This post will share 50+ ideas for places to visit, dine and stay with your dog in North East England. I will update this post with new ideas regularly as we explore and get out and about more with Fozzy.
We are hoping to finally get our own family dog next year so this post has been useful for me to write and no doubt I will add to it over the next few years.
Disclosure: I have worked with / am currently working with some of places mentioned in this post on other campaigns but nobody has asked / paid to be included in this post.
Anyway, although I do have some experience, I don't feel like I am a fully fledged member of the dog-friendly community just yet so I decided to ask my readers for their suggestions. Here are the places they recommended as the best places to take dogs and kids across North East England. Let me know in the comments if you have anywhere to add.
Details correct as of May 2021. As always, check information direct with venue before heading out as things can change.
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The museum is in the town centre with free parking nearby and is accessible by train / bus. You can also visit the barracks, beach and walk the town walls if you wish to extend your visit. Find out more here.
These areas are free to visit with no booking required:
- Tea Room
- Farm Shop
- Playground (not the one featured above)
- Hay Bales
- Farmyard Animals
- Picnic Area
Well behaved dogs are also welcome to visit the Forest Adventure (pictured above) which is fantastic fun and I would highly recommend. Tickets need to be pre-booked for the Forest Adventure at the moment.
Find out more and read our full review of Broom House Farm here.
Land of Oak and Iron
The Land of Oak and Iron features miles of woodland walks which are super popular with dog walkers. The cafe at the Heritage Centre is dog-friendly too. Dogs are welcome inside and they sell dog treats and have water available too. Free parking is available at the Heritage Centre where you will find a cafe, toilets, maps and more info. The centre often runs events and trails for children too. Read my full review of The Land of Oak and Iron and get the postcode here.
Seaham Harbour
The Plough on the Hill, Berwick
Grannie Annies at Roker Beach
Grannie Annies is a place a few people recommended as being both dog and child friendly. The cafe offers fantastic views over Roker Beach. Please note dogs are only allowed on a small section of Roker Beach during the summer months, please check signage. You can find out more about Grannie Annies here.
Wicker Man Trail Durham
Low Burnhall Woods in Durham are easy to reach from the city centre and a popular place for both dogs and kids. Expect wildlife, a Wicker Man sculpture, stepping stones, a stone circle, pond and more. Find out more about visiting here.
Serenity Boat Trips to The Farne Islands
Dogs are welcome aboard Serenity Boat Trips to the Farne Islands which are a brilliant day out for kids. Expect to see lots of seals and some puffins if you visit at the right time as well as enjoying brilliant views of the islands and Bamburgh Castle. The Bamburgh Castle Inn at Seahouses is a dog-friendly pub with a large beer garden if you wish to enjoy a bite to eat / drink afterwards. Find out more about Serenity Boat Trips here.
Woodhorn
Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas of Woodhorn (including outdoor seating at the cafe) and the historic buildings (exceptions include the Cutter building, cafe and function rooms). Water bowls are provided throughout. Woodhorn is one of our favourite days out and the outdoor play area is overlooked by outdoor seating by the cafe so it is ideal for sitting with your dog as the kids play. Find out more about visiting Woodhorn here.
Woodhorn is next door to the QEII Country Park which offers a 40 minute circular walk around the lake. Find out more about QEII Country Park here.
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Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle now welcomes dogs inside of the castle grounds and museums (they are not allowed inside of the state rooms or tearooms) and water is readily available. Dogs are welcome all year around on Bamburgh Beach and it is one of the best Northumberland has to offer. Find out more about visiting Bamburgh Castle here.
English Heritage Properties
Most English Heritage properties allow dogs in their grounds and are a brilliant day out for kids too. During 'normal' times many sites run special events which are always fantastic. We tend to by an annual pass every other year (currently priced at £9.25 per month for 2 adults and up to 12 children).
Properties in the North East include Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Belsay Hall, Castle and Grounds, Prudhoe Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle, Brinkburn Priory, Warkworth Castle, Corbridge Roman Town, Chesters Roman Fort, Auckland Castle Deer House, Housesteads Roman Fort, Walltown Crags, Barnard Castle, Lindisfarne Priory & more. All fantastic places to visit. Find out more about English Heritage here.
National Trust Properties
In North East England, properties include Cragside, Gibside, Seaton Delaval Hall, Souter Lighthouse, Wallington Hall, Dunstanburgh Castle, Cherryburn and more. Find out more about National Trust here.
Ford and Etal
Ford & Etal is one of our favourite days out from the past few years and I am pleased to say, they are a dog-friendly destination. Dogs are able to ride the Heatherslaw Railway free of charge, they are welcome in Etal Castle, dogs are welcome in the gardens of the Lavender Tearooms and Black Bull Pub as well as the Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre. Find out more about visiting Ford & Etal here.
