How to spend a weekend in Leeds with your dog
More and more travellers are choosing to bring their dogs along for weekends away, and Leeds makes a pretty good destination for a four-legged getaway. From riverside walks and sprawling green spaces to dog-friendly pubs, proper lunches and plenty to explore in the city centre, there’s no reason to leave the dog at home.
The Met Hotel Leeds shares its recommendations for a dog-friendly weekend in the city, including some of the best spots for four-legged visitors. Sitting on King Street, just three minutes from Leeds station, The Met Hotel Leeds occupies a beautiful Grade II-listed Victorian building dating back to 1899. Inside, the 2025 refurbishment has given the hotel a fresh modern feeling where dogs are welcome too, making it an easy base for a weekend away.
Mike Liddle, General Manager from The Met Hotel Leeds suggests starting the morning with a wander through the city before it gets too busy. From City Square, head past Leeds Town Hall and into the Victoria Quarter, before continuing towards Leeds Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange and The Calls. Dog-friendly Kapow Coffee on The Calls is a good place to pause for a coffee, before continuing towards Leeds Dock and the River Aire. Make your final stop The Met for a hearty breakfast at Gott’s Bar & Kitchen, giving both humans and hounds a chance to refuel before heading out again.
Leeds has plenty of green space to call on including Roundhay Park, with more than 700 acres of parkland, woodland, lakes and gardens to explore. Follow the paths around Waterloo Lake, wander through the trees or simply pick a direction and see where you end up. There’s plenty of room for dogs to stretch their legs without having to venture too far. After a few hours around the park, The Roundhay Fox makes an easy post-walk stop, with a beer garden, seasonal pub food and a warm welcome for four-legged guests.
Meanwood Valley offers a walk with meadows, woodland and Meanwood Beck running through the valley. The full Meanwood Valley Trail is around seven miles, although there’s no need to commit to the whole route if your dog’s idea of exercise involves considerably more sniffing than actual walking.
For a walk with a little history thrown in, Kirkstall Abbey combines the medieval ruins with parkland alongside the River Aire and trails around the grounds. Golden Acre Park is another option, with woodland, open parkland, paths and a lake, giving energetic dogs plenty of space to explore – but no good dog walk should end without a pub stop.
Close to The Met, Whitelock’s Ale House offers a proper Leeds pub experience, with classic dishes including fish and chips, beef and ale pie and a black pudding Scotch egg. The Cross Keys is another good choice for a drink, something to eat and a well-earned rest, with muddy paws very much accepted. For something a little different, Doghouse Bar & Bagel Shop serves bagels and drinks in a relaxed, dog-friendly setting, making it a handy stop during a city-centre wander.
Eventually, even the most enthusiastic dog will run out of steam. Head back to The Met, where selected dog-friendly bedrooms are available, for you both to put your paws up after a busy day.
There’s plenty to appreciate about the hotel itself, too. Originally opened as Hotel Metropole in 1899, its distinctive red-brick and terracotta exterior, decorative details and original stone cupola remain, while the 2025 refurbishment has given the 125 bedrooms a more contemporary feel. Gott’s Bar & Kitchen is downstairs for food and drinks, making it easy to settle in for the evening without having to venture back out after a full day on the paws.
Yorkshire weather, naturally, may have other ideas. If the rain arrives, there’s no need to abandon the day altogether. Duck into one of Leeds’ dog-friendly cafés or pubs, dry off those muddy paws and wait out the worst of it. After all, it wouldn’t be a weekend in Yorkshire without a little rain.
Getting to Leeds is straightforward too. London is around two hours and 15 minutes away by direct train, while Manchester is less than an hour by rail, making Leeds an easy option for a weekend escape. For those travelling from further afield, Edinburgh is around three hours away by direct train.
Once you arrive, The Met is just a three-minute walk from Leeds station. Rooms start from £70 per night, with dog-friendly rooms available for an additional £30, including food and water bowls for four-legged guests.
For more information and to plan your own four-legged weekend in Leeds visit leedsmet-hotel.com.
