The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak is a strong Ripon pick for dog owners who want that classic "we have walked, we have earned this" pub feeling right in the middle of town. Set in a beautifully renovated 18th-century coaching inn in Ripon city centre, dogs are welcome in the bar area, so everyone can settle in together after cathedral wandering or market-square mooching.

It combines food, drinks and rooms with an easy, polished warmth that still feels relaxed rather than stuffy. Food is served from 12-9pm daily, with a menu built around hearty Yorkshire flavours and locally sourced ingredients. The location works brilliantly for visitors with dogs: central, welcoming and very convenient when nobody wants to trek any further for a drink.

Expect historic character, a comfortable base and one dog flopping down like they pay council tax here. It is the kind of place that makes the day feel nicely tied together, especially after one of those days where the dog has been sociable, patient and therefore absolutely due a proper indoor settle.