To adapt a well-loved local saying, Norfolk has a pub for every day of the year. From riverside pubs to old world free houses, there’s plenty of Norfolk drinking holes where you and your dog can drink and dine together alongside other happy hounds and their owners. Across the idyllic Norfolk Broads and famously unspoilt Norfolk Coast, these are Norfolk’s best dog-friendly pubs.
1. The White Horse Inn
Address & Map: The St, Neatishead, NR12 8AD
Nervous hounds will be happy to hear there are no real horses at The White Horse Inn in Neatishead. Instead, you’ll be more likely to find a few dogs propping up the bar while their owners engage in all of the best activities you’d expect from a micro-brewery. Think lots of chatting, comparing locally-brewed ales and a mix of locals and tourists swapping mooring stories. The team claim to love dogs as much as beer so there will be a lot of fussing over your hairy little buddy. Dogs are allowed to dine with you in the bar area which is cosy, with nice corners and comfy sofas to sink into. For dog-free dining the main restaurant is the best spot. Water bowls are on offer, or the team will happily fill up your own for you. The White Horse does get busy so booking is recommended. Try their legendary homemade fish finger sandwiches, a must-try menu item. When you’re full, walk off lunch with a trek around the surrounding country roads.
2. The Maltsters
Address & Map: The Hill, Ranworth, NR13 6AB
The Maltsters is a family-run, dog-friendly pub in the heart of the Norfolk broads. Expect a water bowl and a treat or two on arrival, plus a choice spot inside or out for any well-behaved dog and their owner. There’s always a doggy visitor to meet with and there’s even a Facebook page hall of fame for visiting dogs. While your best buddy is busy socialising, nab a spot on the large terrace and garden to look out over The Broads. There’s real ale and a selection of fine wine to enjoy alongside plates of potted crab and other tapas delights.
3. Acle Bridge Inn
Address & Map: Old Rd, Acle, NR13 3AT
There’s always a friendly welcome for dogs and their humans at the Acle Bridge Inn, just a short drive from Norwich city centre. As you’ll see on the door, their mantra is “children, dogs and muddy boots welcome” and what could be more fun than that? The dogs here often get a water bowl before the humans get beer and there are plenty of tables for you to find the perfect spot. Many of the punters like to walk in, but if you’re arriving by boat along the River Bure, Acle Bridge has twelve on-site moorings that are available to use all year round. Hound hint: for the best guard-dog spot, pull up in the beer garden and let your dog watch the comings and goings of the river. Once you’ve devoured their famous ploughman’s, you’re right on top of the Weavers Way path that runs from Norwich to Great Yarmouth where you and your dog can wander off-lead for over an hour.
4. The Cellar House
Address & Map: 2 Eaton St, NR4 7AB
At The Cellar House one thing’s for certain; they’re united by their love of good food, good drinking, and good times. Which luckily for dog owners includes dogs. Doggy details include dog-friendly areas inside the bar and a large garden that can cater for dogs of all sizes. They do need to be kept on leads but don’t let that spoil the fun as there are gravy bones for everyone and even the odd sizzling sausage for the best behaved. Dogs can make friends with resident pub dog Charlie the golden retriever while owners sip on one of the many locally brewed ales on offer. As well as a warm welcome to humans, the staff’s passion for dogs is clear, as all four-legged punters get customary cuddles as well as their own water bowl. As well as being a ten-minute drive from Norwich city centre (there’s ample car parking too), The Cellar House is within walking distance of Marston Marshes and a short walk over to the University of East Anglia Broad.
5. The Oddfellows
Address & Map: 6 Nightingale Road, Lowestoft, NR33 7AU
The Oddfellows is a favourite with local dog-owners and walkers who stop off after a stroll on Pakefield Beach for a pint or two. Shake off the sand and step inside, big and small dogs are welcome, plus owners of all sizes too, of course. The odd treat is given out if your dog sits and shakes paws nicely and there’s excellent beer and wine at reasonable prices for thirsty humans. Eat inside with your dog at your side and enjoy pub grub like homemade lasagne and fish cakes. The bar area can get busy but quiet spots can be found in the beer garden overlooking the beach for dogs on the shy side.
