Newcastle-upon-Tyne is a large city in the north east of England, sat near the mouth of the River Tyne. If you travel up England’s east coast, Newcastle is the last major urban area you will encounter before you reach the border with Scotland, about 70 miles to the north.
Newcastle’s expansion came as a result of its excellence in shipbuilding, industrial manufacturing and coal mining during the Industrial Revolution. However, today it is better known as a major hub for business, art, science, sport and culture. One of the UK’s most vibrant and metropolitan cities, you and your dog are bound to receive a warm welcome in the Toon.
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Dog Friendly Newcastle Must Sees
Tanfield Railway
This 3-mile long heritage railway for steam engines is said to be the oldest railway in the world, having originally been laid out for horse-drawn coal wagons in 1720. Located a few miles to the west of Gateshead, today it is operated purely as a tourist attraction between East Tanfield and the village of Sunniside. Your dog must remain on its lead at all times but it does travel for free.
Beamish Living Museum
Located near the town of Stanley in County Durham, 13 miles to the south of Newcastle city centre, Beamish was the world’s first example of an outdoor living museum. Beamish is set up to provide a snapshot of what life was like in the north east of England at the end of the Industrial Revolution in the early years of the 20th Century.
Over its 350 acre site you will find all sorts of era-appropriate buildings, artefacts and machines, all of which can be investigated and touched for a fully-immersive historical experience. Dogs enter for free but must be kept on a lead.
Hadrian’s Wall
Originally built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, to keep the marauding Scots out of England, today Hadrian’s Wall is a 73-mile long UNESCO World Heritage site. The borderline between England and Scotland has evolved a little since Hadrian’s time in the year 122 and today, the entirety of the wall is to be found within England.
If you enjoy your history, you can find plenty of remnants of the wall not far from the centre of Newcastle. Your dog may not appreciate their significance, but they will no doubt have fun in the surrounding countryside.
A day at Whitley Bay
One of the UK’s most famous seaside resorts, Whitley Bay is just 10 miles from Newcastle city centre. It remains a great place for an old-fashioned day out at the beach, with spectacular views across the dunes and the golden sandy beach, as well as some of the country’s most celebrated fish and chips. It’s a good idea to leave before the sun goes down, however, due to the risk of Draculas.
Nighttime in the Kielder Forest
The spectacular and desolate Kielder Forest is a part of the Northumberland National Park, about 50 miles to the north west of Newcastle city centre and not far from the Scottish border. While this may seem like a bit of a trek, the area’s natural beauty more than makes up for it.
This is never more pronounced than at night: Kielder is one of the most isolated places in England and the lack of any nearby sources of light pollution gives you perhaps the best view of the starry skies with the naked eye as you will find anywhere else in the UK.
The Best Dog Friendly Walks in Newcastle
The Town Moor
A huge 1,000 acre area of common land in the centre of Newcastle, Town Moor is larger than London’s Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath combined, as well as larger than Central Park in New York City. It is so big, in fact, that it is subdivided into a number of other parks – such as Exhibition Park, Duke’s Moor, Hunters Moor and Nun’s Moor – for convenience.
Your dog will have the time of their life exploring this vast space – although you need to be mindful that there may be livestock grazing in some places. It will also be great news for your Instagram, as it provides some excellent panoramic views across the city and surrounding area.
Saltwell Park
This 55 acre park is, as any true Geordie will no doubt tell you, in Gateshead rather than in Newcastle since it is to be found to the south of the river. Your dog will almost certainly not mind either way as they will be too busy sniffing their way around the grasslands, woods and boating lake.
Tynemouth Long Sands
Anyone visiting Newcastle with their dog and not exploiting its beaches when it comes time for walkies is severely missing out. Tynemouth Long Sands is a fine example: a mile-long stretch of pristine golden sandy beach on the North Sea coast, with additional rocks, dunes and cliffs, all less than 10 miles from the city centre.
Riverside Park
Located on the south side of the river and a few miles to the east of the city centre, Riverside Park in Hebburn was reclaimed from 75 acres of derelict land from the old shipbuilding trade in the 1970s. What was once a polluted wasteland is now a green oasis, with a variety of native wildlife as well as nature trails, a marina, wide open spaces and a riverside walk.
Littlehaven Beach
11 miles from Newcastle city centre in South Shields, the beach at Littlehaven – sandwiched in-between the Herd Groyne Lighthouse and South Shields Pier – is another golden sandy beach for your dog to yomp around.
If you are visiting out of season, between October and March, you and your four-legged friend will also be able to bomb along the even larger adjoining beach at Sandhaven.
The Rising Sun Country Park
Situated in Wallsend, about 4 miles to the east of Newcastle city centre, The Rising Sun Country Park and Countryside Centre is another huge green space in the middle of the city. With 400 acres of fields, woodland, lakes and nature reserves, you and your dog might quickly forget you are not in the wilderness.
Dog-friendly Cafés and Restaurants in Newcastle
Monsieur Crepe
7-9 Newton Place, NE7 7HD
You will no doubt be amazed to discover that Monsieur Crepe, located a mile east of Town Moor in the city’s Jesmond area, specialise in crepes. However, if that somehow isn’t your bag, they also boast a huge menu of hot and cold drinks, plus all-day brunch, sandwiches and even jacket potatoes.
Kiln
4 Hume Street, NE6 1LN
Located in Byker, not far from the banks of the River Tyne, Kiln are a combination cafe, bar, restaurant and pottery shop, all housed in an old industrial brick-making factory. If you’re looking for somewhere to get a delicious and hearty meal as well as buy the plate it came served on, this could be the very place for you.
