With its 90 miles of coastline, 125 miles of lock free waterways, rolling countryside and salt marshes full of wildlife it is not surprising that Norfolk is a popular destination with walkers and their four-legged friends. If you want to take your pooch along for the ride, then you will need to know where the best dog-friendly pubs in Norfolk are.
The Best Pubs in Norfolk that Dogs are Catered for
There are the wide sandy beaches of Wells-next-the-Sea, Holkham and Brancaster for days out in the sea air and where you can enjoy freshly picked mussels as the sun sets over the harbour. There is marshland where sheep graze for the best salt marsh lamb and four miles of shingle and sand that is home to the largest colony of seals in England. Further up the coast there is Cromer famous for its fresh crabs and pier and Sheringham for its lobsters.
Wherever you go there are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Norfolk pubs that allow dogs are peppered throughout these spectacular spaces. This means you won’t have to worry about a dog-sitter or packing picnics because there will always be room at the inn for Fido and you. Perhaps even treat yourself, and choose from our great range of pet friendly accommodation in Norfolk on this page.
When it comes to good dog pubs that not only have a good atmosphere, great ales and gastro pub grub Norfolk provides stiff competition for its county counterparts.
This snapshot of Norfolk pubs that allow dogs might help you make up your mind which part of the county you intend to explore on your next trip to this wonderfully diverse part of England.
Our Top 7 Choices
Find below 7 of the best dog friendly pubs in Norfolk
1. The Stanley, Norwich
This community- based pub, so expect to see a few regular hounds languishing in the bar area beside the wood burner or sunning themselves outside with other like-minded mutts. This is a great base for Mousehold Heath’s walkers and their dogs. You can pick up a take-away coffee from 9.30 am and end up back here for a slap-up Stanley pub grub brunch on the weekends. If you are new to the area the staff will point you in the right direction when it comes to things to do in the area and there’s a biscuit barrel behind the bar for Fido as well as fresh water bowls.
2. The Black Swan, Horning
Hire a boat from Wroxham with Mutley as your first mate and head down the Broads to this majestic dog-friendly pub overlooking the bend on the River Bure. It is clear to see why it’s the setting for two of Swallows and Amazons’ children’s author Arthur Ransom’s latest books. Your canine has carte blanche, be it in front of a crackling fire or outside in the stunning gardens. When it comes to pub grub the handmade lobster and white fish cakes with a bouillabaisse sauce and the vegan-friendly “squashage” roll served with beetroot relish are firm favourites.
3. The Welly Smokehouse, Cromer
This Cromer institution has been run by the same family for more than 20 years and although it doesn’t have a beer garden, who needs it when it’s a stone’s throw away from the beach and pier? It is a great dog-friendly pub and has an area of the bar especially for pooches and an endless supply of treats and fresh water.As the name implies it has its own smoker which produces mouth watering 12-hour cooked beef brisket and honey-cured pulled pork. There are four rooms at the inn too which are ideal for those of us who want to enjoy the Cromer Pier Show that will be on again from next year. This is just one of the many pet friendly beaches in Norfolk, with golden sands for your pets to run around on.
4. The Boars, Spooner Row
Famous for its sharing provenance-packed pub grub platters as well as its chocolate box charms and a fragrant expanse of a garden that makes this is a Norfolk pub that allows dogs to have a field day in the sunshine. Dating back to the 17th century, it has been lovingly kept in shape and indoors its interior harks back to WWII when two German bombs landed close by. With echoes of the past, this delightful village centre pub has four real ales from local breweries such as Reedham’s Humpty Dumpty and Wolf Brewery in neighbouring Besthorpe.
5. Dun Cow, Salthouse
Set in a coastal village nestled between a high ridge and a salt marsh in it is not surprising that this is one of not very many pet friendly pubs in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For the best North Norfolk sunset, you have to be in the Dun Cow’s manicured lawned beer garden with views of the sea. After a spot of fishing on Salthouse’s shingle beach or when you and pooch are pooped after the 10-mile Sculpture trail this pub, where dogs are welcome is going to be a godsend. The Dun Cow is famous for its locally sourced Brancaster mussels marinieres and Cley Smokehouse salmon.
6. Golden Fleece, Wells-next-the-Sea
You aren’t going to get closer to the sea than this quayside dog-friendly pub. The spectacular views across the harbour and over the marshes might not be appreciated by your pooch but she is going to love the attention from the team at the Golden Fleece. There’s fresh water and doggie treats for her and a great cheese board with Black Bomber and Binham Blue for you to enjoy while you sip your pint or glass of wine and watch the boats sail by. On certain nights you might find live music such as arias from soprano singer Hayley Moss.
7. Crown and Mitre, Kings Lynn
Right on the River Ouse this traditional boozer has gained a sterling reputation for not only being in an idyllic location but also for having well-kept ales and hospitality in bucket loads. Dogs are more than welcome and can expect fuss, fresh water and treats. For a truly stunning view of the river head upstairs to the conservatory at lunch times and when it’s raining then its down to the bar festooned with nautical paraphernalia. The landlord jolly Roger is a draw card to the pub and so are the home cooked meals by landlady Yvonne. With many walks for dogs in Norfolk, it’s easy to see why so many people enjoy a bite to eat and a stroll.
Last Word
From salt marshes and the seaside; Broads with barges; and town centre riverside spots you will find that the pubs that allow dogs are geared towards making the experience with them as special for your pooch as it is going to be for you.
There are hundreds of Norfolk dog friendly pubs for you to choose from, however, there are a select few that are perfectly situated for visitors and their trusty companions to enjoy. If you want to browse other accommodation, see all the pet friendly log cabins in Norfolk available.
We also cover Norfolk dog friendly hot tub cottage breaks here.