Are you considering joining the English heritage and National Trust and visiting all of the dog-friendly historic castles in Northumberland or some of them? But what happens if they don’t actually accept pets? You want to save a journey, don’t you? So below, we have listed all the castles that accept pets so you can enjoy a fabulous day out with your dogs and kids.
Before we start, dogs aren’t permitted in the castles themselves but in the grounds and gardens of the Castle.
Top Pet Friendly Castles in Northumberland
Bamburgh Castle
One of the most famous castles not just in Northumberland but all of the UK, dogs are allowed inside the castle grounds, victorian stables and tack room cafe, although they must be on a lead at all times. There are beautiful staterooms, the magnificent king’s hall and a collection of the armoury used during the 12 century.
Due to its imposing location 150 feet above the Northumberland coast, you experience outstanding natural beauty, and the Castle has stood watch for over 1400 years. The Castle is also used in recent times in films like The Last Night & Transformers.
Tynemouth Priory & Castle
One of the smaller castles in the county but still popular among dog owners. Tynemouth castle is owned by the English heritage and has magnificent views across the North Sea. It may not be the Caribbean, but it still offers a dramatic coastline with two beaches where you can walk with your furry friends. It’s also perfectly positioned close to many of the dog friendly coastal cottages in Northumberland that are perfect for a seaside escape.
You’ll only need a couple of hours to explore the imposing Castle with its rich history, and you can read the gravestones. Once you learn about some of the histories in this area, you can head out to the North Pier Lighthouse, which dates back to 1854, or head into the beautiful coastal town of Tynemouth with your well behaved dogs and enjoy its shops, restaurants, and maybe even find yourself a dog friendly pub.
Warkworth Castle
Warkworth castle is deceptively big; from the outside, you would think it was perhaps ruins. But as you enter, you can see stunning rooms, fireplaces, and staircases. The Castle originates from the 12th century and has steep embankments and a moat. It’s a delightful place to visit with dogs and kids and has plenty to do in the local and surrounding area.
Once you’ve finished exploring the Castle inside, head to the very top and enjoy magnificent views of the Northumberland coast, although there are some steep steps for those struggling with mobility.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh Castle is only accessible by foot, stands against the backdrop of cliffs, and is usually foggy due to its remote location. If you want to head here for the day, you need to park at Cresta and then take the short 15 to 20-minute walk through the farmland, where you may see the calves that are put out for pasture.
It’s certainly not as large as some other castles in the county, but there are some significant bits to see, including the twin-towered keep, and you can stroll within the castle walls enjoying the fresh air with your four legged friends, admiring and imagining what it once was. You can also head down to the sandy beach and enjoy walking routes with your four legged friend.
Norham Castle
Norham Castle was once considered one of the most important strongholds in the region, as Scott’s regularly attacked it, and it provided a barrier along the River Tweed. Unfortunately, it fell on four occasions, one in 1513 but has been rebuilt multiple times since then.
You can still see the impressive Great Tower and many buildings built between the 12th and 16th centuries. From the Castle, you can enjoy a lovely stroll along the river tweed with your dog and head over the famous bridge that leads you into Scotland for more dog friendly attractions.
Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island
Lindisfarne Castle is located on Holy Island, and you can only get there once there is low tide, so it’s vitally important that you check the tide times before setting off on this trip. The Castle was recently renovated in 2019 but dates back to 1550.
The island is relatively small, measuring just three miles east to west and one and a half miles north to south, but this is still large enough to accommodate 200 full-time people all year round. At the Castle, you can enjoy the beautiful garden that is on offer, and you can also walk around the lovely sand dunes which surround it. It is a must-see if you’re visiting this part of the world, as are one of the article on dog-friendly boat trips in Northumberland, which can be booked for Seahouses and Berwick.
Aydon Castle
Aydon Castle may not live up to its full name, as it’s more like a manor house than a medieval castle, but it’s still well worth a visit, and you can quickly kill an hour or so exploring. Inside the perimeter are walls and boards which explain the area’s fascinating history, and it’s also located next to a farm.
You can head into the well-fortified main house in the beautiful setting, where there are original medieval fireplaces, or the walled orchard, which is an excellent spot for a picnic and family day out.
Prudhoe Castle
Dogs are welcome at Prudhoe Castle and it once had people living in it for over nine centuries, and it survived two sieges during the 1170s and was one of only two castles in the county to resist the Scotts. The Castle is located in a lot of greenery, and you may mistake it for a garden rather than a castle.
Inside are wooden castle bricks that the children can enjoy and play with, and you can enjoy a lovely walk in the great outdoors around the perimeter and admire the wildlife with your canine companion.
Castles Where Dogs Are Not Allowed
Alnwick Castle
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed in Alnwick Castle or its grounds apart from assistance dogs, which is quite unusual as most allow your four legged friend in the gardens. If you want to see Alnwick Castle from a distance, there is a lovely stroll along the River Aln which you can enjoy with your dog. This provides stunning views of the Castle in all its glory.
Last Word
Hopefully, you enjoyed our guide on what Castle’s welcome your pets. There is plenty to explore, and your dog can have just as much of a pleasant time sniffing around the grounds and gardens. From small manor houses to large imposing Castle’s with far-reaching views, Northumberland has plenty for history enthusiasts. You can also view our article on dog-friendly dining in Northumberland for great places to stop for a bite to eat with your pet.