Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Northumberland: 5 Tried So Far
The best dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland are where my two Golden Retrievers and I are happiest.
- August 21, 2026
Stretching for 62 miles, the Northumberland coastline is home to beaches like Druridge Bay, with seven miles of sand perfect for endless runs, and Alnmouth’s calm, tranquil shore.
Even in peak summer, the vast open spaces rarely feel crowded, and many of these spots have no seasonal dog restrictions – here are my top nine favourites to visit with my Goldies.
Northumberland Beaches Where Dogs Are Allowed
Below you’ll find the best beaches in Northumberland for dog owners, each with details on sand, dunes, free parking, local cafes and any seasonal restrictions about your four-legged friend.
01 — Bamburgh Beach
Best for: Stunning views, dunes, and a touch of history.
Where to park: Links Road car park, opposite Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Beach is the place to be for a long beach walk on golden sands with a touch of history. The iconic Bamburgh Castle, towering over the beach, makes a great photo opportunity! This beach is full of space for your dog to run free. All year round, there are no dog restrictions on walkies. It’s one of my favourite dog-friendly beaches in the North East.
The beach is 2.5 km long and slopes gently, which means it’s a long distance to the shore during low tide, and my dogs play fetch here for hours. You may even see racehorses being exercised in the morning!
You can wander to the neighbouring town of Seahouses, as Bamburgh beach meets Seahouses beach. It’s a long hike, but it’s worth it for the fish and chips when you arrive, and there are dog-friendly pubs.
Stay close to this beach: Bamburgh’s dog-friendly cottages
Full beach guide: Bamburgh Beach with dogs
02 — Embleton Bay
Best for: Secluded beach, exploring rock pools, and dramatic castle views.
Where to park: Craster Quarry car park, at West End, Craster, NE66 3TS
For a more peaceful beach day, head to Embleton Bay. This quieter spot has fewer people and breathtaking views of the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, which overlooks this beach. This beach has been voted as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It’s the perfect place for a relaxed stroll, and your dog will love exploring the rocky pools. My kids love it here, and when the tide is out, they can spend ages with a net and bucket.
From here it’s a lovely walk to the castle, beware sheep and cows are grazing, so pop dogs on a lead and don’t wear flip flops like me as the sheep make quite a mess! Dogs can use the beach year-round, though a seasonal fence may be in place if you continue north towards Low Newton.
Stay close by: Dog-friendly cottages in Embleton
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03 — Druridge Bay
Best for: Beautiful beach, grassy dunes, and year-round dog access.
Where to park: The park features three car parks, the largest of which is situated at the far end of the access road, right next to the visitor centre.
Druridge Bay offers a 7-mile stretch of golden sand, a very dog-friendly beach, and vast open spaces with dramatic dunes all along its stunning coastline, which never feels crowded. Still, there is much to do here, beyond simply enjoying the beach. It features a beautiful country park with walking trails, a lake, a play area, and a café, as well as a vast car park ideal for a day of fun with your dog.
It is part of a 100-acre country park with a lake and meadows. My daughter enjoys horseback riding in the country park, while our son prefers paddleboarding in the lake and playing in the adjacent playground. Dogs are permitted along the full length of the bay in every season.
04 — Beadnell Bay
Best for: Swimming, water sports, and dogs with endless energy.
Where to park: Beadnell Overflow Car Park is positioned off Harbour Road, adjacent to Beadnell Bay Beach.
Beadnell Bay is known for its popularity with swimming and water sports enthusiasts, but it’s also a fantastic beach for active dogs. The golden sands stretch for 2 miles in a horseshoe shape, and the stunning views of the North Sea make it a beautiful spot for a swim if you’re brave enough! If your dog loves the water, they’ll have a blast here.
Dogs are welcome year-round, except near the Long Nanny site, where a fenced area and short-lead rule apply in breeding season.
Stay close by: Dog-friendly cottages in Beadnell
05 — Cocklawburn Beach
Best for: Quieter beach, exploring rock pools, and letting your dog off-lead.
Where to Park: The parking area is located on the left, where the road curves right at the top of a slight rise, just south of the beach. You won’t miss it!
Cocklawburn Beach is a hidden gem, not far from Berwick-upon-Tweed. This beach is a peaceful retreat, offering beautiful pools and stunning scenery. Your dog can run off-lead here, and you can take in the views while they explore. The hike is over 5km, and it stops at Holy Island. It is possible to continue the walk onto the island. I recently did this with kids on a primary school day trip. Checking tide times is essential if you’re considering venturing onto Holy Island.
Waterproofs are always a good idea, the weather is so changeable in and around Holy Island. Dogs can access the beach at any time of year with no seasonal rules.
06 — Warkworth Beach
Best for: Along the River Croquet, Picnic spots.
Where to park: A dedicated free car park with picnic tables.
I love to walk our dogs here. You park up on the dunes and head downhill slightly past the golf course and onto the sandy beach. It’s a large beach that sweeps to Amble, and you can see
Croquet Island on a clear day. Bring binoculars if seal spotting and bird watching are your thing. I love the openness of this beach. I can throw the ball for my two big dogs for ages and be in nobody’s way! I enjoy tiring them out swimming and getting them up and down the dunes.
Warkworth Village is just a short distance away, where you can grab a coffee or a meal after your beach day. The village is full of dog-friendly pubs like The Masons Arms, all of which are advertised and where you will be warmly welcomed.
Stay nearby: Warkworth’s dog-friendly cottages
07 — Alnmouth Beach
Best for: Family picnics, river views.
Where to park: Alnmouth Beach, no free parking. The car park offers contactless payment for parking fees.
Alnmouth Beach is a beautiful spot with stunning views of the River Aln and ample space for dogs to run. It’s a great, family-friendly beach, offering plenty of room for picnics and a relaxing day out.
I love visiting the village; it’s so picturesque. The colourful painted houses and cottages that line the north bank of the River Aln estuary are so quaint.
Full beach guide: Alnmouth Beach for dogs
Stay close to the beach: Dog-friendly cottages in Alnmouth
08 — Craster Beach
Best For: A more leisurely stroll, easily accessible, for older dogs, or perhaps you prefer to be by the Northumberland coast but not on sand.
Where to park: When visiting, we park at Quarry car park NE66 3TS.
Rather than walking miles on golden sands, are you more of a potterer? Perhaps your dog doesn’t fancy big, endless beaches, then try Craster, which features a small sandy beach that sits within the harbour.
Either side of the harbour is a shingle beach and a rocky beach, ideal for rock pools and exploring. Dogs are allowed on them all.
Walking to Dunstanburgh Castle, approximately 2 miles long, is generally considered flat. It offers lovely views, and you will see some local wildlife along the way, including birds, as well as cows and sheep. Dogs can use the beach at any time of year, with no seasonal ban in place.
Stay close to the coast: Dog-friendly cottages in Craster
09 — Low Newton Beach
Where to park: Low Newton Visitors Car Park, NE66 3EH.
This is a beautiful, unspoilt beach where you can spot wildlife and enjoy a lovely dog walk all year round. It has a neighbouring village with two dog-friendly pubs as well.
I particularly like this beach as its sands curve from Low Newton towards Embleton and onto Craster. You’ll spot Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon, plenty of ice cream pit stops, or a pub to enjoy. Dogs are permitted year-round, with a short-lead rule if the Long Nanny fence is in place.
Last Word
For more inspiration beyond these dog-friendly Northumberland beaches, take a look at our guides perfect after a long sandy beach walk with your pup.