Does anyone know this area? We have booked a doggy-friendly cottage for a week in August. From what we can see there are lots of nice walks around of varying lengths (my elderly but still active parents will be staying with us). Just wondering what sights are worth seeing and what to give a miss, and also if you know of any good, dog-friendly pubs that do food?

Hi, I live just south of Rothbury, in Morpeth. You should definately see Cragside, Alnwick Castle and Garden and Keilder. Bamburgh Castle isn't too far away either.

Have fun, it's nothing short of fantastic here.

Dawn R.

Rothbury is nice, you'll like it. Nursey has hit the big sights adn I would take in both Cragside and Alnwick. Cragside is great but check to see if the restoration work is finished. The grounds are lovely there and there are some nice walks around the house. There's also Wallington Hall and Lindisfarne castle (you can go drink some famous mead) If you like history you could go out the Tyne valley and see Housesteads and have a wander around Hexham or Corbridge. Alnmouth or Druridge Bay is good for taking the dogs to the beach. There's a list of things to do with some links here.

I don't know about the pubs but you will find once you're out of the city, quite a few in northumberland let your dog in.

I love Northumberland and used to go on holiday there often when I lived in York (now in the Cotswolds so it's a bit further, sadly).  There is a lovely beach at Embleton, much quieter than Alnmouth. If you walk one way you get to Bamburgh castle.  The other way, there is a nice pub at Low Newton (good for crab sandwiches at lunchtime).  Embleton itself has a nice hotel / pub / restaurant called the Sportsman which has huge windows overlooking the sea and serves very nice food.  Northumberland is by far the most dog-friendly county I have been to in England - I have never had problems taking mine onto a beach or into a pub.   Agree that other musts are Cragside and Keilder.  You can also take a boat out the farne islands from Seahouses (though it won't be bird breeding season when you go, but you will still see seals, I think).  Dogs are allowed on the boat, but you will have to take it in turns to look round the island as they are only allowed as far as the landing area.  Seahouses in general is a bit tacky but it has a great fishmongers called Swallowfish.

Thanks so far-- I'm feeling excited now. Gone off holidays abroad for the time being-there's so much of Britain I haven't seen yet. We're actually staying near Caistron lake and nature reserve but have transport so can get further afield. Looks as if there's loads to keep us busy for a week. Fingers crossed for some dry weather!