Ripon Scenic Cruises

Ripon Scenic Cruises is a lovely wildcard for dog owners visiting Ripon who fancy swapping pavements for a slower, floatier kind of outing. Running narrowboat trips on the Ripon Canal aboard the Pride of Ripon, it offers countryside views, wildlife spotting and a far calmer pace than the usual town-centre bustle. Dogs are welcome aboard, which makes this a brilliant option when the dog has already done the sniff-heavy city circuit and everyone is ready for something gentler.

There are short canal cruises, special events and even afternoon tea options, plus free parking at the basin if spaces allow. Well-behaved dogs can join the trip, so nobody needs to do the pavement-waiting shuffle while the rest of the group enjoys the water. During school holidays the boat runs daily from 11am, with Monday, Thursday and Saturday sailings during term time.

For visitors with dogs, it is an easy way to add something a bit different to a Ripon day out. Very peaceful, very scenic, very "the captain appears to have four legs."