Sorry for being a bit quiet lately – I haven’t being feeling myself and so have taken some time off from blogging. However a few weeks ago we decided that as it was set to be a nice sunny weekend (possibly the last of the year judging by the recent weather!) to take little Hector on a doggy mini break to the very dog friendly Ox Pasture Hall Hotel near Scarborough. Following the response to my Dog Friendly Leeds, I thought I would tell you all about it!
Ox Pasture Hall is sat in a landscape of rolling hills near the Forge Valley Woods Natural Nature Reserve and is surrounded by the hotels lovingly landscaped grounds. Before heading to the hotel we headed across to Scarborough to take Hector for a run on the beach and a stroll around, before heading to Hackness for lunch (at the dog friendly Everley Country House Cafe) and finally on the the hotel in time for a 3pm check in
The hotel is a former country house, surrounded by barns and outbuildings which have been transformed into hotel rooms and suites. The rooms are set around two courtyards to the rear of the property and overlook the pond and gardens. The manager kindly upgraded us to one of the dog friendly suites situated in the newer built courtyard, which comprised of a cosy little lounge, bathroom and huge bedroom. The suite, like the rest of the hotel, was decorated in a warm and cosy country style with heavy oak furniture, tweed sofa and neutral tartan check soft furnishings – perfect for a relaxing weekend away.
Once we had settled in and had a relaxing sit down (I had a bath – I mean its the golden rule TRY THE BATH, right?!) we took Hector for a wander around the gardens and down to the bar for a drink. What’s great about the hotel is that, with the exception of the main restaurant, nowhere is off limits for our four legged friends making it the perfect choice for a weekend away without having to make arrangements for Hector to be looked after. Despite his stroll around the gardens Hector wasn’t feeling too thirsty but since we had found our way to the bar anyway it would have been rude for me not to sample the Prosecco! The bar is a quiet and cosy area within the main house and whilst we were there there were plenty of people and furry friends pottering around for Hector to wander off with.
That evening we decided to eat in the hotel as they have a dog friendly section of their restaurant meaning that we didn’t have to leave Hector in a strange environment (not that he would have minded a break from us and some quiet time in the room!). We opted to have a later dinner so that we could feed little H and take him for a ‘”do your business” walk if you catch my drift before we ate ourselves.
The bistro is in the main building of the hotel, with the dog friendly section being the conservatory section that over looked the fountain in the old courtyard garden. Although it was October and quite chilly outside, the conservatory was very warm and Hector soon settled down before our food arrived.
I started with the crispy duck croquet’s with a rhubarb and beetroot ketchup, followed by the chicken breast, peas and bacon with mash and a healthy Yorkshire serving of gravy. Then I topped the meal off (even though I was soooo full) with a warm raspberry bakewell and raspberry sorbet. Dave opted for an onion soup followed by a steak. The food, despite being relatively standard, was hearty and delicious and a sign that he hotel is serious about giving its customers an all round enjoyable experience.
After dinner we took the little man for a final wander around and headed back to chill in our lounge with a bit of Saturday night TV and a good cup of Yorkshire Tea before heading to bed. The hotel was so peaceful that Hector didn’t stir at all though the night (probably all of the walking and playing in the beach!) We woke early the next morning and headed for an early breakfast in the main restaurant, leaving Hector fast asleep in the room.
The breakfast was a wonderful spread of cereals, fresh or dried fruit, yoghurt, pasteries and toast which you could help yourself to. This was then supplemented by your choice of a cooked breakfast option from the menu. I just had some bacon and sausage alongside my toast and muesli whilst Dave chose the full cooked breakfast (minus the beans) which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Breakfast!
Before checking out we took the opportunity to take in some fresh morning air in the gardens by the pond with Hector and met lots of other four legged guests on our stroll. Overall, Ox Pasture Hall is the perfect peaceful place for a short break with dogs. The staff could not of been more welcoming and engaging with Hector, which he loved (attention seeker haha) and the surroundings and calm cosy rooms really help to just sit and unwind. On our visit we took advantage of the hotels dinner, bed and breakfast for two (three – sorry hector) option for only £185, making it great value for money and a place I would both recommend and return to in the future.
Jack D March 
GREAT PLACE TO STAY! WE LOVED IT TOO
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