7 of the Best Dog Friendly Days Out in Northumberland
Northumberland is the ultimate destination for dog-friendly places to visit.
- August 20, 2026
Known well as one of the most welcoming regions in the UK for four-legged adventurers, it’s no surprise that countless dog owners head here every year.
From wide-open beaches to scenic countryside trails, some of the best dog-friendly days out in Northumberland make for unforgettable adventures. You and your furry friend can explore together, enjoying stunning landscapes and plenty of fresh air.
Before planning your days out, find a dog-friendly cottage in Northumberland from our handpicked collection. Once you know where you’re staying, it’s easier to choose nearby attractions.
Top Dog Friendly Attractions in Northumberland
Planning a day out with your dog in Northumberland? From castles and coastlines to gardens and historic sites, there’s no shortage of places that welcome four-legged visitors.
Below, we’ve rounded up the top things to do and dog-friendly attractions in Northumberland, all perfect for a tail-wagging adventure.
01 — Kielder Water & Forest Park
If you love nature, Kielder Water and Forest Park is a dream come true. Home to the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe, this expansive forest park offers woodland walks and scenic trails ideal for your dog to roam off-lead (where safe).
The park is also a haven for wildlife; you might spot red squirrels or, during the right season, see ospreys. It is part of the Northumberland National Park, which means there are incredible views and natural beauty to enjoy at every turn.
After a long walk, you and your dog can take a break at the Tack Room Café, which provides water bowls to ensure your furry friend stays hydrated. There are many reasons to visit Kielder, but I love it for its remoteness, massive open waters, and clean air.
You can search cottages for dogs at Kielder on this page if you fancy a longer stay.
02 — Northumberland Coast and Farne Islands
The Northumberland Coastline, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stretches over 62 miles to the borders of Scotland. We are so lucky to have these dog-welcoming beaches on our doorstep. The Northumberland coastline is the best place to explore with dogs; they are always welcome!
One of the highlights is a boat trip to the Farne Islands, where you can spot seals, puffins, and other wildlife. Dogs are allowed on some boats departing from Seahouses. Various companies offer these trips, such as Billy Shiels boat trips, which provide a 90-minute cruise to spot grey seals and seabirds at prices from £20. Serenity Cruises offers all-year-round dog friendly boat trips to the Farne Islands. During the summer, their sunset cruise is between 6.30 and 8.30 pm, priced at £20, and those under five are free.
Golden Gate Farne Islands boat trips are the only company to land on Longstone Island. There, you can tour the lighthouse and the National Trust bird sanctuaries. Dogs are allowed on a lead.
The coast also offers several sand dunes that provide a scenic and exciting environment for dogs to explore. Stop by Seahouses Harbour for some great views and a lovely walk with your canine companion.
Explore Northumberland With Your Dog
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03 — River Walks: River Till and River Coquet
For something more laid-back, the River Till and River Coquet offer some of Northumberland’s top dog walks where you can relax and dogs will enjoy. With plenty of picnic areas and easy access to dog-friendly pubs, these rivers are perfect for a quiet day in nature.
One of our favourite pubs to stop by with our dogs is the Anglers Arms. It’s a traditional Northumbrian coaching inn situated on the banks of the River Coquet. The food is popular; I love to have the locally sourced Whitby scampi, chips, and mushy peas, and if the weather is kind, you can enjoy the outside space. If you fall victim to the northeast weather, fear not. The cosy pub is very inviting.
They even own a part of the river for private fishing if that’s your thing! Afternoon tea and cakes are more your thing. Then try The Running Fox in Felton, a delicious artisan bakery in a pretty location surrounded by country walks. Dogs are not allowed inside, but their outdoor space is preferable for me with the dogs anyway!
Coquet Valley flows 40 miles through pretty villages and towns. One in particular to visit would be Warkworth. You can enjoy paddle boarding in the estuary and meander through the village shops, cafes, and pubs; from experience, most are dog-friendly! We like to call in at Bertram’s. There is always a warm welcome in all areas, and the courtyard is unique on a nice day. The backdrop to this village stands the 12th-century Warkworth Castle.
