Appaws for dog-friendly Robin Hood’s Bay cottage

Sunnyside Cottage came third place at the Dog Friendly Awards which celebrate places that go above and beyond to welcome dogs and their owners in the Most Dog Friendly Cottage category.

The cottage is owned by Rachel Spencer, who decided to buy a cottage after visiting Robin Hood’s Bay with her terrier, Patch, and falling in love with the charming village.

She set out to make it truly dog-welcoming, with welcome packs with treats for each canine guest, Dogrobes for them to use to dry off after walks, dog beds, and a ‘borrow box’ with things like harnesses, walking belts, toys and walking bags.

Rachel said: “I try to think of everything I can that dogs might need or enjoy when they come to stay, and it’s really lovely to see our guests having a great time in Robin Hood’s Bay and get feedback about how much they enjoy the village.

“Having a dog-friendly cottage is something I dreamed of for many years, so having this recognition is amazing, and I’m really grateful to everyone who voted for us.

"There are a lot of people who support us at Sunnyside, from Sam and Sian at Baytown Holiday Cottages who get the cottage ready and support us with bookings, they help make all the finishing touches that people love happen.

“Then there are the companies that make the goodies for the dogs, the paw balm, bandanas and bow ties and treats that are all personalised so each guest feels appreciated and has an experience with their dog they’ll remember.”

Rachel has invested over £20,000 in the cottage in 2025, with new windows, Floors For Paws ‘Paw Safe’ flooring, carpets, furniture and a new bathroom, to make sure guests are as comfortable as they can be.

As well as coming third place in the Dog Friendly Awards, Sunnyside has also won the Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday award and was a finalist in the New Business category at the Pet Industry Federation Awards.

Visit tinyurl.com/4f2tmta5 to find out more about Sunnyside Cottage.