Longhoughton Steel
Northumberland
Longhoughton Steel is a rocky, wild coastal stretch on the Northumberland Heritage Coast south of Howick, where the steel (a local word for a rocky shoreline) gives the coast a distinctly rugged and natural character. This is not a conventional sandy beach but a combination of rock shelves, shingle and the wild open Northumberland coast, making it a destination for those who enjoy exploring rather than sunbathing. The coastal path runs along the top of the low cliffs, and the beach is accessible via paths from the village. The wider Northumberland Heritage Coast here is exceptionally quiet and rarely visited.
Dogs are welcome year-round at Longhoughton Steel. The rocky terrain suits adventurous dogs who enjoy scrambling and investigating rock pools, though it is not ideal for off-lead running due to the uneven and sometimes steep rock surfaces. The coastal path provides an excellent alternative for a linear walk in either direction.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Beach Type
- Rock, Shingle
- Tide Notes
- Rocky shoreline with rock pools exposed at low tide. Rocks can be very slippery. Some sections only accessible at low water.
- Facilities
- None at beach. Village of Longhoughton has very limited amenities. Alnmouth to the south has more options
- Parking
- Village parking in Longhoughton. Access via footpath to the coast
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Longhoughton Steel dog friendly?
Longhoughton Steel is a good choice for dogs who love to explore, earning a 7/10 dog-friendly rating. The rocky terrain is ideal for adventurous types who enjoy scrambling and investigating rock pools, and the coastal path along the low cliffs makes for a great linear walk in either direction. It's worth knowing this isn't a conventional sandy beach, so it's better suited to exploring than open running.
Are dogs allowed at Longhoughton Steel year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Longhoughton Steel throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. This makes it a reliable option whatever time you're planning a visit to the Northumberland Heritage Coast.
What should I know before visiting Longhoughton Steel with my dog?
The beach is made up of rock shelves and shingle rather than sand, so it's not ideal for off-lead running — the uneven and sometimes steep surfaces mean you'll want to keep a close eye on your dog. There are no facilities at the beach itself, and the nearby village of Longhoughton has very limited amenities, so it's worth coming prepared. Parking is available in the village, with access to the coast via footpath, and Alnmouth to the south is your best bet for more options nearby.
What’s Nearby?
Beach1 mi awayBoulmer Beach
Northumberland
A quiet rockpool beach at the fishing village of Boulmer with year-round access and a very local, undiscovered feel.
Beach1.8 mi awayHowick Beach
Northumberland
A beautiful, sheltered sandy beach on the Northumberland Heritage Coast near Howick Hall, with year-round dog access, very few visitors and excellent coastal walking north to Craster.
Beach2.5 mi awayAlnmouth Beach
Northumberland
A wide sandy estuary beach at the mouth of the Aln with dunes and year-round access, one of Northumberland's most underrated spots.
Beach3.1 mi awayCraster Beach
Northumberland
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.
Beach4.7 mi awayEmbleton Bay
Northumberland
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.
Beach5.6 mi awayWarkworth Beach
Northumberland
A wide golden sandy beach at the mouth of the River Coquet near the stunning medieval village of Warkworth, with year-round dog access, no restrictions and excellent off-lead space.
