As you might know my little Arthur is a pug, and that means that although it’s important for him to exercise, he can’t do huge hikes. For us we like to find dog walks that balance fresh air and exercise without overdoing it, which suits me fine especially if they have a cafe or a pub nearby. I’ve curated our favorite easy North East dog walks, with details of nearby parking, all have fairly flat terrain, and a café or pub where you can grab something to eat or drink afterwards.

Whether you’re local or planning a day out, these easy North East dog walks are perfect for smaller breeds, senior dogs, or anyone looking for shorter adventures.

North Tyneside Coast

Right on my doorstep are genuinely some of the best walks, as it’s so close to the beach. The North Tyneside coast has plenty of them, and lots of towns filled with cafes and pubs. Of course you could do the full length of the coastline if your dog can walk that far. or you can just do parts of it. Here’s some specific suggestions. 

St Mary’s Island and Lighthouse

One of the most iconic sights along the coast is St Mary’s Lighthouse and Island. Turn off The Links road towards St Mary’s and there are two car parks depending how far you want to walk. The path is flat and easy to navigate. You can park at the St Mary’s Island car park (NE26 4RS), and as long as it’s low tide, you can cross the causeway to the island, or go rockpooling either side of the causeway. 

Note the rocky part of island is home to a lot of seals and there are volunteers who protect them. Stay away from them, don’t let your dog off the lead and drones are actually illegal here. 

Pubs/Cafes Nearby: there is often an ice cream van in the car park, otherwise you could drive to the Delaval Arms or the Beehive, both great pubs for a drink afterwards. 

Whitley Bay Promenade

The Whitley Bay promenade is great for a safe dog walk and you can do the full thing or just parts of it. It’s flat, there’s plenty of space and gives a picturesque seafront walk with plenty of benches, dog bins, and the option to go down onto the beach if you want. You could park at the Links, Rendevous Cafe (NE26 1QB) or Spanish City (NE26 1BG) car parks. 

Pubs/Cafes Nearby: There are a lot of options including The Links Cafe, Rendezvous Cafe, Fisherman’s Bay Chippy, the Beach House Cafe, and Spanish City which has Trenchers chippy and a micro pub. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the dome though. 

Cullercoats Bay

Cullercoats bay is perfect for a short wander and is dog friendly over the winter months. There’s street parking in Cullercoats itself and the metro isn’t far either. You could walk on the beach, along the two piers, or from here in either direction to Whitley Bay or Tynemouth to extend your walk. 

Pubs/Cafes Nearby: Treat yourself to coffee and cake at Cullercoats Coffee, The Boatyard do great breakfasts and there’s plenty along the front of Cullercoats too – Queens Head, The Salthouse, High Tide, Bill’s chippy.

Tynemouth Longsands 

In my opinion the nicest sandy beach in North Tyneside, flat and perfect for dogs who love running about or going in the sea. During the summer, dogs are only allowed on the North end but in winter they can go on the full beach. Park at either end on the ramps (NE30 4JA or NE30 4HH).

Pubs/Cafes Nearby: Closest to the beach actually on the ramps are The View and Crusoe’s, but there are so many along the top – Tynemouth Castle Inn, Durano’s, Surf Cafe, and in Tynemouth itself – Priory Press, Allards, The Cove, Regular Joes and lots of fish and chips. 

From North Shields Fish Quay to Tynemouth

You could either park at the Fish Quay and walk along it and on the beach there, or you could park there and walk right along the riverside up to Tynemouth. Park at the North Shields Fish Quay (NE29 6JF) free car park and head towards the Collingwood Monument you can see. The path is flat and follows the water, until the very last bit where you go up a hill towards the Priory. 

Pubs/Cafes nearby: There’s plenty on the fish quay including fish and chips, The Ships Cat, The Low Lights Dodgins Yard, Lobo Rojo and Allards. 

Read my full guide on dog friendly places to eat at the coast here.

Easy North East River Walks

Ouseburn Walk

This Ouseburn riverside walk is perfect for a relaxed dog walk from under the bridges down to the Quayside, so it could be extended if you like. Start under the bridge at Stepney Bank, close to the Ship Inn where you can park (NE1 2NP), and head down past Ouseburn Farm to the river walk. Once at the bottom where it meets the Tyne you could continue along the Quayside or turn back the way you came but come back via Lime Street – there are some lovely shops and street art along here.

