Eight dog friendly days out in Northumberland

enjoy big adventures and breathtaking scenery

We love Northumberland. It’s positively perfect for dog friendly days out and adventures. Stunning coastline, scenic countryside, ruinous castles, breathtaking views, dark skies and an abundance of wildlife. You could spend weeks exploring this beautiful part of the UK but if you only have a few days, here are eight dog friendly days out in Northumberland not to be missed.

Budle Bay

Budle Bay is one of Northumberland’s best kept secrets: while you might run into a few other people at Bamburgh or Druridge Bay these days, chances are you’ll have Budle Bay almost entirely to yourself. Park in Bamburgh and admire the impressive castle which towers over the beach here, before making your way north along the coast path for a mile or so to discover this quiet cove which is both beautiful and relatively unfrequented. Dogs are welcome at Budle Bay year round, and can sprint on the sand or splash in the sea to their heart’s content. While they’re burning off some energy, soak up the sun or gaze across the sea for views of Holy Island on a clear day.

Bamburgh Castle

The iconic Bamburgh Castle, one of England’s finest coastal fortresses, is a must-visit if you’re heading to Northumberland. As it towers 150 feet above the coast, you get the most incredible views of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands, and across the North Sea. The whole site spans nine acres and dogs are welcome inside the castle grounds, in the Armstrong & Aviation Museum, and also in the Tack Room Café and Victorian Stables Bar. Don’t leave without heading down to the beach for a sniff and a splash.

Lindisfarne

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a medieval tidal island with a religious history dating back to the 6th century. It’s accessed by a causeway that’s completely cut off from the Northumberland Coast twice per day. The tide sweeps in from the North Sea and covers the road so check the tide timetable before you visit. The small village at the heart of the island is very dog friendly but dogs aren’t allowed inside Lindisfarne Priory (still a site of pilgrimage as the original burial place of St. Cuthbert) or Lindisfarne Castle. It’s still the most incredible location for a magical day out and an unforgettable dog walk.

Kielder Water & Forest Park

Home to the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe and set in over 250 square miles of working forest, Kielder Water & Forest Park is one of our favourite dog friendly days out in Northumberland. It offers so much for four-legged friends and their humans to see and do. From long distance trails to leisurely family strolls, there’s a forest or shoreline walk to suit everyone. Dogs are allowed off the lead in the forest area providing they can be quickly called back. A haven for wildlife – you’ll spy red squirrels, ospreys, and water voles on your walk – it’s best to keep playful pups close by. If your dog’s a bit of a night owl, Kielder is a Dark Sky Park so pack your binoculars and a picnic blanket and enjoy a star-studded show. We recommend planning your visit before you go to really make the most of it.

Flodden Field

Five hundred years ago, the boundary between England and Scotland was a wild and windswept borderland, with settlements frequently changing hands and the border moving north or south on a regular basis. Battles were won and lost over hundreds of years, but perhaps the best known is the Battle of Flodden – famous due to the death of the Scottish king, James IV, during the battle. Visitors can follow the battlefield trail to re-live the movements of the troops and the development of the battle. The trail is a quiet and peaceful walk, which has a few gentle uphill sections, although these can be avoided if you prefer to stay on the flat.

Northumberland Coast Path

Northumberland’s sweeping coastline is undoubtably one of the most breathtaking in Britain. Think unspoilt sandy beaches and uninterrupted views. With castles, nature reserves and, as we’ve already mentioned, a tidal island or two to discover, whichever section of the 62 mile Northumberland Coast path, from Cresswell to Berwich-Upon-Tweed, you choose to explore, you can expect spectacular sea views and complete immersion in nature.

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle walk

We love the 2.6 mile return walk from Craster to the spectacular Dunstanburgh Castle. Park up at Craster Tourist Information Centre; there’s plenty of space. From there it’s simply a short stroll through the village, on to the picturesque harbour and then along the seafront towards the castle. You’ll soon spot it. There’s grazing sheep and cattle along the way so keep your dog on a lead if they’re likely to cause any mischief. The castle is free to explore for English Heritage and National Trust members and offers the most spectacular views across the Northumberland coastline. On a clear day you can even see as far as Bamburgh Castle almost 12 miles away.

Thrunton Woods

If you asked us to name the top ten best walks in Northumberland, there’d be dozens of places jostling for position on the list. But Thrunton Woods is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit at any time of year, offering not only miles of paths through the sprawling woodland, but also panoramic views across the wild and rugged Northumbrian countryside. You might think we sound crazy – a woodland walk with wide open views? You almost have to see it to believe it, but the breathtaking views make this one of the best woodland walks you’ll find anywhere. It’s the perfect destination for any intrepid explorer.