Plessey Woods
Plessey Woods is a super popular spot for dog walkers and is equally as good for kids. There is an enclosed play park, cafe and sculpture trail to follow through the woods as well as various streams for paddling too. Find out more about visiting Plessey Woods here.
Northumberlandia
A few people have recommended Northumberlandia as a nice place to take both dogs and kids. There is a walk around the sculpture to enjoy, a small woodland to explore and a dog-friendly cafe too. Find out more about visiting Northumberlandia here.
Saltwell Park
Saltwell Park is an award-winning park in Gateshead with lots to see and do including a maze, playgrounds, lakes and pets corner. There is also a dedicated enclosed dog walking area for exercise. Find out more about Saltwell Park here
As a side note, I think Heaton Park in Newcastle has an enclosed dog walking/exercise area too but I have been unable to find any up-to-date info online. Let me know if you know!
Kielder Forest
Kielder Forest is a wonderful place to escape the crowds and enjoy a day out with kids and dogs. There are acres of forest to explore, a Gruffalo trail, a Minotaur maze and more. Find out more about visiting Kielder here.
Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest is a wonderful spot to enjoy a dog walk with kids, there is lots of play equipment dotted around the forest, Gruffalo sculptures, an adventure playground and lots of forest to explore. Just make sure you stay away from the bike tracks (they are well signposted and away from the main family areas). Read my full guide to visiting Hamsterley Forest here.
CafeK9
CafeK9 is a cafe for dogs (and their humans) in Washington. Dogs are welcome inside and out and they have a full dog menu running alongside their main menu too. Find out more over on their Facebook page here.
Wynyard Hall Gardens and Woodland Walk
Wynyard Hall Gardens welcome dogs on leads and you can enjoy the rose garden, walled gardens and woodland walk - read more here.
Wynyard Woodland Park is a lovely spot with adventure playgrounds and walks. The playgrounds are not enclosed and offer plenty of seating so you can sit with your dog in close proximity to the kids as they play - read more here.
Thornley Woodlands Cafe & Sculpture Trail
Dogs are welcome in Thornley Woodlands Cafe - they serve delicious homemade treats and there is a nice little sculpture trail through the woods next door. Longer walks are available too and there is a small free car park. Find out more here.
Chopwell Woods
Chopwell Woods is a lovely spot for a dog walk. Expect various walking trails, picnic areas and free parking. Find out more here.
A reader has recommended 'Beat n Track Cafe' which is close to the main entrance of Chopwell Woods. A warm welcome and fuss is always made of canine friends, dog treats are available from the counter and water is readily available. Find out more here.
South Causey Inn
South Causey Inn is a fantastic dog-friendly pub with lots going on. Dogs are welcome in the bar, snug and outdoor areas and most of the rooms welcome dogs (including some of their luxury options with hot tubs). Dogs who are staying are provided with their own dog bed, bowl and treats.
The pub also organises a monthly dog walking breakfast which involves a walk around Breamish Valley followed by breakfast at the Hotspur Fire Engine Bar (find out more here) and a reader has mentioned that dogs are welcome at their popular Tuesday Food & Craft market (I haven't been able to verify this though so please do check).
Find out more here and read our review of South Causey Inn here.
Tanfield Railway
Dogs are welcome aboard Tanfield Railway and travel free of charge. A fab day out for the whole family! Read our review here. If you alight at Causey Arch (or even just visit afterwards), there are woodland walks and streams to paddle in too (find out more here).
Drift Cafe and Cresswell Beach
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| Credit : Paws for Cuppa |
The Cluny, Ouseburn
The Derwent Walk Inn
The Derwent Walk Inn is a welcoming country pub on the outskirts of Consett. Dogs are welcome in the bar area and there are lots of walks nearby. Find out more here.
Watergate Forest Park
Penshaw Monument, Herrington Park & The New Plough Trailer
If you fancy a bit of a climb, Penshaw Monument is a popular mini challenge to enjoy with your dog. No booking is required and the monument is surrounded by woodland if you wish to extend your walk. Across the road from the monument, you have Herrington Country Park which has a children's play area and walking routes and if you'd like a bite to eat / stop for a drink the nearby New Plough Inn Trailer is dog-friendly and well worth a visit. Penshaw Farm Shop at the bottom of the monument welcomes dogs too. Find out more here.