Pubs/Cafes Nearby: There are loads along here. Stop at Ernest, Kiln, Northern Rye bakery, Di Meo’s, the Tyne Bar along the river. On the way back you could go to Dreamworld Cakes for treats or Gingerinos for pizza. Read my full guide to a day out in Ouseburn here.

Durham River Walk

The riverside path in Durham offers beautiful views of the Cathedral and Castle, I always really enjoy it on weekends it’s very peaceful and often the rowers are training on the river too. Park at Prince Bishops Shopping Centre (DH1 3UJ). You can join the river walk here and go the full way round the bend but I prefer going through the town as it’s so pretty and has a market on Saturday’s. 

Head past the cathedral and join at prebends bridge. Some of the best views of the cathedral are from here. Walk along until you get to Framwelgate Bridge and head back to the town there.

Dog Friendly Pubs & Cafes: There are many but my preference is the Flat White Cafe for coffee and cake. Not to be confused with Flat White Kitchen round the corner and will likely have a queue outside – that one isn’t dog friendly.

Warkworth

Take a scenic walk along the River Coquet, with views of Warkworth Castle (more on this later). You can park either right outside the Mason’s Arms in the little car park there (NE65 0UR), or drive through it past the church on your right and along to the riverside itself where there is more parking. You can walk along as far as you like, even choosing to go up past the castle and back round if you want a longer walk. This can get muddy though!

Dog-friendly Pubs & Cafes: Stop at Bertram’s which is very dog friendly and has delicious food, or grab a drink at The Masons Arms.

Corbridge

Corbridge is built up on the River Tyne, and is another great one for a picturesque walk along the river. Stroll along the river from the free car park just over the bridge (NE45 5AX), there are plenty of points to dip in if your dog likes that kind of thing! Head back and across the bridge into Corbridge itself for a wander round the town too.

Dog friendly pubs & cafes: Visit The Angel of Corbridge for great food and drinks, the Pele Tower is also a good spot that is a bit different.

Easy North East dog walks: Castles, Forts & Ruins

All of these spots make the most of the region’s landmarks, National Trust or English Heritage sites, so are great because they come with plenty of facilities including cafes, picnic areas, and often guides on the website for how to visit with dogs including any useful information or restrictions.

Belsay Castle

A full restoration project of Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens completed the summer of 2024, and there’s all sorts to see and do at this English Heritage site in Northumberland. You arrive at the coach house, if you aren’t an English Heritage member it’s £12 per adult to get in and prices vary for families, kids etc.

Within the grounds there’s Belsay Hall, 30 acres of Grade I gardens including the landscaped walled garden by the hall, and through the woodland trail and the Quarry Garden which is honestly like Jurassic Park. All of these areas are dog friendly, including the castle itself when you get to it. Free parking at NE20 0DX

Dog Friendly Cafes: Within the grounds there are two cafes, one by the hall and a new one by the castle. I’m unsure if they are allowed inside but they are outside and you could get a takeaway for your walk.

Warkworth Castle

A walk around Warkworth Castle is a lovely afternoon out especially in the spring when the hill it stands on is covered in daffodils. It’s an English Heritage site so you do have to pay to go inside, adult prices are £8.50 if you aren’t a member. Use postcode NE65 0UJ to get there.

Dog Friendly Cafes & Pubs nearby: The Sun pub is right opposite the entrance to the castle, or head down into the village for Bertram’s or the Mason’s Arms.

Tynemouth Priory

Another English Heritage site, the ruins of the old monastery are right at the end of Tynemouth Front Street. On a nice day it’s great to wander round with the dogs as there is a lot of grassy space, and picnic benches. Parking is available at Tynemouth Front Street NE30 4BZ. They also hold a food festival here in summer where dogs are welcome too.

Dog-friendly cafes and pubs nearby: All the places on Tynemouth Front Street are at your disposal, and all are dog friendly.

