Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to team up with This is Durham to share our absolute favourite spots for unforgettable adventures with our spaniels in Durham! The abundance of dog-friendly places to explore is nothing short of amazing, making it a challenge to narrow our choices down to just five, but we think we selected 5 of the very best to visit this autumn! Here’s a quick glimpse of each location, but for a deeper dive, be sure to check out our full blog here.
The Durham Heritage Coast
With endless stretches of dog-friendly beaches waiting to be explored, your dog will feel like they’ve stepped into paradise! Our spaniels simply can’t get enough of the beach, and Durham offers a delightful mix of sandy shores, rocky coves, and even some charming dunes to discover. We highly recommend an outing to Seaham, where the rugged coastline meets an array of dog-friendly bars and cafes, perfect for indulging in a special treat and a delightful doggy ice-cream!
Dalton Park Shopping Outlet
Dalton Park is a dog-friendly shopping outlet featuring 55 acres of parkland with three walking routes. It offers a perfect blend of shopping and outdoor exploration. Visitors can enjoy a brisk walk, especially in autumn, followed by retail therapy with their dogs. The outlet caters to dog owners with hydration stations, disposable poo bags, and even doggy first aid. Shoppers may find over 65 brands at significant discounts and can enjoy dog-friendly dining, such as brunch at Cafe Etto. The trails offer scenic views and maps are available for navigation through the parkland.
Raby Castle
Raby Castle, a stunning 14th-century castle in the south of Durham, provides a fantastic day out for dog owners, featuring 200 acres of parkland. While dogs can’t enter the castle, there are plenty of dog-friendly areas to explore. During our recent visit for their ‘Bark in the Park’ event, my friend and I enjoyed the walking trails through the deer park, which is home to Red and Fallow Deer. We chose the scenic red walking route, offering great views and a 20-minute experience. The Walled Gardens showcase beautiful floral displays, where we relaxed with a coffee. For lunch, we visited The Vinery, indulging in freshly made sandwiches and delicious desserts while the spaniels enjoyed a puppuccino.
Finchale Priory
Finchale Priory, a dog-friendly English Heritage site near Durham City, offers visitors the chance to explore its historical ruins alongside their dogs. With origins linked to St. Godric, the site features remnants of the original church, tomb, and a hermitage for monks. While dogs must be on leads, visitors can enjoy a meal at the onsite café and explore the scenic area, including Cocken Wood and a riverside walk. Finchale is part of the Northern Saints Trails, inviting adventurous dog owners to complete this or other routes.
Hardwick Park
Located near the A1 in Sedgefield, Hardwick Park is a Visit England accredited country park known for its vibrant autumnal colours and dog-friendly environment. After restoration efforts began in 1999, the park features a pay & display car park next to the visitor centre and a dog exercise area, though dogs must be kept on lead along trails due to wildlife. For off-leash walks, there are two expansive fields accessible via a tunnel. During your visit you can enjoy a scenic stroll around the lake and through the woods, spotting sculptures and gothic ruins. Afterward, the dog-friendly Towers Cafe offers a variety of homemade meals, including a signature corned beef pie, perfect for a delightful day out with your dog.
Spaniels By The Sea 
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