11 dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland

1. Spittal Beach

Address: Spittal, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1RJ

Dogs allowed: Yes, no seasonal restrictions

Car park: Free parking nearby

Facilities: Cafe and toilets nearby

Spittal Beach is on the edge of Berwick upon Tweed and has been a popular beach with visitors since the Victorian times. This beach is full of various watersports, from jet skiing and surfing to a relaxing day of fishing. It’s great for your pup as there’s lots of space for a tiring run around.

2. Cocklawburn Beach

Address: Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2SY

Dogs allowed: Yes, no seasonal restrictions

Car park: Limited free parking nearby

Facilities: No beach facilities

Cocklawburn Beach is a quieter beach than others on the Northumberland Coast thanks to its strong winds, rocky beach and remote location. The large beach is perfect for windy walks with your furry friend or just to observe some of the local wildlife. It’s popular with surfers and bodyboarders because of the space and waves, and the beach makes excellent rock pools.

3. Holy Island Beach (Harbour)

Address: Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2SP

Dogs allowed: Yes, dogs must be kept on leads to protect the rare nesting birds

Car park: Free in the village of Lindisfarne

Facilities: Pubs and toilets in the nearby village

Holy Island Beach is the most popular beach on Holy Island as it’s the most accessible. The beach is also a working harbour, so you can watch the boats come in and out with your dog in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

4. Bamburgh Beach

Address: Bamburgh NE69 7DF

Dogs allowed: Yes, no seasonal restrictions

Car park: Free parking near the beach

Facilities: Beach hut providing snacks and drinks, toilets are half a mile away

Bamburgh Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Northumberland, partly because of the golden sands and also because of the stunning views of Bamburgh Castle. This large beach on the edge of Bamburgh is ideal for letting your pup off the lead and burning some energy.

5. Embleton Bay

Address: Craster, Alnwick NE66 3DT

Dogs allowed: Yes, no seasonal restrictions

Car park: No official beach car park; however you can park on the road nearby or in Embleton

Facilities: None on the beach but in Embleton you will find a pub

Embleton Bay is a secluded beach that is known for its beauty and views. The beach won Countryfile’s Beach of the Year award in 2017 and remains a stunning beach, with large areas to explore and wonderful views of the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Embleton is nearby with traditional pubs.

6. Alnmouth Beach

Address: Alnmouth, Alnwick NE66 2RU

Dogs allowed: Yes, no seasonal restrictions

Car park: Paid car park nearby

Facilities: Ice cream in the car park, toilets and cafes are in the village of Alnmouth

Alnmouth Beach is a large sandy beach a short walk from the village of Alnmouth. The beach and the village are very much reliant on each other and certainly are an entertaining day out. The beach is excellent for a long walk with your four-legged friend, but caution should be observed when going in the water, as it can be dangerous with fast tides.

7. Warkworth Beach

Address: Morpeth NE65 0SW

Dogs allowed: Yes, seasonal restrictions do apply between April and September

Car park: Nearby free car park

Facilities: Accessible toilets nearby, pubs

Warkworth Beach is a long stretch of golden beach not far from the village of Warkworth. With surfing, fishing and swimming being just some of the activities available, you and your pup won't be bored here. There are also a number of dog-friendly pubs in the village for a pit stop.

8. Beadnell Bay

Address: Beadnell, Chathill NE67 5BL

Dogs allowed: Yes, seasonal restrictions apply during bird breeding season

Car park: Paid car park nearby

Facilities: Toilets near the car park

Beadnell Bay is a curved sandy beach with lots of space for relaxing or running around with your furry friend. The waters are excellent here, and there are lots of watersports to enjoy, even scuba diving. There are pubs and cafes in the village of Beadnell once you’re both tired out.

9. Druridge Bay

Address: The Stable House, 1 Farm Ct, Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG

Dogs allowed: Yes, no seasonal restrictions

Car park: Paid car park nearby

Facilities: No facilities on the beach, however in the nearby village of Widrington there is a pub

Druridge Bay is a seven-mile-long stretch of golden sand with a large dune bank running alongside it. The dunes hide relics of World War Two defences and are great for exploring. The National Wildlife Trust also protects the beach because of the animals that live in the bay. These range from red squirrels to dolphins. The nearest town is Ashington.

10. Seahouses

Address: Beadnell Road, Seahouses NE68 7XT

Dogs allowed: Yes, no seasonal restrictions

Car park: Paid parking, opposite the nearby golf club

Facilities: None on the beach. A pub, cafes and toilets are all in the village

Seahouses Beach is just outside the large village of Seahouses. It’s both a long and wide beach, perfect for long walks and a game of fetch. Your four-legged friend will definitely burn off some energy here.

11. Cresswell Beach

Address: Cresswell, Morpeth NE61 5LF

Dogs allowed: Yes, no seasonal restrictions

Car park: Paid parking nearby

Facilities: Toilets on the beach

Cresswell Beach is not as vast as some other beaches, but its location makes up for it. Being near the village of Ellington in Cambridgeshire gives it facilities and its easterly direction makes it the perfect spot for watching the Aurora Borealis, as well as having a good game of fetch.

Looking to book a holiday near one of these beaches? Take a look at our Northumberland cottages and book today!