Dog Friendly Norfolk: A Guide to the Best Walks, Pubs & Beaches
Our roving reporter Emma has been exploring again, this time heading to East Anglia for a dog friendly Norfolk adventure. Emma and her cocker spaniel, Merry, made the drive south from Yorkshire to see if the beautiful Broads and vast, sandy beaches are truly as dog friendly as they say.
Planning a Dog Friendly Weekend Away in Norfolk
I lived in Norfolk while at university in Norwich, but as a student, I spent most of my time on campus. Looking back, I regretted not exploring the countryside, so a return visit for a dog friendly weekend away was long overdue.
Norfolk has always been incredibly welcoming to four-legged friends. Even before the recent boom in dog friendly travel, I took Merry nearly everywhere with me. Now that he’s a little older and feeling a bit arthritic, Norfolk’s flatter, easier terrain makes it the perfect destination for older dogs who still love a long stroll.
The Best Time to Visit Norfolk with a Dog
Norfolk’s easterly location often brings clear winter skies. January felt like the perfect time to return, and it worked out beautifully: we had blue skies and sunshine while the rest of the country saw torrential rain!
Solo Travel with a Dog in Norfolk
This was my first solo trip, and I know many women find the idea of travelling alone daunting. Norfolk felt like the perfect place to start. It’s a very safe county with plenty of easy-to-navigate trails. Plus, it’s the right amount of busy: enough people around that you don’t feel isolated, but quiet enough to enjoy the peace of the coast.
I wasn’t totally alone, though. Merry is my constant companion. As soon as he sees my holdall, he firmly plonks himself by the front door to ensure he isn’t forgotten.
The Best Dog Friendly Walks in Norfolk
Wells-next-the-Sea to Holkham
In the winter, you can’t beat the 7-mile walk from Wells-next-the-Sea to Holkham. Even on a Sunday in January, the beach is so vast it never feels crowded. Merry also managed to snaffle a few gravy bones from the car park attendant, so it immediately jumped to the top of his list.
Sheringham Park
If you’re visiting in spring or summer, I absolutely love Sheringham Park. It features one of the most impressive displays of rhododendrons in the UK, with over 80 varieties in a riot of pinks, purples, and reds. It’s a sensory delight with plenty of interesting sniffs for dogs.
Seeing the Seals at Horsey Gap
An honourable mention goes to Horsey Gap, home to one of Britain’s largest colonies of grey seals.
Note for Dog Owners: To keep the seals safe, dogs must stay under close control and well away from the colony. It is a fantastic opportunity to see wildlife up close, just a short walk from the car park. Alternatively, for a longer 3-mile walk, start from the National Trust car park at Horsey Windpump.
Dog Friendly Pubs and Cafés in Norfolk
One of the best things about a dog friendly holiday in Norfolk is that you don’t have to sit outside in the cold. I found plenty of places where dogs were welcomed inside with open arms.
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The Honingham Buck: On my first night, I had a mouth-watering burger at this cosy country pub. I’m not usually a burger person but I fancied a change and I was so glad I did. This cosy country pub is one of the prettiest in Norfolk and has both a roaring log fire and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Listening to a fire merrily crackling away is the best kind of relaxing.
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No.33 in the Park (Chapelfield Gardens): I also caught up with a friend who lives in Norwich: on her recommendation we went for brunch at No33 in the Park in Chapelfield Gardens. I’ve never seen so much choice on a brunch menu – although perhaps that’s because I’m a true country bumpkin. It was, of course, delicious (I’ll always opt for freshly squeezed orange juice if it’s on the menu). Merry was made extremely welcome too, with no less than three waitresses coming over to give him a fuss and some dog biscuits. They took the hint when he stopped by the biscuit jar on the way out, too.
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The Bucks Arms: Located right next to Blickling Hall, this is a great spot for lunch, though I’d definitely recommend booking ahead.
Dog Friendly National Trust Properties in Norfolk
Being a National Trust member, I love using my card to explore new estates. Norfolk has several dog friendly options, but my favourite is Blickling Hall.
Blickling Hall combines stunning architecture and a choice of dog friendly walks around the parkland. On this occasion I decided to do a shorter walk around the lake, complete with serenely gliding swans and views across the lake to the hall itself. It’s one of the National Trust’s three paw print rated places, the highest dog friendly rating they give, and dogs are welcome in the park, farmyard, bookshop and Muddy Boots café.
Top Tips for Your Norfolk Dog Friendly Holiday
My main tip would be to think about what you would like to do before booking your stay. Norfolk is a large, rural county, and it can be a bit of a drive if you inadvertently book accommodation miles away from places you’d like to visit.
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Stay on the North Coast (near Wells or Holkham) if you love vast beaches.
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Stay in the Broads if you prefer scenic, riverside countryside walks.
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Stay near Norwich if you want the best variety of dog friendly restaurants and cafés.
Don’t let Norfolk’s reputation for being flat put you off; it’s one of the friendliest, most beautiful counties in the UK and a stress-free choice for a weekend away with your dog.
Plan Your Norfolk Adventure
Inspired by Emma’s trip? Check out our top picks for dog friendly days out in Norfolk or book one of our hand-picked stays:
