Embleton Bay
Northumberland
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Embleton Bay dog friendly?
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.
Are dogs allowed at Embleton Bay year round?
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.
What should I know before visiting Embleton Bay with my dog?
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.
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What’s Nearby?
Walk0.8 mi awayEmbleton Bay
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Wide-open, big-sky sand beneath distant views of Dunstanburgh Castle - quieter than the headliner beaches with room to breathe.
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The largest castle in Northumberland, reachable only on foot, with a mile and a half of flat coast path from Craster to get there with your dog.
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A beautiful, sheltered sandy cove in a tiny National Trust fishing village on the Northumberland coast with year-round dog access, stunning views of Dunstanburgh Castle and the iconic seasonal Ship Inn.
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A small, dog friendly harbour beach in the famous kippers village of Craster, with year-round access and the starting point for the outstanding coastal walk to Dunstanburgh Castle and Embleton Bay.
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One of Northumberland's most iconic coastal walks, linking the fishing village of Craster with the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.
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A sheltered estate walk through woodland paths and wide tracks, with a calmer feel than open beaches and strong year-round options.