspoilt little spot.
Sandsend Beach
A twenty minute drive from Robin Hood’s Bay is Sandsend beach. We spent a couple of hours here, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a favourite for both two-legged and four-legged visitors. The beach runs alongside the coastal road between Whitby and Staithes, and offers around a mile of uninterrupted golden sand and shingle. Perfect for a relaxed roam or a full-on game of fetch, depending on your energy levels!
From Sandsend, you can walk all the way to Whitby, either along the coastal path or, if the tide’s out, along the beach. However, with a certain reluctant walker in the clan [naming no names, Gertie…], we stuck to a more leisurely pace. A mix of ball-chasing for Winnie and the usual bitey-face beach fun that always ensues the minute the girls see the sand!
After all, holidays are for everyone! That includes the dawdlers, the sprinters, and the professional sunbathers! [Bet you can’t guess which category each of us falls into!]
There are a handful of cafés set along the beach front, which were buzzing with people by the time we’d finished our walk. Having parked at the Mulgrave Estate car park, opposite the beach, we took advantage of the quieter Tree Tots Play Café. Off the beaten track, it turned out to be a real hidden gem. Peaceful, welcoming, and serving seriously good cake – which I washed down with a delicious milkshake. [Sorry thighs!]
Whitby
Having run off some energy on the beach, we headed to nearby Whitby. With its dramatic clifftop abbey ruins and bustling harbour-front packed with amusement arcades, fish and chip shops, and candy-floss stalls, Whitby offers a real contrast to the gentle pace of Robin Hood’s Bay.
Since studying Bram Stoker (many moons ago!), I couldn’t resist snatching a glimpse of Whitby Abbey, the supposed inspiration for Dracula. Seeing the skeletal remains of the abbey silhouetted against the sky was pretty spectacular. However, unable to convince Gertie to climb the 199 lung-busting steps, I settled for admiring it from a distance!
Whitby has that unmistakable traditional seaside town vibe—lively, noisy, colourful—and while it’s definitely worth a visit, we found it a bit of a sensory overload! [We are sensitive country bumpkins after all!]
The high-light of our Whitby wander has to be catching the tail end of the Liverpool to Whitby Tractor Rally. Watching a parade of brightly coloured vintage tractors chug across the sand, driven by grown men clearly living out their childhood dreams, absolutely made my day!
Back where we belong!
After a couple of full on days exploring the area, we spent the rest of our time back in our favourite little bay. With coastal walks, beach adventures, and circular routes galore, there’s more than enough right on the doorstep to keep you busy.
For the seasoned adventurer, Robin Hood’s Bay marks the end (or beginning!) of the Coast to Coast walk, all 192 miles of it if you’re feeling athletic. However, judging by the fitness levels of those climbing the steep hill out of the village, I’m not convinced many would make it past the first mile without rethinking their life choices!
We opted for a more leisurely pace, whiling away the time enjoying the incredible local eateries. With The Cove, The Fish Box, The Victoria Inn, and The Smugglers quickly becoming our firm favourites. Whether it was a cafe frappe with a view, a takeaway consisting of the freshest fish and chips, or a tasty stone-baked pizza, each place had its own charm and plenty of dog-friendly touches to make us feel at home.
When we weren’t eating [which, let’s be honest, wasn’t that often], we spent the hours soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of the bay—watching the tide come in, chatting with friendly fellow tourists, or just sitting quietly and taking it all in.
Amazingly, Wins and I even managed to coax Gertie into walking the entire stretch of beach all the way to Ravenscar on the final afternoon. A real achievement for our pint-sized protestor when it comes to long walks! It was the perfect way to round off a perfect holiday.
A Reluctant Farewell
As is always the way when you’re having the time of your life, the week had whizzed by in a flash. None of us were ready to leave, least of all the girls, who had well and truly made themselves at home. If anything, Sunnyside Cottage and Robin Hood’s Bay felt even more special than they did the first time around, making it almost impossible to say goodbye.
As we packed up the Dotty-mobile and took one last glance back at those higgledy-piggledy rooftops, we were already dreaming about our next stay in dog friendly Robin Hood’s Bay. Because once you’ve fallen for the charm of the Bay, it never really leaves you.
A huge thank you to Rachel for inviting us back to stay in her gorgeous holiday home, she really has created an absolute gem in Sunnyside.
If you fancy booking a stay at Sunnyside, you can check availability at Baytown Cottages.
Woofs and Wags
Kate, Gertie and Wins
xox
* We received a complimentary stay at Sunnyside Cottage in return for writing this review
Thank you so much for this lovely review and all your support Kate, I am so bowled over by all you have shared and it has made all the hard work feel worthwhile. Thank you xxx
You really have worked your magic – it’s such a gorgeous little home from home. Thank you so, so much for inviting us back to stay xx
Love this, it sounds idyllic! Just one request.. please move this gorgeous cottage to Cambridgeshire/Norfolk way! ;)
Ha Ha! Yes, or maybe Wiltshire way! Maybe Rachel would like to start a franchise!
Thanks for taking the time to read about our adventure xx