Norfolk's top 10 dog-friendly beaches
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 time tides as well, because many of these beaches are best at low tide.
At the bottom you'll find lists of beaches where dogs are allowed year-round and beaches where there are restrictions. But don't worry, you'll always find an unspoilt stretch of sand where you and your chum can enjoy a good walk!
Cbeebies presenter Jess French and Baxter on Winterton beach
Brancaster

Miles and miles of unspoilt shimmering sand and shallow water to splash in. A doggy delight. Car park is by the Royal West Norfolk Club.
Holkham

Park at the end of Lady Anne’s Drive, opposite the entrance to Holkham Hall, then walk along the boardwalks through the pine woods until you find yourself on a huge expanse of beautiful sand.
One word of caution: this is a popular beach with horse riders too, so be careful in the car park in particular.
Wells-next-the-Sea

Old Hunstanton

Gorleston-on-Sea

Great Yarmouth

Winterton-on-Sea

Sea Palling and Waxham

Mundesley

Happisburgh

This is on Norfolk’s Deep History Coast so you’ll be treading in the footsteps of the first humans to visit Britain – walking on a land spur from Holland.
Some more beaches to enjoy...
Beaches where dogs are allowed
North
- Brancaster
- Cley Beach
- East Runton
- Heacham - South Sands Club
- Heacham - South Beach
- Holme next the Sea
- Old Hunstanton Beach
- Snettisham Beach
- Weybourne
East
- Caister Point
- Great Yarmouth South
- Great Yarmouth South Denes
- Happisburgh
- Horsey (but be careful of seals)
- Waxham
- Winterton-on-Sea
Beaches where dogs are restricted
Please look for guidance where dogs can be taken, and at what times of the year.
North
- Cromer
- Holkham
- Hunstanton Beach
- Hunstanton South
- Sheringham
- Wells-next-the-Sea
- West Runton
East
- Bacton
- California
- Gorleston
- Great Yarmouth North
- Great Yarmouth Pier
- Great Yarmouth Power Station
- Hemsby
- Mundesley
- Overstrand
- Scratby Beach
- Sea Palling
- Walcott
Don't get the bird!
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.
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.