6. The Victoria
Address & Map: Park Road, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1RG
Family-run pub The Victoria boasts all three of the holy trinity of top pub etiquette; good natured staff, locally sourced food, and a dog-friendly ethos. Just a few minutes walk from the endless golden sands of Holkham Bay Beach you’ll be welcomed inside to eat with your dog at your side. Even though the restaurant may be full of family antiques, wellies are welcome and you can pitch up at the bar, in the restaurant or outside, with dogs of all shapes and sizes. The menu will take you through lighter bites to hearty main courses, many of which include ingredients sourced from the surrounding farmland. Your dog won’t go hungry either, with dog treats at the bar. If you have a more excitable dog, you’ll love the relaxed ambience which means you can eat in peace while they snooze next to you. Don’t forget to give the garden a look before you leave, it’s definitely worth a sniff.
7. The Golden Fleece
Address & Map: 18 The Quay, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AH
Well-known seaside gem of North Norfolk, Wells-next-the-Sea is home to The Golden Fleece, a friendly pub that’s known for good food and great views of the North Norfolk coast. Best of all, they’re dog-friendly so you won’t have to leave your best friend behind to visit. After a walk on the beach, stop off for handmade pizzas washed down with Cask Marque beers. Your dog won’t go hungry either, with doggy biscuits given generously. Dogs are allowed anywhere in the bar area and the staff have even been known to hold doggy birthday parts for extra special guests. Pre-book and the staff will do their best to choose you a big table with plenty of space for your canine companion to stretch out under. A true family-friendly welcome for anyone and their dog visiting Norfolk.
8. The Ship Inn
Address & Map: 21 Beach Road, Mundesley, NR11 8BQ
The Ship Inn, a dog-friendly pub with stunning sea views of the north Norfolk coast, comes highly recommended for diners, drinkers and dogs alike. Owners can eat in the bar area with their canine companions but there’s a separate restaurant area where dogs are not allowed. On sunnier days, sit outside and let your dog feel the wind in their fur while you people-watch over the coastal path below. There’s a changing menu to keep you satiated including the best local beef and juicy ham Sunday Roasts, with plenty left over for scraps. Dogs are offered water bowls on arrival and a treat or two to keep them occupied. While you choose a real ale from the long list, your pooch will be fussed over by staff and locals alike, all of whom love having a new furry face to befriend.
9. The Whalebone Freehouse
Address & Map: 144 Magdalen Rd, NR3 4BA
Step out of Sewell Park and fall into The Whalebone Freehouse. With its walled garden, regular BBQs and thirst-quenching ales, it’s a top spot for Norwich’s well-behaved dogs and their owners. Visiting dogs can meet resident pub dog Harvey the black Lab as they enter, then check out the competition; the Whalebone’s top dog of the month gets featured on the company website. The staff here are sure to welcome visitors just as much as locals and their pork scratchings have been touted as some of the best in the business, so grab yourself a pint of them. Weekends often bring beer festivals in the large rear garden which is a sunny spot for dogs and people to enjoy. For a quieter visit, get set up on one of the benches at the front or side of the property to watch and world go buy.
10. The Old Ram
Address & Map: Tivetshall St Mary, NR15 2DE
The Old Ram has been a coaching inn since the 17th-century. We’re not sure if hounds were as welcome back then as they are now, but for the dog-friendly crowd this is one of Norwich’s best spots to rest tired legs. Located on the famous Boudicca Way, close to the Norfolk Broads, Suffolk and the Waveney Valley, it’s the perfect post-walkies pitstop. Head in for breakfast, lunch or dinner made from seasonal Norfolk produce and enjoy treats such as warmed breads, pan-fried bream and pearl barley risotto. Dogs are welcome in the pub area as long as they’re kept on lead and can stay in the Ram’s rooms with their owners. Don’t worry about bringing a dog bowl, the friendly staff have plenty to go around.
Norwich is just brimming with fantastic pubs, and as you can see plenty provide a warm welcome to four-legged guests. But if your dog isn’t a fan of pubs or you aren’t able to take them with you, you can find loads of sitters who provide dog boarding in Norwich on Rover.com. So next time you want to enjoy a pint without feeling guilty about leaving your dog behind, book a Rover sitter who’ll be delighted to spend time with your little angel.