The Inn Collection Pubs
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| Seaton Lane Inn, Seaham |
We have stayed with The Inn Collection Pubs on a number of occasions and highly rate them. They generally welcome dogs in their pubs, restaurants and rooms. In the North East, we have:
- The King's Head Inn (at the bottom of Roseberry Topping) - dog-friendly rooms and a dog-friendly area in the bar with complimentary treats and water. Ideal for climbing Roseberry Topping. Read our full review of The Kings' Head Inn here.
- The Kingslodge Inn, Durham - dog-friendly rooms, dog-friendly area in the pub with complimentary water and treats plus dogs are welcome in the pub gardens. Ideal for visiting Hardwick / Wharton Park. Read our full review of The Kingslodge Inn here.
- The Commissioner's Quay, Blyth - dog-friendly rooms and a dog-friendly area in the pub with complimentary treats and water. Ideal for visiting Ridley Park next door.
- The Amble Inn - dog-friendly rooms and a dog-friendly area in the pub with complimentary treats and water. Ideal for visiting Amble, Warkworth, Cresswell and Druridge Bay.
- The Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses - dog-friendly rooms, a large dog-friendly beer garden and a dog-friendly area in the pub with complimentary treats and water. Ideal for visiting nearby Bamburgh Castle or taking a boat trip around the Farne Islands (both dog friendly).
- The Hog's Head Inn, Alnwick - dog-friendly rooms and a dog-friendly area in the pub with complimentary treats and water. Ideal for visiting Barter Books, Northumberland National Park and nearby Alnmouth Beach.
- The Seaton Lane Inn, Seaham - dog-friendly rooms and a dog-friendly area in the pub with complimentary treats and water. Ideal for visiting Seaham beaches. Read our full review of The Seaton Lane Inn here.
- The Lindisfarne Inn, Beal - dog-friendly rooms and dogs are welcome in the pub. Perfect for visiting Holy Island, Ford & Etal or Berwick.
Find out more about The Inn Collection Group and their venues here.
Beamish
Druridge Bay
Then on the other side of the car park you have a fantastic dog-friendly beach which goes on for miles. It is a lush place for a dog walk and generally not to busy at all. Find out more about visiting Druridge Bay here.
Heritage Trail Consett & Cafe at Inn on the Park
The Consett Heritage Trail is somewhere we have not tried ourselves yet but it's on the list. The full route is 6km circular but you can do as much or little as you like. It will take you through woodland, countryside and offer views of areas of outstanding beauty. Find out more here.
The popular Cafe at Inn on the Park, Allensford is a good place to start / end - it has a dog friendly area and their food looks lush. Find out more here.
Tynemouth
King Edwards Bay may have restrictions on dogs visiting (no dogs allowed 1 May - 30 September) but Tynemouth is still a fantastic destination for a day out with your dog. You can enjoy walks along the prom, visit Tynemouth Priory (pre-book) and Tynemouth Market on weekends with your pooch. Most of the bars, bistros and cafes have dog friendly areas too (our favourites being The Priory Pub and The Gibraltar Rock). Northumberland Park on Tynemouth Road is a few minutes from the Metro Station and a nice place for a walk too (and it has a playpark for kids).
The Keel Row
The Keel Row regularly wins the award for the 'North East's most dog-friendly pub. They welcome dogs with open arms and have treats and fresh water available. Find out more here.
If you are looking for a walk nearby, try Seaton Delaval Hall (National Trust - pre-book) or a walk around Holywell Dene.
Acorn Leisure Luxury Lodges with Hot Tubs, Northumberland
Exhibition Park, Newcastle
Raby Castle
We absolutely love Raby Castle - there is so much do see and do with a deer park, castle, woodland play area, walled garden, events programme, coffee shop and more. Complimentary doggy treats and water is available. It is also worth checking out Raby Castle's FREE monthly dog walking group. Find out more about visiting Raby Castle with your dog here.
Pleasantly Pawsome
Pleasantly Pawsome is relatively new but a few of you recommended. They started life making homemade dog treats but are in the process of expanding and will be opening at Coxgreen Old School House Kitchen soon. Check out their page for updates.
Warkworth
Anglers Arms Sheepwash
Shepherd's Retreat Glamping with Hot Tubs at Beadnell
We stayed with Shepherd's Retreats in Beadnell back in 2019 and loved our stay. They have 2 Shepherd's Huts, each with their own enclosed garden and wood-fired hot tub. Dogs are welcome and there are lots of dog-friendly touches including an outdoor hose to wash muddy paws and complimentary dog treats. Find out more here.
The Doggy Diner, Newton Hall
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| Credit : The Doggy Diner |
The Doggy Diner is a canine cafe in Durham for both hounds and humans. They serve homemade cakes and biscuits for your dog alongside delicious food for you too. They even offer afternoon tea for dogs. Find out more here.
