_Where are the best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk

Dogs and responsible owners are welcome on many Norfolk beaches year-round. In fact, on these beaches you’ll look positively under-dressed if you don’t have a canine friend!

Check noticeboards and restrictions to be on the safe side, particularly around nesting birds, and also check tide times as well - many of these beaches are best at low tide but you want to avoid getting cut off, particularly at Wells-next-the-Sea.

Where are the best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk

New Hunstanton

Dogs are allowed on the south side of the beach year-round. There are restrictions between the power boat ramp near Searles and the northern end of the Promenade between April and October. Dogs are not permitted from the power boat ramp (near Searles) to the northern extremity of the Promenade (where the Cliffs are) from 10th April until 31st October. Dogs must be kept on a lead on the Promenade, the Green and the Esplanade Gardens.

Old Hunstanton

This is dog-friendly all year round with a lovely sandy beach and large car park. The shallow tidal water is ideal for dogs to run around and you can enjoy the backdrop of the stripey carrstone and chalk cliffs.

Holme-next-the-Sea

Dog friendly but with restrictions in areas cordoned off for nesting bird and also by the Holme Dunes nature reserve.

Thornham

Dog friendly but with restrictions in areas cordoned off for nesting bird and also by the nature reserves.

Brancaster

A very popular dog-friendly beach with a huge expanse of sand. There are some restrictions in summer. Car park is by the Royal West Norfolk Club.

Burnham Overy Staithe

Dog-friendly and no restrictions but it is a bit of a walk from the harbour car park before you actually get to the sand. Borders Holkham beach.

Holkham

Dog friendly but with restrictions – keep dogs on leads on your way through the forest and on the boardwalks until you get to the beach. Pay particular attention during nesting season. Park at the end of Lady Anne’s Drive, opposite the entrance to Holkham Hall.

Wells-next-the-Sea

Dog-friendly to the west of the beach where you can access over the sand dunes from the car park or forest, by the 200 higgledy-piggledy multi-coloured beach huts. The area by the RNBLI lifeboat station doesn’t allow dogs. At low tide the sea withdraws a mile or so from the beach huts so plenty of space for your four-legged friend to stretch legs. The beach café is very dog-friendly.

Sheringham

There are dog restrictions in the summer.

West Runton

Dog friendly but with some restricted areas as you enter the beach. It was here in 1990 that the remains of a well-preserved Steppe mammoth was found… by dog walkers.

East Runton

Restrictions in the summer, but otherwise a great beach for dogs.

Cromer

There are dog restrictions in the summer, particularly around the pier.

Overstrand

Dog restrictions in the summer but, you can take them on the promenade.

Mundesley

Dog restrictions in the summer along the promenade but the beach is great for dogs on either side of the restrictions with lots of big beach to run around on.

Bacton

Dog restrictions in the summer between the main groynes but good dog walking either side of the restrictions.

Walcott

Dog restrictions in the summer between the main groynes but good dog walking either side of the restrictions.

Happisburgh

A great dog-walking beach. Park in the large car park above the beach and off you go. Be mindful of crumbling cliffs if you walk along the coastal path.

Sea Palling

Dog restrictions in the summer in the main family area, but head to the northern section and enjoy the sand and shallow water.

Waxham

A very popular dog walking destination with no restrictions.

Horsey

There are no dog restrictions but dogs must be kept on a lead during seal pupping season between November and January. Look for signs.

Winterton-on-Sea

No dog restrictions but the beach gets crowded by the car park so head to the north for lots of space. There will be restrictions on the dunes in the nesting season, and take the advice of wardens in the seal pupping season from November to January.

Hemsby

There are dog restrictions in the summer and this is one of the busier Norfolk beaches so best avoid.

Scratby

Dog-friendly through the year.

Caister-on-Sea

A large stretch of sand makes this is a great place for dog walking.

Gt Yarmouth North

Dogs can run free in the marram-backed grass and on a large beach close to the racecourse.

Gt Yarmouth Central

There are dog restrictions in the summer months between Britannia Pier and Wellington Pier.

Gt Yarmouth South

As you head towards the harbour’s mouth, there’s a large stretch of sandy beach which dogs can enjoy.

Gorleston-on-Sea

Dog restrictions in the summer months between the harbour’s mouth and the ravine but dogs are welcome on the sandy stretch to the south.

Please remember...

Do remember that Norfolk’s coast is home to globally important bird species so please look out for any restricted areas and put your dog on a short lead.

As well as looking out for and observing these restrictions, please:

In the breeding season (April to July)

• Avoid shingly areas near the top of beaches.
• Avoid groups of terns and protective rope and stake cordons.
• Don’t approach too closely. Watch from a distance and avoid disturbing the birds.
• Keep dogs on a lead near any colonies or likely nesting areas.
• Keep a sharp eye out for small waders with chicks on the beach and give them a wide berth.
• Help to inform others.
• Avoid shingly areas near the top of beaches.

In the migration and wintering season (August to March)

• In the migration and wintering season (August to March)
• Avoid disturbing flocks of waders and wildfowl on beaches or marshes - keep dogs on a lead or under close control if necessary.
• Help to inform others.