Dog-Friendly Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay is a brilliant place to have a dog. Miles of sandy beach, open grassland at The Links, and a growing number of pubs and cafes that genuinely welcome four-legged visitors. The one thing you need to understand is the seasonal beach restrictions, which catch out newcomers every summer. Here is the complete guide.

Beach Dog Rules

The most important thing to know is that North Tyneside Council enforces a seasonal dog exclusion zone on part of Whitley Bay beach.

From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are banned from the southern section of the beach (roughly from Spanish City southwards towards Cullercoats). This is the busiest stretch of sand and the restriction is designed to keep the main bathing beach clean and safe during the summer months.

The northern section of the beach, north of Panama Gardens, is open to dogs all year round. This is the stretch that runs towards St Mary's Lighthouse, and it is a fantastic dog walking beach -- wide, sandy, and usually quieter than the southern end.

From 1 October to 30 April, the entire beach is open to dogs.

Best for: During summer (May to September), head north of Panama Gardens for beach access with your dog. The rest of the year, the whole beach is yours.

Dogs must be kept under control at all times on the beach and promenade. While there is no blanket lead requirement on the sand itself, dogs must be on leads on the paved promenade areas. Always clean up after your dog -- bins are provided along the seafront.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

The Beehive

The Beehive on Whitley Road is one of the most dog-friendly pubs you will find anywhere. This old coaching inn has dedicated dog-friendly rooms, a big beer garden, hooks to hang leads, blankets for your dog, and even a doggy menu. The staff make a genuine fuss of visiting dogs, making it the natural post-walk pint destination.

The Dog and Rabbit

The Dog and Rabbit on Park View is a micropub that lives up to its name -- dogs are welcome inside. The small, friendly atmosphere and rotating selection of cask ales make it a pleasant stop on any dog walk through the town centre.

The Library

The Library on Park View is a cosy bar with a log fire in winter and a small beer garden in summer. Dogs are welcome inside, and the eclectic, book-lined interior gives it a character all of its own. Local craft beers, wines and cocktails are the draw here.

Dog-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants

Rendezvous Cafe

The Rendezvous Cafe on the promenade is dog-friendly, with plenty of space inside and tables where dogs can settle comfortably while you enjoy a coffee or a bacon sandwich. Its position right on the seafront makes it a natural stopping point on any coastal walk.

Kith and Kin

Kith and Kin on Park View welcomes dogs both inside the cafe and on the small terrace. Given that it serves some of the best brunch in Whitley Bay, this is a strong option for a late-morning walk-and-eat with your dog.

Hinnies

Hinnies on the seafront is a bistro-style restaurant that now welcomes dogs. The food is excellent -- locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus -- and the sea views from the dining room are hard to beat.

Valerie's Tearoom

Valerie's inside Spanish City has dog-friendly seating sections as well as outdoor tables overlooking the sea. If you are introducing visitors to the area, afternoon tea at Valerie's with a well-behaved dog at your feet is a memorable combination.

Best for: Most dog-friendly venues ask that dogs are kept on leads and well behaved. Bringing a blanket or mat for your dog to settle on is always appreciated.

Best Dog Walks

The Links

The Links is the large open common that stretches along the seafront between Spanish City and St Mary's Lighthouse. It is one of the best off-lead spaces in the area -- wide, grassy, and with good visibility so you can keep an eye on your dog. The weekly parkrun takes place here on Saturday mornings, so you may want to keep your dog on a lead between 9am and 10am on Saturdays to avoid any conflicts with runners.

Northern Beach to St Mary's Lighthouse

The stretch of beach north of Panama Gardens is open to dogs year-round and makes for a brilliant walk. Head north along the sand towards St Mary's Island, letting your dog run on the wide, quiet beach. The round trip is roughly 4 miles and takes about 1.5 hours at a comfortable pace. Check the tide times if you want to cross the causeway to the lighthouse itself.

Seafront to Cullercoats

Walk south along the promenade from Spanish City to Cullercoats Bay. Dogs must be on leads on the paved promenade, but the walk is pleasant and the views are excellent. In the off-season (October to April), you can drop down onto the beach for off-lead time. See our walks guide for the full route description.

Brierdene and Marden Quarry

For a change of scenery away from the coast, Brierdene is a small wooded valley just north of Whitley Bay with paths running through trees and alongside a stream. Nearby, Marden Quarry is a nature reserve with a lake and circular walking paths. Both are popular with dog walkers and offer a green, sheltered alternative to the exposed seafront on windy days.

Practical Tips

• Poo bags and bins are available along the seafront promenade, but carry your own as a backup.
• Water -- bring a collapsible bowl for beach walks. Most dog-friendly pubs and cafes provide water bowls.
• Summer planning -- between May and September, head for the northern beach or The Links to avoid the exclusion zone.
• Identification -- your dog must wear a collar with your name and address in any public place.