Five Fab Dog-Friendly Attractions in Durham

By blog squad member Lynn from Spaniels by the Sea. 

If you're looking for new places to visit in Durham with your dog this Autumn, then look no further. We have sniffed out five of our favourite spots, approved by our three spaniels, Willow, Bobby and Finn!

Durham is bursting with fantastic dog-friendly places to visit, whether you're looking to explore scenic, coastal trails, immerse yourself in historical sites, or enjoy the tranquility of lush country parks, there’s something for everyone—including, our four-legged companions!

The Durham Heritage Coast

Top of our list is The Durham Heritage Coast. A trip to Durham wouldn't be complete without a walk along one of the dog-friendly beaches or coastal path trails. This coastline has been transformed from its industrial roots in coal mining into a stunning natural haven filled with rare plants and a rich variety of wildlife. With miles of dog-friendly coastline to explore, you’ll find plenty of spots where your pooch can run free and enjoy the fresh, coastal air just as much as you. Whether it’s a leisurely walk or an adventurous hike along the coastal paths, the Durham Heritage Coast offers something for all dog owners.

The spaniels and I especially love Crimdon Beach situated at the southern end of the Heritage Coast. Crimdon offers a long stretch of sandy beach backed by grassy sand-dunes. The perfect place to stretch your legs, while your dog runs off some of that energy. We often extend our visit with a walk through the woodland dene where the dogs can enjoy the accessible paths that wind through the trees and under a very impressive viaduct. A visit to the dog-friendly Dunes cafe is a must, dogs are welcome at their outdoor seating as well as inside if you need to warm up on your autumn visit.

A short journey northwards along the coast from Crimdon brings you to Seaham, a bustling harbour town. Stroll along North Beach and you will discover a stretch of pebbly shoreline. When the tide is out, it uncovers rock pools your dog will love to explore. As you wander alongside the rugged landscape, make sure to keep an eye out for a piece of the famous Seaham sea-glass. Tiny pieces of beautifully coloured glass that are washed up from the sea. We owe these little treasures to the Londonderry bottle works which thrived here during the Victorian era. Seaham is a vibrant coastal town and to make the most of your visit here we recommend a jaunt along the sea-front to enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many dog-friendly cafes and bars.

Consider visiting the charming marina to watch small boats glide by the lighthouse and explore the local businesses serving delicious homemade food, freshly brewed coffee, and ice cream for dogs.

Dalton Park Shopping Outlet

Have you ever visited a dog-friendly shopping outlet that doubles up as the perfect place to walk your dog? Well now you can incorporate both with a visit to Dalton Park!

As well as experiencing dog-friendly shopping, Dalton Park boasts 55 acres of parkland for you and your dog to discover with three walking routes. Stretch those legs and paws over hills that were created out of colliery spoil that was excavated to create the space for the biggest shopping outlet in the North East.

A visit in Autumn is the perfect time as you can enjoy a brisk walk coupled with a warm hot chocolate. Followed by some retail therapy alongside your furry friend. Dalton Park have thought of it all when it comes to welcoming dog owners.

Look out for shops with dog-friendly stickers in their windows (which to be honest, is most of them). You'll find hydration stations so no need to bring your own water. At each entrance there are disposable poo bags and bins. They even offer doggy first aid should it ever be needed. For the humans, we can enjoy over 65 world-famous brands and upto 70% off. Dalton Park offers a variety of dog-friendly dining options.

Recently, my friend and I had the pleasure of enjoying brunch at Cafe Etto with our spaniel, Bobby, along with her cockapoo, Betty. A warm brioche bun filled with bacon and egg, accompanied by a fresh latte, provided the ideal sustenance before we explored the parkland.

The trails, marked by signposts, lead you up the hills to enjoy panoramic views of the shopping centre and the surrounding area. The dogs thoroughly enjoyed themselves, sniffing out the right way and adventuring through the tall grasses. A complimentary map of the parkland is available at the customer service centre, situated next to the Levi's store.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

For dog owners like us, Raby Castle, located in the southern part of the county, offers an excellent opportunity for a delightful day out with your dog. This remarkable 14th-century castle is one of the most impressive and well-preserved castles in the North, surrounded by 200 acres of lush parkland. Although dogs are not allowed inside the castle itself, there are many dog-friendly areas to explore and enjoy.

