Head to the Norfolk coast and you’ll find plenty to do with your pet on this memorable holiday. There are coastal walking routes of different lengths that you can all enjoy together. Dunes can be found at the back of some stretches, home to wildlife, it’s a good place to spot rare birds. If you like kiss-me-quick hats and sticks of rock, head for Great Yarmouth or Caister where there are lots of family-friendly things to do. If you prefer candy-coloured beach huts and artisan shops, then Wells-next-the-Sea is the place for you.
The Best Places To Take Dogs in Norfolk
The best places to stay in Norfolk are scattered around this county and allow you to search some famous estates. Sandringham in Norfolk is the Queen’s country estate, and you can tour the house and gardens in the summer months. Doggies can’t go inside, but they are welcome to walk in the extensive grounds that are just glorious to see. Holkham Hall, a lived in country pile, is open to visitors May to October and they organise events such as open-air concerts throughout the year.
Horning, in the Norfolk Broads, is a delightful village where you can board a paddle steamer and take a tour of the water. See the stunning homes along the route and learn about the history of the reed beds. There are a couple of waterside pubs here that serve slap up lunches and cold drinks, with water bowls outside for the dogs.
Check out our favourite dog-friendly activities in Norfolk:
Activites & Places To Visit
Find below 7 of the best days out in Norfolk for dogs
1. Wells Community Hospital
Even with some lovely dog walks in the surrounding area a hospital may seem like a strange day out with your four four legged friend. However the trust provides well-being services to the community and there is a sensory garden. Dogs are welcome throughout and they even run canine first aid courses.
2. Hire A Boat
The Norfolk Broads is a man-made network of waterways, a haven for bitterns, kingfishers, otters, butterflies and cranes, so have your binoculars handy. The best way to experience this is on the water itself, and you can hire motorised boats at Waveney and Wroxham. Dogs can come along too for the trip, and you can take a picnic on board for lunchtime refreshments. This is one of the most popular attractions when enjoying a holiday here.
3. Walk the Coast Path
Stretching all the way from Hopton-on-Sea, the Norfolk Coast Path is 84 miles long and goes past sandy beaches, pine woodland, salt marshes and old villages. There are trails mapped so guests can take in circular routes of different lengths depending on the challenge you want. Spend an hour to two strolling with your pooch, or make a day of it and explore further afield by trying a longer hike. Then in the evening, return to your secluded holiday house where guests can simmer in the hot tub and witness the panoramic views.
4. Visit Castle Acre
Named after the 12th-century fortification on the hill here, Castle Acre is a rural village near Swaffham, Norfolk. You can tour the ruins, and the Bailey Gate still stands proudly. Castle Acre Priory is a great place to visit too. The surviving architecture is magnificent. And West Acre Gardens have an ever-changing display of flowers and plants on show. There are pretty walks, tea rooms, ancient churches and 2 fine pubs locally, and all are dog-friendly. What more could you ask for from the wonderful county of Norfolk.
5. Ride a Steam Train
The locomotives on the Bure Valley Railway are powered by steam the old-fashioned way. The 9-mile track goes from Aylsham to Wroxham, and when you reach Wroxham, you can hop on a boat trip and cruise on the Broads. The train is dog-friendly at Bure Valley, here in Norfolk. They even have water bowls and shaded areas so Fido can keep cool and refreshed in the heat. This is definitely an attraction that the kids will love when visiting Norfolk.
6. See the Seals
Seals can often be spotted along the Norfolk coastline, and in winter, the pups rest up on the sand. Off Blakeney Point nature reserve, there’s a colony of seals basking most days of the year. Visitors can see the seals in their natural environment, it’s an unforgettable thing to see. The lovely folk at Beans are dog-friendly lot and let you take Fido along too. Take their lead for safety and you can all go on this trip together. Check for availability when booking.
7. Photograph Sheringham Park
Garden lovers and photographers love Sheringham Park. With 1,000 acres to explore, it’s also a great place for youngsters and canine buddies to burn off some energy. The wild garden is alive with colour all year long, an expanse of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, bluebells and snowdrops keep the landscape changing with the season. And in the autumn, the leaves turn golden and things look different again. Skylarks and green woodpeckers call the woodland here home, and the ponds boast common frogs and toads. For any outdoor enthusiasts, this is one to see whilst in Norfolk.
Looking at Visiting the Area
Surrounded by wildlife and beautiful landscapes the dog-friendly places in Norfolk are a must and a day is not enough time to explore this county. Why not check out our picks for pet-friendly holidays and dog walks in Norfolk and stay a little longer.
Holiday Cottages
From picture-postcard cottages by the beach to quaint dwellings in pretty market towns there are cottages for even the most discerning of guests. Explore Norfolk with your furry friend at our dog-friendly cottages.
We also cover Norfolk hot tub cottages for pets here.
Log Cabins
These tend to be in more rural locations so are perfect for wildlife lovers and serious walkers, some even offer onsite facilities such as bars, kids play areas and spas. We love dog friendly lodges in Norfolk which is why we have put together our favourites.