The Old Parlour

York

A Perfect Dog-Friendly Break Between Countryside Calm & City Comfort

If you’re looking for a countryside stay where you can properly switch off - especially with dogs - The Old Parlour near Selby is a real gem.

We kicked off our trip here, and from the moment we arrived it felt calm, private and completely stress-free. Set on a working farm just outside York, it gave us that perfect balance of rural peace with easy access to days out.

Why we loved it

Beautiful countryside location - Open fields, quiet surroundings and proper space to breathe. Ideal for reactive dogs thanks to minimal foot traffic and a calm, predictable environment.
Stylish but cosy interior - The cottage is thoughtfully designed, with a stunning open kitchen and large island that’s both practical and lovely to spend time in.
Cosy fire & comfy bed - Evenings by the fire were a highlight, and the bed was seriously comfortable. We slept incredibly well.
No dog restrictions - Such a rare and welcome find. The dogs felt genuinely welcome, not just allowed.
Secure garden - Total peace of mind. The dogs could potter around safely while we enjoyed slow mornings with a cuppa.

Exploring the area

There are lovely local walks right from the doorstep, perfect for gentle countryside wandering. If you fancy mixing things up, York is only around 15 minutes away for city exploring, cafés and history.

For bigger adventures, Bolton Abbey and Fountains Abbey are both roughly an hour’s drive and make great full-day trips with dogs.

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🍽️ Dog-Friendly Local Food & Drink Around The Old Parlour

While you’ve got the peace of the countryside right outside your door, there are some lovely spots nearby if you fancy heading out for lunch, dinner or a drink - many of them ideal for dog-owners too:

Restaurants & Takeaway Favourites (all ~10-15 min)

Sapori 74 - Italian cuisine with great atmosphere, one of the local favourites (also does takeaway Thurs–Sat)
Burro - Fabulous Italian food in a converted windmill - worth the short drive for the experience.
Jinnah - Indian cuisine in a lovely building with high ceilings - one of the hosts’ favourites.

Casual Bites & Local Favourites

Hung Fong - Chinese takeaway with great food - perfect for an easy dinner back at the cottage.
Mama Mias - Great pizza on Selby’s main street; popular for collection.-The Crossings Fish and Chips – Highly recommended local fish & chips (a perfect countryside treat!).

Dog-Friendly Pubs & Lunch Spots

The Black Dog Inn-Classic pub food with friendly service and a lovely outdoor beer garden - great on a sunny day.
The Wheatsheaf Inn – Traditional village pub, very dog-friendly and within walking distance or a short drive.
The Tea Barn - A brilliant lunch or afternoon-tea stop that’s dog-friendly and relaxed.
Ref https://www.fairoaksfarmburn.co.uk/inthelocalarea

Final thoughts

The Old Parlour delivered exactly what we wanted from a countryside stay:
slow mornings, open views, cosy evenings and relaxed, happy dogs.

If you’re travelling with reactive dogs and want privacy, comfort and genuine dog-friendly freedom, this place is hard to beat.