Julie Smith
04 June 2023
With miles of sandy beaches to explore, lots of adventures to sniff out in Thetford Forest and a variety of pubs and eateries that will happily welcome our dog companions, there are lots of reasons to plan a dog-friendly holiday to Norfolk.
We have compiled some of the best dog-friendly things to do near our Norfolk coast cottages and countryside cottages, along with a selection of dog-friendly cottages at the end of this guide where you can rest and relax after fun-filled days of exploring.
Find out all the best places to visit with your dog across Norfolk in this guide - from fantastic beaches to beautiful walks, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fun days out! Or click the button below if you can't wait to start exploring our pet-friendly cottages collection.
Skip to:
Dog-friendly Norfolk beaches
Dogs can splash in the sea, run happily along sandy shores and generally have a whale of a time on a day out to one of Norfolk’s beaches, many of which are dog friendly. Just make sure they don’t get too hot, have access to plenty of water and that you keep a close eye on them at all times.
Brancaster Beach
This large expanse of golden sand is owned by the National Trust and has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The beach is flat so it’s ideal for children and dogs to play on or you can lay down a blanket and enjoy a family picnic.
Facilities: Beach parking and a kiosk that sells refreshments and a range of seaside essentials.
Dog restrictions: No restrictions - dogs can run free on this wonderful beach!
Where to park: Brancaster Beach Car Park, Broad Ln, King's Lynn PE31 8AX
Holkham Beach
The unspoilt Holkham Beach is accessed through shady pinewoods close to the grand Holkham Hall Estate. Spend time exploring the stunning parkland before heading to the sweeping bay and dipping your toes in the sea. The panoramic views and wide open spaces make Holkham Beach rather special.
Facilities: Although there are facilities at nearby Holkham Hall, there are none at the beach so we recommend bringing along your own refreshments.
Dog restrictions: There are some restrictions in certain areas that are clearly signposted to protect the local wildlife.
Where to park: Lady Anne's Drive, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1RJ
Winterton-on-Sea
There’s so much space at Winterton-on-Sea that you’ll feel as if you have the beach to yourself. Dogs can sink their paws into the soft sand before sniffing out adventures in some of Norfolk’s finest sand dunes.
Facilities: At this dog-friendly Norfolk beach, there's parking and a cafe so you can enjoy a drink by the sea.
Dog restrictions: No restrictions, dogs are welcome all year.
Where to park: Beach Road Car Park, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth NR29 4HS
Old Hunstanton
Not to be confused with the pebbly beach at the main resort town of Hunstanton, this sandy beach is located just north of the pretty village of Old Hunstanton. It’s sheltered by distinctively striped cliffs and its shallow tidal waters and collection of rock pools make it a great choice for children to play on.
Facilities: There are a range of facilities at the beach including parking and a cafe.
Dog restrictions: Dogs are welcome all year round at this dog-friendly Norfolk beach.
Where to park: Clifftop Car Park, 5 Lighthouse Cl, Hunstanton PE36 6EL
Mundesley
Mundesley is a charming Victorian seaside resort and its long sandy beach is just right for walking along with a four-legged friend in tow. There are colourful beach huts, a raised promenade and a lovely path to follow from the cliff-top gardens at the top of the village.
Facilities: There are a range of facilities around Mundesley and dogs are welcome on the beach between October and April.
Dog restrictions: There are some summer restrictions, but the section of the beach north of the lighthouse welcomes dogs all year.
Where to park: Beach Car Park, 8 Beach Rd, Mundesley, Norwich NR11 8BG
There are many, many more fantastic dog-friendly beaches dotted all along the wonderful Norfolk coast. Take a look through our guide to Norfolk's dog-friendly beaches for more seaside beauty spots to visit during your holiday.
Dog-friendly things to do in Norfolk
From tackling a dog-friendly agility course in the forest to taking a tranquil steam train journey and exploring the beautiful grounds of a grand stately home, here are some of the best ways to spend a day in Norfolk with your dog by your side.
Adventures in the forest
Covering more than 18,000 acres of scenic East Anglian countryside, Thetford Forest makes a perfect playground for four-legged friends. Dogs can play amongst the fallen leaves, make new four-legged friends while walking through the forest and sniff out lots of adventures on winding woodland trails.
Dogs are welcome in the High Lodge Visitor Centre at Thetford Forest where you’ll find lots of information and a cafe where you can pick up refreshments. It makes a great place to start your forest adventure and there is a selection of scenic walks in the surrounding woodland.
