If you have a furry friend in tow then you may be wondering how to plan your holiday around your pooch. It’s safe to say that Norfolk is an ideal location for dog-friendly holidays. With over 1200 miles of walks, bridleways and cycle routes including the Norfolk coast path, not to mention all the shorter routes, circular paths, beach walks, and woodland strolls, you’re really spoilt for choice.

We’ve put together a few tips so that you can enjoy your time away with your four-legged friend, ensuring you make the most out of what the area has to offer.

1. Make sure where you are staying is pet friendly

First things first, can your pets actually come with you? When choosing your holiday cottage ensure that pets are welcome and if you have multiple, check the amount that are able to stay. It’s also important to think about your pet staying on the property, is there an enclosed garden? Are there plenty of walks that you can take them on? Does the agency charge for dogs? (Most do to cover the cleaning time after your departure). This means that when you arrive, you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing your furry friend is safe.

At the Norfolk Cottage Agency, we pride ourselves on giving our guests the best experience for each of guests and their pets, some of our properties require an additional fee to cover cleaning costs if you have dogs staying, to find out more about our costs please visit our FAQs.

2. Research the local area

Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all about the holiday home. Whilst there are MANY pubs, cafes and restaurants around Norfolk, you want to make sure the ones close to your holiday home are dog friendly.

Some of our favourite restaurants are actually dog friendly, meaning you can enjoy the fabulous local produce and ensure your pooch has a good day out. Some of the pubs even have a range for the dogs, ensuring they get a tasty treat too! The good thing about pubs is they are close to the beach, so after your meal, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll together. Our top recommendations:

• Beach Café at Wells
• The Dabbling Duck at Great Massingham
• The Old Town Beach Café at Old Hunstanton
• Whelk Coppers Tearoom, Sheringham
• The Brisley Bell, Dereham
• The King’s Arm, Reepham
• The Buckinghamshire Arms near Blickling Hall

3. Keep your pooch safe on the journey

If you’re travelling a long distance then you’re going to want to ensure your dog is comfortable. We recommend you bring along their bed, dog bowls and their favourite toy. This will help retain some home comforts and may reduce stress caused by a new environment and car ride. Plenty of stops for your furry friend to stretch their legs, water on hand and plenty of attention always helps. Please remember if it’s a hot day to open the back windows a little to give them some air. Do not leave your pets in your cars alone – especially on a warm day!

4. Where can you walk your dog in Norfolk?

Check the local area for their rules on dog walking. Most Norfolk beaches allow dogs on leads in busy areas, but outside of these areas, dog owners can let their dogs roam free. The countryside code is also something we recommend you follow when walking your dog around Norfolk. It states to ‘Always keep your dogs under control and in sight’ and to bag and bin any dog poo. If your pup can be a little mischievous then watch out for families and other dogs– as Norfolk can get quite busy in peak times along popular trails and beaches, especially sites such as Sandringham Estate, Blickling Hall, Felbrigg Hall, Sheringham Park and anywhere along The Broads.

5. All about the towel

Remember your dog’s towel! Norfolk is a great area to bring your dog, you can guarantee they will end up salty, muddy, swampy, and wet. Make sure you bring plenty of towels as we’re pretty sure your dogs will have the time of their lives and end up dirty and wet.

We hope these tips help you prepare for your dog-friendly holiday in Norfolk and help to give you some peace of mind when travelling around the area with your pup.

Hugs, the Norfolk Cottage Agency team

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