Dog Friendly Pub With Rooms Near Helmsley and Castle Howard
Looking for a dog friendly pub with rooms near Helmsley, Castle Howard and the Howardian Hills? The Fairfax Arms in Gilling East offers a warm countryside base for guests who want good food, comfortable rooms and easy access to some of North Yorkshire’s most beautiful walking country.
Set in a peaceful North Yorkshire village, The Fairfax Arms is a traditional country pub, restaurant and inn with 11 individually styled bedrooms, seasonal food, local drinks and a relaxed Yorkshire welcome. Four of our courtyard rooms are dog friendly, making it a practical choice for guests who want to enjoy a countryside break without leaving their dog behind.
Whether you are planning a weekend near Helmsley, a visit to Castle Howard, a walking break in the Howardian Hills or a relaxed overnight stay with dinner, The Fairfax Arms gives you a comfortable place to eat, drink, sleep and explore.
A dog friendly countryside inn in Gilling East
The Fairfax Arms is based in Gilling East, a quiet village surrounded by North Yorkshire countryside. It is close to Helmsley, Castle Howard, the Howardian Hills and the wider Ryedale area, making it well placed for guests who want a slower, more rural stay.
For dog owners, a good break is not just about finding somewhere that allows dogs. It is about finding somewhere that makes the whole visit easier. You need a comfortable room, somewhere welcoming to eat and drink, places to walk nearby, and a setting that suits muddy boots, country lanes and relaxed evenings by the bar.
The Fairfax Arms brings those things together in one place. Guests can stay overnight in selected dog friendly courtyard rooms, enjoy seasonal food and local drinks, and use the inn as a base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Dog friendly rooms at The Fairfax Arms
The Fairfax Arms has 11 individually styled bedrooms, including four dedicated dog friendly courtyard rooms for guests staying with dogs.
These courtyard rooms are ideal for guests travelling with dogs, offering easy access and a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Please note that our inside rooms are not dog friendly, so guests bringing dogs should book one of the courtyard rooms listed above.
Dogs can stay for £10 per night. Please mention your dog when booking so we can make sure you are booked into the right room and have everything arranged for your stay.
Our dog friendly rooms are Rooms 9, 10, 11 and 12:
Room 9 – Selby – Selby is a courtyard cottage that works well for families or groups of adults sharing. It has an extra bedroom, with flexible bed arrangements available on request, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower over the bath.
Room 10 – Whitby – Whitby is also set in the courtyard and includes an additional bedroom, making it another practical option for families or guests sharing. It has a shower over the bath and flexible bed options available on request.
Room 11 – Ampleforth – Ampleforth is a superior suite with a Super King sized bed, large walk-in shower, Jacuzzi bath, fluffy bathrobes, extra large towels and a comfortable sitting area. It is a good choice for guests looking for a little more space and comfort during their stay.
Room 12 – York – York is a warm and cosy room set in the eaves, with an en-suite bathroom and power shower. Please note that this room is elevated up some steps, so it may not be suitable for less-able guests.
Can dogs come into the pub?
Yes, dogs are welcome in our bar-lounge and dining room, so you can enjoy food and drinks at The Fairfax Arms without leaving your dog behind.
Dogs are not permitted in The Orangery, so if you are booking a table with your dog, please let us know at the time of booking. This helps us seat you in the most suitable area and makes your visit more relaxed from the moment you arrive.
Whether you are joining us for a drink after a walk, a relaxed meal, Sunday lunch or an overnight stay, we will do our best to make you and your dog feel welcome.
Dog Friendly Stays Near Helmsley and Castle Howard
The Fairfax Arms is well suited to dog friendly breaks because it sits between several popular North Yorkshire locations while still feeling peaceful and rural.
Helmsley is nearby and is a popular market town for visitors exploring this part of North Yorkshire. Castle Howard is one of the area’s best-known attractions and is often part of a weekend or short break. The Howardian Hills offer rolling countryside, villages, woodland and scenic walking routes.
Staying in Gilling East gives you access to all of this while keeping your base calm, local and comfortable. You can plan a walk, visit a nearby attraction, enjoy a meal at the pub and return to a proper room at the end of the day.
Walking in the Howardian Hills with your dog
The Howardian Hills are one of the biggest reasons people visit this part of North Yorkshire. The landscape is known for its rolling countryside, woodland, farmland, historic villages and quieter rural routes.
For dog owners, it is a lovely area to explore, particularly if you enjoy slower countryside breaks rather than crowded town centre stays. From The Fairfax Arms, guests can plan walks through nearby countryside, visit surrounding villages, or use Gilling East as a base for days out across the area.
As with all countryside walking, please follow the Countryside Code. Keep dogs under close control, use leads near livestock, close gates behind you, clean up after your dog and respect private land, crops and wildlife.
This is especially important in working countryside, where fields, lanes and footpaths are often shared by walkers, local residents, farmers and animals.
Follow us on socials
It’s the cycle race today - not to worry we are still open all day but please be aware there is rolling road closures throughout the day and parking restrictions on the side streets - hopefully see you soon!! 🚲🚫
🐟 IT’S FISH FRIIIIYAY! 🎉
Forget Friday feelings… we’ve got fish & chips! 😋
Choose from:
🐟 Fish
🍤 Scampi
🌭 Battered sausage
With mushy peas, garden peas or curry sauce — plus a drink — all for just £15!
And if you fancy something a little more seafood spectacular, we’ve also got some delicious seafood specials, including our fabulous Fish Platter! 🦐🐟🍤
🍽️ Eat in or 🛍️ takeaway
⏰ From 5.30pm
Go on… make Friday a FISH Friday! 🐟🍟
#FishFriday #FishAndChips #SeafoodSpecials #FishPlatter #FridayFeeling #FridayTreat #GillingEast #NorthYorkshire #TheFairfaxArms
Wow so happy to be nominated that’s amazing! Just need you to vote for us now thank you so much!!!
www.thegoodfoodguide.co.uk/best-of/best-pubs/nominations
#goodfoodguide #bestpubs #supportyourlocal