Beaches and dogs go together like ice cream and cones or Punch and Judy. Yet a lot of local councils throughout the UK have implemented dog bans on their beaches during the summer with fines of £75 and over (some districts have higher fines than others) if owners breach the rules. Bans typically run from the start of May to the end of September, so it’s no surprise that many owners are dying to find a dog-friendly beach that their little chums can run around on.
We’re here to make sure you’ll always find an unspoilt stretch of sand where you and your dog can enjoy a good walk! Read on to find about the best dog-friendly beaches Norfolk has to offer.
You might want to check out our helpful tips for taking your dog to the beach and our article, Why You Shouldn’t Walk Dogs on a Beach in Windy Weather before you hit the beach with your dog. It’s also important to note that assistance dogs are allowed on beaches all year round.
1. Old Hunstanton Beach
Nearest town: Hunstanton
Postcode & map: PE36 6JJ
Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Restrictions: None, dogs are allowed here all year.
About: The little village of Old Hunstanton is located slightly north of the resort town of Hunstanton (whose beach allows dogs between the cliffs and the power boat launch ramp between 10 April and 31 October). Old Hunstanton’s beach is dog-friendly year round and its miles of unspoilt shimmering sand, glorious striped cliffs, and shallow tidal waters make it a doggy delight. It’s also popular with kite surfers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a gorgeous sunset—it’s one of Norfolk’s few west-facing beaches. Though it’s a popular spot it’s so big that even in the height of summer you’re sure to find a quiet space of your own.
2. Wells Beach
Nearest town: Wells-next-the-Sea
Postcode & map: NR23 1DR
Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Restrictions: Dogs are allowed on the beach at Wells all year round except in the clearly signposted dog-free zone which operates for the first 200 yards of beach from the main entrance. There are no restrictions from the pinewoods entrances but dogs should be kept on leads until they get on to the beach.
About: This picturesque beach is known for its soft white sand and line of candy-coloured beach huts nestled under a backdrop of pine trees. If you head there at low tide you’ll have acres of sand to yourself and you can usually find a secluded spot near the dunes. Watch out though, there are a few places where you can get stuck when the tide comes back in! Enter the beach via the car park at the far end when your furry friends are joining you and stop off at the dog-friendly cafe while you’re at it. There’s also a nice range of restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Wells-next-the-Sea.
3. Happisburgh Beach
Nearest town: North Walsham
Postcode & map: NR12 0PR
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: None
About: Happisburgh—which is pronounced “haze-bruh”—is known for its iconic red and white candy-striped lighthouse which dates back to 1791 and is the oldest working lighthouse in the UK. But not too many know that it also has a beautiful unspoilt bay with a secluded beach. You and your dog will also be fascinated to know that archaeological excavations on this beach confirmed that ancient humans lived in Britain more than 800,000 years ago! Happisburgh has always had massive problems with coastal erosion and over the last two decades the village has lost dozens of houses to the sea as its cliffs have crumbled, so stay a safe distance away from them. The beach is accessed via a gradual slope and there is a car park, toilets and a children’s playground nearby.
4. Holme Beach
Nearest town: Hunstanton
Postcode & map: PE36 6LG
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: There are no restrictions at all, and you’re bound to meet other dogs here.
About: Even in the height of the holiday season, Holme beach is pretty much empty. This hidden gem, located along the coast from Hunstanton is just far enough off the beaten track to remain quiet. The huge expanse of sand backed by dunes is near some great walking routes so if you and your dog are feeling energetic you could combine a walk with a swim or just park yourself on the sand and enjoy the sunset. In 1998 the historical discovery of Seahenge—a 4000-year-old Bronze Age timber circle—brought Holme Beach some attention. The find was eventually excavated, restored, and is now on display at Lynn Museum.
5. Brancaster Beach
Nearest town: Hunstanton
Postcode & map: PE31 8AX
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Dogs are not allowed west of the golf club house between May and September.
About: Brancaster Beach is another Norfolk beach that seems as if it never ends. Though there’s a small area that dogs are banned from accessing during the summer, they’ll still have miles of lovely sand to play freely on and shallow water to splash around in. This beautiful stretch of coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and owned by the National Trust. At low tide the barnacle-encrusted remains of the SS Vina become visible but do not attempt to walk out to the wreck as there’s a real danger of being stuck out there when the tide races back in. Near the beach there’s a handy kiosk as well as a car park.
6. Holkham Beach
Nearest town: Wells-next-the-Sea
Postcode & map: NR23 1RG
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: At times certain areas of the beach will be roped off and owners are asked to keep dogs on leads to protect nesting birds. Dogs should be kept on leads until they get onto the beach.
About: When you access Holkham Beach, park the car at the end of Lady Anne’s Drive (on the A149), and walk along the boardwalks through the thick pine woods until you’re met with a vast expanse of golden sand. At low tide it’s quite a walk to the water’s edge but that just means you’ll always be able to secure a peaceful spot for yourself and your four-legged compadre. The beach, its dunes, salt marshes, and pines are all part of a National Nature Reserve which provides a habitat for rare animals and plants. Bear in mind that the beach is popular with horse riders and nudists.
7. Horsey Beach
Nearest town: Great Yarmouth
Postcode & map: NR29 4BH
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Whilst dogs are allowed it is best not to bring them onto the beach during the winter as they will disturb the seals.
About: If you’re looking to get away from all the summertime crowds, seaside amusements, and attractions, you’ll want to head to wild, barren Horsey Beach. Just behind the beach is the National Trust owned windmill, The Horsey Windpump, that you and furry companions can explore. Throughout the year you can see grey seals bobbing around in the surrounding waters but from November to January they come onto the beach to give birth so make sure your dog doesn’t come onto the beach during this time so they aren’t disturbed. There are no facilities here, but there are plenty of car parks and you’ll find a cafe just down the road from the Horsey Gap car park.
8. Weybourne Beach
Nearest town: Weyboune
Postcode & map: NR25 7AH
Type of beach: Pebble
Restrictions: None, dogs are allowed here 365 days a year.
About: Once the haunt of smugglers, the pebble beach at Weybourne shelves steeply into the sea so it was easy to land large boats full of booty here. These days you are more likely to see fishermen and fishing boats out at sea. While the coastline to the west is flat, the landscape rises into cliffs further east towards Happisburgh. You’ll find a good-sized car park behind the beach and while there are no facilities here there is a corner shop and pub in the village.
If you’ve already been to any of these beaches tell us which one’s your favourite on Facebook! Not only does Norfolk have loads of phenomenal dog-friendly beaches, it’s also home to some fantastic pubs which welcome four-legged customers—read our guide to Norfolk’s top ten dog-friendly pubs here!
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Featured image: Visit Norfolk Instagram