What’s even better than a pub trip? A pub trip with your dog at your side, of course. There’s an excellent selection of pubs in the North East where you can enjoy just that, whether you’re a local in Durham, Northumberland, or other counties or a visitor coming to enjoy the region’s history and nature. Here’s our guide to the most dog-friendly boozers in the North East, where you and your dog can enjoy a much-needed respite from all the exploring.
Dog-Friendly Pubs Our Reviewer Visited in the North East
Below are some great dog-friendly pubs that our Public House Officer and their dog tried out, with plenty of spots to refuel and relax. Read to the end to find out the overall winner for the region.
South Causey Inn, Stanley
Address: South Causey Inn, Beamish Burn Road, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0LS
Telephone: 01207 235555
Nearest train station: Newcastle, but you’ll need to get a bus to the Garage stop just after Hall Farm
Reservations needed: Booking ahead is recommended, especially at busy times
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £15-£20 (apart from the grills and steaks, which go up to £35-40)
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian and vegan options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:30am-11:30 (for breakfast), 12pm-8:30pm
- Friday and Saturday: 9:30am-11:30, 12pm-9pm
- Sunday: 9:30am-11:30, 12pm-8pm
The South Causey Inn boasts not one but six pub dogs, and proudly proclaims that being dog-friendly is “the key ingredient to a perfect location.” (We’d tend to agree.) True to form, staff are all too ready to come over and meet your furry companions, and they have water points absolutely everywhere around their massive outdoor area. And yes, before your dog looks at you judgmentally — there are treats, too.
They also offer dog-friendly bedrooms for those seeking an overnight stay, as well as hosting a group dog walk on the first Saturday of every month (followed by a delicious breakfast for their humans).
The Kingslodge Inn, Durham
Address: Waddington Street, Flass Vale, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4BG
Telephone: 01913 709977
Nearest train station: Durham Central
Nearest bus stop: Millburngate
Reservations needed: Booking advised for groups of 8 and above
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (a meal + pint): £20-£25
Dietary recommendations? Vegetarian and vegan options. They can also alter dishes for guests eating gluten-free diets.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 7.30am-11pm
Many a dog walk ends at The Kingslodge Inn, with leafy local nature reserve Flass Vale right on the doorstep. Less than a 10-minute walk from Durham Station, it’s an excellent day trip destination where you can take a break from your dog-walking activities to chill with a pint and great British food that’s made with seasonal ingredients.
Water is very obviously displayed, and treats are available, too. They even have a good selection of pub grub-inspired doggy meals for your canine to enjoy alongside you. If a longer respite is what you need, you can book into one of their charming dog-friendly rooms for an overnight stay (availability-dependent).
The Blink Bonny, Northumberland
Address: Springfield View, Christon Bank, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3HN
Telephone: 01915 292226
Nearest train station: Alnmouth
Nearest bus stop: Crossroads by bus
Reservations needed: Walk-ins available
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both
Price range (pint, food not available): £3-£5
Good for: Drinks
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 12pm-11pm
The Blink Bonny in Alnwick impressed with spacious outdoor areas at both the front and back of the pub and plenty of places to chill, with staff giving dogs a warm welcome and water bowls on arrival. It’s a relaxed pit stop after walks around Herring Country Park or Barnes Park, and you’re slap bang in the middle of beautiful greenery in Christon Bank.
Though the garden wasn’t secure and staff didn’t offer additional dog amenities, the setting was calm and friendly, making it a pleasant visit for dogs and their humans.
The Middle Inn, Bamburgh
Address: 7 Front Street, Bamburgh, NE69 7BW
Telephone: 01668 214616
Nearest public transport: There are a few bus stops near the pub. The X18, 418, and X15 buses run through the village.
Reservations needed: Walk-ins or bookings for tables of 7+
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £20-£25
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 11.30am-10pm
Discover the best beer garden in Bamburgh at The Middle Inn, complete with traditional Northumberland hospitality. Dogs can quench their thirst with water bowls or order from the dog menu while you treat yourself to a pint and a hearty meal made from local, seasonal ingredients, including light lunches, pub favourites, and delicious desserts.
