Dog Friendly Places to go in Norfolk

Having lived in Norfolk for all of my 63 years I thought I was probably the best person to write our ‘Local Knowledge’ series of guides. I have spent all my life poking around the countryside trails and villages of our beautiful county, and I still find gems everyday. So we are kicking off with the Local Knowledge Guide to Dog Friendly Places in Norfolk.

Dog Friendly Norfolk

Norfolk has got to be one of the most dog friendly counties in the UK. Most pubs and increasingly more shops, will welcome you. Often with a bowl of water or a nice doggy treat for your pooch.

After all, who wants to leave their best friend behind when they go on holiday. Crabpot Cottages has over 60 dog friendly properties you can stay in. So do check them out.

So here are some of the places you may or may not know you can take your dog along.

Pubs.

The Gin Trap in Ringstead. A beautiful and cosy pub with a real fire, and low ceilings. (I am a bit bias its my local!) It also has the most amazing beer garden and live music in the summer, think soulful not loud. Well worth a visit.

The Gunton Arms Absolutely my most favourite pub in Norfolk. I love the vibe in here, its always busy and full of interesting people (and dogs). The food here is pure theatre with steaks being cooked on a roaring open fire beneath a huge prehistoric Elk head!  The owner is an eccentric art collector so expect, Damian Hirst, Gilbert and George, Tracey Emin and Paula Reago.

The Wellington (or The Welly as it’s know locally) great traditional pub in Cromer. Fab food and sport on TV if you are looking for that sort of thing. Very welcoming to visitors.

The Lifeboat in Thornham another pretty perfect traditional pub. Used to be used by smugglers. Great for Sunday Lunch, traditional menu. Lovely cosy bar with fires and beer garden in summer.

The Mariners Arms in Old Hunstanton. Great for having a pit stop after a winter walk, or a nice meal after a day on the beach. Gets busy in the summer, but lovely place to sit in the garden and watch the amazing sunsets. The beach is dog friendly all year round.

The Two Lifeboats in Sheringham must have some of the best views on the coast.  Good food and welcoming.  Beds, water and treats are all offered in this super dog friendly pub in Sheringham.

Days Out.

Holt Garden Centre  Yes you can take your dog to a garden centre, which has probably is one of the best lunch stops along the coast. The restaurant here is next level. All home cooked food very generous portions and the home make cakes are to die for. There is a good childrens playground so your little ones can be entertained whilst you stock your garden up.  It also overlooks the North Norfolk Steam Railway, so just like the Railway Children, they can wave at the trains.

North Norfolk Steam Railway.  The heritage steam railway line begins in Sheringham and goes to Holt. Known at The Poppy Line the train chuffs its way along the coast to Holt, stopping at Weybourne. You can actually rent The Station Masters House with us, it is right next to the railway line in Weybourne. The railway do wonderful events all year including Santa Specials and Dining Trains.

The Muckleburgh Collection One of the largest collections of military vehicles all in one place. The site used to be the Radio Listening Post during the war and has a fascinating history and is well worth a visit. Lots of photographs and artifacts bring the place to life.

Sheringham Park a really peaceful escape from the bustle of the coast. It really comes alaive in May when the nationally important collection of Rhodedendrons burst into life. The landscape was designed by Humphrey Repton and covers over a 1000 acres. Lots of trails and paths to follow with your dogs. Great for children too.

Wroxham Barns This really is a fabulous day out with all the family with so much to do and see. They have amazing seasonal events and their Halloween and Christmas events are well worth going to. There is a farm, lots of shopping opportunities, a fair and so much more.

Boat Trip to see seals from Blakeney  Several of the boat operators allow dogs and this is just one of the most iconic trips you can do in Norfolk.  The coast is famous for its grey seal population and this is one trip you must do!

If you need any more inspiration on dog friendly places to visit in Norfolk here are a few links to help.  And of course if you have any questions we are here with our local knowledge.

Here is all our dog friendly properties you can stay in with Crabpot Cottages.

The Barking Bugle. Lots of information here. A really fabulous site.

Visit North Norfolk  Plenty of Dig friendly Norfolk inspirations here.