Northumberland’s coastline is built on scale rather than spectacle. Long, pale beaches run for miles between small villages, backed by dunes, grasslands and open sky. It is quieter than most English coastal regions, and even in summer there is usually space to walk without weaving between crowds.
For dog owners, that space changes everything. Many beaches here remain dog friendly year-round, and where restrictions do apply, they are often limited to small sections. Whether you want a gentle wander or a full day of coastal mileage, Northumberland delivers beaches that feel made for dogs that like to move.
Druridge Bay
Druridge Bay stretches for miles along the central Northumberland coast, with a wide sandy beach backed by dunes, lakes and open farmland. Its sheer size means it rarely feels busy, even during peak holiday periods, and there is always room to head off in your own direction.
The beach works well for long, uninterrupted walks, with firm sand at low tide and softer sections higher up. It is an exposed stretch of coast, which adds to the wild feel but can make conditions brisk outside summer months.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Parking: Multiple car parks along the bay
Terrain: Flat sand, dunes and grassy paths
Facilities: Toilets and cafés near main access points
Best for: Long walks and energetic dogs that need space
Amble Links Beach
Just north of Amble harbour, Amble Links Beach opens out into a quieter stretch of coast once you move away from the river mouth. The beach feels relaxed and open, with dunes behind and wide sands ahead.
At low tide the beach expands significantly, making it ideal for wandering walks and relaxed exploring. It is less visited than neighbouring beaches, which gives it a calmer feel without being remote.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Parking: Roadside parking near the dunes
Terrain: Sand and low dunes
Facilities: Town facilities in Amble nearby
Best for: Easy coastal walks close to a town base
Alnmouth Beach
Alnmouth Beach sits at the meeting point of river and sea, creating a varied landscape of sand, dunes and estuary edges. The village itself has a traditional feel, but the beach quickly opens out into something much wilder.
Dogs that enjoy variety will love the changing terrain here, with plenty to explore along the waterline and through the dunes. Tide times matter more than on some beaches, particularly near the river mouth.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Parking: Village parking and small car parks
Terrain: Sand, dunes and estuary
Facilities: Toilets, cafés and shops in the village
Best for: Mixed terrain walks and slower exploration
Boulmer Beach
Boulmer Beach is smaller and more intimate than many others on this list, sitting beside a quiet fishing village. Rocky sections break up the sand, giving the beach a more enclosed and sheltered feel.
While space is more limited at high tide, the atmosphere makes up for it. Outside peak season it feels peaceful and local, with the sound of the sea and very little else.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Parking: Limited roadside parking in the village
Terrain: Sand and rock
Facilities: Small village pub nearby
Best for: Short walks and calm, sheltered coastal time
Beadnell Bay
Beadnell Bay is one of Northumberland’s most popular beaches, but its size means it rarely feels overcrowded. The bay curves gently, backed by dunes and wide open sands that stretch in both directions.
Seasonal restrictions apply to parts of the beach, but these are clearly signposted and leave plenty of space available for dog walkers. The scale of the bay makes it easy to find quieter stretches if you are willing to walk a little.
Restrictions: Seasonal restrictions on parts of the beach
Parking: Large car park near Beadnell village
Terrain: Wide sand and dunes
Facilities: Toilets and cafés in Beadnell
Best for: Big beach walks with plenty of room to spread out
Seahouses North Beach
Seahouses is best known for boat trips and harbour activity, but head north from the town and the coastline quickly becomes quieter. The beach opens out into a broad sandy stretch with rocky sections near the waterline.
This area suits walkers who want coastal views without committing to a long drive between beaches. It feels progressively wilder the further you go from the harbour.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round on northern stretches
Parking: Harbour and roadside parking
Terrain: Sand with rocky patches
Facilities: Full town facilities in Seahouses
Best for: Short coastal escapes with easy access
Bamburgh Beach
Bamburgh Beach is vast, open and visually striking, with sand stretching out beneath the castle that dominates the skyline. Even on busy days, the beach absorbs visitors easily, leaving plenty of room for dogs to roam.
The dunes add shelter in places, but overall this is an exposed beach that feels powerful in changing weather. It is one of the best places in the county for long, uninterrupted walks.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Parking: Large car parks near the village
Terrain: Expansive sand and dunes
Facilities: Toilets, cafés and shops in Bamburgh
Best for: Iconic scenery and long coastal walks
Cheswick Sands
Right at the northern edge of Northumberland, Cheswick Sands feels raw and open. The beach is long and flat, with dunes rolling inland and wide views across the coast.
Its location keeps visitor numbers low, and on clear days the sense of space is exceptional. Tides can move quickly here, so planning ahead is important if you want to cover distance.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Parking: Small roadside parking areas
Terrain: Sand and dunes
Facilities: None nearby
Best for: Wild, remote-feeling coastal walks
Map of dog friendly beaches in Northumberland
Use the map below to explore all of the beaches featured in this guide, click the pins to uncover more information and get directions to the nearest car park.
