With a plethora of dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk to explore, you won’t have to worry about leaving your canine companion at home during your visit to the Norfolk coast.
From tranquil shorelines to evening promenade strolls and sandy beaches that stretch for miles, Norfolk is perfect for a seaside trip with your furry friend. Whether you’re looking for a quick beach run around, a paddle in the water or a relaxing day of beach fun, find plenty of dog-friendly Norfolk beaches to suit your needs.
Keep reading to find the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk…
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- Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Norfolk FAQs
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Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Norfolk FAQs
Are there any dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk?
In short, yes! There are a number of fantastic dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk that allow dogs all year round. Read on to learn about which ones we’d recommend!
Can dogs go on Holkham Beach all year round?
Dogs are welcome all year round on Holkham Beach. There is a policy from the 1st of April until the 31st of August that requires dogs on leads in the more vulnerable areas of the beach. However, there is still plenty of room on the beach to let your dogs roam.
Can dogs go on Cromer Beach?
Dogs are allowed on Cromer Beach during the off-season. There are dog restrictions throughout the summer from May until September.
Top 10 Norfolk Dog-Friendly Beaches
1. Snettisham Beach, Snettisham
A perfect mix of sand and shingle for your furry friend!
First on our list of dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk is the beautiful golden shores of Snettisham Beach, an excellent place for a dog walk in Norfolk. Being on Norfolk‘s only west-facing stretch of coastline, it’s the best place to watch the sunset. Norfolk’s sunsets are recognised as some of the best in the world, lasting up to 5 ½ hours, and are believed by many to be even more magnificent than the famous Australian sunset.
Nearby, you’ll find the RSPB Snettisham nature reserve, an excellent spot if you’re looking to extend your walk and witness some wild birds. Although there are no restrictions in this area, leads are recommended on this dog-friendly beach around the nature reserve.
Key Information about the beach
Dogs allowed: All year round
Type of beach: Sand and shingle
Postcode: PE31 7PS
Parking: Snettisham Beach Car Park, PE31 7RB
Parking charge: £5 for 3 hours – £6 for 24 hours
2. Old Hunstanton Beach, Hunstanton
Best beach for a wonderful evening stroll to watch the sunset!
Unlike nearby Hunstanton Beach, the magnificent golden sands of Old Hunstanton Beach has no restrictions for your furry friend and is an excellent location for you and your dog. This delightful vista is away from the hustle and bustle of the busy promenade, making it one of the most convenient Norfolk dog-friendly beaches.
It can be a popular hotspot during peak seasons; however, its endless miles of golden sands and nearby sand dunes are perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds or enjoy long walks. Old Hunstanton is also west-facing, so you can enjoy a wonderful evening stroll to watch the sunset with your loved ones.
Key Information about the beach
Dogs allowed: All year round
Type of beach: Sandy
Postcode: PE36 6JJ
Parking: Yes, Hunstanton Clifftop car park, PE36 6EL
Parking charge: Peak all day – £7 | Off Peak all day – £6
3. Holkham Beach, Holkham
One of the most picturesque beaches in the country!
Holkham Beach is often referred to as one of the most picturesque beaches in the country. With vast expanses of unspoilt golden sand, Holkham Beach is amongst many dog walkers’ favourite spots for a dog-friendly walk along the Norfolk coast, boasting easy access to the Norfolk Coast Path, which spans 83 miles.
11 miles of this dog-friendly Norfolk beach make up part of Holkham National Nature Reserve, one of the county’s largest nature reserves, and awareness of the local wildlife should always be considered while visiting.
Holkham Beach has also been highlighted on the big screen and on major TV dramas, with films such as Shakespeare in Love and the Hit Netflix series, The Crown. See if you can spot the locations while walking along this pristine dog-friendly Norfolk beach.
Key Information about the beach
Dogs allowed: All year round (dogs are not prohibited at the eastern end of Wells Beach)
Type of beach: Sandy
Postcode: NR23 1RG
Parking: Yes, Lady Anne’s Drive, NR23 1RJ
Parking charge: Up to 4 hours – £7 | Over 4 hours/ All day – £13.50
4. Waxham Beach, Waxham
One of the lesser-visited best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk!
With no car park or amenities, Waxham is one of the lesser-visited and quietest Norfolk dog-friendly beaches. This beach is perfect for a gentle stroll and, on a sunny day, you can walk as far as your heart desires!
You’ll begin your walk by strolling along a sandy path, shaded by trees, before the paths open up on the golden beach. To the south, you’ll find Waxham Sands, a slightly more popular beach due to its adjacency to a campsite and holiday park, offering flexibility for all.
It’s easy to see why Norfolk is considered one of the best regions in the UK to visit for dog-friendly beaches and Waxham beach is a great choice when looking for dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk!
Key Information about the beach
Dogs allowed: All year round
Type of beach: Sandy
Postcode: NR12 0DY
Parking: No official parking, parking is available on the roadside
5. Scratby Beach, Great Yarmouth
Perfect for long walks along the sand!
Next on our list of dog-friendly Norfolk beaches is Scratby Beach. Scratby Beach is a favourite destination for dog walkers due to its endless stretch of sandy shores and crystal waters which are perfect for a playful dip.
You can walk for miles in either direction and set up base on the soft sands. Caister-on-Sea and Great Yarmouth can be reached to the south, and Hemsby Beach can be found to the north, offering great options for a fun day out.