Energetic dogs will love burning off some energy on a free-to-use agility course which is located close to the Lynford Arboretum part of the forest. After they have tackled a series of obstacles, you call all enjoy a rest at the nearby pretty picnic area.
Prices: Free, including free car parks and one pay and display car park at High Lodge Forest Centre
For the satnav: NR11 8PP
Take to the water
Enjoy a scenic, hour-long boat trip along the Norfolk Coast to Blakeney Harbour where you can spend time watching the grey seal colony that famously lives there. Well behaved dogs are welcome to join you on board a Bean’s Boat and the highlight of the trip is watching the inquisitive seals swim up around the boat. You’ll also pass by Norfolk’s sandy salt marshes which are home to a variety of birdlife on route to Blakeney Point.
Dogs can also travel with you on a tranquil Broads Tours river cruise. Handsome boats with names like Belle of the Broads and Vintage Broadsman have covered saloons and open decks for differing weather conditions and experienced skippers will tell you all about the Norfolk Broads as you cruise along the water.
Prices: Bean's Boats start at £20 for an adult ticket, Broads Tours start at £13.50 for an adult ticket
For the satnav: Bean's Boats NR25 7BH, Broads Tours NR12 8RX
Travel by steam train
Known as the Poppy Line, the North Norfolk Railway runs from Sheringham to Holt with beautifully restored steam trains to whisk you through scenic countryside on your way to the coast. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you in the period train carriages where you can sit back and enjoy the relaxed pace of life of a bygone age.
You can also travel by steam train around the famous Norfolk Broads, with a dog-friendly day out on the Bure Valley Railway. This heritage railway line follows the path of the pretty Bure River between Aylsham and Wroxham with several pretty villages to stop off at along the way. The steam trains are very dog-friendly and pooches will be welcomed aboard by the railway’s resident cocker spaniels, Henry and Millie.
Prices: North Norfolk Railway for £18.50 for an Adult Day Rover, Bure Valley Railway from £12 for a single adult ticket
For the satnav: North Norfolk Railway Holt Station NR25 6AJ, Bure Valley Railway Aylsham Station NR11 6BW
Have fun at Blickling Estate
The National Trust’s Blickling Estate is a grand Norfolk Estate that’s set within a peaceful landscape that’s made up of tree-lined lanes and lush green hedgerows. There are more than 4,500 acres of parkland for playful pups to explore and a couple of dog-friendly cafes where you can head for refreshments after you’ve tired yourselves out. Muddy Boots on the estate is a particularly good one to try as there are a variety of dog treats and even special ice cream to keep four-legged friends happy.
Dogs are welcome in all parts of the parkland but should be kept on a lead when walking around the lake and in any areas where livestock are grazing. If you fancy meeting up for a sociable walk with four-legged friends and their owners, the Blickling Bounders is a dog-walking group that meets each Monday at 10am in the main Blickling Estate car park.
Prices: Adult £15, child £7.50
For the satnav: NR11 6NF
Explore the grounds of Felbrigg Hall
Another wonderful National Trust site in Norfolk is the elegant Felbrigg Hall estate which consists of gently rolling landscaped parkland, nature-rich woodland and buggy-friendly paths which are ideal if you’re trying to take a dog and a toddler for a walk at the same time.
Though not allowed in the hall and formal gardens, dogs are welcome almost everywhere else on the Felbrigg Estate and there are water bowls dotted around to keep them nicely hydrated during your visit. Well-behaved pooches can be rewarded with a treat in the main visitor centre and shop, and are also able to join you in Felbrigg’s on-site cafe, the Squire’s Pantry, where you can enjoy a delicious cream tea.
Prices: Adult £12, child £6
For the satnav: NR11 8PP
Dog-friendly pubs and cafes
When you and your dog are both ready to rest your feet and refuel, head to one of these top dog-friendly pubs and cafes in Norfolk. There's a fantastic choice of places across the county serving up beautifully prepared local produce, but these are a few of our favourites for you to check out.
Dog Inn Ludham
This dog-friendly dining pub has a wonderful location in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, just a short walk from Ludham Bridge on the River Ant. Dogs will be given a warm welcome by the friendly staff at Dog Inn and there’s a brilliant outdoor play area to keep kids happy too.
For the satnav: NR29 5NY
Contact details: 01692 630321 | contact form
The Mariner Inn
Enjoy real ales, roaring log fires and spectacular sea views at The Mariner Inn in Old Hunstanton. Dogs are welcome to join you inside and out; the pub’s terrace leads onto sand dunes on the beach and the atmospheric bar area includes cosy snugs and low wooden beams.
