Big skies, sandy paws and coast-to-country adventures
Planning a dog-friendly break in Norfolk? You've picked a paw-fect destination. With its wide-open beaches, winding rivers and charming market towns, Norfolk is a dream for dogs and their humans.
Whether you're after a beachfront bolthole or a cosy cottage in the Broads, our collection of dog-friendly holiday homes in Norfolk makes it easy to plan a getaway where everyone – tail-waggers included – feels right at home.
Why choose a dog-friendly holiday in Norfolk?
Norfolk is packed with dog-friendly places to explore. Think open countryside, peaceful coastal paths and plenty of dog-welcoming pubs, cafés and attractions along the way.
From paddling in the North Sea to sniffing around the Norfolk Broads or stretching legs on forest trails, your four-legged companion will love the freedom – and you'll love the views.
Base yourself near Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, Blakeney or inland in Norwich or Thetford to make the most of this dog-loving county.
Best dog-friendly walks in Norfolk
There are countless routes for wagging tails and worn-out boots. Here are some of our top picks:
- Holkham to Wells-next-the-Sea – this scenic coastal walk connects two of Norfolk's most dog-welcoming beaches through pinewoods and salt marsh. Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea cottages make perfect bases.
- Thetford Forest – with miles of woodland trails, off-lead space and picnic spots, it's a hit with dogs who love to roam.
- Blickling Estate – part of the National Trust, dogs on leads are welcome in the park and wider estate paths.
- Norfolk Coast Path – an 84-mile stretch with plenty of shorter, dog-friendly sections from Hunstanton to Sea Palling.
- Bure Valley Path – a relaxed riverside trail linking Wroxham and Aylsham, perfect for walkies in the Norfolk Broads.
Best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk
- Holkham Beach – vast, beautiful and welcoming to dogs year-round. Perfect for zoomies and sandy snoozes.
- Brancaster Beach – great for off-lead fun, with seasonal restrictions in place only during bird nesting periods.
- Winterton-on-Sea – a quiet, unspoilt beach loved by dog walkers. Dogs welcome all year.
- Wells-next-the-Sea – while part of the main beach has summer restrictions, there's a huge dog-friendly area near the pinewoods.
- Sea Palling – known for its shallow waters and year-round dog access to the east end of the beach.
Dog-friendly activities and attractions in Norfolk
- 🚤 Norfolk Broads boat hire – several companies, like Herbert Woods, offer dog-friendly day boats so pups can cruise the Broads too.
- 🌲 Pensthorpe Nature Reserve – dogs on leads are welcome in the park's woodland and riverside trails.
- 🛶 Canoeing at Wroxham – calm waters and scenic surroundings make this a peaceful outing for humans and hounds.
- 🏰 Castle Acre Priory – explore atmospheric ruins where well-behaved dogs are welcome on a lead.
- 🦭 Blakeney Point seal trips – visit England's biggest grey seal colony on a boat trip from Morston Quay, with your pup in tow.