Dog-friendly Walks Along the Norfolk Coast

With an unspoilt coastline of nearly 100 miles, Norfolk offers an abundance of scenic walking routes for both you and your four-legged friend.

Providing you with the best of the countryside and the coast, Norfolk offers an array of fantastic dog-friendly walks, complimented by remarkable views of its varied landscape. From National Park wonders to extensive heathlands and market towns, you’re sure to find plenty of wondrous walking routes along the coast of Norfolk.

Read on to discover 6 of our favourite dog-friendly walks along the Norfolk coast…

1. Wells-next-the-Sea to Holkham Beach

Begin at: Wells-next-the-Sea harbour
Distance: 5 miles

Starting on the picturesque harbourside of Wells, next to the train station, join Peddars Way and head along the Norfolk Coast Path along Beach Road. Once you arrive at Wells’ lifeboat station, make a left into the woodland area of Holkham Meals, a long stretch of dunes proven to be popular with avid walkers. Alternatively, choose a simpler stroll along the flat sands of the equally scenic beachfront, where you can play catch and paddle in the shallow waters.

Following along either route will lead you towards Holkham, where you will be greeted by the award-winning, eco-friendly café of The Lookout, sat amongst Lady Ann’s Drive. Stop for a rewarding and warming beverage, and take in the views of the National Nature Reserve with its spectacular scenery and wildlife grazing amongst the salt marshes.

Immerse yourself in the history of the 18th cenutry Palladian-style house of Holkham Hall, before returning back to the bustling town of Wells via the woodlands of Holkham Meals once more.

To discover more of this delectable seaside town, be sure to browse our Wells-next-the-Sea travel guide.

2. Weybourne to Sheringham

Begin at: Shipp Inn bus stop (NR25 7SZ)
Distance: 3.9 miles

Following signs for Weybourne Beach, make a right upon arrival and begin your clifftop walk, keeping the sea on your left-hand side. Alongside the Weybourne Cliffs stands the post-war Weybourne Anti-Aircraft Training Camp, holding history dating back to World War II. The area is currently home to the Muckleburgh Collection, a privately owned military museum with 25 tanks in working order.

Ramble along the Norfolk Coast Path Way and follow the National Trail acorn waymarks, absorbing the North Sea as you pass. Climb the steep trail of Skelding Hill to arrive at the Coastguard, stopping to appreciate the views from the top. Stroll along the beachfront and on to Sheringham’s colourful promenade, lined with bright beach huts and rugged cliff views.

Once in the traditional seaside town of Sheringham, be sure to stop off at the Two Lifeboats pub. Once a coffee shop and Fisherman’s Mission circa in 1720, the building now stands to offer dog-friendly fun and some of the best views of the beaches.

The Weybourne Cliffs are considered to be a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with its geology being of high importance. Many types of marine molluscs can be found here, as well as animal fossils and nesting sites for sand martins.

3. RSPB Titchwell Marsh

Begin at: The visitors centre (PE31 8BB)
Distance: 0.7 miles

Leading you to the beach, this linear walk is ideal for you and your canine companion to explore the diverse habitat of Titchwell. Starting at the visitor’s centre, where you can grab a hot drink ahead of your steady stroll, this dog-friendly walk leads you across the West Bank Path.

Observe bearded tits, marsh harriers and bitterns on the first leg of your journey, stopping at the viewpoint for the best glimpses. Further along in the freshwater marsh you may even spot nesting avocets and their feathery chicks, as well as wading birds and wildfowl.

End your adventure at Titchwell beach, with far-reaching sands in every direction, this sandy spot is perfect for an afternoon of sun soaking and frisbee fetching. Immerse yourself in history by visiting the beach’s crumbling pillboxes and the remains of tanks used for target practice.

This walk is bound to be a hit with both man and dog, offering something for every type of explorer.

4. Mundesley to Happisburgh

Begin at: Mundesley Maritime Museum (NR11 8BU)
Distance: 6 miles

Enriched with history and wonder, this linear walk begins its adventure at the Mundesley Maritime Museum. Although the museum itself does not accept dogs, it’s well worth a visit on a separate voyage to learn more about the marvels of the coastal village.

Head onto the beach below the Mundesley Cliffs, a further Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its Pleistocene geology. Here you can try and spot mammals such as seals and sometimes even porpoises in the waves.

This walk takes you past the the Bacton Gas Terminal. Although not the most scenic part of the route, the rewarding views at the end make up for it. Soon after this area you will reach Walcott; head towards the clifftops of arable fields and a caravan park, eventually leading you into Happisburgh.

When in Happisburgh you will be greeted by an array of dog-friendly attractions. Whether you choose to explore the famous red and white lighthouse of the village, or roam its rural lands, there’s plenty of fun to be had here.

To truly appreciate the rustic splendours of England, be sure to search through our catalogue of rural retreats.

5. Sea Palling with Eccles-on-Sea

Begin at: Beach Road, Sea Palling
Distance: 6 miles

Beginning on Beach Lane, make your way past Sandy Hills Amusements and Stores, trying to tear your snout away from the prize cuddly toys on offer. This circular route presents you with soft sands, ideal for a leisurely stroll and the all-important digging.

Walking you through the medieval village of Eccles-on-Sea, here you can fully immerse yourself in the maritime history of Norfolk. With most of the village lost to coastal erosion in the 16th century, it now stands to present a close-knit community, bound by their historic past.

Sea Palling Beach is especially wonderful in the winter months. With the summer bringing in floods of sun-seekers, the cooler climates are ideal for you and your four-legged friend to watch wildlife and enjoy the sunset together.

6. Cromer to Overstrand

Begin at: The Rocket House (NR27 9ET)
Distance: 4.3 miles

The coastal town of Cromer is the perfect location to bring you a quintessentially British holiday by the sea. Starting at the dog-friendly Rocket House Café within The Gangway, begin your stroll along the promenade, wandering past the beach huts and then onto the sands.

A Victorian seaside resort, Cromer Beach is popular for its award-winning waters and watersports opportunities. Although some restrictions may apply in the summer months, this is a dog-friendly Norfolk beach for the remainder of the year and provides delights all-year-round, from its welcoming pier to its pup-friendly promenade.

On arriving at Overstrand, make a right and walk along the cliffs, following the slipway into the village. Turn onto Paul’s Lane and join the pathway leading towards the church. After this, carry on your journey between the Catholic Church and Royal Cromer Golf Club to lead you towards the lighthouse, following the path on the right and turning left at the seats overlooking Happy Valley.

Spend some time uncovering the delights of Overstrand, being sure to take in its clifftop views and previous history as a fishing village. To return to your starting point, follow the clifftop path, taking you back to crab-famed Cromer.

Take a look at our full range of cottages that accept pets for free!

If you’re seeking a spot to retreat to after an action-packed day of exploring the coast of Norfolk, our dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk provide you and your canine companion with a delectable dwelling for every occasion. Be sure to browse our Norfolk travel guide for more inspiration.