This is not far off our own personal dog packing checklist for Northumberland.
Over time, and through plenty of dog friendly stays in Northumberland, we’ve learnt the hard way about things like dealing with ticks, carrying first aid for little cuts on paws, and having the right gear for the county’s mix of beaches, hills and villages. This version remains practical, concise, and tailored to the region’s coast, countryside, and market towns.
These are the must-haves no matter where you stay:
Personal tip: We use the NAMSAN 550 ml Dog Water Bottle. It’s foldable, easy to carry, and features a built-in bowl, making it perfect for quick water breaks whether we’re on the coast or out in the hills.
For beach days and seaside holidays:
Personal tip: When we head to Bamburgh Beach with our two dogs, we usually let them off lead if it’s safe to do so. The beach is enormous, and you can often have 50–100 metres between you and the next person or dog, so it’s ideal for safe off-lead time.
Explore Northumberland With Your Dog
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For the Cheviots and rural trails:
Personal tip: There are spots in the countryside and National Park that can get incredibly muddy on rainy days, especially in winter. We always bring a portable dog washer called a Mud Daddy, a small water system that lets you rinse them off quickly before towel-drying. It makes a real difference if you’re heading back to a nice hotel or dog-welcoming rental – no one wants muddy paw marks across luxury carpets.
When you’re staying in Alnwick, Rothbury, or Morpeth:
Personal tip: On a recent stay in Amble we did the Sunday Market on a busy day, we kept our dogs on relatively short leads because it was crowded, not just with people, but with plenty of other dogs as well. If you have a nervous or less social dog, this is precisely the kind of environment where shorter leads really help, as there are practical stalls, conversations going on, and lots of people moving about.
Emergency vet contact list by postcode (carry it offline)
Other dog related things we’d recommend having prepared ahead of time.
This checklist is designed to keep things practical and relevant to the region. Whether you’re exploring Northumberland’s top beaches that allow dogs, hiking in the National Park, or relaxing in a cosy village pub, these essentials, along with some personal tips from our own Northumberland trips, will make sure your dog enjoys the county as much as you do.
