Dog-Friendly Newcastle

Newcastle delivers a warm Geordie welcome to four-legged visitors. The iconic Quayside provides stunning riverside walking, urban parks offer green escapes, and the city's legendary friendliness extends enthusiastically to dogs. Easy access to Northumberland's spectacular beaches makes Newcastle an excellent base for coastal adventures.

This guide covers everything you need to know about exploring Newcastle with your dog.

Why Newcastle Works for Dogs

The Positives

Quayside Walking:

• Iconic bridges
• River Tyne paths
• Both sides accessible
• Gateshead connection
• Stunning architecture

Good Parks:

• Town Moor (1,000 acres!)
• Jesmond Dene
• Exhibition Park
• Leazes Park

Geordie Welcome:

• Famously friendly city
• Pubs embrace dogs
• Warm atmosphere
• Down-to-earth culture

Gateway to Northumberland:

• Northumberland beaches 30-45 minutes
• Empty sands
• Castles and coast
• Outstanding dog country

The Considerations

Think About:

• City centre busy
• Weekend nights very lively
• Traffic and noise
• Hills in some areas

Getting Around Newcastle

On Foot

Quayside and Centre: Very walkable. Hills between levels.

Terrain:

• Steep banks to river
• Flat along Quayside
• Good pavements
• Steps in places

Metro

Tyne and Wear Metro:

• Dogs allowed free
• Must be on lead
• Good network
• Coast access (Tynemouth)

Buses

Go North East:

• Dogs at driver's discretion
• Generally accommodating
• Extensive network

Trains

LNER/Northern:

• Dogs travel free
• Good national connections
• Northumberland access

Quayside Area

The Iconic Walk

Newcastle Quayside:

• Tyne Bridge views
• Millennium Bridge
• Baltic (exterior)
• Sage Gateshead (exterior)
• Historic architecture

The Route: Walk from Tyne Bridge along Quayside, cross Millennium Bridge to Gateshead, return via different bridge. Complete circuit.

Dog Access:

• Dogs welcome throughout
• Leads advisable (busy)
• Cafes with outdoor seating
• Water access (supervised)

Gateshead Side

South Bank:

• Baltic centre (exterior)
• Sage (exterior)
• Different perspective
• Quieter walking

Extended Riverside

Beyond Centre:

• Towards Ouseburn
• East to coast path
• West upstream
• Miles of walking possible

Parks and Green Spaces

Town Moor

Newcastle's Secret:

• 1,000 acres of common land
• Grazing cattle
• Open grassland
• Adjacent to city centre
• Excellent dog walking

Best For:

• Proper space for dogs
• Extended walking
• Escaping city feel
• Meeting other dogs

Note: Cattle graze freely. Keep dogs under control.

Jesmond Dene

Valley Paradise:

• Wooded valley
• Waterfalls
• Pets Corner (exterior)
• River walking
• Dogs welcome

Best For:

• Woodland walking
• Shade in summer
• Beautiful scenery
• Popular dog area

Exhibition Park

Near Centre:

• Open grassland
• Lake
• Near Great North Museum
• Dogs welcome

Leazes Park

Victorian Park:

• Near St James' Park
• Lake
• Open grassland
• Dogs welcome

Ouseburn

Creative Quarter:

• Valley area
• Farms and parks
• Seven Stories area (exterior)
• Interesting walking
• Dog-friendly atmosphere

Dog-Friendly Areas

Best Neighbourhoods

Jesmond:

• Affluent suburb
• Cafes and restaurants
• Dog-friendly atmosphere
• Near Jesmond Dene
• Village feel

Ouseburn:

• Creative quarter
• Bars and venues
• Dog-friendly culture
• Interesting area
• Riverside access

Heaton:

• Residential area
• Heaton Park
• Local pubs
• Chillingham Road

City Centre

Central Areas:

• Grey Street (beautiful)
• Grainger Town
• Shopping areas

For Dogs:

• Busy streets
• Leads essential
• Pass through to Quayside
• Some outdoor cafes

Quayside

Riverside:

• Best area for dog walking
• Restaurants and bars
• Outdoor seating
• Sunday market (busy)

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Newcastle Pub Culture

Newcastle is famous for its nightlife, but daytime/early evening pub culture is excellent for dogs.

