Dog-friendly things to do in Norfolk

Planning a dog-friendly trip to Norfolk

With its sweeping beaches, wild countryside and endless walking trails, Norfolk is one of the UK’s most dog-friendly destinations. From bounding across the sand dunes to exploring stately estates or settling into a cosy pub for lunch, there’s plenty here to keep both two- and four-legged visitors happy.

The county’s coastal charm is well known, but Norfolk’s appeal runs deeper than its shoreline. You’ll find peaceful woodlands for off-lead adventures, gardens that welcome well-behaved dogs on leads, and even scenic waterways to explore by boat. Whether you’re after somewhere to stretch your legs, a spot to grab a post-walk treat, or a base for a longer stay, there’s no shortage of choice.

If you’re planning a getaway, browse our dog-friendly properties in Norfolk to find the perfect base, then read on for the best places to explore with your pup!

Best for endless sandy walks: Holkham Beach

If you picture your dog tearing happily across golden sand with nothing but dunes and sea in sight, Holkham Beach is exactly that. Often named one of Britain’s most beautiful stretches of coast, this vast expanse offers miles of off-lead freedom, ideal for energetic dogs who love to run.

Backed by pine woods and part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, the beach feels gloriously wild, even in summer. There’s no need to worry about space, as the tide stretches the sand out for what feels like miles. Dogs are welcome year-round, though you’ll need to keep them on leads in certain nesting areas.

Why Holkham Beach is so good for dogs

The sheer size of Holkham makes it unbeatable for long, uninterrupted walks. The soft sand is gentle on paws, and the shallow waters are perfect for a splash or paddle. The nearby pinewoods offer shade and a change of scenery, while the car park (next to The Lookout café) makes access easy.

Insider tip: Walk east towards Burnham Overy Staithe for quieter spots away from the main entrance, or stay for golden-hour views when the light reflects beautifully across the wet sands.

Need to know:

• Parking: Paid car park at Lady Anne’s Drive (NR23 1RG)

• Café: The Lookout café (dog-friendly outdoor seating)

• Toilets: Near the car park
  

Best for seaside charm: Wells-next-the-Sea

With its candy-coloured beach huts, gentle surf and lively harbour, Wells-next-the-Sea is one of Norfolk’s most charming seaside towns - and it’s just as much fun for dogs as it is for their owners.

The wide beach is backed by pinewoods and dunes, offering space for long off-lead walks and plenty of spots to stop and take in the view. While dogs are welcome year-round, there are small seasonal restrictions on parts of the beach during summer, so look for the signs near the main entrance.

Why Wells-next-the-Sea is so good for dogs

It’s the perfect mix of classic seaside atmosphere and natural beauty. After a long walk along the sand, stroll into town for a dog-friendly ice cream or grab fish and chips by the harbour. You’ll find water bowls and treat jars dotted along Staithe Street, where independent shops and cafés happily welcome dogs inside.

Insider tip: Walk the path between Wells and Holkham (around 2 miles each way) for a stunning coastal route that stays quiet even in peak season.

Need to know:

• Parking: Large pay-and-display car park by the beach (NR23 1DR)

• Cafés: Wells Beach Café and The Albatros (both dog-friendly)

• Toilets: Near the car par entrance and in the pine woods
  

Best for countryside adventures: Blickling Estate

If your idea of a perfect day out involves woodland trails and peaceful parkland, Blickling Estate is a must. This grand Jacobean house, surrounded by 4,600 acres of countryside, is a haven for dog owners who love long, scenic walks.

Dogs are welcome on leads in most areas of the estate, including the parkland, woods and lakeside paths. The circular routes vary from short strolls to longer treks, offering plenty of variety. In summer, the shaded paths are ideal for keeping cool, while autumn brings a carpet of golden leaves and crisp air for sniff-filled explorations.

Why Blickling Estate is so good for dogs

The estate is vast enough to fill an entire day, and the mix of open fields and woodland trails keeps walks interesting. After exploring, stop at The Muddy Boots Café, which serves dog biscuits and water bowls alongside excellent coffee for humans.

Insider tip: For a quieter experience, park at the Blickling Tower entrance rather than the main car park - the routes there are less busy and offer stunning countryside views.

Need to know:

• Parking: Multiple car parks, free for National Trust members

• Café: Muddy Boots Café (dog-friendly outdoor seating)

• Toilets: In the main car park and near the restaurant

Best for peaceful coastal walks: Happisburgh Beach

For a quieter stretch of coastline where you and your dog can wander in near solitude, head to Happisburgh (pronounced “Haze-bruh”). Known for its red-and-white striped lighthouse and dramatic cliffs, this beach offers wild beauty and plenty of space to roam.

The soft sand and wide open shoreline make it a favourite for long, reflective walks. It’s usually far less crowded than Norfolk’s better-known beaches, so dogs can enjoy more freedom here. There are no restrictions for dogs, making it an excellent choice for year-round adventures.

Why Happisburgh Beach is so good for dogs

It’s one of those beaches that feels untouched - the sort of place where your dog can sprint along the surf without interruption. The coastal path running from Happisburgh to Eccles-on-Sea offers stunning views, especially at sunset.

Insider tip: Bring a picnic and sit near the dunes for views of the lighthouse - it’s one of the most photogenic spots on the coast. Just be cautious near the cliffs, as erosion can make them unstable after heavy rain.

