If you’re looking for a fun and dog friendly camping spot in the North York Moors, then I would thoroughly recommend the luxury camping pods available at the Fox and Hounds.
At this point, I was well into my 10-week-long ‘A Walk in the Parks‘ adventure. So, I was delighted to be able to put my feet up and relax in my own cosy, comfy little pod.
It was day 4 of my hike through the North York Moors, after a few days with my friends and my stay in The Black Swan. And, although it didn’t boast the same grandeur as these luxurious hotel rooms, there was something completely charming about this classic wooden pod, right in the heart of the stunning North York Moors.
For this leg of my trip, me and Cookie were joined at the pub by the lovely Nicola and her partner. They both write for the popular local publication Esk Valley News – so it was great to take a break from the hiking, and catch up on all-things-writing and the incredible local publications they produce.
Of course, the pods at the Fox and Hounds were super dog friendly, and Cookie was absolutely in her element exploring the great outdoors! The pods are set in a field at the back of the pub, it’s fenced off so I could let Cookie off for a run about. Not that she needed it after the long day (and wrong turns) we had made.
Exploring The North York Moors
The North York Moors are one of the most popular walking spots in the UK, and it’s easy to see why.
In addition to its dramatic landscape, rugged terrain and huge stretches of heather moorland, the North York Moors also has 42km of heritage coastline (which is just as beautiful as its iconic moorlands).
Walking along the coastline, you can gaze out across the sea, in completely uninterrupted, panoramic views, I couldn’t wait for my coastal walking on my final days in this national park. There’s all the drama of the moorlands on one side, and then the awe-inspiring clear blue sea to the other.
You can either stroll along the sandy beaches, or follow the renowned Cleveland Way National Trail. This trail keeps you walking across the cliffs, guiding you towards all the most dramatic, bold viewpoints.
Whichever route you choose, be sure to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, as they’ve been known to pay Yorkshire a visit from time to time!
Best Dog Friendly Camping Pods In The North York Moors
Our stay at the Fox and Hounds was gifted as part of my hike, but everything I share is my honest opinion.
The Camping Pods At The Fox And Hounds
On our visit to the North York Moors, we decided to stay at the simple camping pods available at the classic, traditional country hotel, the Fox and Hounds.
In fact, the Fox and Hounds dates all the way back to 1555, and for hundreds of years, the hotel has been firmly entwined with the North York Moors.
Right on the hotel’s doorstop, you’ve got access to numerous local footpaths, plus national trails, bridleways and cycle routes – you’re pretty spoilt for choice!
Although we decided to stay out in the camping pods, the entire hotel is super dog friendly.
In the pods, we had power, bedding and all of the other necessary facilities. Although the bathrooms were located across the field, we each had our own shower, toilet and sink. So it still felt private (we just had a bit of an extra walk!).
As much as a cosy hotel room is always lovely, the pods offered us a completely new experience. Plus, The Fox & Hounds is an accredited Dark Skies Friendly site. This means that the pods are in the perfect spot to soak up all the majesty of the Moors’ night sky. In fact, the hotel even offers night torches, binoculars and sky maps for guests to use.
The Fox And Hounds Pub
After a long day of walking, we were super glad to return to the hotel, for a proper pub dinner.
Nicola and her partner both joined us at the pub and, although we were too late to join in with the pub’s quiz night, the pub was absolutely packed!
It had great vibes and – even despite the busyness – the food was great. The entire menu features locally sourced, seasonal produce, home-cooked in a range of hearty dishes. You can also opt for one of the daily-changing seasonal specials, or secure your spot in their popular Sunday lunches.
The Fox and Hounds is also very big on its booze. From its traditional bar, you can choose from an extensive selection of regional real ales, top quality wines, or your favourite spirit. I stuck to a coke though, 4 weeks in and not a drop of alcohol.
To fuel you ready for a long day’s walking, you can also visit the pub for breakfast. However, I had to leave at the crack of dawn that morning to start walking again, so I’ll have to try the breakfast on my next visit!
Things To Do In Whitby And Whitby Beach
Just a short drive away from The Fox and Hounds, you can explore the charming, historic fishing villages of the Yorkshire coast.
Whitby is a busy seaside town, known across the country for its classic English beaches, stunning sea views and impressive literary connections.
So, if you’re looking for a break from your days of hiking, here are a few things to do in or near Whitby in Yorkshire.
- Explore the ruins of Whitby Abbey – once a magnificent abbey, Whitby Abbey now consists of a series of dramatic ruins. The abbey is set on Whitby’s East Cliff, and offers outstanding views of the North Sea. But, the abbey’s greatest claim to fame is its association with Dracula, as Bram Stoker’s inspiration for the novel. In fact, if you’re a big fan of the book, you can visit the town’s Dracula Experience museum, to learn more about the town’s connections to the iconic villain.
- Climb the 199 steps – within walking distance of Whitby Abbey, the Church of St Mary can be reached by climbing Whitby’s iconic 199 steps. These steps also offer extraordinary sea views, heightened by the drama of the ruins and the nearby Moors.
- Stroll around the harbour – Whitby Harbour and Marina is a charming, busy traditional seaside area, complete with classic seaside shops and cafes. The pier is the perfect spot for a casual stroll, complete with picture-perfect sea views.
- Walk across the beaches – of course, no trip to Whitby is complete without a stroll along the soft sands of Whitby beaches, and a nosy at its iconic colourful beach huts.
- Walk through the whalebone arch – at the West Cliff, you can find the iconic Whitby whalebone arch. First built in 1853, this unusual landmark frames a stunning view of the town and its surrounding landscape.
Scarborough isn’t far down the coast either and well worth a visit.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at The Fox and Hounds and when I’m next hiking across the North York Moors, I would definitely make a return visit. The pod was lots of fun, and was super comfortable, clean and hospitable. So, if you’re looking for dog friendly luxury camping pods in the North York Moors, then I highly recommend The Fox and Hounds.
