If you are a beach lover, much of your holiday planning is likely built around fantastic coastal locations and what they have to offer. If you have a four-legged friend to think about though, you often find your choices a little more limited. Dog-friendly beaches make up just a small proportion of the British beaches you can access throughout the summer, often making it hard for people to find a perfect destination. Should a low-season break be more to your preference though, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that many beaches across the country are happy to welcome dogs and their owners if they behave appropriately.
So, if you are looking to enjoy a getaway on these shores and take your dog with you, take a look at the dog friendly beaches in North Norfolk you won’t want to miss out on. We have compiled a list of our top five for you to enjoy whilst you take a break in one of our North Norfolk dog friendly cottages.
Beaches in North Norfolk
When booking a holiday to North Norfolk, you are spoilt for choice with beach options, and the 45 miles of coastline certainly provides visitors with a host of stunning scenery, excellent amenities, and space for activities. With a mixture of blue flag beaches, quiet hideaway beaches, and those ideal for a family looking for fun, there are plenty of choices for all types of holidaymakers. With wheelchair access at many too, nobody misses out on the stunning seaside in North Norfolk.
Currently, North Norfolk has six blue flag beaches. Sheringham, Cromer, West Runton, East Runton, Mundesley, and Sea Palling. At certain times of the year, dog walking is permitted on these.
Dog friendly beaches North Norfolk
Dog owners are truly blessed if they visit North Norfolk. It’s known for being one of the most dog-friendly locations in the country, with a host of beaches offering great spaces for a dog to enjoy the sand, the water, and the open spaces.
Dogs are loved so much on the beaches of North Norfolk that they are welcome almost anywhere, provided the owners are responsible for the handling and freedom of their pets. That being said, specific beaches do have restrictions in places where dogs are welcome but only at certain parts of the year and must be on a lead. In some instances, dogs are not allowed on the beach at all, but each beach has specific rules. You can find out more about the specific rules regarding these beaches here.
Between May 1st and September 30th, restrictions are in place at the following beaches:
- Bacton
- Cromer
- Mundesley
- Overstrand
- Sea Palling
- West Runton
- Walcott
- Sheringham
The 5 best beaches in North Norfolk for dogs
We have picked five beaches worth a visit with your dog when you are on holiday in North Norfolk.
Old Hunstanton
The Old Hunstanton beach provides you with year-round use for your dog, meaning there is plenty of time for them to enjoy running in the sand, dipping their paws in the water and exploring the rocks. Located in a charming village, this beach gives vastly different vibes to the pebbly Hunstanton beach nearby and instead offers golden sands, striped cliffs and a great place to view a sunset when walking the dog.
With a café and shop on site, adults and children are well catered for and for those seeking a little more of an adrenalin rush, kite surfing is available too.
Holkham
Holkham Beach provides a great place for your canine to stretch its legs all year round, but it is worth noting that this does come with certain caveats. The beach acts as a nature reserve too, and at certain points of the year, various wildlife begins to breed in its natural habitat.
Having dogs racing around goes someway to disturbing that, and the team at Holkham work hard to ensure that whilst dogs are always welcome, the wildlife is not affected. As a result, from the start of April until the end of August, specific areas of the beach permit dog walks with a lead only. The remaining 70% of the beach is open to off-lead walks as long as the dog is under close control. The areas are clearly marked, so you shouldn’t have any trouble sticking to the designated areas at specific times of year.
With lots of activities across the reserve, and the beach itself, this location lends itself perfectly to families, couples, and single visitors across the whole year.
Well-next-the-sea
If sandy beaches are your thing, then the offering of Wells-next-the-sea could be the option for you and your dog. With stunning backdrops filled with pines and beach huts, you may think you are in a movie when strolling along this beach.
Dogs are allowed access all year long, but for the first 200 yards, a dog-free zone is in place to allow those building sandcastles, and perhaps hunting for treasure, to avoid discovering something a little more messy. From the pinewoods onwards, the restrictions ease and dogs are free to wander.
Restrictions are also in place in certain areas, and signposts will display whether there are any in place for the part of the beach you are on. Much like Holkham, wildlife is protected, so certain areas require a dog to be on a lead at all times.
A café provides an excellent rest stop and ensures dogs are catered for too!
Brancaster
With miles of beautiful sandy beach, you can get lost in time as you and the dog take a walk during your North Norfolk holiday along Brancaster Beach.
Perfect for families and those looking for some beach-based activities, Brancaster is popular among all age groups. History lovers also enjoy a little wander as at low tide the shipwreck of the SS Vina becomes visible. During WW2 the RAF used it for target practice but it got stuck on a sandbank and has been there ever since! We should add that at no point should you attempt to walk out for a closer look. It is extremely dangerous.
For dogs, it’s a year-round welcome with just some restrictions put in place in summer for a part of the beach. Enjoy the café and the shop to stock up on provisions and treats, then let your dog have a little paddle as they enjoy the sand and the sights as much as you!
Thornham
Thornham is another beach that offers year-round canine access with no restrictions in place. And with its picturesque walk to reach it, you can while away the time, relaxing and enjoying the creeks, salt marshes and grassy dunes as you get closer to the beach.
Once at the beach, your dog is free to explore the water, play with the sand and just explore to its heart’s content.
Sandy, shallow, peaceful, and remote, Thornham offers something the other beaches don’t. It is not a tourist haven in some respects. There are no facilities, no shops, no refreshments. It is pure, it is empty, and it is that that makes it perfect for so many.
We hope you have found our dog friendly beaches north Norfolk guide handy, a stay in Norfolk can be an incredible experience for visitors of all ages and with our dog friendly accommodation options, you can ensure everyone gets to come on the trip away. Why not contact us today to start your next holiday plans and discover the gems of North Norfolk?
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