1 / 8The Black Swan
Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Yes. Dogs can stay in most rooms, up to 2 dogs per room.
A former stagecoach stop on Helmsley's Market Place, with history back to the 15th century, open fires inside and a dog friendly pub where yours eats too.
Weary stagecoach travellers once stopped at The Black Swan, and the inn's history on Helmsley's Market Place goes back to the 15th century. It is three buildings in one, Elizabethan at one end, Tudor at the other and Georgian in between, delightfully higgledy-piggledy and full of original features. Inside, open fires and cosy armchairs set the tone of this dog friendly inn. It makes a base for Helmsley Castle, Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley Walled Garden.
Pet-friendly rooms come in a variety of categories across the inn, with a limited number kept free of pets, and two dogs at most can share yours. Bedrooms are not somewhere a dog can be left unattended, so keep yours with you, which is easy enough when dogs are welcome where you eat.
Water bowls, treats and Sir Woofchester's food wait in the pub's dog friendly areas, so your dog can tuck into something while you get stuck into classic pub favourites. The kitchen serves homemade food all day, every day, and Sunday lunch brings generous, hand-carved slices of roast with homemade Yorkshire Puddings, alongside local cask ales.
The Classic Rooms sit mainly in the garden wing, many with partial views of the inn's walled gardens, and the superior rooms look onto the quiet lane at the side. With the dog, Wildpack's Rievaulx Abbey to Helmsley Loop is right on hand, less than a tenth of a mile from the inn.
Facts checked October 2026 from the hotel's own website. Details can change, so please confirm anything important, especially the dog rules, with the hotel before you book.
At a Glance: Dogs
- Rooms for dogs
- Most rooms
- Dogs per room
- Up to 2
- Size or breed limits
- The hotel doesn't say
- Dog fee
- £15 per night
- Left alone in the room
- Not allowed
- In the bar
- Welcome
- In the lounge
- The hotel doesn't say
- Eating with your dog
- In a dog friendly dining area
- In the grounds
- The hotel doesn't say
- Dog extras
- Bowls, treats and a dog menu
- Walks from the door
- The hotel doesn't say
- Nearest dog friendly beach
- None within 20 miles
Where the hotel doesn't say, check with the hotel when you book.
Book your stay
The Black Swan is booked through Booking.com. Tell the hotel you are bringing your dog when you book.
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For You
- Eating and drinking
- All day dining
- Parking
- Free parking
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Black Swan dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs can stay in most rooms, up to 2 dogs per room. This comes from The Black Swan's own website. Details can change, so check with the hotel when you book.
How many dogs can I bring to The Black Swan?
Up to 2 dogs per room.
Is there a charge for dogs at The Black Swan?
£15 per night.
Can I eat with my dog at The Black Swan?
You can eat with your dog in a dog friendly dining area. Dogs are welcome in the bar.
Can I leave my dog in the room at The Black Swan?
No. The hotel says dogs must not be left alone in the room.
Are there dog walks near The Black Swan?
Dog friendly walks on Wildpack within 5 miles include Rievaulx Abbey to Helmsley Loop (0.0 miles) and Byland Abbey and Coxwold Circular (5.0 miles).
Check dates and availability for The Black Swan
Book now with Booking.comWhat’s Nearby?
Walk0 mi awayRievaulx Abbey to Helmsley Loop
North Yorkshire
A rewarding circuit linking the atmospheric ruins of Rievaulx Abbey with the market town of Helmsley; livestock in the farmland sections require leads.
Attraction0.1 mi awayHelmsley Castle
North Yorkshire
Nine centuries of castle above a market town, with spectacular double banks and ditches to walk, and your dog welcome in the shop and museum too.
Attraction2.4 mi awayRievaulx Abbey
North Yorkshire
The most complete abbey ruins in England, filling a wooded valley, and your dog is welcome in the ruins and the tearoom, just not at the counter.
Attraction5 mi awayByland Abbey
North Yorkshire
The remains of one of England's greatest monasteries, free to walk with your dog on wide flat grass, with medieval floor tiles still in place.
Walk5 mi awayByland Abbey and Coxwold Circular
North Yorkshire
A loop from Byland Abbey's 12th century ruins for dogs through Abbey Bank Wood to Coxwold and Wass, with views to the Kilburn White Horse.
Walk6 mi awaySutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse
North Yorkshire
Dramatic escarpment views and a walk to the iconic White Horse with good visitor centre facilities; livestock on the surrounding farmland require leads.
Dog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to The Black Swan. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
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All dog friendly hotels in North Yorkshire