Guide to Northumberland Dog-Friendly Beaches
The unspoiled coastline of Northumberland is a pup’s paradise and possibly England’s most welcoming coastal region for dog owners, thanks to the absence of blanket dog restrictions. The size of these immense, golden sandy stretches is extraordinary and provides a wonderful playground, offering miles of wild dunes, that are also an internationally important wildlife habitat.
The coastline is made-up of Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, European Marine sites and amazing castles by the sea. Of course, this wildlife does occasionally need protection to safe-guard vulnerable species, but instead of a ban, Northumberland sensitively ropes-off some sections, thus avoiding bans and allowing everyone to enjoy dog friendly holidays in Northumberland by the coast as nature intended.
This guide provides a list of Northumberland’s best dog-friendly beaches, including information on what to expect regarding nesting season, typically between May and July.
1) Seahouses: big sands, easy walks and harbour adventures
Seahouses is a happening, picturesque harbour village that combines a dog-friendly social scene with two beaches offering sweeping coastal views over the mysterious Farne Islands. It’s an excellent base for outdoor adventure, amazing boat trips, scenic coastal paths, and easy access to many other beaches whilst providing loads of local amenities.
North Beach (St Aidan’s): No Restrictions and perfect for off-lead zoomies on the broad sands.
South Beach (Annstead Beach): Long shores that encourage calm, scented walks with shallows for puppy paddling. Possible ground bird nesting but always clearly signposted.
Seasonal nesting zones: Even though beaches are totally dog-welcoming, fenced bird-nesting zones can appear along this coastline in spring/summer.
For accommodation check out our dog friendly cottages in Seahouses >
2) Bamburgh: romantic castle backdrop, super dog-welcoming
Bamburgh is one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK with a dream combination of enormous soft, pale sands, huge dunes, big skies, and that gob-smacking castle. Widely known for its dog friendliness, lack of restrictions and reams of endless fine sand, these shores allow dogs to run free while you absorb the unforgettable scenery in every direction.
Bamburgh Beach: No dog restrictions, but dunes can hide grazing livestock, wildlife and shorebirds so always keep an eye on your playful pup.
For accommodation check out our dog friendly cottages in Bamburgh >
3) Beadnell: immense wild bay and wild dunes
Beadnell Bay is often described as a beach that dogs remember, with miles of soft sand, shallows, dreamy dunes and no bans. This is perfect for energetic breeds and dog walkers that enjoy long walks with stunning coastal views stretching in all directions, especially towards Dunstanburgh Castle. That said, there are some seasonal protection zones roped-off around the dunes.
Beadnell Bay: Dog-friendly all year-round on the main beach with some seasonal dunes fenced-off for ground bird-nesting protection in spring/summer at Long Nanny.
Seasonal nesting zone: Long Nanny shorebird siteis a vital conservation colony for Arctic birds at the north end of Beadnell Bay where the Long Nanny river meets the beach. It is fenced off but you can pass around it, as long as dogs are on a short lead and more than a metre away (May–July).
For accommodation check out our dog friendly cottages in Beadnell >
4) Alnmouth: long sands, estuary scenery, AONB
Alnmouth boasts one of the most scenic, long beaches in the North East of England, especially where the river Aln meets the sea, thus designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a walkers wonderland known for its natural beauty and calm, whilst curious doggies enjoy the flat sands, the freedom and the fascinating smells from the estuary. Head north to quiet Craster for more wilderness, or south to charming Warkworth, which offers rewarding pubs and a fabulous links golf course.
Alnmouth Beach: Dog-friendly all year with no seasonal bans but if shore birds decide to nest here, signage will be clear and easy to follow. Caution should be taken near the River Aln estuary, as currents can be strong.
For accommodation check out our dog friendly cottages in Alnmouth >
5) Warkworth: golden sands, castle views, Coquet estuary
Warkworth Beach is another wild, expansive, golden sandy beach lined with spectacular dunes overlooking the River Coquet estuary. Views of Warkworth Castle overlook the river so offer great photo opportunities. Dogs will enjoy the gentle slopes and off-lead freedom, whilst dog-owners will relish a pint in Warkworth village and the easy parking at the lovely links golf club.
Warkworth Beach: Again, although this beach is totally dog-friendly with no seasonal restrictions, its unspoiled nature also appeals to wildlife, therefore it is always better to keep an eye on your hound for the safety of wild animals.
6) Amble: harbour town vibe and easy beaches
Amble is a lovely, lively coastal town with two gorgeous dog-friendly beaches, wonderful coastal paths and some fine shops, pubs and a marina that offers fabulous boat trips. Your furry friend will enjoy the combination of sand, dunes and shoreline walks and you will love the harbour adventures, be it seafood or boat trips to Coquet Island.
Amble Links Beach: no official bans or restrictions but again, respect sensitive dunes/wildlife signage as it can pop-up depending on where Northumberland’s birds choose to nest.
Little Shore (Amble): this little beach offers a calmer, more sheltered option close to town with no restrictions or bans.
For accommodation check out our dog friendly cottages in Amble >
7) Craster: quaint harbour and rugged coastal walks
Craster is a characterful little fishing village that nestles into Northumberland’s more rugged coastline. This is a peaceful spot perfect for dogs that love sniffing around strewn seaweed and rock pools. For humans, check out the scenic coastal footpaths that lead to Dunstanburgh Castle and try the local delicacy, smoked kippers!
Craster Harbour Beach: Although there are no official dog bans or seasonal restrictions the wild nature of this beach means that there may be livestock, wildlife and marine life, so dog owners should be vigilant.
8) Berwick-upon-Tweed: unique border seascapes
Berwick has a distinctive and unique borderland (Scottish/English) seascape and impressive landmarks, as well as great dog-friendly beaches. Most locals have a pedigree dog and so local eateries are generally very welcoming towards our four-legged friends. Local beaches are windswept and long with dramatic views and great walks.
Spittal Beach: No restrictions and great for a walk close to town with convenient promenade facilities.
Cocklawburn Beach: Wild and rocky with superb coastal views. No bans but ground bird-nesting could trigger temporary roped-off sections.
9) Embleton: National Trust-managed shores
Embleton Bay has probably been one of the most photographed stretches of sand in Northumberland because it is truly magical with its dunes and broad perfect sands, enhanced by Dunstanburgh Castle and the Newton Links. Dogs will happily run free for hours here while you have an Instagram worthy picnic.
Embleton Bay: Dog-friendly year-round but always respect birds and wildlife in the areas that overlap with well-signed National Trust Protection zones.
Newton Point (near Embleton/Newton Links): At the Newton Point end of the beach, dogs may be required to be on a lead during bird breeding season.
Final thoughts
Northumberland not only stands apart as a truly dog-friendly coastal destination, but its natural geology and wildness really make it an exceptional place for dog owners to relish uncrowded beaches and boundless coastal walks. With few seasonal restrictions and huge sandy expanses this truly is a place to enjoy a walk on the wild side.
Thanks to an organised and sensitive wildlife protocol, Northumberland allows dogs and owners to enjoy the coast as nature intended. So, as long as you respect the signs, keep your pooch under control and have a lead to hand, you’ll find this region unparalleled for dog-friendly beach holidays.
For the best coastal accommodation check out all the dog friendly cottages in Northumberland listed with us, many that enjoy sea views, located just a short walk from the beach. If you are considering other locations throughout the UK and like the idea of staying right on the beachfront, then check out our curated list of dog friendly beach access retreats, ideal for couples or families planning an active holiday with their trusted canine.