During our recent visit to the annual 'Bark in the Park' event, we took the opportunity to discover all the wonderful features this estate has to offer.

First on the agenda, to tire out the dogs, we ventured to the deer park and its walking paths. If it's your first visit, you may be delighted to learn that Raby Castle is home to two deer species: the Red Deer and the smaller Fallow Deer. Both herds are descendants of deer that have been there since the Norman era. With the spaniels securely on their leads and three walking paths available, we chose the red walking route.

This popular circular trail offers a bit of everything, allowing for stunning views of the castle, both the high and low ponds, and the opportunity to observe the deer. The route typically takes around 20 minutes to complete. Pick up a map from their admissions team.

Next, we visited The Walled Gardens which offered a peaceful stroll through a classic English Garden maze of yew hedges and the iconic Raby fig. As we strolled along the winding paths, we found ourselves admiring the pristine floral displays that captured the essence of the garden's charm. We enjoyed sipping a fresh coffee from the pop-up café and taking a rest on one of the grassy banks whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings.

For lunch, we visited The Vinery, which boasts a range of freshly baked pastries, savoury snacks, and refreshing salads. Dog-friendly inside, it offers a cosy retreat from the autumn cold, serving lunch dishes inspired by and sourced from the picturesque Raby Estate. We opted for freshly prepared sandwiches, followed by lemon meringue pie and Victoria sponge cake, all complemented by a pot of tea and a latte. The spaniels were not left out as they lapped up a puppucino.

Finchale Priory

Finchale Priory, like many English Heritage sites, welcomes dogs. It is wonderful not having to forgo visiting a place just because it is not pet-friendly. Who would not appreciate exploring a piece of history with their dog?

Known locally as ‘finkle,’ the priory is a short drive from Durham City and is perched beautifully along the River Wear. The site's history dates back to St. Godric, a mysterious figure who chose a hermit's life at Finchale. Now, visitors can wander through the priory's historical ruins with their dogs.

You can see St. Godric’s initial church and tomb, and the charming hermitage where Durham monks once sought solitude. Each stone tells a story of the dedication and peace that Finchale has known over centuries. Dogs must be kept on lead throughout the grounds of the priory but like our visit to the priory you can extend it with a tasty meal or treat from the on-site dog-friendly café, followed by a leisurely riverside walk through Cocken Woods - where the dogs can have a run around.

Finchale Priory is actually a part of the six Northern Saints Trails - 'The Way of Learning'. If you and your dog are feeling particularly adventurous why not challenge yourself to complete this or one of the other Northern Saints Trails.

Hardwick Park

Located near the A1, in Sedgefield, lies Hardwick Park, a Visit England accredited country park bursting with vibrant autumnal colours and welcoming to dogs. Originating from the 18th century, the park had deteriorated but restoration began in 1999 to return it to its former splendour.

The pay & display car park is conveniently situated adjacent to the visitor centre, complete with a designated dog exercise area—a thoughtful feature since dogs must be on lead along the trails due to the ducks, geese, and swans that live there.

For those who prefer their dogs to roam more freely, there's no need to worry. Beyond the tower, a tunnel on the right leads to two expansive fields popular with dog walkers. Just make sure there are no sheep present during your visit.

After the spaniels had burnt off some of their energy, we strolled around the lake and through the woods admiring the beautiful autumnal colours. Keep an eye out for some very impressive sculptures and gothic ruins which add to the parks charm. Post-walk, we visited the dog-friendly Towers Cafe for lunch. Dogs are allowed inside and at the outdoor seating, or a good idea, on a sunny day, would be to order your food to take out and enjoy it by the lake.

The Tower Cafe offers delicious homemade lunches, including their signature corned beef pie. We indulged in a freshly prepared toastie with salad, a warm cheese scone, and generous portions of cake, complemented by a latte and a pot of tea—an exceptional dog-friendly day out.

Like what you read? Follow more of Willow, Bobby and Finn's adventures on their Instagram and Facebook accounts.