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Dog friendly

Norfolk is the perfect place dog walking and spending quality time with your four-legged friends

You can’t help but notice that in Norfolk we love our dogs and are very geared up for caring for canine family members. Wherever you go, you will find water bowls to refresh thirsty dogs and many restaurants and pubs welcome them with special treats. There's a wonderful selection of dog-friendly beaches, wide open spaces and stately homes to visit. Don't forget to stop at one of the many dog pampering places before you go home!

Walkies

Wide open spaces are perfect for letting your dog enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s important to know where and when you can let them off lead. Be aware that by-laws are in place in some locations, and please be conscious of other families, particularly where young children are playing. Of course it goes without saying that owners must clean up after their dogs too.

Our fabulous wildlife is also a glorious part of the Norfolk landscape so be aware of what might be hiding in that hedgerow and look out for notices and roped off areas on the beach during the nesting season from April to July. Birds like terns and plovers nest directly on the beach so are very vulnerable to a dog that is not under control.

Beach life

Beaches at Snettisham, Heacham, Old Hunstanton, Holme, Thornham, Brancaster Staithe, Holkham (past the dunes) and Burnham Deepdale (marshes) are all free of dog restrictions.

However the following restrictions apply on beaches at:

  • Hunstanton – from 10 April and 31 October, dogs are not allowed on the beach between the cliffs and the powerboat launch ramp.
  • Brancaster – dogs are not permitted west of the golf club house from 1 May – 30 September.
  • Wells – a simple traffic light system operates in the area to protect nesting birds and wildlife, according to the time of year. This shows zones as ‘no dogs’, ‘dogs on leads April to August’, and ‘dogs off leads’ where they can walk freely under control of their owner.

Fit for a dog

Stately homes and attractions make fantastic destinations when you have a dog in tow.

Here’s where they can stretch their legs:

  • Sandringham Estate – allowed on/off lead in the country park.
  • Holkham Estate – allowed on lead in the deer park.
  • Houghton Hall – allowed on lead in the country park.
  • Blickling Hall – allowed on and off lead in the park.
  • Oxburgh Hall – allowed on lead and under control. Not allowed on the circular walk.
  • RSPB Titchwell – only permitted on West Bank path, on lead and under control.
  • Norfolk Lavender – allowed on lead excluding the rare breeds centre and tearooms.
  • Snettisham Park – on lead around livestock.
  • Castle Rising – on lead.

 

Pampered pups

Sand, mud and sea water can play havoc with a dog’s  coat, so give your pooch a freshen up.

  • Top 2 Tail Grooming, 43 York Avenue, Hunstanton PE36 6BU
  • Liz’s Dog Grooming, 2B Centre Vale Road, Dersingham PE31 6JP
  • Pretty Paws Norfolk, 85a Westgate, Hunstanton PE36 5EP

 

Doggy retail

Christopher William Country, 55 Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AN

From leads and beds to ‘Ruff and Tumble’ drying coats, retail therapy for the discerning dog and master.

Eric & Dolly’s, Southgate Chambers, Market Place, Burnham Market PE31 8HF

Beautiful and stylish dog accessories including leads, harnesses and coats, plus treats and toys for your pup.