The north Norfolk coast is one of the best parts of the country for a holiday with a dog: miles of beach, coastal paths and marshes, and pubs where dogs are as welcome as their owners. This guide lists the places in our directory that are recorded as dog friendly, from west to east. Dog policies can change, and some places only allow dogs in certain areas, so check when you book.
Beaches and seasonal rules
Several of the busier resort beaches restrict dogs during the summer, typically from May to September, while others welcome them all year. Look for the signs at each beach entrance. Outside the summer months most of the coast is open to dogs, which makes autumn and winter a good time to visit.
Hunstanton and Heacham
- The Honeystone, 10 Southend Road, Hunstanton. A family pub with grills and stone-baked pizzas, a beer garden and a children's play area.
- The West Norfolk, 91 Station Road, Heacham. A family pub where dogs are welcome, known for its Sunday lunches. Booking is available online.
Burnham Market
- The Nelson, Creake Road. A recently refurbished country pub with contemporary British food, outdoor seating and dog-friendly bedrooms.
Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells has the widest choice on this stretch of coast.
- The Globe, The Buttlands. A traditional inn serving breakfast and all-day food, including fresh seafood, with outdoor seating.
- The Bowling Green Inn, 20 Church Street. Home cooking with local seasonal ingredients, local ales and a beer garden.
- Wells Crab House, 38 to 40 Freeman Street. A husband-and-wife seafood restaurant focused on local, seasonal produce, with a list of Norfolk wines. Its sister takeaway, Hook Some Seafood, is a few doors down at 16 Freeman Street.
- Bang in Wells, Staithe Street. Simple, well-cooked food, with live music and an accessible toilet.
Cley-next-the-Sea and Blakeney
- The Harnser, High Street, Cley. A pub serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from local ingredients, with dog-friendly rooms.
- Cley Windmill, The Quay, Cley. A bed and breakfast in the village's landmark windmill, with views over the marshes.
- Blakeney Manor Hotel, The Quay, Blakeney. A hotel in buildings dating from the 1700s, looking over the salt marshes, with free parking and facilities for families.
- Blakeney House, High Street, Blakeney. An AA five-star restaurant with rooms, with bistro-style dining using local ingredients.
Holt
- Two Magpies Bakery, 27 to 29 High Street. A bakery café known for sourdough and morning pastries, open daily from 8am.
Sheringham and Beeston Regis
- The North Norfolk Railway. Dogs can ride the heritage trains between Sheringham and Holt.
- Smiths Priory Maze Café, Cromer Road, Beeston Regis. The café at the entrance to Priory Maze and Gardens, open Wednesday to Sunday.
Cromer and West Runton
- Blue Sky Café, Runton Road, Cromer. A family-owned café dating back to 2007. Our listing notes that it is closed on Wednesdays.
- Hillside Animal and Shire Horse Sanctuary, West Runton. Dogs are welcome at the sanctuary, which cares for rescued horses and farm animals.
Tips for a coastal trip with your dog
- Watch the tides. The marshes and sandbanks between Wells and Blakeney flood quickly on a rising tide. Check tide times before you walk out.
- Respect the wildlife. Keep dogs on leads near nesting birds in spring and around seals in winter.
- Book dog-friendly rooms early. Hotels and inns usually have only a few dog-friendly rooms, and they go first in the school holidays.
Browse more places across the county in our dog-friendly Norfolk collection.