04 — Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle towers over the Northumberland coast, with the beach stretching beneath its walls and the North Sea rolling in behind it. It’s an iconic sight, but more importantly, for us dog owners, it’s a great spot to spend the day with your four-legged friend.
Dogs are welcome throughout the castle grounds, which offer nine acres of space to explore, plus plenty of benches if you fancy taking in the view.
You’ll find water bowls dotted around, and the staff are clearly used to seeing dogs come and go. Inside is off-limits, but there’s so much to see outside that we never felt like we were missing out.
After wandering the grounds, we’d recommend heading to the dunes before hitting Bamburgh Beach, which is dog-friendly year-round, and if your pup is anything like Henry and Bandit, they’ll be straight in the sea.
Afterwards, you can dry off and grab a bite in the village. We opted for a dog-friendly pub, but The Copper Kettle on Front Street is excellent if you prefer a classic tea room.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Bamburgh Castle with a dog.
05 — Warkworth Castle
Another must-visit for dog owners is Warkworth Castle, an English Heritage site. It was founded in the 12th century and was home to the powerful Percy family for centuries. William Shakespeare used it as the setting for his 1597 Henry IV play.
Dogs are allowed on leads within the grounds, making it easy to stroll through the historic site without worrying about restrictions. The castle sits by the River Coquet, so you can follow the riverside paths to the village, which has many shops, pubs, and dog-friendly cafes.
Love history? Check out Norham Castle as well. Its dramatic ruins provide an excellent opportunity for a day out with four-legged friends, and it is one of the most complete examples of medieval fortifications in Northumberland.
Check out all the Northumberland castles that allow dogs here.
06 — Housesteads Roman Fort
Head to Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall for something different. This ancient fort is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman life in the UK. Over 1,000 Roman soldiers once garrisoned it, and it dates back to the 1600s. It was once sold as a farm to Thomas Gibson of Hexham for £485! Dogs are welcome throughout the site, provided they stay on leads.
Take in the panoramic views and historic atmosphere of Britain’s best-preserved Roman fort, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall. Northumberland’s famous dark skies make it a peaceful yet fascinating place to visit.
07 — Lindisfarne Priory
Located on Holy Island, Lindisfarne Priory is another iconic spot in Northumberland. This unique destination is accessed via a dramatic causeway that is only open at low tide.
While dogs aren’t allowed inside the convent, they can explore the island and the surrounding medieval monastery ruins. The history here dates back to AD 635! It is home to one of the most famous and vital places for early English Christianity. Top tip: It is essential to check the tides.
This is accessible by car during low tides, but they are different daily. Please don’t get stuck on the island as my friend did one year! This incredible island also features Victorian stables that once supported the monks’ way of life. The island of Lindisfarne is also home to some beautiful exotic plants that thrive in its microclimate.
08 — Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafes
Every trip is complete with a visit to a good pub; Northumberland stretches 64 miles and is awash with dog-friendly restaurants and cafes. You are spoilt for choice, literally!
The one that comes straight to me is the award-winning Bamburgh Castle Inn. It overlooks the fishing harbour of Seahouses. Our kids love crabbing off the pier with their buckets and lines, and we relax and unwind with pub food, it’s adorable if you stay to watch the sunset over the harbour.
Another family favourite is a trip to Amble on a Sunday.
We like to meander through the local market past the harbour. There, there is a lovely ice cream parlour called Spurreli. They serve boutique ice cream, and it’s such a treat for the whole family. Afterwards, we take a walk to the dog-friendly beach and stroll up to the Amble Inn pub for Sunday lunch, and the kids enjoy playing in the outdoor park.
Like many dog-friendly pubs, the Amble Inn offers facilities to ensure the comfort of your four-legged friends, making it a perfect stop for any canine companion.