Dog Friendly Beaches in North Norfolk

North Norfolk is a canine paradise as it's known for being one of the most dog-friendly locations in the UK. The vast sandy beaches are a delight for dogs and their responsible owners all year round. Many of the beaches are best at low-tide so check time tides before you go. 

As much as we love dogs here in North Norfolk, there are some areas where, during certain times of the year, there are restrictions on areas you can take your dog, or dogs must be walked on a lead. These restrictions apply between 1 May and 30 September inclusive and apply to Bacton, Cromer, Mundesley, Overstrand, Sea Palling, West Runton, Walcott and Sheringham. Find out more here and download the guide to Visiting North Norfolk with Dogs here.

Heacham. The flood defence bank is good if you enjoy being by the sea but like to keep paws clean. Heacham has two beaches - park at the North beach and walk north to Hunstanton either on the beach or the flood defence bank. If you go for a walk towards the end of the day, you will be treated to majestic sunsets.

Old Hunstanton. This is dog-friendly all year round with a lovely sandy beach. There’s the stunning backdrop of striped cliffs and the shallow tidal water is ideal for walking dogs.

Brancaster. There are some restrictions for a part of the beach in the summer. The miles and miles of shimmering unspoilt sand and shallow water are great for dogs and owners.

Holkham. You can park at the end of Lady Anne’s Drive, which is opposite the entrance to Holkham Hall. Then walk through the pinewoods, along the boardwalks until you find yourself on a huge expanse of beautiful sand. Please note the dog zoning policy at Holkham beach. The majority is still available for well-behaved dogs to enjoy the beach off-lead, but there are 'on-lead' areas over the summer to protect nesting and vulnerable wildlife at that time of the year. Before you visit, please familiarise yourself with the guidance around walking your dogs on the nature reserve and also the nature areas you are not permitted to take dogs. 

Wells-next-the-Sea. For soft white sands with a picturesque backdrop of beach huts and pinewoods, this beach is stunning for both dog and owner. Enter from the car park at the far end, where there is a lovely café which caters for dogs. The beach is best at low tide, when the sands are fantastically vast. Please note the dog zoning policy at Wells beach. The majority is still available for well-behaved dogs to enjoy the beach off-lead, but there are 'on-lead' areas over the summer to protect nesting and vulnerable wildlife on the nature reserve at this time of the year. Dogs are not permitted on the first 200 yards of Wells beach from the eastern entrance (check signage at the beach).

Thornham. There are no dog restrictions at Thornham beach. From the car park by the creek, you can walk along the raised embankment which leads down to a quiet beach. Be careful not to disturb birds who nest in the sand dunes. At nearby Titchwell, there is car parking at the RSPB car park and from there, walk through the bird sanctuary (keep dogs on the lead). Walk for about a mile then you reach the beach.

Sea Palling and Waxham. The fine sand and quiet waters on these beaches make for an ideal walk. There are dog restrictions in the summer at Sea Palling, but you can walk to the east of the beach. Waxham has no restrictions.

Happisburgh. The dog friendly parts of the beach are north of the lighthouse. The sandy beach is very quiet and peaceful. At Mundesley, there are some restrictions on the promenade section in the summer. The lovely sandy beach where you can walk dogs is best reached by the walkways leading down from the cliffs.