Why Norfolk…Doggy Tails
Dog Friendly
Norfolk is definitely a great place to come with your waggy friends. However, as a loving dog owner myself, choosing to take the pooch away with you can be slightly daunting. Sometimes a little knowledge goes a long way and can make holidaying in Norfolk with your dogs far easier. If you are looking for Dog friendly cottages in Norfolk, you have come to the right place.
Step 1. Finding dog friendly Holiday cottages.
We at Norfolk’s Hidden Gems, pride ourselves on having many dog friendly cottages in Norfolk, there are only one or two on our books that don’t so get in touch.
Step 2. Find some great walks near our dog friendly cottages in Norfolk
This is probably the easiest bit as Norfolk has a beautiful coast line, with many beaches being accessible with dogs all year round. For example walking the Norfolk Coast Path is in reach of many of our dog friendly cottages in Norfolk.
Which beaches are closed for dogs in summer?
It is good to know before you take your four legged friend down to the beach which ones to stay clear of during the summer buzz as dogs are not allowed in some parts. From the 1st of May – 30th September many of the main North Norfolk beaches have a no dogs policy. Find out where and when you can walk your dog on beaches in North Norfolk by visiting the North Norfolk District Council web page “Where you can and can’t take your dog“. This page has very clear up to date information with maps on beaches and Public Space Protection Orders.
What about inland walks?
There are plenty of other places to walk near our dog friendly cottages in Norfolk. If you like your walks and plan to explore Norfolk its worth buying an ordinance survey map, I use this one, Norfolk Coast East, OS Explorer map 252. You can now download sections of OS maps on your smart phone, check out the Ordnance Survey website, although you can buy the maps a bit cheaper on other sites.
One of my fave places to walk is Sheringham Park under the National Trust (with its beautiful rhododendrons) you can see signs to this from the Norfolk Coast Path. It has an amazing viewing tower, not to be missed. Another is Holt Country Park which has a brilliant children’s park. Both have well worn paths and they are great for dogs and family’s alike.
The Holkham Estate and its pine forest is a real treat, how often can you walk amongst pine trees and see the sea? It is a memory maker especially in poor weather because of the shelter from the trees. Please be aware of the tide which goes out a long way and comes in quickly, many have been caught out on a Spring Tide. Although the parking is pricey and patrolled (remember to take some change) it is worth it. At the Wells-next-the-Sea end there is a Beach Cafe that allows dogs inside.
Step 3. Find pubs, cafes, that allow dogs inside rain or shine.
I have listed a few of them near to our dog friendly cottages in Norfolk to get you started. Safe to say, I think all pubs are happy to have well behaved dogs on leads outside. Here are a few places you can count on rain or shine, to let you and your dogs dine:
WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA: Beach Cafe, right next to the car park, Beach Road, NR23 Wells-next-the-Sea allows dogs inside.
BLAKENEY: If you’ve headed out for the Norfolk Coast Path by Morston to Blakeney you may want to head to The Kings Arms, Westgate Street, NR25 7NQ. Dogs allowed inside on a lead.
EAST/WEST RUNTON: From here you can walk in either direction (to East Runton village or Sheringham) The Beach Cafe can be found at the end of Water Lane, near the car park.
SHERINGHAM BEACH: Submarine Cafe & Takeaway, East Promenade, NR26 8BH
SHERINGHAM: Windham Arms, 15 Wyndham Street, NR26 8BA or maybe a coffee in The Coffee House Cafe, 8 Station Approach NR26 8RA.
CROMER BEACH: Blue Sky Cafe is on Runton Road, NR27 9AV by cliff top car park, great place to walk from.
CROMER: The Old Rock Shop Bistro, 10 Hamilton Road, NR27 9HL
MUNDESLEY: The Ship Inn, 21 Beach Road, NR11 8BQ or maybe The Corner House Cafe 2-4 Cromer Road, NR11 8BE.
In all areas where there are great walks, you will usually find a cafe or pub that allows dogs inside, so rain or shine you can take your dog to dine. As with all the information gathered, places can close or change management – so please do check before going to avoid disappointment. Remember most cafes have more limited opening times in the winter season.
Things to remember when dog walking:
1-Check the tidal time table if walking by the sea, lots of people have made the mistake not to, some hairy scary moments followed. Please stay safe!
2-As all good responsible dog walkers know, take caution and if anxious at any time put your doggy friend on a lead, especially in the bird nesting season. Please stay on established routes where possible, adhere to restrictions when necessary.
3- Remember to take water for you and your dog, they do not like salt water and walking is dehydrating, so don’t get caught out.
4-Make sure you have a ready supply of dog bags! There is nothing worse than stepping in poop. All poop should be 1 metre away from the footpath or more pleasantly in a bin.
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MOST OF ALL,
ENJOY WALKING WITH YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS, WE LOVE IT!
If you have photos to share, please e-mail them to [email protected] subject heading “Dog Walks”. We would love to hear from you and see your experiences of walking with your dogs in Norfolk.