At Stablewood Coastal Cottages, we believe everyone deserves a holiday…including our four-legged friends!

What can I do with my dog in Northumberland?

With breath-taking coastal walks from our location at Budle Bay, this area is a must-visit, particularly as it forms part of the Lindisfarne Natural Nature Reserve and is also an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Whether you are based in our cottages in Lucker, Southside Farm or Budle Bay, our location also offers stunning countryside criss-crossed walks along dog-friendly bridleways and footpaths. Wherever you are based, you and your pooch have a huge natural playground to explore. And here at Stablewood Coastal Cottages, we go the extra mile to make your pets feel welcome during their stay, by placing Wellybix dog treats in the cottage upon arrival, as well as welcoming them to join you at your table in The Apple Inn gastro-pub and The School House country kitchen, which are both located in the picturesque village of Lucker. 

Where are the best dog-friendly walks?

You are truly spoilt for choice in Northumberland, but the coast is as good as any place to start. For a lovely introduction to its beauty, take a short and comparatively gentle stroll up to Craster, which is a beautiful coastal point that offers several different trails. While here, the Dunstanburgh Castle trail may be the best option for you and your pet where you’ll see stunning coastal views as well as the historic castle, all taken in at a gentle pace. In addition, there are quite a few other stunning beaches in Northumberland which are dog-friendly and offer a great day out for the whole family.

For a quainter and more picturesque trail, Newton Pool, in Low Newton-by-the-sea is a nature reserve that is perfect for a stunning, pet-friendly coastal adventure. This ideal walking spot is perfect for wildlife lovers and is protected by the National Trust. While in the area, it’s worth visiting the village of Low Newton too.

For a more challenging route, you and your dog are sure to love The Shepherds Cairn which is a popular pilgrimage named in tribute of two shepherds who died in the wild in the early 1960s! This trail is a little tricky in places but really takes you through the best of the National Park, giving you and your dog a six-mile-long walk along The Cheviots.

Alternatively, for a more leisurely family stroll in the Northumberland National Park, Reaveley Farm, is hugely popular for family strolls, which is also based in the heart of the National Park. This route is very gentle and the trail will take you past farmland as well as the River Breamish, so will offer plenty of variety!

Are there any pet-friendly beaches in Northumberland?

Yes! Northumberland has lots of pet-friendly beaches which are just a stone’s throw away from many of our cottages. Fortunately for you, they also happen to be where some of the country’s most unspoilt coastal landscapes are and in an area of natural beauty too!

Close to home, Budle Bay (as mentioned above) is on your doorstep and offers a fantastic dog-friendly spot to spend time with your dog. Quieter than Bamburgh, but within walking distance of the popular tourist spot, Budle Bay offers five miles of uninterrupted beauty. You can also let your dog run free on the wide sandy beaches at nearby Alnmouth.

Are there any good pubs that welcome dogs?

Of course… The Apple Inn is a dog-friendly boozer and has won many food awards for its gastro-pub menu. Here they serve up very generous portions of traditional pub grub, particularly their famed St Hilda’s Steak and Guinness Pie.  But there’s also an exotic twist to the menu, with dishes like Crispy Spiced Cauliflower and Pan Seared fillet of Halibut served with Thai Mango and Coconut Behl!  Seeing as we are so close to the coast, their Cider and Lemon Battered Fish and Chips is a must-try dish!

The Apple Inn is located within the village of Lucker, which is within walking distance of many of our cottages in the village and for our new cottages at Southside Farm too. 

If you’re looking for light bites and posh nosh, the menu at The School House is inspired by locally-sourced ingredients and offers dishes such as the British Beef Pastrami & Emmental Reuben or a selection of Afternoon Teas!, It would be a sin not to take a pet stop (excuse the pun) at The School House, which only opened in April 2021, so it’s pretty new on the foodie scene!