Nine dog-friendly walks in Norfolk
Date published: 25 Jun 2025
Norfolk is a county of beautiful countryside, waterways and cute-as-a-button towns, so it’s no surprise that dogs and their owners love it here. Walkies in this neck of the woods look like huge untouched beach strolls and woodland or waterside wanders. Plus, you won’t find many hills, so the majority of dog walks are as flat as a pancake. Easy strolling for you and Fido. Here are some of our top spots for dog-friendly walks in Norfolk.
1. Whitlingham Country Park
Location: Trowse, Norwich
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat
Situated on the south-eastern fringes of the city, Whitlingham Country Park is one of the most popular places for dog-friendly walks in Norfolk. In addition to soaking up spectacular views of Whitlingham Great Broad and the River Yare along the well-marked circular walk, you’ll be able to trek down forest paths and let your dog off the lead to play on a choice of grassy fields.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Enjoy a stroll around the broad before stopping off at the dog-friendly Rushcutter Arms along the River Yare.
2. Holkham Beach
Location: Holkham
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat
Holkham Beach, near Wells-next-the-Sea is a standout stretch of north Norfolk coastline – an unspoilt, four-mile-long beauty. There’s plenty of room for dogs to run around, and you might even see the odd horse rider depending on the time of day. Dogs are allowed all year round, but they need to be on a lead in some areas due to nesting birds at certain times of year. The walks here involve dunes, pine forests and splashing in the shallows. A little way inland is where you’ll find 18th-century Holkham Hall, which welcomes dogs into its manicured grounds.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: If you’re visiting in July or August, stop off at Holkham Hall after your walk for Feast in the Park. This free festival is held in the grounds, with street food trucks and live music.
3. Thetford Forest Park
Location: Brandon, Thetford Forest
Difficulty: Medium
Terrain: Flat
With so many unique scents to track, woodland walks are often many dogs’ favourites! If that’s the case with your pooch, Thetford Forest Park just outside Brandon won’t disappoint with its miles of leafy trails. It’s known for being one of the largest pine forests in the UK, plus it’s well looked after by the Forestry Commission. Thetford is a particularly ideal spot for a dog-friendly walk in Norfolk if you’re staying at the southern end of the county.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Settle down for afternoon tea in the pretty garden of dog-friendly Tilly's Tearoom located at the heart of nearby Brandon.
4. Salhouse Broad
Location: Salhouse
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat
Norfolk is famous for its 60+ broads, many of which are worth a visit for dog walks! Salhouse Broad sits in Salhouse within the Norfolk Broads National Park and stretches out for 40 acres, meaning there’s ample space for canines to run wild. As well as walking along the waterfront itself, you’ll be able to wander through ancient woodlands dripping in intriguing scents…
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Get warm and cosy after your walk with some tasty pub grub at The Fur & Feather Inn on Salhouse Road. As well as this pub, there are plenty of other fantastic restaurants and cafes to check out. Take a look at some of our favourite dog-friendly places to eat in Norfolk.
5. Burgh Castle
Location: Burgh Castle, Great Yarmouth
Difficulty: Medium
Terrain: Flat
Situated right on the River Yare and close to Great Yarmouth are the remains of this fascinating Roman Fort. It’s a fantastic spot for a walk and allows you to explore Angles Way - one of several trails which meander through the Norfolk countryside. Part of the walk near Burgh Castle takes you along a wooden boardwalk where you’ll need to keep your dog on the lead to avoid disturbing any nesting birds.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The welcoming Queen's Head pub in Burgh Castle village is a brilliant location for a drink with your pooch after a long walk down the river. Norfolk is well-known for its selection of pubs. Check out our list of dog-friendly pubs in Norfolk.
6. Sheringham Park
Location: Sheringham
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Hilly
Run by the National Trust, Sheringham Park, near the seaside town of Sheringham, offers up over 1,000 acres of parkland, meadows and woods. The park also rolls down to the coast, so you can stroll along clifftops overlooking the sea. If you pass two World War Two pillboxes en route, you’ll know you’re going the right way! There are several marked trails to choose from – we’d recommend the circular woodland and coastal walk for the perfect blend of terrain and views.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Courtyard Cafe at Sheringham Park is always happy to accommodate dogs if you fancy a coffee, cake or sandwich after your walk.
7. Brancaster Beach
Location: Brancaster
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat
If you and your dog can’t get enough of the beach, Brancaster is another stunning sandy spot to explore! You’ll find it 40 minutes from King’s Lynn on Norfolk’s north coast and it’s blessed with miles of soft, golden sand dunes. Those after an adventure should visit Brancaster Beach at low tide when the remains of a 19th century shipwreck can be seen just peeking out of the shallows!
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Dalegate Market, just east of Brancaster, offers up a range of shops, cafes and market stalls, plus most of the site is dog-friendly.
8. Bacton Wood
Location: North Walsham
Difficulty: Medium
Terrain: Flat
This walking spot sits outside of North Walsham and it’s a brilliant pick for dogs who love to chase a scent trail through the trees. Bacton Wood's popular circular walk is about 2.5 miles long and a lovely option for people and pooches alike. Note that it’s worth wearing wellies or walking boots (and preparing for muddy paws in the car afterwards!).
Dog-friendly pit-stop: North Walsham has several dog-friendly places to eat, including Shambles Cafe Bar and Bistro, which boasts a mouth-watering brunch menu.
9. Oxburgh Hall
Location: Oxborough
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat
For a dog-friendly walk in Norfolk which lets you soak up a bit of history, make a beeline for Oxburgh Hall. The National Trust manor in Oxborough dates back to the late 15th century and its beautiful 2,500-acre grounds sit alongside the stunning Norfolk Brecks. Oxburgh Hall estate is criss-crossed with marked trails and you’ll be able to find leaflets about them all at the ticket office next to the main car park.
Dog-friendly pitstop: Cool yourselves off with a refreshing drink and a tub of pooch-friendly ice cream from Oxburgh Hall’s Pantry cafe.
10. Blakeney to Salthouse
Location: Blakeney
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat
This part of the Norfolk Coast Path is all saltmarshes as far as the eye can see. Join the path from Blakeney, heading away from the charming village. Morston Quay is the halfway point – from here, you can head out on boat trips to see the Blakeney Point seals (dogs are allowed!). Or, continue on to Stiffkey. It’s an easy, family-friendly stroll, plus dogs will love the smells of the saltmarshes. Once you reach Stiffkey, there’s the option of continuing on to popular Wells-next-the-Sea, or jumping on the Norfolk Coasthopper bus back to Blakeney.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: A 10-minute walk inland leads you to the Stiffkey Red Lion. This cute pub welcomes dogs inside and out. But there’s a covered al fresco area – great for when the British summer isn’t on your side.
Ready to pull on your walking boots? Take a look at our dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk to start planning your holiday.
Meet the author
Annabel JacksonAnnabel loves exploring new parts of the UK with her family, including French bulldog, Albie. They’re regular visitors to North Wales and Norfolk, but have also made some paw-some memories in the Peak District, Cotswolds, Highlands and Cornwall.
