Our favourite dog friendly beach walks
Northumberland’s much-loved coastline, dotted with iconic castles, pretty seaside villages, abundant wildlife and to-die-for views makes for some of the best coastal walking around. Whether you want to hot foot the entire length of the Northumberland Coastal Path or merely fit in a few circular walks during your stay, Doxford Hall offers a luxurious retreat from which to base yourself.
Situated down a quiet country lane and with ten acres of private gardens to roam you’ll find ample space for a morning leg stretch from the hotel. There’s a way-marked trail of approximately 0.5 miles through our gardens for an easy walk or head a little further afield and you’ll find no shortage of fabulous dog friendly sandy beaches (30, in fact) with plenty to entertain you and your four-legged friend. We’ve picked some of our favourites:
Beadnell Beach, NE67 5BN (10- minute drive)
Golden sands running along a wide, horseshoe-shaped bay, backed by grassy dunes – just perfect for a bracing coastal walk with your dog at any time of year. Please note there are some seasonal restrictions in Beadnell Bay during bird breeding season when dogs must be kept on a lead or at heel. You’ll find a pay-and-display car park on the outskirts of the village, with access to the beach via a slipway. There are also public toilets here and variety of shops in Beadnell itself.
Embleton Bay, NE66 3XQ (13-minute drive)
A natural beauty. Fine golden sand, big skies and with the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle in view this beach doesn’t disappoint. It was voted Best Beach in the UK by BBC Countryfile Magazine’s readers. Park in the village of Low Newton, where you’ll find a couple of shops and a pub and walk towards Craster for a decent leg stretch.
Seahouses, NE68 7SU (14-minute drive)
A vast stretch of sandy beach with low grassy dunes to one side and far reaching views to the Farne Islands on the other. Popular with dog walkers and wildlife spotters alike courtesy of the UK’s largest colony of grey seals, puffins and other native sea birds seen from the Farne Islands. You’ll find plenty of shops, eateries and other amenities in the town of Seahouses.
Craster Beach, NE66 3TR (16-minute drive)
Home to the famous smoked kippers, some lovely art galleries and the starting (or finishing) point for some fabulous coastal walks with your dog. You’ll find a small, sandy beach within the harbour with shingle beaches on either side. Head north to Low Newton across National Trust land to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, one of the most photographed sites in the county and named as one of the top ten walks in the whole of the UK. Toilets and a pay and display car park are located behind the Tourist Office.
Bamburgh Beach, NE69 7DF (20-minute beach)
A pristine, and often wind-swept, sandy beach with arguably the most iconic backdrop of all Northumberland’s beaches: the majestic Bamburgh Castle. Sand dunes offering a diverse mix of flora and fauna, interesting rock pools and views out to the Inner Farne Islands: this beach has it all. But do wrap up warm whatever the season!
Alnmouth Beach, NE66 2RW (25-minute drive)
A wide, sandy beach that is seldom busy (and very often empty) where dogs are free to run, unrestricted, year-round. The village of Alnmouth offers a small selection of pubs and shops.
