Do you love a dog friendly break, or can’t bring yourself to leave your four legged friend at home? Then look no further, as we have rounded up some of the best dog friendly attractions in Northumberland so you can have a fantastic day out with your dog. Dog friendly Northumberland has so many options for you and your furry companion to choose from, from the best
coastal dog walking routes,
dog friendly pubs,
castles and more.
Ford and Etal Estates
Ford and Etal is an excellent option for taking your dog on a day out in Northumberland. Nestled in the valley of the River Till, Ford and Etal Estates, and the hamlet of Heatherslaw which lies in between, are surrounded by staggering
walking routes great for getting the dog out for a long walk. In the estate itself, there are a number of dog friendly attractions to make the most of such as
Lady Waterford Hall,
Etal Castle and
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre. Dogs are even allowed on
Heatherslaw Light Railway, the steam train that offers a great way of getting between the three
villages.
Wallington National Trust
Wallington Hall is the perfect place to
walk your pooch, as although dogs aren’t allowed in the
stately house itself, they are welcome year-round in the surrounding
scenic landscapes there. The
historical property has miles of
woodland walks to explore and a picturesque
walled garden to stroll, and well behaved dogs are allowed in almost all outdoor areas including the surrounding woodland, along the river and farm routes and in the walled garden. If you need to escape from the weather or fancy
a bite to eat, you can also take your dogs into the Clocktower
Café and buy doggy treats from the
shop. You'll also find water bowls in the courtyard and outside the visitor welcome area, ensuring that you and your pooch will have a great day out at this
National Trust site no matter the weather or the
season.
Kielder Forest
Another fantastic dog friendly day out in Northumberland is a trip to
Kielder Water and Forest Park. Kielder Forest is dog friendly throughout and there are so many sights, viewpoints and
wildlife for you and the dog to enjoy en-route. Wonderful, waterside routes can be enjoyed along Kielder Reservoir, the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe, and fantastic
outdoor architecture structures are scattered throughout the forest just waiting to be admired and explored.
Bamburgh Castle
Treat your dog like royalty on a day at Bamburgh Castle as the grounds and Victorian Stables are completely dog friendly. The views from Bamburgh Castle’s grounds are second to none, as it offers an exceptional viewpoint for Bamburgh Beach and the everlasting
Northumberland coastline stretching out into the distance. While you’re in
Bamburgh, it’s worth exploring the
village and stopping for a coffee in one of the dog friendly
cafes, and head to the beach for a windswept
walk.
Cragside House and Gardens
Cragside House and Gardens is another spectacular dog friendly attraction that is not to be missed. Surrounded by acres of incredible landscapes, you can enjoy woodland, trickling streams and beautiful fauna while you explore. Dogs are not allowed inside the
stately house itself, but are welcome in all parts of the estate, including the grounds,
gardens,
shop and
tearooms, where you can pick up a pot of doggy ice cream! Dogs must remain on leads at all times to protect the
wildlife and for dog safety as there are steep drops and crags at Cragside.
Coastal Castles
Northumberland’s coastal
castles are great for a day out with the dog in Northumberland as many of them sit along the
Northumberland coast path, a perfect dog walking route.
Warkworth Castle,
Lindisfarne Castle and
Dunstanburgh Castle all welcome dogs into their grounds, so you can delve into Northumberland’s
history and admire our romantic ruins. As always, do be mindful of the coastal wildlife when walking your dog and follow local signage regarding lead walking and other potential guidance.
Farne Islands boat trips
Take your dog out on a boat trip to
The Farne Islands with
Billy Shiel or
Serenity Boat Tours, where well behaved dogs are welcome on board to admire the grey seals, puffins and sometimes even dolphins that can be seen from the boat. There are unfortunately no landings on the Farne Islands at the moment as the seabird colony was sadly devastated by bird flu last year. Nonetheless, seeing them from the comfort of the boat is a fantastic experience and you should be sure to explore
Seahouses after your trip.
Heritage Walks
Relax and don’t worry about the route on a guided walk with
Heritage Walks, who welcome dogs on their Northumberland routes. Ranging from the Pilgrim’s Path over to incredible
Holy Island, to the fascinating Yeavering Bell near
Ad Gefrin in Northumberland’s
countryside, there are a number of routes to choose from that your dog will absolutely love.
Beaches
Northumberland’s beaches make for excellent dog walking routes, as most of them welcome well behaved dogs
throughout the year. Wander along the stunning, sweeping
beaches, paddle in the clear (and chilly!) water and stop off for some
takeaway fish and chips along the way on a dog friendly day out. Staggering
Druridge Bay and beautiful
Budle Bay are just a couple of examples of the pristine beaches that can be enjoyed with your dog. There is a seasonal restriction for breeding shorebirds in the middle of
Beadnell Bay during the
summer months, so make sure to observe
wildlife signs and put your dog on a lead before you reach the site. Outside the
AONB coast, there are restrictions at
Blyth and
Newbiggin, so again be sure to follow local signage. Please also take a look at the AONB’s guidance before bringing your dog to the coast.
So, now you are fully prepared to explore Northumberland with your dog, enjoy a dog friendly day out in Northumberland without worrying about whether your dog is welcome. Still need more
inspiration? Take a look at
our blog where we have a whole host of information about exploring Northumberland, from
visiting Alnwick, to taking on the
adventures of Robson Green and discovering
free things to do in the area.