Brunton’s Guide to the Best Beaches

Wide stretches of sand, dramatic castles and miles of open coastline make Northumberland a wonderful destination for a holiday with your dog.

Many of the beaches near Brunton House and Cottages welcome dogs throughout the year. However, parts of the coast are also important habitats for nesting birds, so temporary fenced areas and lead requirements may apply.

Brunton House and Cottages sits between Alnwick and Bamburgh, just a few miles from some of the finest dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland. Here are some of our favourites, together with practical information to help you plan your visit.

Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Brunton at a Glance

Restrictions and protected areas can change during the nesting season. Always follow the signs displayed at the beach and keep your dog under close control.

Explore the Northumberland Coast Without the Car

One of the best ways to experience the beaches near Brunton is to combine them into a longer coastal walk. The King Charles III England Coast Path connects many of the villages, beaches and castles along this remarkable stretch of Northumberland.

Guests can walk from Brunton to Embleton village and use the X18 coastal bus service to reach Craster. Services and timetables can change, so check the latest information before travelling.

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle

Starting in the fishing village of Craster, follow the coastal path north towards the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

The route crosses open coastal farmland, so dogs should be kept on a short lead around livestock and ground-nesting birds.

Dunstanburgh Castle to Embleton Bay

Continue beyond the castle towards the wide sands of Embleton Bay. This is one of the most impressive stretches of the Northumberland coast, with the castle behind you and a broad sweep of beach leading towards Low Newton.

Dogs can visit Embleton Bay throughout the year, although temporary fenced areas may protect nesting birds. Follow all signs and keep dogs well away from birds resting or feeding at the water’s edge.

Low Newton and the Long Nanny

At Low Newton, you can stop near the beach before continuing north towards Beadnell Bay. The Newton Pool coastal walk also provides a shorter dog-friendly route and access to the wildlife hide.

Further north, the Long Nanny burn marks an important breeding site for Arctic and little terns. During the nesting season, part of the beach is fenced. Dogs are not permitted inside the protected area and must be kept on a short lead when following the diversion around it.

Continue to Beadnell Bay

The route finishes at Beadnell Bay, known for its sandy beach, dunes and historic harbour. From Beadnell, the X18 service can be used to return towards Embleton.

This is a substantial day out rather than a short dog walk. Check the weather, tides, bus times and current wildlife restrictions before setting off, and carry enough water for both you and your dog.

1. Linkhouse and Beadnell Bay

Only around three miles from Brunton, Beadnell Bay offers a broad sweep of sand backed by dunes. The southern end can be reached from Newton Links House and is often quieter than the principal access points in Beadnell.

Dogs can visit Beadnell Bay throughout the year, but owners need to take particular care during the bird-breeding season. The Long Nanny burn, in the middle of the bay between Beadnell and High Newton, is an internationally important nesting site for Arctic and little terns.

Part of the beach is fenced during the peak nesting period. Dogs are not allowed inside the protected area and must be kept on a short lead when walking around it. Follow the diversion and instructions displayed by the National Trust rangers.

Dog-friendly period: Year-round, subject to restrictions around the protected Long Nanny nesting site.

Nearby amenities: Parking is available near Newton Links House, while Beadnell village has public facilities and places to stop for food and drink. Dog policies for individual cafés and pubs should be checked before visiting.

2. Low Newton and Embleton Bay

Low Newton provides access to the northern end of Embleton Bay, with a magnificent stretch of sand leading south towards Dunstanburgh Castle.

You can keep the outing short with a walk around Newton Haven or continue along the bay for a much longer coastal walk. Dogs are welcome throughout the year, although temporary protected areas may appear during the nesting season.

Keep dogs away from fenced sections, give resting and feeding birds plenty of space and use a lead wherever signs request it. Livestock may also graze in the dunes and adjoining fields.

The village is home to The Ship Inn, located beside the beach among the whitewashed cottages. Dog policies and opening arrangements can change, so check directly before planning your visit.

Dog-friendly period: Year-round, with seasonal wildlife precautions and locally signed restrictions.

Nearby amenities: Parking and toilets are available at Low Newton, with refreshments in the village. This is one of the more convenient choices if you want to combine a beach walk with a stop afterwards.

The route can also be incorporated into a longer walk towards Dunstanburgh Castle. See our guide to dog walks near and around Alnwick for more coastal and countryside ideas.

3. Dunstan Steads and Embleton Bay

Approaching Embleton Bay from Dunstan Steads gives you one of the finest views on the Northumberland coast. Dunstanburgh Castle stands above the southern end of the beach, creating an unforgettable backdrop for a walk.

The beach is spacious and dog-friendly throughout the year. However, this remains a sensitive coastal landscape, so dogs should be kept under control around nesting birds, livestock and the dunes.

At lower tides, there is plenty of firm sand for walking. Check the tide before setting out if you intend to continue towards the castle, as rocks and narrower areas can be affected by incoming water.

Dog-friendly period: Year-round, while observing temporary wildlife signs.

Nearby amenities: Parking is available near Dunstan Steads. Facilities directly beside the beach are limited, so take water, dog-waste bags and anything else you may need.