Emporium Ice Cream Parlour, Corbridge
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| Credit : Emporium Ice Cream Parlour |
Emporium Ice Cream Parlour is dog-friendly - dogs are welcome inside and they serve doggy ice cream too. Find out more here.
If you are looking for somewhere to visit nearby, Tyne Green Park in Hexham is brilliant for dog walking and Corbridge Roman Town (English Heritage) welcomes dogs too. Or you could just walk along the river in Corbridge itself.
High Force Hotel & Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the North East with it's origins going back over 300 million years! Amazing. It is a nice spot for a short dog walk through the woods in Teesdale. Afterwards, you can visit High Force Hotel. Dogs are welcome in some of the dining areas (ask on booking) and can stay over too. Read our guide to visiting High Force here.
Secret Garden, Seaton Delaval
La Giardino Caffe, Seaton Delaval
Saltburn Holiday Lets
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| Credit. :Saltburn Holiday Lets |
Saltburn Holiday Lets offer luxurious dog-friendly self catering accommodation with enclosed gardens in Saltburn. These converted stables can sleep up to 7 and have been finished to a high standard. Perfect for a holiday by the sea and ideal for visiting Runswick Bay Beach (no dog restrictions), Staithes Beach (no dog restrictions), Saltburn-by-the-Sea Beach (some restrictions) plus Valley Gardens, Viaduct and walks. Find out more here.
Bolam Lake
Paws For 5, Seaham
Paws for 5 regularly wins awards for the best dog-friendly cafe in the North East. You can expect a dog play area with toys, dog beds, chances to socialise and a dog-friendly (and human friendly) menu too. There are no restrictions on the beaches nearby for a walk afterwards too. Find out more here.
Derwent Waterside Park
We absolutely love visiting Derwent Waterside Park. On one side you have a small cafe/shop, toilets, an adventure playground and a 12 acre secured field where dogs can freely run around (they must be kept on leads around the other areas in the reservoir. Then you can walk around the reservoir (there is a free nature trail for kids) and at the other side you can enjoy a trip to The Boat Shack which is also dog-friendly. Find out more here.
AGL Holiday Homes with Hot Tubs, Northumberland
We recently stayed with AGL Holiday Homes in one of their lodges at Bockenfield Country Park near Morpeth/ Felton. Their lodges are dog friendly, offer lots of space and come with their own enclosed verandah and hot tub (with safety gate). Find out more here.
Hardwick Park, Durham
Next to Hardwick Park is Hardwick Hall which on selected dates throughout the summer (it will be closed during some events at the hotel so please do check) is home to Durham's largest beer garden. This can be accessed from the park (you walk right past). Dogs are welcome! Expect street food vans, ice cream and bar areas. Find out more here.
Craster
Craster is a fab little spot to visit with your dog. You can enjoy the walk to Dunstanburgh Castle (around 1.5 miles - 2 miles each way, dogs should be kept on a lead around livestock) and visit the castle with your dog too (pre-book).
Afterwards, a trip to The Jolly Fisherman is a must. Dogs are welcome in the bar and beer garden.
Find out more about visiting Craster here.
Central Park Newcastle
Central Park Newcastle is located in Times Square this summer and calls itself Newcastle's Biggest Beer Garden. They run a dedicated 'Bairns and Barkers' event every Sunday afternoon (excluding Bank Holiday weekends) and dogs are more than welcome. Find out more here.
Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street Park
Riverside Park is a nice spot for a dog walk. Dogs are allowed off lead along the riverside walk but must be kept on their lead in the gardens. Find out more here.
North East Dog Festival
The North East Dog Festival takes place at Kirkley Hall on 4 & 5 September 2021. Expect dog themed shopping, shows, have-a-go activities, events, trade stands and more. Find out more here.
The Tyne Bank Brewery is a dog-friendly pub/ tap room in Newcastle. In the past, they have organised popular 'dog social' events. There are no events planned at the moment but fingers crossed they will be back soon. Find out more here.
Doggy Disco at Revolution de Cuba
Allen Banks and Staward Gorge
Allen Banks is a lovely place to take the dog for a walk through the largest area of semi-natural ancient woodland in Northumberland and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The first part of the walk is next to a sheer drop so do take care and dogs need to be kept on a lead where there are livestock but other than that, there are acres of woodland to enjoy. It is FREE to park for NT members (scan your card) and there is a small parking charge for non-members. Find out more here.
Well done for making it to the end of this post! Please share with your dog-owner friends and if you have a suggestion for the list, email Sam@NorthEastFamilyFun.co.uk .
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