Walking along a Northumberland beach

Dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland

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From Berwick-upon-Tweed to the River Coquet Estuary, Northumberland makes up 40 miles of coastline in the very northeast corner of England. The county is not only rich in contemporary culture, historical attractions, World Heritage Sites such as Hadrian’s Wall and dramatic landscapes, but also in beautiful sandy beaches.

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach in Northumberland where you and your canine companion can breathe in some salty sea air, splash through clean waters, and dine together at beachfront cafes then Northumberland is the county for you. Northumberland has a surprising number of golden sand beaches where you can leave pawprints in the sand. We’ve selected a few of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland for you to uncover. Take a paw through the options and begin planning an exciting holiday where you and your best friend can get exploring or relax with the family.

Warkworth Beach, Warkworth

Warkworth Beach, Warkworth
Warkworth: a walker's wonder

Dogs allowed: all year round

This beautiful beach makes for a beautiful walk any time of year thanks to the massive stretch of pristine, golden sand that extends as far as the eye can see and is bound to get your dog’s tail wagging. Swimming and water sports such as kayaking are an option too as the quality of water is excellent. We highly recommend Warkworth for families, fishing enthusiasts, runners, but especially to dog walkers.

There are no restrictions on dogs at Warkworth Beach and your pooch will simply love the space afforded to him/her on their walk. The well-located car park only helps matters, being positioned about a five minute walk away through the dunes, and at just a few quid it’s a bargain for the quality of coastline you can access. The on-site toilets are only a bonus!

Seahouses Beach, Seahouses

Seahouses Beach, Seahouses
Seahouses: a stunning space to stretch the legs

Dogs allowed: all year round

Your pooch will love this traditional English seaside beach where fun is to be had in spades. We’re most impressed by the long expanse of sand to the north of Seahouses which offers plenty of space to frolic in, but there’s also the harbour area and many rock pools which are exposed at low tide that you can explore with your dog.

The village of Seahouses itself is a working fishing port, and is the embarkation point for visits to the Farne Islands. From quaint shops in the town and delightful pubs serving local fare, to several boat companies offering seal, seabird, dolphin and whale spotting tours, Seahouses plays an active role in the local tourist industry and so has excellent amenities. Enjoy excellent views of the Farne Islands in the distance as you let your dog explore the beach’s gentle slope, low, grassy dunes and rocky outcrops at one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland.

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Rumbling Kern Beach, Howick

Rumbling Kern Beach, Howick
Rumbling Kern: a hidden gem if ever we saw one

Dogs allowed: all year round

This secret beauty spot is found at Cullernose Point near Howick and is overlooked by The Bathing House, a historic house which belonged to Earl Grey (of tea fame) and was part of the family’s Howick Hall Estate. The dog friendly beach lies off the beaten track, boasting scenery that frankly wouldn’t look out of place in a fantasy film. No wonder it is a closely guarded secret amongst locals. Rumbling Kern was once a smuggler’s cove and it benefits from the shelter of characterful cliffs which also provide plenty of nooks and crannies for your four-legged friend to get stuck into, sniffing away to their heart’s delight.

If you come here for the day, then make sure to pack a picnic and supplies as you won’t find an ice cream van for miles around! It’s not hard to see why smugglers chose the beach as an undercover drop-off point and why Earl Grey made his family retreat here. The parking area is just a strip of gravel that borders the farm fence south of Craster. Parking is free, but spaces are limited, so get there early to avoid disappointment!

Newton Haven, Low Newton-by-the-Sea

Newton Haven, Low Newton-by-the-Sea
Newton Haven: an historic hideaway

Dogs allowed: all year round

The ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle looming on the horizon make this large sand and shingle beach extra scenic. The sheltered bay is popular with water sports enthusiasts and bird watchers and might make you feel more like you’re in Cornwall than the North East. No matter what time of the year you visit, the beach never gets overcrowded, and so your dog will love the freedom to hurtle around and get stuck into the clean sea.

If you get lucky, you may spot seal pups basking on the rocks. Be sure that you and your canine companion give them a wide berth so as not to scare them. Why not round off your beach walk with a spot of dinner at the friendly Ship Inn - as one of the most dog-friendly pubs in the area, they will welcome a well-behaved dog in much the same way they welcome you. There is a car park at the village of Low Newton-by-the-Sea, about 100 meters from the entrance to the beach.

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