There really is no better place to bring the family pet on holiday than Northumberland.
You won’t ever struggle for things to do when visiting the area as many local attractions and businesses are proud of their dog-friendly status (including ourselves!)
From the more well-known doggy days out to some hidden gems, we’ve rounded up our favourites to help you plan the perfect stay with your pooch!
Discover Art & Architecture in Kielder
For those with a love of the Arts and the great outdoors the Kielder Art & Architecture Trails are the perfect way to explore the beautiful Kielder Forest and Water Park.
The trails have a few different recommended starting points, but we think that Hawkhope car park works the best for dog walking as it offers access to several very different works at relatively easy distances.
Information about the walks and artworks can be found in the trail guide, available here.
Visit Bamburgh Castle & Beach
If you’re planning to stay at our cottages, we recommend taking a day trip to the famous village of Bamburgh. Located just under 2 miles from Budle bay and around 3.5 miles north of Lucker, the village was named ‘Britain’s Best Seaside Resort’ by Which? Travel in June 2019.
Bamburgh is most well-known for its majestic castle which occupies one of the most beautiful spots on the Northumberland coastline. Dogs are permitted on the castle grounds, as well as on the beach at the foot of the castle. If you’re planning on taking a walk along the sand dunes then don’t forget to bring along your camera for some impressive photographs of the castle on the skyline of the beach.
Take in The Natural Beauty of Northumberland
The Northumberland coast was officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) back in 1958 which is no surprise given the breath-taking scenery, diverse wildlife and historically significant landmarks of the region.
The beaches and nature reserves of Northumberland are popular destinations for dog walkers. The Visit Northumberland website offers some suggestions of popular dog-friendly beach and national park walks that you may want to check out.
The Northumberland Coast AONB and National Trust have also produced a guide on bringing your dog to the coast which is available to download here.
Explore the Gardens of Cragside
The extraordinary gardens and woodlands of Cragside offer one of the best days out that the region has to offer.
Take your dog for a stroll along the winding paths through their rock garden, one of the largest in Europe, and visit the impressive three-acre Formal Gardens which is host to beautiful seasonal floral displays along with a spectacular Italian Terrace and historic glasshouse dating back to the 1870s.
Dogs are welcome in the grounds and at the tea-room’s outdoor seating area (there’s also a sheltered outdoor seating area for rainy days). We recommend packing a picnic and having your lunch on one of their 14 waymarked walks – you’ll find plenty of picnic tables on your amble – and their Still Room catering area has dog bowls with fresh water for thirsty pups.
Grab a bite to eat
While you’re out and about in Northumberland you’ll find that many pubs and independent eateries are completely happy to welcome dogs. Foodies will love sampling the vast variety of local dishes and real ales that the area has to offer. The Apple Inn in Lucker, for example, is a cosy award-winning gastropub serving the finest of Northumbrian cuisine using the fresh, locally sourced fish, meats and vegetables that the region is known for. Guests of our cottages will receive a 5% discount on dining at The Apple Inn.
Pet-Friendly Places to Stay
Whether you’re taking a trip with extended family or planning a relaxing retreat with your other half, bringing your dog along with you will take away the concern and expense that comes with using a kennel service. You needn’t feel concerned about accommodation standards either. There is a huge choice of high-quality pet-friendly accommodation to suit all group sizes, including our own luxury beach front and countryside cottages.