Quay Ingredient
4 Queen Street, NE1 3UG
A small cafe found underneath the famous Tyne Bridge, Quay Ingredient are a classic cafe, specialising in coffee and loose leaf tea as well as a range of comfort food staples and a hearty breakfast menu.
The Canny Goat
8 Monk Street, NE1 5XD
A speciality coffee shop and roasters, The Canny Goat – found in Granger Town at the heart of the city centre – also offer a range of light bites and snacks, including vegan and gluten free options.
Ernest Cafe Bar
1 Boyd Street, NE2 1AP
Ernest can be found to the east of the city centre, near to City Stadium Park. This independent cafe serves brunch and lunch during the day, with beer, wine, cocktails and live entertainment on the menu for later in an open, casual and relaxed post-industrial space.
Lola Jeans
1-3 Market Street, NE1 6JE
An elaborately and ornately decorated premises in the heart of the city centre, with chandeliers and a parquet floor, Lola Jeans specialise in up-market burgers and street food in addition to award-winning cocktails. Your dog will think they’ve won the life lottery.
Dog Friendly Pubs in Newcastle
By The River Brew Co.
Hillgate Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2FD
An independent microbrewery and pub that operates from an old shipping container on the southern side of the Tyne Bridge, By The River is a favourite spot for people to pull up a seat and watch the Tyne go by. There is also a pop-up street food marketplace and even a bicycle repair shop on site.
City Tavern
10 Northumberland Road, NE1 8JF
One of the city’s most famous pubs, complete with a Tudor facade at the front, The City Tavern remains one of the most elaborately-decorated and attractive venues. There’s an extensive food menu for people and even a companion menu for dogs, as well as a drink selection that includes their own distilled gin. The latter is not recommended for your four-legged friend.
The Redhouse
32 Sandhill, NE1 3JF
A traditional-style pub, not far from Newcastle’s castle, The Redhouse combines exposed beams and wooden interior with a menu of real ale and homemade pies. Dogs are welcomed with an array of treat jars on the bar.
The Brandling Villa
Haddricks Mill Road, NE3 1QL
The snug and homely Brandling Villa, in the city’s South Gosforth area just to the east of The Town Moor, is so dog-friendly that it is said many local pooches prefer to go there than to their actual house. This state of affairs is unlikely to be changed any time soon, either, as the pub has recently launched their own doggy menu.
Accompanying humans will be happy to hear there is also plenty available for them, especially their selection of beers, whiskies and homemade pub grub.
The Bridge Tavern
7 Akenside Hill, NE1 3UF
Located right next to the Tyne Bridge, the relaxed Bridge Tavern has its own on-site microbrewery and sells its own creations to accompany hearty and seasonal pub grub classics made from local ingredients.
The Forth
Pink Lane, NE1 5DW
Situated not far from the central station, The Forth is one of Newcastle’s most dog-friendly pubs. A traditional English boozer with a snug and log fire, The Forth offer water and treats for all four-legged visitors and will even provide blankets for dogs to snuggle up with. If you’re there on a Sunday, your pooch may even be offered some burnt ends from the kitchen’s roast dinners.
Dog Friendly Shops in Newcastle
Flea Circus
210 Warwick Street, NE2 1BB
Situated just to the north of City Stadium Park, The Flea Circus is a dazzling bric-a-brac emporium, selling anything from furniture and homewares to comics and vinyl records, as well as handmade crafts from local artists and makers. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, you’re bound to have a fascinating time browsing around.
Scorchio
4 Grand Parade, North Shields, NE30 4JH
If you and your dog have spent a day hooning up and down the beach at Tynemouth, why not pay Scorchio a visit for a homemade ice cream and something to drink? There are also treats available for your furry friend.
Dog-friendly Newcastle: Where to Stay
If you’re looking to stay in a dog friendly hotel in Newcastle, here’s our recommendations:
Motel One
15-25 High Bridge, NE1 1EW
With an ideal location in the centre of the city, Motel One is a great place to base yourself for a holiday in Newcastle-upon-Town. Motel One allows dogs of any size for a small additional cost of £5 per dog per night.
Newcastle Malmaison
104 Quayside, NE1 3DX
Hotel Du Vin
Allan House, City Road, NE1 2BE
Both Newcastle Malmaison – a few hundred metres east of the Tyne Bridge – and Hotel Du Vin – a short walk along the river east of that – are owned and operated by the same hotel group. Both are 4-star hotels with a fantastic view of the river and a terrific city centre location, and both allow dogs to stay for £20 per night.
The Hilton, Gateshead
Bottle Bank, Gateshead, NE8 2AR
Located just to the south of the Tyne Bridge, the 4-star Gateshead Hilton is another hotel with an excellent location in the centre of the city. You may well need a set of scales for this one, though: the Hilton will allow dogs who weigh up to 75lbs (34kg) to stay with them, for a surcharge of £35 per night.
Travelodge
- Newcastle Central: Forster Street, NE1 2NH
- Newcastle Quayside: Riverview, NE1 3BE
We have a lot of time for Travelodge, who have a pet-friendly policy at many of their UK premises. These two city centre hotels have similarly excellent locations to all those listed above but you’re guaranteed to make a saving on your accommodation. Travelodge’s hotels in Gosforth, Whitemare Pool and at Newcastle Airport are also pet-friendly.
Private lets and cottages
Newcastle is surrounded by such spectacular countryside that checking out the availability of any private lets or holiday cottages around the outskirts of the city is a must!
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