Grab the lead, pack a towel and prepare for sandy paws — eight of our favourite dog-friendly beaches on the Northumberland coast, with a little coffee and cake inspiration along the way.
If there's one thing Northumberland does exceptionally well, it's a good beach day.
Miles of golden sand, huge skies, dramatic castles, quiet coves and plenty of space for four-legged friends to stretch their legs. In fact, most of Northumberland's beaches welcome dogs throughout the year, making our beautiful coastline one of the best places in the UK for a day out with your favourite four-legged companion.
So, grab the lead and pack a towel…
Sandy paws welcome
Four-legged friends are welcome in the outdoor areas at all five Running Fox sites, so there's always somewhere to finish a beach walk with a proper coffee and something freshly baked.
Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland.
Our Favourite Dog-Friendly Beaches
Eight stretches of Northumberland coast we'd happily walk in any weather — and exactly which dog each one suits.
1
Bamburgh Beach
Best for: Castle views and miles of golden sand
It's hard to beat Bamburgh.
With Bamburgh Castle rising dramatically above miles of golden sand, this is one of those beaches that never gets old. There's plenty of space for dogs to run, sniff, paddle and generally have the time of their lives.
Take a long walk along the shoreline, let the kids burn off some energy and then explore the village before heading home.
Our tip: Go early if you want to enjoy the beach at its most peaceful.
2
Warkworth Beach
Best for: More than just a beach walk
Warkworth is a brilliant choice when you want more than just a beach walk. The huge sandy beach is perfect for dogs, while the nearby village gives you plenty to explore afterwards.
You can make a day of it with a wander around Warkworth, a stroll along the river and, of course, something delicious to eat.
Heading home via Felton? Why not make it a Running Fox stop.
3
Alnmouth Beach
Best for: A slow Sunday
Alnmouth is one of those places that feels made for a slow Sunday. Wander through the pretty village before heading down to the beach for a long walk along the sand.
It's a lovely option for dogs who enjoy exploring without necessarily needing miles and miles of running space.
Worked up an appetite? There's always the promise of coffee and cake waiting nearby at our Longhoughton site.
4
Beadnell Bay
Best for: Dogs who can't resist a paddle
Beadnell Bay is a favourite with dog walkers for very good reason. The sweeping sands make it a brilliant place for a proper coastal walk, while the shallow water is perfect for dogs who can't resist a paddle.
Seasonal restrictions apply. There are seasonal restrictions around parts of the bay to protect nesting birds, so always look out for signs and keep your dog under control where requested.
5
Cresswell Beach
Best for: Blowing away the cobwebs
If your dog measures a good day by how much running they've done, Cresswell should be on your list.
The long stretch of beach provides plenty of room to explore, and it's a brilliant spot for blowing away the cobwebs whatever the season.
Once you've worked up an appetite, make time for a coffee and something tasty nearby — because let's be honest, the humans deserve a treat too!
6
Druridge Bay
Best for: Dogs who want to sprint
Sometimes a dog doesn't want a gentle stroll. Sometimes they want to sprint. Druridge Bay is the answer.
With a huge expanse of sandy beach and beautiful coastal scenery, it's one of our favourite places for dogs who love nothing more than charging along the shoreline.
It's also a gorgeous place for humans to enjoy a little fresh air and switch off from everyday life.
7
Cocklawburn Beach
Best for: Somewhere a little quieter
Cocklawburn is a beautiful stretch of Northumberland coastline with plenty of natural scenery and space to explore.
It may not have the same profile as Bamburgh or Beadnell, but that's exactly why we love it.
Sometimes the best days are the ones where you simply park up, grab the lead and see where the path takes you.
8
Longhoughton Beach
Best for: Wild, windswept coastal walks
Wild, windswept and wonderfully Northumbrian.
Longhoughton Beach is a beautiful spot for a coastal walk and a great reminder of just how special our local coastline is.
Being so close to our Longhoughton home, it's one of those beaches we feel particularly lucky to have on our doorstep.
The Perfect Northumberland Dog Day
For us, it's pretty simple…
A long walk
along the coast
Plenty of
fresh sea air
A little splash
in the waves
A happy,
tired pup
Coffee and
something baked
Then, when the paws are sandy and the humans are ready for a well-earned treat, find your nearest Running Fox for a proper coffee and something freshly baked.
Because what's better than a day exploring our beautiful coastline, followed by good food, great coffee and a very contented dog in the back of the car?
That's what Northumberland is all about — and we wouldn't have it any other way.
A little reminder for responsible dog owners
Northumberland's coastline is home to important wildlife, including nesting and breeding birds. While dogs are welcome on most beaches, seasonal restrictions can apply in certain areas.
Let's keep Northumberland beautiful for everyone — paws and all. 🐾
Sandy paws? The coffee's on.
Five Running Fox sites across Northumberland, all with dog-friendly outdoor areas — the perfect finish to a morning on the beach.
Image credits & licences
Beach photography sourced from Wikimedia Commons and Geograph Britain and Ireland, reused under Creative Commons licences.
- Bamburgh Castle and beach (banner) © Mark Percy — CC BY-SA 2.0
- Bamburgh Castle seen from the beach © stalked — CC BY-SA 2.0
- Fairly deserted Warkworth Beach © Christine Westerback — CC BY-SA 2.0
- Alnmouth Beach © Kim Fyson — CC BY-SA 2.0
- Dog on the beach, Beadnell Bay © Graham Robson — CC BY-SA 2.0
- Cresswell Beach, looking NE © John H Darch — CC BY-SA 2.0
- Druridge Bay beach © Graham Robson — CC BY-SA 2.0
- Dog walkers at Cocklawburn Beach © Walter Baxter — CC BY-SA 2.0
- The coast between Howdiemont Sands and Longhoughton Steel © Graham Robson — CC BY-SA 2.0
