Middleham Castle

Middleham Castle is a striking English Heritage ruin set in the Yorkshire Dales near Leyburn, offering a proper castle day out with your dog on lead. The sprawling outdoor site lets you explore the atmospheric remains of one of England's great medieval fortresses, once home to Richard III, with your dog beside you as you wander the grounds and soak up centuries of history. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the castle grounds, where the experience is primarily outdoors among the ruins.

The keep is reached by steep spiral stairs, so the main dog-friendly visit focuses on the external site and lower areas – perfect for a lead-and-sniff circuit of the walls and courtyard without worrying about steps or indoor restrictions. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30, Middleham Castle sits around 18 miles from Hawes and makes a brilliant Wensleydale attraction when you want castle ruins, open air and your dog in tow.

Limited free on-street parking is available nearby. Advance tickets can be booked online and entry fees apply.