Dog-Friendly Northumberland Coast

The Northumberland coast offers some of England's most spectacular and uncrowded beaches. Dramatic castles rise from rocky outcrops, miles of sand stretch empty even in summer, and the character is utterly different from busy southern coasts. This is where dogs can run truly free.

This guide provides detailed coastal coverage complementing our main Northumberland guide.

Northumberland Coast Overview

The Character

What Sets It Apart:

• Genuinely empty beaches
• Dramatic castle coastline
• Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
• Less commercialised than south
• AONB designation
• Dark sky quality
• Space and freedom

Why Dogs Love It

• Miles of dog-friendly beaches
• Year-round access (mostly)
• Space to run
• Few restrictions
• Castle exploring
• Island adventures

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

Bamburgh Beach

The Iconic One: Bamburgh Castle backdrop. Miles of sand. Spectacular.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome year-round. No restrictions.

Character:

• Vast sandy beach
• Castle views throughout
• Dunes behind
• Rarely feels crowded
• One of England's finest

Embleton Bay

The Beautiful One: Dunstanburgh Castle views. Sweeping bay. Less visited.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome year-round.

Character:

• Golf course behind
• Dunstanburgh Castle at south end
• Beautiful and peaceful
• Excellent dog beach

Seahouses

The Base Village: Access to Farne Islands (boat trips). Fishing harbour.

Dog Access: Beach accessible. Dogs welcome.

Character:

• Working harbour
• Fish and chips
• Boat trips (some accept dogs)
• Good facilities

Beadnell Bay

The Sweeping Bay: Long curved bay. Dunes. Relatively busy by Northumberland standards.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome. Some restrictions in summer in main areas - check locally.

Character:

• Popular watersports
• Good sand
• Village behind
• Campsite nearby

Low Newton-by-the-Sea

The Secret One: Tiny village. Ship Inn directly on beach. Special.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome.

Character:

• Tiny square on beach
• Excellent pub (The Ship)
• National Trust
• Unspoilt and special

Alnmouth Beach

The Estuary Beach: River estuary meets sea. Golf course. Pretty village.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome.

Character:

• Estuary character
• Village atmosphere
• Good walking

Warkworth Beach

Castle Beach: Beach below Warkworth Castle. Less visited.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome.

Character:

• Castle views
• Quieter option
• Good walking north

Druridge Bay

The Long One: 7 miles of beach. Country park. Nature reserves.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome. Some nature reserve areas need leads.

Character:

• Very long beach
• Country park facilities
• Quieter than further north
• Wildlife interest

Holy Island (Lindisfarne)

Unique Destination

What It Is: Tidal island accessible at low tide via causeway.

Dog-Friendly:

• Dogs welcome on island
• Beach access
• Castle grounds (exterior)
• Village exploring

Visiting with Dogs

Causeway Crossing:

• Check tide times (essential)
• Causeway floods at high tide
• People get stranded - don't risk it
• Crossing windows published locally and online

On the Island:

• Priory grounds (check access)
• Castle area
• Beach walking
• Village pubs

Practical: Allow enough time to explore and return safely. Don't cut it fine with tides.

See our main Northumberland guide for more Holy Island information.

Coastal Castles

Dog Access

Exterior Areas Often Accessible:

Bamburgh Castle: Grounds may allow dogs (check current policy). Beach access excellent.

Dunstanburgh Castle (English Heritage): Dramatic ruin. Dogs welcome in grounds. Walk from Craster.

Warkworth Castle: Grounds. Check specific areas.

Lindisfarne Castle: National Trust. Grounds/exterior. Check current policy.

Castle Walks

Combining Castles and Coast:

Craster to Dunstanburgh: Classic walk. About 1.5 miles each way. Castle dramatically positioned.

Bamburgh Beach and Castle: Beach walking with castle backdrop.

See our Attractions guide for heritage site access generally.

Coastal Path Walking

Northumberland Coast Path

Long-Distance Option: 62-mile route along the coast.

Dog-Friendly: Excellent walking throughout. Day sections very rewarding.

