15 Places to Visit where No Dogs are Allowed

A question which regularly pops up in our Facebook group is people asking for places to visit where no dogs are allowed. Obviously, we are a family who loves dogs but I do understand they aren't for everyone whether this be due to previous trauma, fear, allergies or something else. 

All of the places in this list are outdoor as I feel like the indoor options such as museums / galleries / cinema etc.... are all obvious.

This post only refers to pet dogs - trained assistance dogs are of course permitted. Please always check information with venues direct before visiting as sometimes policies can change. 

I politely ask that you don't leave a comment about whether attractions should or should not allow dogs - I don't make the rules and I'm not in charge. I just like to share ideas for days out. 

 
WWT Washington 

WWT Washington is a lovely place to visit and somewhere you can spend a good few hours / the day. There are many beautiful walks, bird hides, nature areas, ponds, otters, flamingos, trails and there's a nice play area and cafe with gorgeous views too. Find out more here. 

Low Hauxley Nature Reserve 

Low Hauxley Nature Reserve is just up the road from popular Druridge Bay Country Park but a lot quieter than it's neighbour. No pet dogs are permitted here due to the presence of wildlife.

The nature reserve is free to visit and a nice place to stop for a coffee, go for a walk (pushchair and wheelchair friendly routes available) and spot some wildlife. Read my full guide to visiting here. 

Beaches with a Summer Dog Ban 

There are a few beaches across our region where dogs are not permitted from May 1 - Sept 30. These include Cullercoats and King Edward's Bay. You can find a full list here. 

Alnwick Garden 

Alnwick Garden is a stunning place for a day out with water features, rose gardens, a poison garden and a full diary of activities and events. Pet dogs are not permitted in the gardens. Find out more here. 

Alnwick Castle 

Likewise, Alnwick Castle does not allow pet dogs to visit. If you're looking for a full dog-free day out, combining Alnwick Castle with Alnwick Garden is a good idea. Find out more here. 

Most Farm Parks 

Most farms and farm parks are unable to welcome dogs due to the presence of animals and their licenses. The only farms I know of that does welcome dogs are Bill Quay Farm and the Rising Sun Community Farm. If you visit any of the other farms in our region, you should not expect to see people with their dogs. 

Kirkleatham Walled Garden 

2023 update - dogs are now permitted on the garden and part of the cafe. 

Kirkleatham Walled Garden is a stunning place to visit with a formal garden, science garden, glass house and more. It's a good dog-free alternative to Wynyard Hall Gardens who do allow dogs. Find out more here. 

Howick Hall 

Howick Hall in Northumberland is a nice place to enjoy a woodland walk without the presence of dogs. Visitors can also enjoy the lovely tea room and sensory gardens. Read my full guide to visiting here. 

Durham Botanic Gardens 

Durham Botanic Gardens are a lovely place for a stroll with lots of points of interest and children's trails. Read my guide to visiting here. 

Most Crazy Golf Courses 

You will find that most crazy golf courses do not allow pet dogs to visit. Read our guide to North East Crazy Golf Courses here. 

Hulne Park 

Hulne Park in Alnwick is a good option for a free walk where no dogs are permitted. Find out more here. 

Fruit Picking at Brocksbushes 

Pet dogs are not permitted at Brocksbushes and fruit picking in the summer is something you can enjoy without the presence of dogs. Dogs are welcome on the grassed area by the car park.  Find out more here. 

Newcastle Castle 

Lots of castles welcome dogs to visit but Newcastle Castle is not one of them so if you're looking for a dog-free Castle to visit, they are one to consider. Find out more here. 

Cheeseburn Sculpture Gardens 

Cheeseburn Sculpture Gardens open to the public on selected dates across the year (although they are taking a break in 2022). They're a gorgeous place for a walk and also somewhere where pet dogs are not permitted. Find out more here. 

It should also be mentioned that dogs are not permitted inside enclosed playgrounds in most parts of the region. However it is my experience that this rule is not always obeyed and most playgrounds are not monitored by staff which is why I have not added playgrounds to the main list. 

A lot of people also mention National Trust venues as places to visit if you are scared of dogs. However I would be hesitant to do this. 

Dogs are welcome on leads in the grounds of most National Trust venues and although I have never witnessed a dog off lead at NT venues, I have noticed they are a popular spot for dog walks (I include myself in this) and you are likely to have to walk past dogs if you visit. 

If you are looking for places which DO welcome dogs, please check out my guide to dog-friendly places to visit across North East England here and you can read my dog friendly north east blog here. 

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