Waren Mill Beach sits just north of Bamburgh and offers the same wide sands with far fewer people. It feels quieter and more remote, with minimal development nearby.
This beach suits those looking for uninterrupted walking and a more stripped-back coastal experience.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Terrain: Sand and dunes
Facilities: None directly on the beach
Best for: Quiet, crowd-free walks
Bamburgh Beach is vast and dramatic, stretching beneath the iconic Bamburgh Castle. The open sands and rolling dunes create one of the most recognisable coastal landscapes in England.
Even during busy periods, the scale of the beach means there is plenty of space for walking. It feels powerful and exposed, particularly in changing weather.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Terrain: Expansive sand and dunes
Facilities: Toilets, cafés and shops in Bamburgh
Best for: Long walks and iconic scenery
North of Seahouses harbour, the coastline opens into a quieter stretch of beach with broad sand and rocky edges. The further you walk from the town, the more open and peaceful it becomes.
This beach works well for shorter outings or linking into longer coastal walks without needing to travel between locations.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round on northern stretches
Terrain: Sand with rocky sections
Facilities: Full town facilities in Seahouses
Best for: Easy-access coastal walks
Beadnell Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Northumberland, known for its wide sands and gentle curve along the coast. Despite its popularity, the beach is large enough to absorb visitors without feeling crowded.
Seasonal dog restrictions apply to certain sections, but these are clearly marked and leave ample space available. Walking further along the bay quickly leads to quieter stretches.
Restrictions: Seasonal restrictions on parts of the beach
Terrain: Wide sandy beach with dunes
Facilities: Toilets, cafés and parking in Beadnell
Best for: Spacious beach walks with clear access
Boulmer Beach is a smaller, quieter beach beside a traditional fishing village. It combines sand with rocky sections, creating a more sheltered and intimate feel than many of Northumberland’s larger beaches.
While space is more limited at high tide, the atmosphere remains calm and unspoilt. It is especially peaceful outside peak season and suits slower, relaxed walks.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Terrain: Sand and rock
Facilities: Village pub nearby
Best for: Calm coastal walks and sheltered spots
Alnmouth Beach lies at the mouth of the River Aln, combining open sand with dunes and estuary views. The surrounding coastline feels expansive, while the village itself provides a traditional coastal base.
The mix of terrain makes this a rewarding beach to explore slowly, especially for dogs that enjoy varied ground underfoot. Tide times are worth checking if walking near the river edge.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Terrain: Sand, dunes and estuary
Facilities: Toilets, cafés and shops in Alnmouth
Best for: Varied walks and scenic coastal exploring
Amble Links Beach sits just north of the harbour town of Amble and opens out into a broad, sandy stretch once you move away from the river mouth. It feels quieter than neighbouring beaches and has a relaxed, local atmosphere.
At low tide the beach expands significantly, offering plenty of space for walking and exploring. It is ideal if you want easy coastal access without heading too far from town facilities.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Terrain: Sand and low dunes
Facilities: Shops, cafés and toilets in Amble
Best for: Easy coastal walks close to a town
Druridge Bay is one of the longest beaches in Northumberland, stretching for miles along a flat, open coastline backed by dunes and freshwater lakes. Its scale means it rarely feels busy, even during summer, and there is always space to walk without interruption.
The beach suits long, steady walks with firm sand at low tide and wide open views in every direction. It feels wild and exposed, making it a favourite for dogs that need room to move and owners who prefer quiet landscapes.
Restrictions: Dog friendly year-round
Terrain: Wide sandy beach with dunes
Facilities: Toilets and cafés near main access points
Best for: Long distance walks and energetic dogs
You can also view the full Wildpack UK map to discover dog friendly beaches, walks and wild spaces across the country.
Tips for visiting Northumberland beaches with dogs
Northumberland’s coast rewards preparation, especially if you plan to cover distance.
- Tides: Some beaches shrink dramatically at high tide
- Wind: Conditions can change quickly on exposed sections
- Wildlife: Be aware of seals and nesting birds in spring and early summer
- Facilities: Many beaches are remote, bring water and supplies
What’s Nearby?
- Dog friendly walks in Northumberland – Explore coastal trails across Northumberland and explore a variety of walks.
- Dog friendly walks in Northumberland National Park – Head inland and take in the sights and trails of Northumberland National Park.
- Dog friendly beaches in Scotland – Head across the border into Scotland and find even more amazing beaches to explore.
Final thoughts
Northumberland’s beaches suit people who value movement over amenities and space over spectacle. If your idea of a good day out is walking until the horizon changes, this coastline delivers.
It is one of the best regions in England for dogs that love to roam.