For the satnav: PE36 6JJ
Contact details: 01485 534411
Well's Beach Cafe
Well behaved dogs will be rewarded with a puppaccino at lovely Well's Beach Cafe which is located on Beach Road in Wells-next-the-Sea. It’s the perfect place to call in for lunch after strolling on the sand and there’s a handy dog wash outside so you can clean off any muddy paws.
For the satnav: NR23 1DR
Contact details: 01328 713055
The Orange Tree
This stylish village pub, The Orange Tree, has regularly been named Norfolk Dining Pub of the Year and has a lovely spot close to Brancaster Bay where you can watch the traditional fishing boats come in. Dogs have their very own menu so can enjoy a bite to eat as you tuck into some seriously good food.
For the satnav: PE36 6LY
Contact details: 01485 512213
For more great places to eat out between your holiday adventures, check out our guide to dog-friendly pubs around Norfolk.
Dog-friendly Norfolk walks
From bracing jaunts along the coast to pretty countryside rambles, there is an abundance of dog-friendly walks to try during a short break or holiday to Norfolk.
The Norfolk Broads
There are around 190 miles of footpaths to follow in the Norfolk Broads so you’ll never be short of walks to try with your four-legged friend by your side.
- The Bramerton Riverside Walk is a 3-mile route that takes in a stretch of the River Yare, the long green at Bramerton Common and nature-filled woodland.
- A walk from Coltishall to Horstead can be combined with a trip on the Bure Valley Railway. The route is 6 miles long and includes a pretty walk along the River Bure with lots of places to stop for refreshments along the way.
- A 3-mile walk around the Herringfleet Hills includes a patchwork of different Norfolk Broads countryside, from marshes to heathland, with lovely views across the Waveney Valley.
Holt Country Park
Holt Country Park comprises around 100 acres of tranquil woodland and the selection of waymarked trails to follow through the trees makes it a popular choice with dog walkers. There are a number of easy-access walks under 2 miles around the main visitor areas of the park and lots of options if you fancy getting further off the beaten track. There’s also a play area to keep children happy and a tea room where you can call in for some well-earned refreshments after your walk.
Sheringham Circular
If you’re looking for a walk that takes in both the Norfolk coast and countryside, the Sheringham Circular features a varied array of landscapes that include cliff-top paths, peaceful country lanes and ancient oak woodland. The 6-mile National Trail route starts at the esplanade in Sheringham and follows the Peddars Way and the coast before heading through Beeston Common and Sheringham Park where you can see a dazzling display of rhododendrons in spring.
Weavers Way
This 61-mile route weaves through woodland, farmland and historic country estates taking in riverside paths and disused railway lines as it makes its way from Cromer to Great Yarmouth. Although we aren’t suggesting you tackle the whole of Weavers Way, there are plenty of smaller circular walks to try with your four-legged friend.
- Follow a stretch of old railway line from the unspoilt market town of Aylsham and walk a circular 4-mile route to the nearby Blickling Estate.
- Explore the North Walsham and Dilham Canal on a 3.5-mile circular walk between Worstead and Briggate.
- A 4.5-mile walk from Acle takes in part of the River Bure and you can call in at the dog-friendly Bridge Inn which has a prime riverside location for refreshments. Points of interest on this route include the pretty St Mary’s Church in Fishley which dates back to 950AD.
Dog-friendly Norfolk cottages
Spend time together in one of our handpicked dog-friendly Norfolk cottages where you can plan adventures together or rest up after busy days out and about full of exploration.
The Schoolhouse - Holt | Sleeps 2 guests plus 2 dogs
The Schoolhouse is a rural retreat is set within an acre of gorgeous gardens so there’s plenty of space for dogs to run around. Characterful features inside the property include vaulted ceilings and wooden beams; head outside and there are wonderful views and classic Norfolk hedgerows.
Hayloft Dersingham | Sleeps 4 guests plus 2 dogs
This elegant dog-friendly holiday home has been beautifully converted from an 18th-century inn and is just 5 miles from the delights of the Norfolk coast. Hayloft Dersingham is in peaceful location and enclosed garden make this cottage just right for canine companions.
Colts Barn | Sleeps 6 guests plus 2 dogs
Colts Barn is a charming, detached property boasting a lovely vaulted ceiling with beautiful old beams and elegant furnishings including a wonderful period table. Best of all, this retreat has its own hot tub for an extra special stay. Colts Barn is located in the heart of the Norfolk Broads so is perfect for exploring with the dog.
Plan a pet-friendly Norfolk holiday
Browse our full collection of dog-friendly cottages, from romantic retreats to family-friendly properties, and find the perfect base for your next getaway.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.