Dog-friendly days out in Norfolk

Pet friendly

Posted by Hannah on 17th June 2022

Dog on a boat in the Norfolk Broads

There's plenty which is great about Norfolk, from the scenery to the laid-back pace of life, and one of those things is definitely just how dog-friendly Norfolk is. There's a host of fantastic dog-friendly places in Norfolk as this county is overflowing with wide-open spaces awaiting exploration and cosy cafes where you and the pup can relax. 

Take a trip to dog-friendly Norfolk and enjoy a wonderful holiday adventure visiting attractions, getting sandy at the coast, dining out with your dog by your side, and unwinding in a welcoming pet-friendly holiday cottage.    

From vast, open beaches welcoming dogs year-round to cafes and restaurants with dog-friendly signs in the window, here are just some of the best pet-friendly places to visit and things to do if you're thinking of bringing your dog along to explore Norfolk too.

View all dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk


Skip to:


Dog-friendly attractions, trips and days out in Norfolk

Seals on the salt flats of Blakeney Point in Norfolk

Beans Boat Trips, Morston

The Bean family have been running boat trips to Blakeney Point since the mid-1930s, passing the company through generations of the family. Today they have five custom ferries which take visitors out past the salt marshes to see the hundreds of common and grey seals which rest on the 4-mile-long sandy spit. Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard Bean’s Boats; it's a great way to make the most of dog-friendly North Norfolk!


The Bure Valley in Norfolk

Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham

With their own resident Cocker Spaniel, Henry, the Bure Valley Railway offers a very dog-friendly day out in Norfolk. Take an 18-mile round trip following the River Bure through meadows, pasture and the Norfolk Broads to the final destination of Wroxham.

Welcome your dog aboard the trains, beside the line and in the shop and ticket office, the only place they are asked to stay out of is the Whistlestop Café. You’ll always find dog bowls full of water to keep your pooch refreshed and there are even dog parking pitches where you can leave your pet while you grab a cup of tea in the café.


River boats on the Norfolk Broads

Broads Tours, Wroxham

Based in the ‘capital of the Broads’, Wroxham, Broads Tours operates river trips and also provides boats for personal hire, on top of a range of special trips and extra events. It’s a great way to delve deeper into the rural Broads and to get up close to the incredible range of wildlife in the area.

On board a river tour, you'll be able to enjoy refreshments, a licensed bar and live commentary all about your beautiful surroundings. Small, well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard the boats for the small fee.


Blickling Estate

Blickling Estate, Blickling 

With a remarkable 4,600 acres of parkland to explore, your playful pup will be bounding with excitement on a trip to this dog-friendly attraction in Norfolk. Long winding walks offering plenty of wildlife trials to sniff out, streams to splash through and sticks to chase will keep an energetic hound busy during your holiday and give you the chance to stretch your legs while admiring the local scenery at the Blickling Estate.

There's even a dog-friendly walking group called the Blickling Bounders which you might like to join on the first Monday of every month at 10 am, and when you're ready for refreshment, there are two delightful pet-friendly cafes for you to drop by on-site, Muddy Boots and The Stables. Dogs should be under close control due to the livestock that roams the estate.


Castle Rising

Castle Rising

A wonderful dog-friendly place to visit in Norfolk, head to this magnificent ancient fortification of Castle Rising for a taste of history and the great outdoors with your four-legged friend by your side. While dogs aren't allowed inside the property, cared for by English Heritage, the grounds include 20 acres of earthworks to discover, not to mention wonderful lawns and views that are perfect for an afternoon picnic or stroll. 

You can visit the ruins of Queen Isabella's apartments, remains of an early Norman Church within the inner bailey that pre-dates the castle, and climb the steps by the gatehouse to take in the earthworks. 


Dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk

Sandy beach at Holkham in Norfolk

Holkham Beach

We have been raving about Holkham Beach recently, and we’re not about to stop! If you're searching for things to do with dogs in Norfolk, this beach is a top choice. It stretches between Burnham Overy Staithe to Wells-next-the-Sea, offering miles of untouched sands where you can let your dog off the lead to run completely free.

Despite the popularity of this beach, it is so vast that it will feel like you have the place completely to yourself. In 2015, Holkham Estate won the best beach category in The Kennel Club’s ‘Be Dog Friendly Awards’, so that has to be saying something.


Sand dunes at Winterton-on-Sea beach in Norfolk

Winterton-on-Sea Beach

Another long sandy beach where there are absolutely no dog restrictions in place. The section between Winterton and Horsey is home to a colony of grey seals who you’ll see relaxing on the sand or you might spot their heads bobbing amongst the waves – definitely a sight to behold. Race along the soft sand and paddle in the waves or explore Winterton dunes which stretch as far as the eye can see.


Dried mud flats at Snettisham beach in Norfolk

Snettisham

While this isn’t a typical bucket and spade beach, with its shingle and mud flats, it is a fantastic Norfolk beach for dog walkers and it’s quite romantic too! As one of the few beaches in Norfolk that enjoys a sunset, it’s a lovely place to visit in the early evening, when the sun begins to melt into the water. With no dog restrictions between September and March, Snettisham is another beach you can walk uninterrupted for miles. Backed by RSPB Snettisham Reserve, it’s a birdwatchers' paradise. During the nesting season, dog owners are asked to keep their dogs on leads.


Dog-friendly places to eat in Norfolk

Wells-next-the-Sea

Well’s Beach Café, Wells-next-the-Sea

The Beach Café in Wells-next-the-Sea certainly doesn’t treat your pet any different and dogs are welcome inside the café. That’s not all though, in the summer, there’s also a ‘Wash ‘n’ Wag’ dog wash which you can use for free to clean off muddy paws and sandy coats after a long walk. This is pretty handy if you’re planning on getting in the car soon.

The Beach Café is a popular post-walk stop-off in both summer and winter and it serves a variety of light meals and snacks using local produce, and it has a range of treats for dogs too. Definitely one to add to the list!


A dog in a beer garden

The Orange Tree, Thornham

There’s nothing better than eating out and knowing that your four-legged friend is being catered for too – he is part of the family after all. The Orange Tree in Thornham is a beautiful dog-friendly village pub, where your dog can sample something from its very own doggy menu including delicacies such as pigs' ears and gravy or bone with marrow. How great is that?


A coffee cup on a table

Deepdale Café, Burnham Deepdale

Enjoy a steaming hot cup of coffee after a walk on Brancaster Beach, or start your day with a hearty full English at Deepdale Café. Happy to welcome dogs in the indoor dog room or in the outside seating area, they can chill out while you get ready for the day.


Dog-friendly accommodation in Norfolk

It’s great that there are so many places you can take your pet for a dog-friendly holiday in Norfolk - and there's much more to be discovered. Don’t forget all the country parks and stately homes which offer acres of land to explore, as well as a whole host of other dog-friendly beaches!

If you're planning on having your next adventure with your pet in Norfolk, our dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk offer the perfect places to put your feet (or paws) up. Choose from over 250 great places to stay across the county where both humans and dogs are welcome.

View all dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk

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.