What to Expect:

• Traditional pubs welcome dogs
• Geordie friendliness
• Water bowls common
• Genuine welcome

Areas for Dog-Friendly Pubs

Jesmond: Suburban pubs, often dog-friendly.

Ouseburn: Creative bars, many welcome dogs.

Quayside: Some pubs welcome dogs, especially with outdoor areas.

City Centre: Various traditional pubs.

Tip: Earlier in day/week is better. Weekend nights very busy and less suitable.

Dog-Friendly Attractions

What's Possible

Dog-Friendly:

• Quayside walking
• All parks and green spaces
• Town Moor
• Jesmond Dene
• Street exploration
• Many pub gardens

Not Dog-Friendly:

• Great North Museum
• Baltic (inside)
• Discovery Museum
• Most indoor attractions

Day Trips

Northumberland Coast: Outstanding beaches 30-45 minutes away. Bamburgh, Alnmouth, Seahouses, Druridge Bay - some of England's best dog beaches.

Tynemouth: Metro accessible. Beach and priory. Fish and chips.

Hadrian's Wall: Historic walking. Dogs welcome on most sections.

Durham: Cathedral city. Riverside walks. 15 minutes by train.

Accommodation

Dog-Friendly Hotels

Newcastle has options:

• Hotel du Vin
• Malmaison Newcastle
• The Vermont Hotel
• Various boutique options
• Chain hotels (some)

Self-Catering

Apartments:

• Quayside popular
• City centre options
• More space for dogs

Location Tips

Best Areas to Stay:

• Quayside (riverside walks)
• Jesmond (parks, pubs)
• Near Town Moor (space)

Planning Newcastle Visits

Best Times

For Dogs:

• Daytime visits best
• Weekdays quieter
• Weekend nights very busy (nightlife)
• Match days crowded

Timing: Morning and daytime Quayside. Evening in Jesmond or quieter areas.

Sample Itinerary

Day One:

Morning: Jesmond Dene walk

Midday: Jesmond lunch at dog-friendly cafe

Afternoon: Quayside walk, both sides of river

Evening: Jesmond pub dinner

Day Two:

Morning: Town Moor exploration

Midday: Ouseburn area lunch

Afternoon: Tynemouth trip (Metro) - beach walk

Evening: Quayside early evening before crowds

Combining with Northumberland

Newcastle is the perfect base for Northumberland adventures. City culture plus spectacular empty beaches.

Practical Tips

Weather

Northeast Weather:

• Can be cold and windy
• North Sea influence
• Dress warmly
• Rain possible

Weekend Nights

Be Aware:

• Newcastle nightlife is legendary
• City centre very busy Friday/Saturday nights
• Not ideal for dogs late evening
• Stick to suburban areas or early evening

Match Days

St James' Park (Newcastle United) matches make centre very busy. Check fixtures.

Nearby Walks

Quick Escapes

Tynemouth: Metro accessible. Beach and priory ruins.

Whitley Bay: Metro accessible. Promenade and beach.

Gibside: National Trust. Grounds dog-friendly.

Derwent Walk: Former railway. Valley walking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Newcastle dog-friendly?

Yes, during sensible hours. Excellent parks, Quayside walking, and friendly pubs. Avoid city centre late on weekends.

What's the best park in Newcastle?

Town Moor for space. Jesmond Dene for beauty.

Can I access beaches from Newcastle?

Yes, easily. Tynemouth by Metro. Northumberland beaches 30-45 minutes by car.

Are Newcastle pubs dog-friendly?

Many are, especially traditional pubs and suburban areas like Jesmond. Daytime and early evening best.

Is the Quayside good for dogs?

Excellent. Iconic walks, bridge views, both sides of river accessible.

Should I avoid weekend nights?

City centre yes. Famous nightlife makes it very busy and not suitable for dogs. Suburban areas fine.

Geordie Welcome Awaits

Newcastle offers genuine dog-friendly city experiences during daytime hours. Iconic Quayside, extensive Town Moor, and friendly pubs create excellent conditions for four-legged visitors, with spectacular Northumberland on the doorstep.

Ready to explore? Plan your Quayside walk, find a Jesmond pub, and discover Newcastle's dog-friendly character.

Luke explores Newcastle with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has discovered that Quayside walks, Jesmond Dene adventures, and easy access to Northumberland's beaches make Newcastle a rewarding dog-friendly base.