Well-behaved dogs are allowed in all parts of the pub, including the sizeable beer garden and the bar area. However, your dog won’t be able to wander in the beer garden, as it’s not secure.
The Craster Arms, Beadnell
Address: 2-4 The Wynding, Beadnell, Northumberland, NE67 5AX
Telephone: 01665 720272
Nearest public transport: The nearest train station, Alnmouth, is about 45 minutes away.
Nearest bus stop: The Craster Arms has its own bus stop.
Reservations needed: Booking advised during evenings and the summer season
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal + pint): £12-£20
Dietary requirements? Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am-11pm
- Friday to Saturday: 11am-1am
- Sunday: 12pm-11pm
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the bar, restaurant, and all outdoor areas, and all parts of the pub are beautiful and well-kept. The Craster Arms also welcomes dogs during overnight stays. Water and treats are on hand, as well as water points being dotted around the garden.
The Craster Arms had all the essentials for a stress-free pub visit with your dog. Beadnell is also a cracking coastal spot, with the coastal path walk to Low Newton an excellent option for stretching the legs after your pub visit.
The Joiners Arms, Newton-by-the-Sea
Address: Newton-by-the-Sea, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3EA
Telephone: 01665 376112
Nearest public transport: Bus stop nearby at the village green
Reservations needed: Booking advised during evenings and the summer season
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal + pint): £25-£30, with steaks costing a little more
Good for: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 12pm-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10.30pm
Take time to explore the beautiful Northumberland coast and the quiet village of Newton-by-the-Sea, rounding off your visit with a tasty meal at The Joiners Arms. Water bowls and treats greet you at the entrance — an immediate dog-friendly welcome.
Your dog will also be indulged with doggy snacks and even a range of dog beers, including chicken and beef. Looking for a longer rest? The Joiners Arms has two dog-friendly rooms for you and your dog to stay the night. Plus, your dog will wake up to a specially prepared breakfast.
The Keel Row, Seaton Delaval
Address: Foremans Row, Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, NE25 0QG
Telephone: 0191 237 0060
Nearest public transport: Ambridge Way bus stop
Reservations needed: Walk-ins accepted
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): £15-£20
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 12pm–10pm
• Sunday: 12pm-9pm
The Keel Row is a great pub for the whole family. Dogs are spoiled with free treats and water on tap from the beer barrel outside. There are also kids’ play areas indoors and out, plus family fun days on bank holidays. You could consider combining your visit with a trip to nearby Seaton Delaval Hall, a National Trust property where the grounds are almost entirely dog-friendly.
This pub stood out for being dog-friendly thanks to the owner’s clear love for dogs, which creates a welcoming atmosphere. Clear signage, treats at the bar, and a dedicated dog water station all emphasise its commitment to making dogs feel at home.
The Best Dog-Friendly Pub in the North East: The George & Dragon, Yarm
Address: 70 High Street, Yarm, North Yorkshire, TS15 9AH
Telephone: 01434 605537
Nearest train station: Newcastle
Nearest bus stop: Hexham
Reservations needed: Walk-ins welcome
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both
Price range (meal and a pint): £10-£15
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Opening hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 12pm-11am
- Friday-Saturday: 12pm-12am
With sports games and cold beers, the George & Dragon is your archetypal local pub. The staff are mega-friendly to humans and dogs alike. Plus, having a secure garden in a town-centre location is no small potatoes — that’s rare to see — and it’s quiet and chilled out, making it perfect for dogs.
Here, you’ll find cosy corners to snuggle in, water bowls, and friendly staff eager to sling a treat your best friend’s way. Yarm is still a beautiful, rural town, so you’ve got a wealth of walks and village strolls not far away and zero reason to leave your dog out of the fun.
Not sure your dog is pub-friendly?
Whether they get protective over food or are simply too excitable in settings with lots of new people (and potentially other dogs), not every pooch is destined to be a pub dog. But fear not, you can still enjoy the North East’s pubs while your dog has a fun time with a Rover dog sitter. There are plenty of local sitters across the region offering services like drop-in visits, doggy day care, and dog walking.
