
Dog-Friendly North Shields: Walks, Pubs and Places to Go
The best dog-friendly walks, beaches, pubs and cafés in and around North Shields, from the Fish Quay to Northumberland Park.
North Shields is a brilliant place to be a dog owner. Between the riverside at the Fish Quay, the parks and the coastline a short walk away, there is no shortage of places to stretch four legs, and the town's pubs and cafés are famously welcoming to dogs. Here is our guide to getting out and about with your dog in and around North Shields.
Walks by the river and the coast
The Fish Quay and the riverside make for a wonderful, mostly flat walk, with the working harbour, Clifford's Fort and the Low Lights to take in, and plenty of spots to pause. Follow the river east and you can climb up toward the Tynemouth headland, with the Priory and the piers, or head to the long sands of Tynemouth and Cullercoats beaches. Note that parts of the main bathing beaches have seasonal dog restrictions between May and September, so check the signs; outside those months, and on the quieter stretches, dogs have the run of the sand.
Best for: The Fish Quay riverside is a superb year-round dog walk; for the beaches, check the seasonal dog rules before you go.
Parks and green space
Northumberland Park, tucked between North Shields and Tynemouth, is a lovely Victorian park with woodland, a burn and open lawns — an easy, sheltered option when the coast is blowing a gale. There are also greens and paths across Preston and the wider town for shorter daily walks.
Dog-friendly pubs
North Shields' pubs are some of the most dog-welcoming in the region:
- The Low Lights Tavern — the oldest pub on the Fish Quay, warmly dog-friendly, with treats behind the bar and a beer garden where you can bring your fish and chips.
- Lobo Rojo — the bar side welcomes dogs, with big windows over the Quay to watch the world go by.
- The Staith House — the acclaimed gastropub on the Quay is happy to have well-behaved dogs in.
Best for: The Fish Quay is dog-owner heaven — most of its pubs will happily welcome your four-legged friend.
Cafés and treats
Many of the town's cafés, particularly around the Quay, are relaxed about dogs, especially in outdoor seating, and several keep a water bowl by the door. For everyday needs, North Shields has pet shops and grooming services around the town, so you are never far from food, treats or a wash and trim.
A few tips for dog owners
- Check beach signs for seasonal restrictions between May and September.
- Keep dogs on leads near the working Fish Quay and around wildlife on the coast.
- Bring water on warmer days — most Quay pubs and cafés will happily refill a bowl.
Know a dog-friendly spot in North Shields we should feature? Get in touch.
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