Recommended Sections

Best Day Walks:

Craster to Dunstanburgh to Low Newton: About 4 miles. Castle ruins. Ends at excellent pub. Classic.

Bamburgh to Seahouses: About 3 miles. Beach and coast path. Castle views.

Holy Island Perimeter: Circuit of island (when tide allows).

Beadnell to Seahouses: Coastal variety. About 2 miles.

For more long-distance walking, see our Long Distance Trails guide.

Key Coastal Towns and Villages

Alnwick

Inland Base: Castle town (Harry Potter connection). Good facilities. Base for coast.

Dog-Friendly: Town exploring. Alnwick Garden (check dog policy). Good pubs.

See our Northumberland guide.

Seahouses

Coastal Hub: Harbour village. Farne Islands access. Fish and chips.

Dog-Friendly: Good facilities. Boat trips (some allow dogs). Beaches accessible.

Craster

Fishing Village: Famous for kippers. Dunstanburgh walk starts here. Small and characterful.

Dog-Friendly: Village exploring. Excellent walking. Pub.

Bamburgh

Castle Village: Dominated by castle. Small village. Beach access.

Dog-Friendly: Beach excellent. Village cafes/pubs. Castle grounds (check).

Alnmouth

Pretty Village: Estuary location. Colourful houses. Golf course.

Dog-Friendly: Beach access. Village pubs. Good atmosphere.

Accommodation

Where to Stay

For Beach Access: Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell - direct beach access.

For Exploring: Alnwick - good base for coast and inland.

For Atmosphere: Alnmouth - pretty village.

For Islands: Near Holy Island causeway - for island visits.

For cottage options and booking advice, Northumberland coast has excellent availability.

Accommodation Types

Cottages: Good selection along coast. Gardens often available.

Camping: Several coastal sites. See our Camping guide.

Pubs with Rooms: Character options. See our Pubs with Rooms guide.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer

Highlights:

• Best weather
• Long days
• Full facilities
• Warmer sea

Reality: Still much quieter than southern beaches. Space available.

Winter

Highlights:

• Dramatic weather
• Empty beaches
• Atmospheric
• Dark skies outstanding

Considerations:

• Cold and windy
• Some facilities closed
• Dark early

See our Winter guide.

Year-Round Appeal

Northumberland coast works all year. Many prefer off-season for atmosphere and emptiness.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Coastal Pubs

Notable Options:

• The Ship Inn, Low Newton (on beach, excellent)
• Various in Seahouses
• Alnmouth pubs
• Craster options

Character: Traditional Northumbrian hospitality. Dog-welcoming. Good food.

See our Pub Walks guide.

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: A1 north from Newcastle. Coast roads from A1.

By Train: East Coast Main Line to Alnmouth. Local buses to coast.

Weather

Northumberland Weather:

• Can be cold and windy
• Sea breezes year-round
• Clearer than expected (rain shadow)
• Come prepared for exposure

Farne Islands Note

Boat Trips: Trips to see seabirds and seals from Seahouses.

Dogs: Some boats accept dogs. Check when booking. Dogs don't land on islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Northumberland beaches dog-friendly?

Exceptionally so. Most beaches allow dogs year-round. Very few restrictions.

Is it really empty?

Yes, compared to southern beaches. Even summer weekends have space. Off-season genuinely empty.

Can dogs go to Holy Island?

Yes, dogs welcome. Check tide times for safe causeway crossing.

Best beach for dogs?

Bamburgh for drama. Embleton for beauty. Low Newton for character. All excellent.

Is it too cold?

Bracing! Come prepared. Dogs generally fine. Owners need good clothing.

Best time to visit?

Year-round appeal. Summer for warmth. Off-season for emptiness and atmosphere.

England's Finest Dog Coast Awaits

The Northumberland coast delivers what many dog owners dream of - miles of empty beaches, dramatic castles, and the freedom to let dogs run. This is England's finest dog-friendly coastline.

Luke explores the Northumberland coast with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has discovered that Bamburgh's drama, Low Newton's pub, and Holy Island's mystery create unforgettable adventures.