Raby Castle & Deer Park

Although dogs aren’t allowed in the castle itself, they are allowed in the grounds and Deer Park on a lead. It’s a big space so you can walk as long as you like, and enjoy the views of the castle and the gardens. Parking is at Raby Castle car park (DL2 3AH). Adult tickets to visit are £11.

Dog-friendly cafes and pubs: The new restaurant isn’t dog friendly but there are refreshment trucks throughout the grounds you can get takeaway drinks from. 

Easy North East dog walks along the Northumberland Coast

The Northumberland Coast is pretty amazing for easy North East dog walks, with miles of the coastal path to enjoy sections of, many parks and nature reserves close by, and the best bit is that most of the beaches are dog friendly year round as they are much bigger, and aren’t as busy as the North Tyneside beaches.

Bamburgh Beach

Perhaps one of the best ones is Bamburgh beach, not least because of the view of Bamburgh Castle the whole way along. It’s a vast beach with beautiful sand and views, ideal for dog walks. Park in the centre of Bamburgh and walk through the dunes. (NE69 7DF).

Dog-friendly cafes and pubs nearby: Visit The Potted Lobster or The Lord Crewe Arms if you’re looking for a proper meal, they both have dog friendly areas but booking is definitely recommended. The Middle Inn has a brilliant beer garden, and there are a number of cafes along the main street too.

Holy Island

Explore Holy Island’s flat walking trails, but check the tides! Park at Holy Island car park (TD15 2SE) once you’ve crossed the causeway, as you can’t park directly in the village. Walk in and explore the area including Lindisfarne Castle. Just keep an eye on tide times you don’t want to get stuck.

Dog-friendly cafes and pubs: There are a couple of pubs but stop by Pilgrim’s Coffee House for refreshments, they’re really good!

Beadnell Bay

Another brilliant beach for dogs for the same reasons as Bamburgh. You can park right next to it at NE67 5EE and walk directly onto the sand. People tend to stay towards one end in summer where there are watersports, it gets quieter the further along the beach you go.

Dog friendly cafes and pubs nearby: The Landing at Beadnell Bay is right opposite the car park and is a great one for coffee and lunch. Beadnell Towers in the village if you want a proper meal, or Craster Arms has an excellent beer garden.

Also take a look at my blog post on the walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle, another flat relatively easy one to one of the most distinctive looking castles on the Northumberland coast. 

Nature Walks

There are plenty of fairly short nature walks in parks and other locations that are great for small dogs and are the most East North East dog walks you can find.

Jesmond Dene

This woodland walk right in Newcastle is beautiful, with pretty bridges, a picnic field, and the waterfall and watermill at the top. Park at Jesmond Dene Road car park (NE2 2EY) to start your walk through. 

Dog-friendly refreshment: Visit Pet’s Corner Café for a drink and snack, or I prefer to go into Jesmond after a walk where Burds Cafe and Local NCL are both dog friendly. 

Bolam Lake

A scenic lakeside walk with flat paths perfect for shorter dog walks as the whole way around is only about 1 mile long. There are three car parks to choose from, but the one with the cafe and toilets is Boathouse Wood Car Park. It’s free for an hour then you pay after that.  

Northumberland Park

A hidden gem between Tynemouth and North Shields with landscaped gardens and flat paths – as well as some hills in certain parts such as up to the bandstand. You could park in Tynemouth or at the fish quay and walk along to the park from there. 

Dog-friendly refreshment: There is a cafe in the middle of the park by the small lake, but dogs need to be outside. Otherwise you could go to any of the venues in Tynemouth or the fish quay that are dog friendly. 

Best for Last: Newcastle Quayside

The iconic Newcastle Quayside is a fantastic spot for a leisurely riverside walk with your dog. Parking is available at Quayside Car Park (NE1 3DE) or up at Ouseburn as mentioned previously. You can walk as little or as far of the Quayside as you like, I particularly enjoy it on a Sunday when the market is on as it’s perfect for getting food.

Dog friendly pubs and cafes nearby: End your walk at The Tyne Bar, Pitcher & Piano, or the Broad Chare.

These are just a handful of our favourite easy North East dog walks that Arthur and I love exploring together, that are also ideal for smaller dogs. Each route is easy, scenic, and always ends with a rewarding treat. If Arthur can do them you can!