Northumberland is one of the UK’s easiest coastlines for dogs – long, open sands, minimal bans, and clear seasonal lead rules.
Discover our top five beaches for a walk with your pup, plus plenty more options for you to explore!
We’ve included a helpful list of tips for walking your dog on Northumberland’s beaches too – as a popular spot for migratory and nesting birds, there are seasonal rules along the coast you’ll want to know.
Our five favourite dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland
Beadnell Bay
- Cafés, loos and large car park right by the beach
- Dogs welcome year-round – leads April–August in signed nesting zones
- Around 2 miles of wide, flat sand; easy, level access
Beadnell Bay’s sweeping golden arc runs from the harbour, giving you a generous two miles of fetch-friendly sand. Outside the nesting season, it’s ideal for off-lead roaming; in March–August, watch for roped sections and keep dogs on leads where signed.
Nearby cafés make post-walk refuelling easy – and you can plan a full day with these dog-friendly things to do in Beadnell.
Bamburgh Beach
- Village parking and public loos a short walk from the sand
- Dogs welcome all year – keep under close control near dunes and flocks
- Roughly 3 miles of firm, straight shoreline
With its castle-topped skyline, Bamburgh delivers drama and space in equal measure. The firm sand here is perfect for a walk or jog with the dog.
Amazing amenities in Bamburgh’s charming village keep things easy, and it’s a great pairing with a relaxed lunch at one of Northumberland’s dog-friendly pubs.
Seahouses Beach
- Harbour car parks and public loos close by
- Dogs welcome year-round – use leads through the harbour and busy promenade
- About 2 miles of sand linking towards Bamburgh
Easy parking, quick access, and award-winning fish and chips make Seahouses a favourite for dog walkers. Plus, it’s a leash-free beach year round. Head north for big-sky views towards Bamburgh, or south for quieter stretches.
Make a day of it with dog-friendly things to do near Seahouses and a pint from these dog-friendly pubs in Seahouses. For pup-friendly snacks and essentials, head to the National Trust shop.
Embleton Bay (via Low Newton)
- Parking at Low Newton and loos in the village
- Dogs welcome all year – March–August watch for roped sections and keep your dog on a lead under 1m
- Around 2–2.5 miles out-and-back towards Dunstanburgh Castle
This dune-backed sweep feels beautifully wild. From Low Newton, follow Embleton’s firm sands with castle views unfolding ahead. It’s roomy enough to find your own patch; just give any roped areas a wide berth in the nesting months. For seasonal inspiration, see these Northumberland coastal spring dog walks.
Ross Back Sands
- Verge parking at road end; 15–20 minutes’ walk on a farm track to the beach
- Sensitive wildlife site – seasonal dog ban from May–September. Allowed the rest of the year, but only on a lead or at heel
- Nearly 3 miles of remote, crowd-free sand with Holy Island views
If you’re after solitude, this is your place. As it’s a bit of a walk from parking, the visitors are lower than some of Northumberland’s easier-to-access spots. This rewards you with a wild, three-mile strand that feels worlds away.
As it’s a wildlife hotspot, you need to have your dog on a lead or at heel at all times. And from May to September, dogs aren’t allowed.
More dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland
While the above are our five favourites, here’s a list of more Northumberland dog-friendly beaches you can explore with your pet.
As always, be sure to check lead rules and seasonal restrictions to protect Northumberland’s incredible ecology and wildlife.
- Low Newton
- Alnmouth Beach
- Warkworth Beach
- Druridge Bay
- Cresswell Beach
- Cocklawburn Beach
- Cheswick Sands
- Goswick Sands
- Budle Bay (nature-sensitive)
- Boulmer Beach
- Sugar Sands
- Spittal Beach
Tips for dog walking on Northumberland’s beaches
- Nesting season: Expect roped or signed areas from February–August for birds including little terns, Arctic terns and ringed plovers – keep dogs on leads and give space.
- Winter roosts: From September–March, large flocks rest on open sand at high tide – avoid disturbing them by detouring on the firmer lower beach.
- Dunes and reserves: Dunes are fragile and often a home for nesting birds – stick to paths and observe any local lead rules.
Where to stay (and fetch the ball again tomorrow)
Base yourself where the best beaches are on your doorstep. Our dog-friendly holiday apartments in Beadnell put you minutes from Beadnell Bay, with Bamburgh to the north and Embleton to the south – perfect for stringing together new walks every day.
Comfortable, modern spaces, easy parking and thoughtful dog touches make coming home as good as going out.
✅ Water and food bowls provided
✅ Secure, private garden options
✅ Designated dog-cleaning areas
✅ VisitEngland Welcome Pets certified
Ready for a sand-between-paws escape?