Some of Northumberland’s castles make a cracking dog-friendly day out
Dreaming of exploring Northumberland’s historic dog friendly castles with your furry friend? From coastal ruins to forested keeps, there are plenty of grand sites that welcome dogs (on leads, of course).
Here’s our growing list of pet‑friendly castles in Northumberland — a handy guide featuring opening times, dog rules, and whether pups can join you in the ruins, courtyards or tea rooms.
Bamburgh Castle is one of the most dog-friendly castles in Northumberland, welcoming dogs across its nine-acre grounds, the Victorian Stables, and the Tack Room Takeaway. We saw dogs everywhere during our visit, and the staff told us they’re part of daily life here. Water bowls are dotted around, and there’s plenty of space to sit and take in the view.
We captured it all on camera, from wagging tails to castle views. Watch our video below to see why Bamburgh Castle is a must-visit for dogs and their humans.
At 150 feet above the coast, the castle looks straight out over Bamburgh Beach, and you can spot the Farne Islands in the distance. Henry and Bandit weren’t interested in the history, but for those who are, Bamburgh has been standing for over 1,400 years and was once home to Viking raids and Norman kings.
Read our Review: Dog-Friendly Guide to Bamburgh Castle
While dogs can’t enter the castle’s staterooms, if you visit on a weekend between May and September, the on-site dog-sitting service run by Northumberland Dog Rescue means you can pop inside while your dog is safely looked after.
It’s been a filming location for The Last Kingdom and Transformers, but for us, the highlight was wandering the grounds, enjoying the views, and finishing the visit with a quick stop at the Tack Room for a coffee and some dog ice cream.
Tynemouth Castle is one of the smaller castles in the county but still popular among dog owners. English Heritage owns it and has magnificent views across the North Sea.
It may not be the Caribbean, but it still offers a dramatic coastline with two beaches where you can walk with your furry friends. You’ll only need a couple of hours to explore the imposing castle and its rich history, and you can read the gravestones.
Once you learn about some of the histories in this area, you can head out to the North Pier Lighthouse, which dates back to 1854, or head into the beautiful coastal town of Tynemouth with your well-behaved dogs and enjoy its shops, restaurants, and maybe even find yourself a dog-friendly pub.
Warkworth Castle is deceptively big; you would think it was ruins from the outside. But as you enter, you can see stunning rooms, fireplaces, and staircases. The castle originates from the 12th century and has steep embankments and a moat.
It’s a delightful place to visit with dogs and kids, and there’s plenty to do in the local area and beyond. Once you’ve finished exploring the castle inside, head to the very top and enjoy magnificent views of the Northumberland coast, although there are some steep steps for those struggling with mobility.
Read about our visit to Warkworth Castle with two golden retrievers here.
Explore Northumberland With Your Dog
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dunstanburgh Castle is only accessible by foot, stands against the backdrop of cliffs, and is usually foggy due to its remote location. If you want to head here for the day, you need to park at Cresta and then take the short 15 to 20-minute walk through the farmland, where you may see the calves that are put out for pasture.
It’s certainly smaller than some other castles in the county. Still, there are some significant bits to see, including the twin-towered keep, and you can stroll within the castle walls enjoying the fresh air with your four-legged friends, admiring and imagining what it once was. You can also head down to the sandy beach and enjoy walking routes with your four-legged friends.
Norham Castle was once considered one of the most important strongholds in the region. Scots regularly attacked it, and it provided a barrier along the River Tweed. Unfortunately, it fell on four occasions, one in 1513, but it has been rebuilt multiple times.
You can still see the impressive Great Tower and many buildings built between the 12th and 16th centuries. From the castle, you can enjoy a lovely stroll along the river tweed with your dog and head over the famous bridge leading to Scotland for more dog-friendly attractions.
Lindisfarne Castle is located on Holy Island. You can only get there at low tide, so it’s vital to check the tide times before setting off on this trip. The castle was recently renovated in 2019 but dates back to 1550.
The island is relatively small, measuring just three miles east to west and one and a half miles north to south, but this is still large enough to accommodate 200 full-time people all year round. At the castle, you can enjoy the beautiful garden that is on offer, and you can also walk around the lovely dunes which surround it.
It is a must-see if you’re visiting this part of the world.
Aydon Castle may not live up to its full name, as it’s more like a manor house than a medieval castle, but it’s still well worth a visit, and you can quickly kill an hour or so exploring. The perimeter’s walls and boards explain the area’s fascinating history. It is also located next to a farm.
You can head into the well-fortified main house in the beautiful setting, where there are original medieval fireplaces, or the walled orchard, an excellent spot for a picnic and family day out.
Dogs are welcome at Prudhoe Castle. People lived there for over nine centuries, and it survived two sieges during the 1170s. It was one of only two castles in the county to resist the Scotts. The castle is in a lot of greenery, and you may mistake it for a garden rather than a castle.
Inside are wooden castle bricks that the children can enjoy and play with. You can also enjoy a lovely walk in the great outdoors around the perimeter and admire the wildlife with your canine companion.
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed in Alnwick Castle or its grounds apart from assistance dogs, which is unusual as most allow your four-legged friends in the gardens.
If you want to see Alnwick Castle from a distance, there is a lovely stroll along the River Aln, which you can enjoy with your dog. This provides stunning views of the castle in all its glory.
Hopefully, you enjoyed our guide on what castles welcome your pets. There is plenty to explore, and your dog can have just as much of a pleasant time sniffing around the grounds and gardens. Northumberland has plenty for history enthusiasts, from tiny manor houses to large imposing castles with far-reaching views.
You can also view our article on dog-friendly dining in Northumberland for great places to stop for a bite to eat with your pet.
