Easily accessible from our Elm Bank and Causey Hill parks, one of the greatest regions in the whole of the UK is yours and waiting! Northumberland will turn up many rewards as you explore, both cultural and natural, including ancient buildings, museums, monuments, galleries, parks and more. If you’re a dog-owner you’re not excluded either – there are plenty of dog-friendly places in Northumberland to visit, including dog friendly pubs. In this edition of our blog, we’ll explore five great spots for you and your pooch.
1. Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle
It’s a mere two and a half miles round trip from Craster to the spectacular Dunstanburgh Castle, with your dog welcome to accompany you on the route from the information centre, through the village, up to the harbour and then along the seafront to the castle – though he or she should be kept on a lead. Dunstanburgh Castle is an impressive ruin of a structure built in the 14th-century. It’s free to explore if you are an English Heritage or National Trust member, and offers spectacular views across the Northumberland coastline – including Bamburgh Castle almost 12 miles away.
2. Bamburgh Castle
High on the list of must-see places in Northumberland is the iconic Grade 1 listed Bamburgh Castle. This former 11th-century fortress stands around 150 feet above the coast, with stunning views across the North Sea plus the Northumberland coastline, the isle of Lindisfarne five miles to the north (aka the Holy Island) and the Farne Islands. Bamburgh spans nine acres, so there is plenty of area to explore. Dogs are welcome inside the castle grounds, the Aviation Museum, Tack Room Café and in the Victorian Stables Bar (though not the State Rooms).
Stopping off in the village at one of the dog friendly cafes is a relaxing way for you and your pooch to spend some time when you’re on your way to the enormous beach. This exceptionally pretty spot is often very peaceful – so it’s one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland, great for your pooch to run about in the sea or dig a few holes in the sand without the distraction of other people and loads of other dogs. Budle Bay is a beautiful cove around a mile north of Bamburgh, so it’s easily accessible along the coastal path and provides quiet and space in which your dog can have plenty of fun.
3. Cragside – house and gardens
Cragside house is a Victorian country house near the town of Rothbury, built during the Tudor Revival period of the 19th century (notably, it was the first house in the world to be lit using hydro-electric power). These days Cragside is a National Trust property, with assistance dogs only allowed inside the main property – though all dogs are welcome in the outdoor spaces, in the shop and in the tearoom (where there is a designated seating owner for dog owners and their four-legged friends, and where it’s possible to order a pot of special dog ice cream). This could be considered one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Northumberland – everyone loves ice cream!
The Cragside gardens are incredible to explore – with woods, streams and plenty of fantastic flora and fauna and vegetation to admire. Dogs are welcome though they must remain on leads at all times to protect the wildlife (and for safety reasons as there are steep drops and crags around the grounds). Helpfully, there is a ‘Canine Code’ provided by Cragside, which goes into welcome detail about what is and is not allowed.
4. Kielder Forest
Kielder Water and Forest Park provides a fantastic location for your four-legged friend to blow off some steam with a long walk. Kielder Water is a large man-made reservoir (at approx. 4.5-sq. miles the largest artificial lake in the UK by capacity of water) which is surrounded by Kielder Forest (at 250-sq. miles one of the biggest man-made woodlands in Europe). The Kielder scheme was developed during the 1960s to provide water to support the booming industrial economy in the region.
Kielder is dog-friendly throughout, though visitors are asked to keep their dogs under control and ensure no mess is left behind. Dogs can let off their lead in the forest, but must not be out of sight of owners and must be called back if necessary. They should be on a lead in the busiest public areas (campsites and visitor centres) and kept under close control on the lead when near livestock.
5. Hadrian’s Wall
Now owned by the National Trust (but maintained by English Heritage), Hadrian’s Wall is a legendary part of the Northumbrian landscape. Though dogs are not allowed into the museum, you are permitted to take them on a lead when you explore the remains of Housesteads Roman Fort (the most complete example of a Roman fort in the UK). There are water bowls for your pooches and poo bags at Housesteads and the Visitor Centre at Hadrian’s Wall.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall was built by the emperor Hadrian during the Roman occupation (specifically, in 122AD) to protect England from invaders from the north. There is evidence to support the notion that Romans loved dogs – and so it is fitting that they are welcome on the wall itself and around some of the hill forts. They’ll enjoy this as much as you’ll enjoy the history and the stunning views.
With so many dog-friendly places in Northumberland, why not enquire about your very own holiday home
When you’re looking for dog-friendly holidays, Northumberland will provide you with plenty of places you can visit – whether that means cities or charming tea rooms in coastal villages, hill walks or historic spots to explore. Visit our parks such as Elm Bank and Causey Hill to start your journey to dog-friendly holiday home ownership in Northumberland today.
