Wondering where to holiday with your hound in 2025? Set your compass north to the Anglo-Scottish border, where Northumberland leads the pack as one of the UK’s top dog-friendly destinations.
Why Northumberland? Far from the trappings of some of the UK’s more popular coastal resorts and holiday destinations, Northumberland flaunts endless wild open spaces, from sandy beaches and rolling hills to ancient forests and vast lakes – landscapes made for outdoor adventures with your four-legged friends.
Then there’s the array of dog-friendly attractions in Northumberland – think country estates, railway rides, boat trips and historic castles that welcome your canine companions. Add to this a warm doggie welcome, in pubs, restaurants, cafés and cottages – places you can relax and refuel while your pooch is pampered and made a fuss of.
Whether you’re looking to dig into history, explore the scenery, or cast away with your canine companion, we’ve sniffed out the best dog-friendly things to do in Northumberland.
Dog-Friendly Boat and Train Trips in Northumberland
If you don’t fancy driving with your dog, a brand-new railway line from Newcastle to Ashington (opening in December 2024) is set to make getting to Northumberland’s coastal gems and wild countryside much easier. And however you travel to your destination, there’s no shortage of boat trips and railway rides that you and Rover can enjoy once you’re on holiday.
For a scenic train trip, we recommend the Heatherslaw Light Railway along the River Till. Dogs can travel free, and you can alight at Etal Station for a cuppa and cake at the village tearoom. For a boat trip with your furry friend, hop onboard a cruise to the Farne Islands to spot seabirds and seals. Dogs are welcome on most trips leaving Seahouses harbour, including Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours, which offers daily sailings (except Christmas Day).
Beaches to Bound Along in Northumberland
Bamburgh, Embleton Bay, Beadnell Bay… it’s no secret that Northumberland is hemmed by stunning beaches to bound along to the soundtrack of crashing waves and gulls soaring overhead.
While Bamburgh and Embleton are well known for their stunning castle backdrops, your pooch will love getting sandy paws at the gigantic expanse of Alnmouth Beach at low tide while you capture the perfect photo with the striking Alnwick Castle in the background.
If you fancy a dip with your dog in sparkling, chilly waters, head to Creswell Beach, or to paddle paws in the rockpools, take your canine to Craster. Topping our list of dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland is Druridge Bay, with its seven miles of sand fringed by golden dunes.
Northumberland is King of the Canine-friendly Coastal Castles
Nowhere in the UK boasts a higher concentration of coastal castles than Northumberland. Every corner of its scenic shoreline seems to be punctuated by a mighty fortress built to defend its location on the border of Scotland. And what’s more, your dog can dig into history with you at many of these historic sites while you’re on holiday.
Or, for an offshore adventure, you can cast away with your canine to the Holy Island, where you can take in panoramic views of the coastline from Lindisfarne Castle.
Dog-friendly Attractions in Northumberland
It’s not just the castles offering bucketfuls of history for days out with your dog in Northumberland. Tread back in time along Hadrian’s Wall, where miles of walking trails take you through wide-open spaces and rolling hills to spectacular views. You and Fido can follow the footsteps of the Romans at the historic ruins of Corbridge or enjoy a 4-mile circular walk that takes you to some of the most scenic sections of the wall, including Sycamore Gap and Crag Lough.
Both you and your four-legged friend will enjoy an easy stroll to the intriguing stone circle of Duddo Five Stones. These ancient sandstone towers stand sentry on the hillside just a few miles from the Scottish border, from where you can soak up panoramic views to the Cheviots to the south and the Lammermuir Hills to the north.
The huge Kielder Water & Forest Park, set around Britain’s biggest manmade lake, is crisscrossed by dog-friendly walking trails, and if you stay after dark, it’s one of the best star-gazing locations in the country, too. If you’re looking for some cultural stimulation with your canine, follow Kielder’s wonderful art and architecture trails around the woodland, and paws at one of the dog-friendly cafés for treats and a belly rub.
Hound-friendly Homes and Gardens in Northumberland
If you don’t mind keeping your dog on a lead, it’s worth exploring the exotic plants of Belsay Hall’s 30-acre gardens and the stunning country estate of Cragside – Britain’s original smart home at the heart of grand designer gardens.
If Fido prefers more freedom, the family-friendly Paxton House will really get tails wagging with its whopping 80 acres of woodland, riverside and parkland where dogs can chase squirrels and fetch sticks.
Or pack a picnic for you and your pooch to enjoy overlooking the Derwent Valley, in the 18th-century landscape of Gibside, where 15 miles of paths zig-zag the 600-acre gardens.
Book Your Dog-Friendly Cottage for Canine Capers in Northumberland
As well as lots of dog-friendly things to do in Northumberland, there are plenty of paw-friendly pads where you can relax between days out with your pooch. Whether you fancy a coastal cottage or countryside retreat, take a look at our dog-friendly accommodation in Northumberland and enjoy a holiday in one of the UK’s most scenic destinations.
