Embleton Bay
Beach

Embleton Bay

Northumberland

Dog Friendly Rating: 10/10 One of Northumberland's finest beaches: a sweeping arc of golden sand directly below Dunstanburgh Castle ruins, with year-round dog access, outstanding AONB scenery and very few restrictions.

Embleton Bay is one of Northumberland's most photographed and celebrated beaches: a sweeping arc of golden sand looking directly up at the dramatic silhouette of Dunstanburgh Castle ruins on the headland to the south. The bay is wide, backed by sand dunes and the links golf course, and is largely empty even in summer by the standards of more southerly English beaches. The beach connects north to Newton-by-the-Sea and south to the castle and Craster via a coastal walk that is among the finest short walks in the north of England. The surrounding landscape is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Dogs are welcome at Embleton Bay year-round with no seasonal restrictions, making it one of Northumberland's most popular dog friendly beach destinations. The National Trust manages the access area and signage indicates where dogs should be on leads near sensitive dune and bird habitat. A seasonal fence may apply near the Newton Links end during bird breeding season. The main beach is consistently open and the long open sands are perfect for off-lead running. Parking is at the Craster Quarry car park (NE66 3TS) for the southern approach, or at Low Newton (NE66 3EH) for the northern approach.

At a Glance

Dog Access Year Round No beach restrictions. Seasonal fence may apply near Newton Links end during bird breeding season. Dogs should be on leads near dune habitats where signed by the National Trust.
Beach Type Sand, Dunes
Tide Notes Wide sandy bay at all states of tide. Low tide exposes a vast expanse of sand. The walk south to Craster is best at low water.
Facilities No beach facilities. Pub and cafe in Craster (south). The Ship Inn at Newton-by-the-Sea (north, seasonal). Dunstanburgh Castle accessible on foot from the beach
Parking Craster Quarry car park (NE66 3TS) for south approach. Low Newton car park (NE66 3EH) for north approach. Both pay-and-display

Frequently Asked Questions

Embleton Bay is about as dog friendly as beaches get, earning a perfect 10/10 rating in our directory. The long, open sands are ideal for off-lead running, and with no seasonal bans, your dog is welcome here whenever you visit. It's consistently one of Northumberland's most popular destinations for dog owners.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Embleton Bay throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions on the main beach. This makes it a brilliant option when many other beaches along the English coast are introducing summer dog bans. Do be aware that a seasonal fence may be in place near the Newton Links end during bird breeding season, so keep an eye out for National Trust signage in that area.

The National Trust manages access to the beach, and signage indicates where dogs should be kept on leads near sensitive dune and bird habitat — it's worth following these carefully to protect the AONB landscape. There are no facilities on the beach itself, but you'll find a pub and cafe in Craster if you're approaching from the south, and the seasonal Ship Inn at Newton-by-the-Sea to the north. Parking is pay-and-display, with Craster Quarry car park (NE66 3TS) serving the southern end and Low Newton car park (NE66 3EH) for the northern approach.

Location

Embleton

55.4966, -1.6357

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