We love exploring the Northumberland coast and found an absolute gem of a place in Ulgham
We took Daisy and Tommy’s girls Hannah and Millie there last May and stayed at a gorgeous little place called The Owl’s Nest in Ulgham, a village a short drive from Alnmouth.
The Owl’s Nest is a group of holiday lets and we stayed in a super cosy Sanctuary. It has one bedroom and bunk beds in the main part of the Scandinavian style chalet, a kitchen, bathroom with power shower (much needed after a day on the beach) and a barbecue and outdoor seating area.
Reasonably priced and beautifully maintained, it’s all you need for a family trip away and it’s in a former animal sanctuary that was once open to the public.
The animals are still there – donkeys, horses, goats and chickens – the kids absolutely loved it
When we arrived we found a mini bottle of wine for us, Haribos, and chopped up apples and carrots to feed to the animals – such a lovely touch – and we got our own treats for them too!
We also have to confess Daisy escaped from the chalet one afternoon and went chasing the goats around the field – thankfully we caught her fairly quickly and the goats didn’t seem to mind having a crazy ginger terrier to play with.
Ulgham
Ulgham is a small village a short drive from Alnmouth, and has everything you need for a short break.
There’s a Co-Op food store – ideal for BBQ essentials, Widdrington station, and we went in a dog friendly pub called The Junction which is a sports bar serving food.
We didn’t eat there, but you can check out the reviews on their Facebook page here.
If it’s a takeaway you’re after, try the Widdy Chippy – they’re on Facebook on this link.
Beaches
We visited the main beach in Alnmouth and it can get busy in the summer.
It’s lovely and clean and if you’re feeling peckish, try Gwen’s Ice Cream van – she’s been serving up ice creams there for decades!
Dogs are allowed to play on there all year round – yay – and every time we’ve been there have been loads of dogs, so if you have a pup who likes playing they’ll be spoilt for choice.
Ideally, your dog will have a good recall, but we know pets can get excited on the beach but you will feel safe there, as there is only one road going in and out of the village.
If you drive south of the Estuary, you’ll find a little dirt track and that will take you to another beach which is really quiet all year round. It’s best if you have a robust car – I don’t think my Mini would make it but Tommy’s VW Transporter is fine.
Here, you’ll find stretching golden sands and dunes for dogs to play in, Daisy loved racing down them with Hannah and Millie.
We went one day and saw a family of SEVEN Golden Retrievers playing in the sea – it was like something from a Disney film. All the beaches are super clean too.
Walks
We went on two walks along the beach and coastal path.
The first was to Warkworth Castle – this is a 12 mile walk from Alnmouth and is stunning. You can either walk on the sand or the coastal path.
It’s a small village with a local shop selling ice creams and everything you need for a day out, a gallery and nice gift shop called Present Time.
There’s also tea rooms and a couple of pubs – we ate in the Mason’s Arms – the portions are very generous!
The second was in the opposite direction to Boulmer – this was more like eight miles and again, you can walk along the beach or coastal path.
It’s pretty fishing village but quieter than Warkworth and Alnmouth. We stopped for a drink in the Fishing Boat Inn, a traditional pub that serves food.
There’s a gallery in a gorgeous little Shepherd’s Hut close to the village hall run by retired teacher Jenny Allen which has some gorgeous paintings and prints and is worth a look.
Fancy trying Ulgham?
Prices at the Owl’s Nest in Ulgham start from £50 a night. Their Trip Advisor page is here.
If you liked this, you might enjoy Dog Friendly things to do in Suffolk or Dog Friendly things to do in Lancaster.