4. Sugar Sands

Tucked away between Boulmer and Howick, Sugar Sands is one of the quieter beaches in the area. Its secluded location makes it a good choice for dogs that prefer space away from busy villages and popular visitor attractions.

Access involves a walk from the parking area, so this beach feels more remote than Bamburgh or Alnmouth. The sheltered bay combines pale sand, rocks and pools exposed by the falling tide.

Dog-friendly period: Dogs are generally welcome year-round. Always follow any notices displayed locally.

Nearby amenities: There are no facilities on the beach. Bring drinking water, a bowl, dog-waste bags and a towel, and check the tide before travelling.

5. Bamburgh Beach

Few beach walks can match the sight of Bamburgh Castle rising above the dunes. Bamburgh Beach provides a huge expanse of sand, particularly around low tide, and is one of the most recognisable places on the Northumberland coast.

Dogs are welcome on Bamburgh Beach throughout the year. During busy periods, it is sensible to keep dogs close around the main access points before finding a quieter part of the beach.

Take care around rock pools and beneath the castle as the tide comes in. Dogs should also be kept away from nesting birds and under control within the dunes.

Dog-friendly period: Year-round.

Nearby amenities: Bamburgh has car parks, public toilets, shops, cafés and places to eat. Some businesses welcome dogs, but individual policies can change, so check before visiting.

6. Alnmouth Beach

Alnmouth combines a broad sandy beach with dunes, village views and the River Aln estuary. Dogs are welcome throughout the year, making it a reliable option during both summer holidays and quieter winter breaks.

The beach is long enough for an energetic walk, while the adjoining village makes it easy to stop for refreshments. Extra care is needed near the estuary because the water can have strong and unpredictable currents. Dogs should not be allowed to swim in the river mouth.

Dog-friendly period: Year-round.

Nearby amenities: Parking is available close to the beach, with cafés, pubs and shops in Alnmouth. Carry water for your dog even when visiting a beach with village facilities.

7. Ross Back Sands

Ross Back Sands is a remote and beautiful stretch of coast between Bamburgh and Holy Island. Reaching the beach involves a walk from the parking area, but visitors are rewarded with open sand, dunes and very few crowds.

It is also a sensitive wildlife location and should not be treated as a year-round unrestricted dog beach. Seasonal exclusions may apply during the bird-breeding period, while dogs may need to remain on a lead or at heel at other times.

Because the access rules are more restrictive than at Bamburgh, Alnmouth or Embleton Bay, check the current signs and local guidance before setting out. If you are visiting during the nesting season, one of the other beaches in this guide may be a more straightforward choice.

Dog-friendly period: Outside the locally defined seasonal exclusion period, with dogs kept under close control. Check current signs before visiting.

Nearby amenities: There are no facilities on the beach and access involves a walk. Take water, food, bags and a towel with you.

Preparing for a Northumberland Beach Walk with Your Dog

Even beaches without a seasonal dog ban form part of a working and protected coastal landscape. A little preparation will help keep your dog, wildlife and other visitors safe.

• Check the tide before starting a long beach walk.
• Carry fresh water and do not let your dog drink seawater.
• Keep dogs away from fenced nesting areas and groups of birds.
• Use a lead around livestock and whenever local signs request it.
• Keep dogs close around car parks, harbours and busy access points.
• Be cautious around estuaries, rocks, strong currents and incoming tides.
• Bring dog-waste bags and remove all waste from beaches, paths and dunes.
• Pack a towel and rinse salt and sand from your dog after the walk.
• Check your dog’s paws for small stones, shells or cuts before leaving.

The National Trust provides regularly updated advice about visiting the Northumberland coast with your dog.

Cleaning Up After the Beach

Sand, salt water and muddy coastal paths are all part of a good day out, but they do not need to follow you indoors.

Hosepipes are available outside the cottages at Brunton, making it easy to rinse sandy paws and muddy legs after returning from the beach. Bringing a dedicated dog towel and keeping it near the entrance will help you dry your dog before settling back into the cottage.

Please remember that dogs must not be left unattended in the properties or gardens. Full information about the cottages that accept dogs, enclosed outside spaces and staying on our working farm is available on our Dogs at Brunton page.

More Coastal Adventures Near Brunton

Beyond Beadnell, Bamburgh Beach provides miles of sand beneath the castle and welcomes dogs throughout the year.

Budle Bay and Ross Back Sands offer a wilder and more secluded experience, although they are sensitive wildlife locations. Seasonal dog restrictions may apply at Ross Back Sands, so check the current signs and local guidance before visiting.

Heading south, quieter coastal locations include Sugar Sands and Rumbling Kern near Howick. These more remote beaches have limited facilities, so take water, dog-waste bags and a towel with you.

For more ideas, explore our guides to dog walks near Alnwick and dog-friendly places near Brunton.

Stay Near Northumberland’s Dog-Friendly Beaches

Brunton House and Cottages provides a peaceful countryside base between Alnwick and Bamburgh, only a few miles from Beadnell Bay, Embleton Bay and the Northumberland coast.

Selected properties welcome one or two well-behaved dogs, and several have enclosed gardens or patios. Guests can enjoy walks around the estate before returning to the comfort of their cottage after a day on the coast.

Explore our dog-friendly cottages near Alnwick or check prices and availability for your next Northumberland break.