Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is a large English Heritage site in Northumberland, bringing together a 19th-century neoclassical hall, a medieval castle and thirty acres of gardens including a dramatic quarry garden. Dogs are welcome on short leads throughout the grounds, gardens and castle exterior, though they're not allowed inside the hall or castle buildings.

The estate opens daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30 and there's a main visitor car park on site with fourteen blue badge bays. Dog bowls and bins are provided in the admission area and the scale of the grounds means there's plenty to explore while your lead-holder takes in the architecture and planting.

It's a strong choice for a Whitley Bay day out when you want heritage, green space and clear access rules in one ticket. The café and bookshop are on site, so human refuelling is straightforward between loops of the grounds.