Scratby Beach also offers some fantastic surfing opportunities if you have the whole family around to help look after the dog! This is probably better in the winter when the weather sees higher winds coming from the West.
This is a perfect beach for both you and your dog!
Key Information about the beach
Dogs allowed: All year round
Type of beach: Sand and shingle
Postcode: NR29 3PD
Parking: Yes, Rottenstone Lane, NR29
Parking charge: Free car park but it only has around 20 spaces so you have to be there early
6. Bacton Beach, Bacton
Best beach in the winter months for dogs!
Bacton Beach is one of the most tranquil Norfolk dog-friendly beaches, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection. Although there are dog restrictions during the summer months, this beach is popular for spring and autumn walks with your canine companion.
Enjoy an even longer walk in either direction towards the Victorian village on Mundesley on one side, and the small village of Walcott on the other. Both offer an intriguing selection of Norfolk hidden gems to explore.
At high tide the majority of the beach cannot be accessed due to the high water line, so please check the tide times before heading to the beach.
Key Information about the beach
Dogs allowed: Restrictions apply between May 1 – September 30
Type of beach: Sandy
Postcode: NR12 0EW
Parking: Yes, NR12 0EW
Parking charge: £3.60 for 2 hours
7. Thornham Beach, Thornham
Best Norfolk dog-friendly beach for privacy!
Another remote and quiet dog-friendly beach in Norfolk is Thornham Beach. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this stunning hidden beach involves a half-mile walk just to reach it.
Immerse yourself in the pure solitude and privacy of this beach, covered by soft sands, sand dunes and high tides. There’s also a fascinating old fishing boat placed on the shore at Thornham harbour which you can see on your trip.
Be sure to be mindful of wildlife when reaching the border of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Holme Dunes Nature Reserve.
Key Information about the beach
Dogs allowed: All year round
Type of beach: Sandy
Postcode: PE36 6LX
Parking: Off-road parking available at Staithe Lane, PE36 6NH
8. Titchwell Beach, King’s Lynn
Best beach for wildlife spotting!
For a more rugged seaside experience, Titchwell Beach sits in the RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve, surrounded by tidal lagoons, woodland quarters and rural marshes. This Norfolk dog-friendly beach offers a wild experience for more active pets to enjoy.
Wildlife lovers will delight in the array of birdwatching opportunities around the area, as well as unique wildlife throughout the impressive nature reserve. This beach is perfect for those who want to be close to nature and away from the busy corners of daily life.
Make use of the RSPB facilities including a café, gift shop and a visitor centre.
Key Information about the beach
Dogs allowed: Dogs are permitted on leads along the West Bank Path all year round
Type of beach: Sandy
Postcode: PE31 8BA
Parking: Pay and display car park (free for RSPB members)
Parking charge: £7.00 entrance fee for non RSPB members
9. Burnham Overy Staithe Beach, Burnham Overy Staithe
Perfect spot for letting your dogs run wild!
Hidden along the Norfolk Coast Path within the magnificent North Norfolk AONB is our next dog-friendly beach, Burnham Overy Staithe Beach.
Admire the bobbing sailing boats at the charming harbour, before visiting the historic boathouse and chandlery, which offers kayak hire.
Similar to Thornham Beach, this remote sanctuary is accessed via a mile-long walk from coastal roads, great for dogs to stretch their legs without the crowds of some of the other dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk.
If you want to get back to basics and connect with yourself, visit Burnham Overy Staithe for an unusual and unique Norfolk beach experience.
Key Information about the beach
Dogs allowed: All year round
Type of beach: Sandy and dunes
Postcode: PE31 8FF
Parking: Yes, PE31 8JF
Parking charge: Free parking on the quayside but please beware of high tides – Check tide times before arriving
10. Wells-next-the-Sea Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea
The perfect all-rounder!
Last but not least on our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk guide is the marvellous Wells-next-the-Sea Beach. Found in the heart of North Norfolk’s coastline, this gorgeous fishing port lies on the edge of Holkham Beach and within the North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Comprising a characterful quay, golden sands, spots for crabbing and access to Holkham Estate, this is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK. Take advantage of all the fantastic facilities in the area while you’re here, including classic fish and chip shops, seal watching at Blakeney Point, and a looping gauge miniature train.
Take a walk into the Holkham National Nature Reserve, dogs will be requested to be on leads during the visit in the reserve. In the wintertime, head into the George Washington hide and see what migrant birds you can see. If you are very lucky you may also spot seals on the beach but please keep a safe distance and of course, make sure your dog is on a lead around this area of the beach, there should be restriction notices if seals are around.
Key Information about the beach
Dogs allowed: All year round
Type of beach: Sandy
Postcode: NR23 1DR
Parking: Yes, Stearmans Yard Car Park, NR23 1BA
Parking charge: £1.80 an hour or day tickets can be purchased
The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Norfolk Map
Pinpoint the location of your favourite dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk and start planning your next trip today!
Did you know?
Ready to treat your four-legged friend to a trip to one of these dog-friendly Norfolk beaches? Visit one of these incredible destinations before heading back to a dog-friendly cottage in Norfolk. For more inspiration on your holiday to Norfolk, check out our Norfolk Travel Guide.