Dog-friendly Northumberland beaches to set tails wagging

If you’re planning a trip with your four-legged friend, Northumberland is a must-visit destination. You can walk for mile after mile on golden sands, feel the sea breeze in your hair (and fur) and enjoy some quality time in a tranquil natural environment.

Not only are all the beaches within the stunning Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but absolutely none of them have dog restrictions meaning your pup can run free on the sand all year round. Plus, there are loads of warm and welcoming dog-friendly pubs to explore while you’re there.

Whether you’re looking for a beach the whole family will love or a hidden cove for a quiet day out with your four-legged best friend, here’s our pick of the best dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland.

Take a look at our full collection of dog-friendly cottages in Northumberland. 

Our personal favourite:

Low Newton / Newton Haven, Low Newton-by-the-Sea

For the sat nav: NE66 3HJ

Any restrictions? Dogs are welcome without restrictions, all year round.

Parking: There’s a small car park in the village of Low Newton-by-the-Sea which is around 100 metres from the beach.

Accessibility: There are two accessible parking spaces in the car park in Low Newton square. The beach itself has some rocks, so be careful.

Facilities: There are toilets and a dog-friendly pub in Low Newton-by-the-Sea, a short walk from the beach.

About: It’s easy to see why this sandy stretch of beach is our favourite. Even on a summer’s day, the beach is big enough to seem uncrowded and has views out towards the imposing ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. It’s dog-friendly all year round, so your furry friends can join the gang for sandcastle building and salty fur in the summer and windswept walks in the winter, while spotting baby seals (surely the pups of the sea) on the rocks.

Watch the sun rise over the sea on a peaceful morning walk with your hound at your side or gaze up at the sky to spot the dog star at dusk: the beach is within Northumberland’s dark sky zone. Whatever time of year you visit, the Ship Inn welcomes well-behaved dogs for a refreshing bowl of water after running free on this beautiful beach – beer is available for thirsty humans.

The beach with the best facilities:

Seahouses North

For the sat nav: NE68 7SU

Any restrictions? Dogs are welcome without restrictions, all year round.

Parking: Seahouses is popular with visitors and has several large car parks, so parking shouldn’t be a problem. The closest one to the beach is right on the seafront, just off the main road.

Accessibility: The beach is backed by sand dunes and isn’t great for those with limited mobility. However, there is plenty to see and do in the village itself.

Facilities: There are public toilets in the car park in the centre of town, plus plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants.

About: You could visit Northumberland and never leave Seahouses – there’s so much to please guests whether two-legged or four. The sandy beach to the north of the village is huge and stretches all the way to Bamburgh, so your pup can run, and run, and run. When you’re tired out (even if your dog isn’t!) you can choose from the many dog-friendly pubs in the village and if you’ve got kids in tow, they’ll love the traditional amusements. If you fancy finding your sea legs (or paws), take a trip from the harbour to the Farne Islands – salty sea dogs are welcome on board too!

You can enjoy your holiday right by this lovely sandy beach with a stay at our dog-friendly Seahouses cottages.

Best hidden beach:

Rumbling Kern, near Howick

For the sat nav: NE66 3LH

Any restrictions? Dogs are welcome without restrictions, all year round.

Parking: As this is so off the beaten track, there’s no official car park, but there’s an area off the road past the old bathing house in Howick.

Accessibility: Definitely not one for those with limited mobility, as it requires a bit of a hike to the beach.

Facilities: Absolutely not – it’s a secret beach so pack a picnic and take your rubbish with you.

About: Shhhh, don’t tell anyone – this beach is one of Northumberland’s best-kept secrets. It’s hidden in a rocky cove south of Cullernose Point near Howick and is quite sheltered due to the small cliffs in the area. It’s perfect for a peaceful day relaxing on the soft sand with your four-legged best friend. Kids will love exploring the huge rock pools and you could even take a dip if you’re feeling brave – although we’re sure your pup will be straight in there!

Best beach for exploring:

Bamburgh

For the sat nav: NE69 7DF

Any restrictions? Dogs are welcome without restrictions, all year round.

Parking: There are two main car parks in Bamburgh to choose from: one pay & display opposite the castle and the other is on Links Road but requires a scramble over the dunes to get to the beach – not that your dog will mind!

Accessibility: There are level, paved areas along by Bamburgh Castle which are suitable for those with limited mobility.

Facilities: There are toilets and dog bins close to the beach, plus lots of pubs and restaurants in Bamburgh village.

About: Overlooked by the mighty Bamburgh Castle, this beach has plenty of sights to see and smells to sniff. Your pup can scamper around the sand dunes, explore the grounds of the castle and make friends with the creatures in the rock pools at the north of the beach. Plus, there’s always the chilly North Sea to splash in!

Stay by the spectacular Bamburgh beach and castle at our dog-friendly Bamburgh cottages.

Best beach for something different:

Beadnell

For the sat nav: NE67 5BN

Any restrictions? Dogs are welcome all year round, although seasonal restrictions apply during bird breeding season when dogs must be kept on a lead.

Parking: There is a public car park just before you get to the beach.

Accessibility: There isn’t wheelchair access to the beach but there is a defined path from the car park and behind the dunes.

Facilities: There are public toilets just by the car park, plus a few places to eat further into the village that welcome four-legged guests too.

About: This large sweep of golden sand along Beadnell Bay is one of the best places in the UK for water sports; your pup can gain his sea legs on a boat trip or you can try out kitesurfing, windsurfing and scuba diving. After walking up and down the golden sands with your hound running free, check out the harbour – it’s the only west-facing harbour on the east coast. If you’re visiting in the summer, head to the dog-friendly Craster Arms for its Crastonbury festival.

Explore every corner of Beadnell Bay from our dog-friendly cottages in Beadnell.

Most scenic beach:

Cheswick Sands, near Cheswick

For the sat nav: TD15 2RW

Any restrictions? Dogs are welcome without restrictions, all year round.

Parking: There’s a large car park at the end of a track – it’s a bit bumpy but it’s worth it for free parking so close to the beach.

Accessibility: The beach is reached by paths across grassland so there isn’t a flat route to the sands.

Facilities: There’s a café in Scremerston, 3 miles away, and more extensive facilities at Berwick-upon-Tweed, 5 miles away.

About: The sands on this beach stretch for 9 miles at low tide in the direction of Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Scottish border; coupled with the black rock-pools, sand dunes and views towards Holy Island, you can’t find a more picturesque beach in Northumberland. Its sheer size is great for pups who have lots of energy to burn, while you’ll love the peace and quiet of this never-crowded natural space.

Book your Northumberland escape and browse some of our fantastic dog-friendly cottages in Northumberland.

For even more ideas on what to do with the dog by your side, have a read of our complete Canine guide to Northumberland.

Looking for more dog-friendly beaches to explore with your pup? Here's our UK-wide guide - you'd be barking mad not to read it.