Your Ultimate Guide : Top 12 Best Dog Walks in Norfolk
Planning on bringing your four-legged friend along to Norfolk with you? Norfolk is a fantastic location for dog walking, showcasing the best in countryside and coast. The county boasts an array of fantastic dog-friendly walks backed by spectacular scenery; with miles upon miles of gorgeous countryside, the Broads, and coastal beaches to explore.
Mill Farm Eco Barn is situated in the picturesque village of Winterton-on-Sea on the East Norfolk Coast. We are just 10 minutes walk from the wonderful dog friendly Winterton-on-Sea beach and the amazing seal colony at Horsey. There are numerous other fantastic walks right on our doorstep. Check out the best dog walks in Norfolk below.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Norfolk features some of the best dog friendly beaches in the whole of the UK. With a beautiful, unspoilt coastline spanning nearly 100 miles, the Norfolk coast is the ideal place to bring your dog for an enjoyable walk.
Winterton-on-Sea Beach is just 10 minutes’ walk from our barns, and they allow dogs all year round. This beautiful stretch of golden sand makes up part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is also a national nature reserve. The beach is never that busy, even during the summer!
The gorgeous sandy beach at Horsey is just 10 minutes’ drive away, providing the most scenic setting for a dog walk. Horsey Beach is best known for its seals in the winter months, but it is also great for dog walking. However, dogs must be kept on the lead under control during seal pupping season.
Sea Palling & Waxham is well worth a visit with your faithful companion. Drive just 15 minutes to reach this beautiful Blue Flag beach, best experienced at low tide. Sea Palling permits dogs in the winter months, but there are restrictions in the summer; whereas Waxham allows dogs all year round.
If you’re willing to venture a bit further afield, Happisburgh Beach boasts miles of wonderful coastal paths to explore. Travel just 30 minutes to reach this beautiful and historical beach, making up part of Norfolk’s Deep History Coast. This peaceful and quiet beach allows dogs all year round. It has a lovely children’s playground at the beach car park, complete with a zip wire. You can also visit the famous red and white Happisburgh lighthouse, the oldest working light in East Anglia.
Walks that Set Tails Wagging
Here in Norfolk, there are abundant scenic walking routes for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy. Whether you prefer a slow stroll on the lead or an energetic lead-free run, there’s something for everyone in our gorgeous county.
The Horsey Beach & Village Circular Walk takes you to Horsey Beach (famous for its seals) and Horsey village, as well as the Windpump and the edge of Martham Broad. Beginning at Horsey Windpump car park just 7 minute’s drive away from our barns, this walk combines beautiful coastline and rugged broad land for the most unique dog walking adventure. It has a pub stop too at the lovely Nelson Head. This is easily one of our favourite Norfolk Dog walks. Be warned though, it’s really wet underfoot in Winter.
We love this Norfolk Broads-based Dog walk around How Hill and St Bennet’s Abbey. This 7-mile walk takes in How Hill, one of the most delightful places on the Broads, as well as the amazing ruins at St Bennet’s. How Hill has a cafe in the summer months, and it is a delightful place to explore with your dog with its secret garden, marsh man museum, and house gardens (check to see if they are open).
Waxham to Sea Palling – is another favourite coastal walk that starts in the tiny hamlet of Waxham. You can walk north to the little village of Sea Palling along the back of the Dunes and then head back south along the beach. You can continue to Horsey if you fancy making this a 7-mile walk, or cut it in half and just head for a cup of tea and delicious cake at the Dunes cafe. There are also some food options in Sea Palling.
The Horning Circular trail passes through the stunning Norfolk countryside and the idyllic village of Horning – a great location for a doggie visit. Travel just 25 minutes to reach Horning and enjoy an unforgettable walk with your faithful companion.
Burgh Castle is well worth a visit if you’re looking for a unique, scenic walk. Jump in the car and drive 30 minutes to reach the remains of a third-century Roman fort, offering the most outstanding views over Breydon Water. Please note that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
Travel 30 minutes to reach the stunning 40-acre Salhouse Broad (part of the Broads Executive Area), which is open all year round. This outstandingly beautiful area is surrounded by wonderful woodlands and wildlife, providing a peaceful and tranquil setting for a dog walk.
The Bittern Railway Line is great for an energetic dog walk. Drive 30 minutes to the Bure Valley Railway and embark upon this 5.8-mile adventurous route, passing through the brilliant Broads and meandering River Bure. A great opportunity to exercise both you and your dog!
Happisburgh is a great location for either a quick circular walk or a longer walk taking in the coastal path. For a short walk, drop down to the beach and head south. After half a mile or so, you can walk up to the cliff top near some houses. You can head inland quickly from here, passing a World War 2 pill box. Follow a field margin footpath that skirts around the field adjacent to the lighthouse and back to the car park and play area. There is also a longer walk 7 mile walk.
Pawsome Pubs & Cafés
At the end of a long walk, there’s nothing better than a quick bite to eat in a traditional inn or quirky café. All the following eateries are dog-friendly – so there’s no need to leave your four-legged friend behind!
The Fisherman’s Return is our local dog-friendly pub, just 10 minutes’ walk away from our barns. They serve quality food and offer a great selection of local beers and ales.
Poppylands is just 10 minutes’ drive away in Horsey. This 1940s themed café serves hot drinks, afternoon tea and light lunch options; permitting dogs in their upstairs area.
The Nelson Head is also situated in the pretty village of Horsey. This traditional country pub serves fantastic food, with a terrific beer garden to enjoy a lovely local beverage or two.
Dunes Café Waxham Barn is well worth a visit. They serve great locally sourced food and are well known for their breakfasts, lunches, delicious homemade cakes, and seaside treats.
Bridgestones of Potter is just 15 minutes’ away in the pretty village of Potter Higham. This family run café with a lovely garden offers tasty homecooked food options. Their gourmet burgers are delicious.
Our Delightful Dog Friendly Norfolk Coastal Cottages
Here at Mill Farm Eco Barns, we know that dogs are part of the family, too; that’s why we pride ourselves on being 100% dog friendly. Threshing Barn and Grain Barn welcome up to 2 well-behaved dogs to join you during your spectacular Norfolk staycation. Whilst our one bedroom Hay Barn can take up to 2 dogs (more on some occasions).
Click here to book your dog friendly stay at Mill Farm today!