Need to know:

• Parking: Village car park near the lighthouse (NR12 0PR)

• Café: Small seasonal cafés and kitchens can be found in the village

• Toilets: Available in the car park

Best for a day on the water: The Norfolk Broads

The Broads are a dream for dogs who love new scents and scenery. With miles of rivers and footpaths, this National Park offers endless routes to explore - whether on foot or by boat. Many local companies, like Broadland Boat Hire and Norfolk Broads Direct, welcome dogs aboard, making it easy to spend a leisurely day gliding between reed beds and riverside pubs.

Why The Broads are so good for dogs

It’s the variety - shady trails, open meadows, and gentle water laps at the edge of your boat. Stop at dog-friendly pubs such as The Swan at Horning or The Ferry Inn at Stokesby for a mid-journey treat.

Insider tip: Pack a lightweight towel for the boat - dogs often can’t resist dipping a paw in. Early morning cruises are quieter, with mist rising from the water and wildlife everywhere.

Need to know:

• Parking: Available at most boat hire points

• Boat hire: Dog-friendly options widely available

• Toilets: Public toilets can be found in most towns across the broads
  

Best for pub lunches and muddy paws: The Pigs, Edgefield

If every good walk deserves a great meal, The Pigs delivers. This stylish yet relaxed gastro pub near Holt is known for its hearty food and dog-friendly ethos. Pups are greeted with treats and water bowls, while the humans can tuck into Norfolk sausages, Sunday roasts, or “porky platters” by the fire.

Why The Pigs is so good for dogs

There’s even a “Piggles Menu” designed for four-legged guests, plus an enclosed garden for a post-lunch stretch. The surrounding lanes make for a lovely countryside walk before or after your meal.

Insider tip: Book an outdoor table on sunny days so your dog can snooze in the garden after lunch. Locals love walking the nearby circular route through Holt Country Park before stopping here.

Need to know:

• Location: Edgefield, NR24 2RL

• Opening times: Daily from late morning

• Toilets: Inside for customers

Best for woodland and wetland trails: Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden

Tucked away near South Walsham, Fairhaven offers over 130 acres of woodland, waterways, and wildflowers to explore with your dog. It’s peaceful, scenic, and ideal for those who prefer quiet walks to busy beaches. Dogs are welcome on leads, and the shaded paths make this a brilliant option for warmer days.

Why Fairhaven is so good for dogs

The mix of woodland and lakeside trails gives endless new scents to follow. The on-site tearoom welcomes dogs too, so you can end your walk with a slice of cake and a bowl of water.

Insider tip: Visit early in the morning for birdsong and peaceful paths almost to yourself. The café opens from 10am, perfect timing for a coffee after your first stroll through the woods.

Need to know:

• Parking: Free on-site

• Entry fee: ££ (check website for seasonal rates)

• Toilets: Available in the tearooms, boathouse and carpark

Best for off-lead exploring: Winterton-on-Sea

Winterton-on-Sea feels wonderfully wild, with rolling dunes and wide beaches where dogs can roam freely. It’s one of the best spots for off-lead adventures, especially outside peak season. Keep an eye out for seals bobbing just offshore or lounging on the sand in winter months.

Why Winterton-on-Sea is so good for dogs

The soft sand dunes and sea breezes make this a playground for active pups. There’s a car park right by the beach and a dog-friendly café, Dunes Café, for refreshments.

Insider tip: Bring binoculars - the offshore seal colony is often visible year-round. The dunes get breezy, so a lightweight windproof layer (and a towel for sandy paws) will make your day more comfortable.

Need to know:

Parking: Beach car park (NR29 4DD)

Café: Dunes Café (dog-friendly)

Toilets: Opposite the Dunes cafe

Pros and Cons of dog-friendly Norfolk spots

With so many dog-friendly attractions to choose from, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons to find the ones that suit your pack best. From wide-open walks to busy family spots, every pup (and person) has their own idea of a great day out.

Comparison Table

FAQs about things to do in Norfolk with dogs

Got questions about dog-friendly days out in Norfolk? We’ve rounded up the answers to help you plan the pawfect adventure.

How dog friendly is Norfolk?

Extremely. Norfolk is one of the UK’s most welcoming regions for dogs, with hundreds of pet-friendly beaches, pubs, cafés and walking routes. Many attractions and boat hire companies also cater for canine guests.

Where can I take my dog in Norfolk?

From Holkham’s open sands to the wooded trails of Blickling Estate or a riverside stroll on the Broads, there’s something for every dog. Even many local pubs and cafés welcome pups with water bowls and biscuits.

Which beaches can I take my dog to in Norfolk?

Most Norfolk beaches are dog friendly year-round, including Winterton-on-Sea, Happisburgh and Sea Palling. Some, like Wells-next-the-Sea, have small seasonal zones where dogs must be on leads, so check local signage.

Which zoo in Norfolk is dog-friendly?

Banham Zoo allows dogs in designated outdoor areas if kept on a short lead, with water bowls available around the site. Always check the latest visitor information before your trip.

Ready to head to Norfolk with your fluffy friend?

Whether you’re after sandy beach walks, shaded woodland trails or a pub lunch with your pup by your side, Norfolk has it all. From Holkham’s golden coastline to the peaceful waterways of the Broads, this is a county made for exploring together.
Ready to plan your trip? Browse our dog-friendly properties in Norfolk and find your perfect base for tail-wagging adventures.

If you're not quite sold on Norfolk, explore our other dog-friendly blogs for further inspiration.

Written by Georgie Darling

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