Norfolk is one of the most dog friendly counties in the UK.  There are no end of wonderful dog friendly places to visit in Norfolk (I know as I live here!)

Here are some tips for local places I would recommend you try out on your howliday!

Norfolk Beaches

There are no end of dog friendly Norfolk beaches to explore.  You could easily while away a two week break just testing each one out.  Here are our top dog friendly beaches to explore.

Winterton on Sea

This is a perfect dog friendly beach to visit.  It doesn’t matter whether the tide is in or out, as there are miles of abundant deep sand whatever the tide time is.  It gives a real sense of being away from the hustle and bustle, and even if there are more people on the beach (during July and August) it still feels so empty due to its depth and size.

This beach is very dog friendly with no restrictions at all and excellent visibility each way to spot other people and dogs at a good distance.  If you have a reactive soul (like Ben the Baddie) you will understand the scouring of the horizon that we do every second of the walk to make sure no one is coming left, right or centre!  This is just a fabulous beach to put you at ease!

Horsey

Horsey beach is an unspoilt and wonderfully quiet beach.  It is famous for its seals (who come to pup during the winter between November and February).

It’s a perfect dogs paradise with vast sands and open aspects both ways and no seaside attractions or crowds.  There are opportunities to see seals bobbing in the water at any time of year.  It’s a half hour walk back to Horsey Staithe if you want to spend time on a boat trip followed by a lovely beach walk and the Nelson Head dog friendly pub in between to stop for refreshments!

Waxham

Another perfectly quite and peaceful beach perfect for a dog friendly place to visit in Norfolk.  This stretch of beach sits between Sea Palling and Horsey and is a relatively unknown beach, set just down the road from tiny Waxham hamlet.  Again, you have unfettered views to right and left, to spot people and other dogs coming from quite a way away.  This beach is also great for seal spotting at any time of the year.

Bacton

Bacton beach is another dog friendly place perfect for your pooches.  This stretches all the way to Mundesley and Walcott in the other direction.  There is excellent parking just outside the village and ramp access to the beach which is perfect for people and dogs with mobility issues.  This is one of my favourites, as I can scan the beach, both left and right, before I let the Border Collie dafties out of my car and off lead right onto the beach.  Pawfect!!!

Cart Gap and Happisburh

These beaches are a very dog friendly place to visit and set between Walcott and Sea Palling.  Another unspoilt gem which is dog friendly throughout the year.  It’s a very sandy beach and a lovely dog friendly café (Smallsticks) at Cart Gap to enjoy some refreshments.

A Different Day Out?

Bure Valley Railway

An opportunity to hop on board this fabulous steam train with your dogs.  It is Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway and spans an 18 mile round trip.  Check the Pack Holidays facebook page for lots of photos from our past guests who have taken the opportunity to let their furries have a fabulous rail trip!

This track runs between the historic market town of Aylsham along to the lovely Broadland village of Wroxham (which is the heart of the Norfolk Broads), following the River Bure.  There are several quaint and gorgeous villages (Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall) en route.

A one way trip takes 45 minutes

A Norfolk Broads Boat Trip

If you fancy discovering the hidden Norfolk Broads, Ross’ Wildlife Boat Trips at Horsey is a wonderful dog friendly place to visit.  Park up in the spacious car park at Horsey Mill, and hop on Ross’ boat with your dog at Horsey Staithe.  Trips are available 7 days a week until October (when there is a reduced service) and take time out to chill, relax and be inspired!  The trip lasts an hour or you can book a private hire and be thrilled and amazed at the beauty of nature in this quiet corner of the Norfolk Broads.

The trips are friendly and informal and carries up to 12 passengers.  You might be lucky enough oto see the rare swallowtail buttefly or the occasional kingfisher!  Plenty to see

Bacton Woods:

Ths gorgeous woodland has 280 acres to explore (or sniff if you are a dog).   It is home to 200 year old oaks and 30 other tree species.  There are three main trails to explore from a short half hour to a few hours walk (all very clearly signposted).  You could combine your visit with a trip into the historic market town of North Walsham  where there are several dog friendly places to eat.  Our favourite is The Shambles in Market Street where dogs are welcomed with doggy treats  on arrival

Sheringham Park

Sheringham Park is a perfect dog friendly place to visit in Norfolk.  There is over 1000 acres of parkland, woodland and clifftop areas for them to explore.  Dogs are welcome off lead between 1st August and 28th Feb and between 1st March and 31st July should be on leads.

It is a National Trust property and they have awarded Sheringham Park a fabulous pawprint rating of 2 pawprints.  With water bowls, dog bins and dog friendly walks wherever you go, it’s a perfect retreat to enjoy time with your dog.

Weavers Way

Weavers Way is a fabulous trail running from Cromer down to Great Yarmouth and is a perfect place to explore with your dog.  The trail runs through a diverse landscape of woodland, mixed farmland, historic country estates, disused railway lines, riverside walks and the famous Norfolk Broads.

The walks are very dog friendly places to visit in Norfolk with many circular walks available.  That’s particularly handy if you are staying locally and would like to do smaller or circular routes.  The trail is wide, usually very quiet with few pedestrians and lots of shady places to keep cool during the summer months.

Time Out for Zoomies?

Secure Local Dog Fields

For a proper dog friendly place to visit in Norfolk, how about visiting one of our local dog secure dog fields?  There are several to choose from.  This gives you the opportunity for your dogs to have great fun in a large secure field, exercise and play and usually furnished with agility and play equipment (and occasionally the odd doggy photo opportunity too!)

K9 Unleashed in South Walsham which I thoroughly recommend, provides just that with a two acre field, and plenty of parking.  You can bring a picnic and relax in the undercover seating area whilst the dogs have the best fun!

https://www.k9unleasheddogfield.com/

And as usual, if you have any questions, queries or recommendation  at all, do shout any time!

I’m always here!