The quaint UK market town called 'Dogs Own Country' where four-legged friends very welcome

If you are looking for a dog-friendly place to spend a weekend away, then this quaint, thriving market town is the perfect spot. Described by one fan as "Dog's Own Country," you have probably guessed that it is in Yorkshire.

Many of its major attractions welcome dogs as do its cafes, pubs and holiday accommodation. And then there are the incredible walking opportunities in and around the town, on and off the lead.

A UK dog blogger, of woofwagwalk.co.uk, said: "God's Own Country, Yorkshire, or as I prefer to call it Dog's Own Country is home to a whole host of dog friendly destinations but if I had to pick one town that really goes the extra mile to extend a warm welcome to pooches it would have to be Helmsley.

"This quaint market town on the edge of the North York Moors Park really is the quintessential English market town and is literally full of dog friendly cafes and pubs, to be honest I don't think I have come across any that don't welcome dogs, in fact many even welcome dirty boots as well!"

"The town is also ideally situated for a walking holiday on the moors and an exploration of the Yorkshire Coast and another of my favourite dog friendly towns.

Among the highlights for doggy destinations are Helmsley Walled Garden. The 5-acre gardens were restored from a derelict state back in the early 90s and now boast over 100 apple trees as well as stunning herbaceous borders and themed garden rooms. The onsite Vine House Café serves really tasty lunches and cakes and is extremely dog friendly inside and out and there's always a bowl of water on paw for your dog to quench their thirst. The ticket office also dishes out a welcome biscuit to pooches on their way in.

No trip to this corner of Yorkshire is complete without taking in at least one of the well-preserved castles or abbeys in the area. The beauty of choosing Helmsley Castle and Rievaulx Abbey is that not only are they both really dog friendly, allowing pooches in the museums and cafes as well as the grounds but you can do a great 7 mile circular walk between the two to give your dog a break from taking in all those historical sniffs and expend a bit of energy. Both of these properties are managed by English Heritage.

Just a stones throw from the centre of Helmsley Duncombe Park Estate boasts 450 acres of parkland for you and your dog to explore. Dogs do have to be kept on their leads. There are also formal gardens and a Bird of Prey Centre at Dunscombe but these are not dog friendly.

One of the best days out in North Yorkshire is a visit to Dalby Forest. Walk up to the impressive Bridestones (managed by the National Trust), then let your dog splash about in the river when you get down before taking on one of the numerous trails through the forest. Dogs are not allowed inside the cafe here, but there is plenty of outside space for a picnic.

Or there are the lavender fields at Wolds Way, a perfect location to take some pictures of your pooch for Instagram, surrounded by purple, and you can even buy some essential lavender oil in the gift shop, which is known for its calming properties.

Among the many dog-friendly pubs and cafes in Helmsley are The Royal Oak, a classic pub offering classic pub grub with treats for dogs, Number Twelve, a relaxed cafe where dogs are welcome inside and out and Barney and Stan's Pet Corner, a great place to grab some doggy ice cream.

The Feathers Hotel welcomes dogs in most areas of the hotel, including the bar, courtyard, and gun room, though not the main restaurant. Dog-friendly accommodation can be found in several cottages in and around Helmsley, including some in the North York Moors National Park. Hotels like the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa also offer dog-friendly rooms, though there may be additional charges and restrictions.