Dog-Friendly Norfolk

Discover Dog-Friendly Norfolk with your Canine Companion

Our range of over 300 dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk are dotted across the Norfolk coast and countryside, a landscape famed for its flat, open fields and sands, woodlands, broads and infinite skies. With all this fresh, open air just waiting to be enjoyed, it would be silly not to bring along your pup to enjoy it with you! But before you get to your dog-friendly bolthole, it’s always a good plan to have some ideas about how to keep you and your dog entertained during your Norfolk stay, so we’ve curated this list of the top dog-friendly destinations in this delightful county.

Dog looking out to see from a boat

Wroxham

Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads is a notoriously dog-friendly town. As mentioned in our ‘Things to Do Guide’, boating on the Broads is a Norfolk holiday essential and if you have a four-legged friend in tow, you’ll be pleased to know that the Broads Tours company allows dogs on both their day boat hires and the large boat tours - as long as they’re well-behaved!  The majority of pubs and restaurants in Wroxham are also dog-friendly, largely due to their large open areas and beer gardens. You can also enjoy a lovely walk through Hoveton riverside park with your canine companion and take in the views of the water as it winds its way into Wroxham. 

A happy wet dog on the beach

Holkham

Holkham beach is literally a paradise. Miles of unending golden sands blend into the sea, which in turn merges with the sky blue horizon to create a picture of absolute calm and serenity. Loved by all who visit, don’t let your dog miss out on this wonderful beach by bringing them with you! A great choice for big dogs who love to stretch their legs and pups who can’t wait to throw themselves into the waves, Holkham beach is ideal for a long dog-walk in the sand or a day of playing games. Be aware that there is a dog zoning policy in place at Holkham and they should be kept on leads in certain areas during the summer months to protect nesting birds. To get the full brief on these measures, head to the visitor centre at the top of the main car park to the right of the Holkham Hall entrance. 

A small dog enjoing a walk on the Bittern Line

The Bittern Line Walk

Starting North Walsham station and ending in Wroxham, this 11 mile walk follows the route of the Bittern Line rail journey through the Norfolk Broads and is a great option for those staying in one of our pet-friendly Broads Cottages. Pick up the route closest to where you are and travel for as long as you and dog want, this woodland walk is super-flexible and showcases the best of the Norfolk countryside. With plenty of sticks, trees and surfaces for your pup to explore, we guarantee you’ll both love this walk. 

View over water of the Felbrigg Estate

Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate

This fine Jacobean House and its iconic gardens draw thousands of visitors each year to enjoy a walk in the grounds followed by a bite to eat and a relaxed moment in one of the site’s lovely cafes. Dogs are welcome virtually everywhere on the Felbrigg Estate, apart from the house and walled garden, but they wouldn’t love being cooped up in there anyway! Enjoy the V for Victory walk through the country grounds with your pup by your side and feel welcomed by all the dog-friendly amenities in place here, including lots of dog bins en route. 

A sandy pathway between dunes leads to a beach

Winterton Beach

Winterton on Sea can be found just north of Hemsby and has a gorgeous, sandy and dog-friendly beach that is much quieter than some of its people-packed neighbours. Great for dogs who love to run around, because of the space and lack of bodies getting in the way, a trip to Winterton Beach is bound to make you and your dog very happy indeed. If you’re here in the winter months, you may be lucky enough to see the seals, who have now spread into Winterton from Horsey!

The majority of Norfolk beaches and walking routes are dog-friendly, bar some with restrictions, but by sticking with these recommendations, hopefully you won’t get caught out!