Dog-Friendly Beverley: A Day Out With Your Dog in East Yorkshire

When my York clients fancy a proper day out with the dog, somewhere a bit different from the usual Ings and commons, I often point them east to Beverley. It is a handsome old market town in East Yorkshire, crowned by the magnificent Beverley Minster, and it happens to be a genuinely welcoming place to bring a dog. Wide open pasture on the edge of town, characterful streets, and an easy drive from York make it a lovely half-day or full-day escape.

Here is everything you need to know for a dog-friendly day in Beverley, from where to let your dog stretch their legs to the etiquette that keeps everyone happy.

The star of the show: Beverley Westwood

The Westwood is the reason Beverley is such a treat for dog owners. It is a huge area of ancient common pasture on the western edge of the town, granted to the townspeople centuries ago and still open common land today. That means acres of rolling grassland to walk, with the Minster towers on the skyline and the town's old racecourse and golf course sharing the same open space.

It is wonderful for a good long walk, but there is one thing to plan around: the Westwood is grazed by cattle. Grazing common land like this needs a bit of respect and awareness, so it pays to know how to handle it.

Walking safely around grazing cattle

Cattle and dogs can be a nervous combination, and it is worth taking seriously, because cows can react defensively if they feel their space or their calves are threatened. A few simple habits keep everyone safe:

• Keep your dog under close control and on a lead near livestock.
• Give cattle a wide berth, especially if there are calves in the herd.
• If cattle start to approach or follow you, let your dog off the lead and move calmly away. Counter-intuitively, your dog can outrun trouble, and cattle usually chase the dog rather than you.
• Never get between a cow and her calf.
• Stick to the open, obvious routes and read any signs at the entrances.

Worth knowing: The advice to release your dog if cattle approach is the exact opposite of the usual lead rule, and it is the one that keeps people safe. On open grazing land like the Westwood, staying calm and giving the herd space matters far more than staying clipped on.

Wandering the Minster town

Beverley itself is a delight to potter around with a dog on a lead. The streets around the Minster and up towards the old market squares are full of character, with plenty of independent shops and pavement seating. Beverley keeps its market tradition alive, with a smaller midweek market and the bigger Saturday market drawing crowds into the town centre, so a weekday visit tends to be calmer if your dog prefers a quieter stroll.

As with any cathedral or minster, do check before assuming you can go inside. As a rule, historic religious buildings welcome assistance dogs but not pet dogs indoors, so plan your visit around the outdoor spaces and the many dog-friendly cafés and pubs the town is known for. Always ask before heading into any venue, as individual policies vary.

Making a day of it from York

Beverley is an easy run from York and pairs a good open-space walk on the Westwood with a relaxed town wander, which makes it ideal for a change of scene. My suggested rhythm: a proper leg-stretch on the Westwood first thing, then a gentle amble through town for a coffee, keeping the dog on the lead and giving grazing cattle a wide berth on the way back to the car.

If you want to read up on responsible walking around livestock and the countryside more generally, the Dogs Trust advice hub and the RSPCA's guidance on dogs outdoors are both worth a look. For a bit of background on the town itself, the Beverley Wikipedia page covers its history and the story of how the townspeople won their pasture rights.

Coming home clean

Open pasture in East Yorkshire is every bit as muddy as anything around York, and the Westwood after rain is no exception. A quick paw and leg rinse when you get home keeps the mud from setting into the coat. When a day out has left a longer-coated dog properly grubby, that is what a professional Wash, Dry & Brush is for.

Frequently asked questions

Is Beverley Westwood good for dogs? Yes. The Westwood is a large area of open common pasture on the edge of town, perfect for a long walk, with the Minster on the skyline. Just be aware it is grazed by cattle, so keep your dog under close control.

How do I walk safely near cattle on the Westwood? Keep your dog on a lead and give cattle a wide berth, especially near calves. If cattle approach or follow you, let your dog off the lead so it can move away freely, and calmly leave the area yourself.

Can I take my dog into Beverley Minster? Assistance dogs are welcome in historic religious buildings, but pet dogs generally are not permitted inside. Plan your day around the outdoor spaces and the town's dog-friendly cafés and pubs, and always check individual venue policies.

Is Beverley far from York? No, it is an easy drive east from York, which makes it a great option for a change of scene and a dog-friendly day out.

Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Home from a day out and covered in mud? Get in touch to book a groom.