6 best dog friendly beaches in North Norfolk
March 18, 2025 | Dog friendly holiday | 11 minute read
North Norfolk and dogs go together like a dog to a bone – in fact, it’s one of the most dog friendly areas in the UK, which makes it the a great choice for a holiday with your pup.
There are miles and miles of paths loved by pooches across the region, and in this post, we’re recommending dog friendly beaches in North Norfolk that are perfect for a seaside stroll and leaving pawprints in the sand.
And if you’re looking for dog friendly caravan holiday homes, lodges or a touring park near the Norfolk coast, look no further! At Pinewoods, we’ve got plenty of paw-friendly options sleeping up to eight people and two pups. Find out more here.
Dog friendly beaches in North Norfolk
Many of our team are dog owners living in the towns and villages along the North Norfolk coast, so we think we’re pretty knowledgable in this area! Here are our six favourite beaches for dog walks and pooch paddles.
- Wells-next-the-Sea Beach
- Holkham Beach
- Cley Beach
- Sheringham Beach
- Brancaster Beach
- Old Hunstanton Beach
Wells-next-the-Sea Beach
Recognisable by its candy-coloured beach huts and background of pine trees, Wells-next-the-Sea Beach is a stunning (and award winning!) beach that’s often listed as one of the best in the UK.
It’s also just a few minutes walk from us at Pinewoods, so if you’re planning a dog friendly break by the sea, we might be the ideal choice.
The majority of the beach is dog friendly (excluding the far eastern end). There is a separate boardwalk over the dunes to the dog friendly area, where your dog can run around off lead to their heart’s content.
The golden sands of Wells Beach (as it’s more commonly known round here) offer a huge sandy playground for your pup, especially when the tide goes out – the beach seems to go on for miles!
You can also hire a beach hut from us for a day or more – the perfect place for your pooch to rest and refuel after a run along the sand or a splash in the sea.
Holkham Beach
Wells Beach’s western neighbour, Holkham Beach, is another beautiful one. Unspoiled, with only views of nature as far as the eye can see, it is reached with a lovely walk through the pine trees from Lady Anne’s Drive car park or from Wells Beach.
Holkham Beach is part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve. The expanse of sand and marram-grass-topped dunes are looked after by the Holkham Conservation team.
The beach is dog friendly year-round, but between 1st April and 31st August, you will need keep your dog on a lead within certain areas areas. This helps to protect the ground-nesting birds breeding in the sand. There are signs up during this time to keep you informed.
Even so, it’s well worth a visit with your pup as Holkham Beach is renowned for its beauty.
If you’re staying with us at Pinewoods, why not walk from reception to Wells Beach and along to Holkham Beach, then into the woodland and return back through the trees? Don’t worry, you can pick up refreshments en route at Wells Beach Café and The Lookout if you get hungry. Both cafés are dog friendly and have water bowls and treats available for your furry friend.
Cley Beach
Cley Beach is a dog friendly beach located next to Cley Marshes, a nature reserve known for its birdlife which is owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
Dogs are welcome on Cley Beach throughout the year, but again, due to ground-nesting birds, you are asked to keep them on a lead between April and August in particular areas.
It’s a shingle beach, which means your dog might actually be relatively clean after your walk… no promises though!
As it’s close to Blakeney Point, home to England’s largest grey seal colony, you’ll often spot seals bobbing up from the water for some fresh air.
Nearby, the 18th-century Cley Windmill and the village itself are both worth taking in during your walk. We’d also recommend a trip to Picnic Fayre deli which stocks a fantastic range of local produce, fruit and veg and fine wines too.
Sheringham Beach
Slightly further east, Sheringham Beach is another great dog friendly beach in North Norfolk. With its stony bank and sandy shore, it’s a real gem, though is often overlooked for nearby Cromer.
Between 1st May and 30th September, dogs are not allowed on the beach area between the Lifeboat Station and the start of the beach huts. This is only a small section of the beach, and you’re welcome to wander down the promenade until you reach the non-restricted areas ready for a runaround!
Between October and April, there are no restrictions.
Head into the town after your walk and you’ll find several café options and shops for a mooch, many of which are also dog friendly. You could even extend your walk with a stomp around Sheringham Park, a National Trust park and woodland garden.
Brancaster Beach
Brancaster Beach is a popular choice for dog walkers in North Norfolk. Like Wells and Holkham, Brancaster Beach is another offering a gorgeous expanse and miles of sand for you and your pup to enjoy. Given its size, it never feels crowded!
From the end of the road leading to the beach or the car park, we’d recommend turning left (heading east) for your dog walk. To the right is a small dog-free zone between May and September, again to help protect ground-nesting birds.
With natural sand dunes providing a beautiful backdrop and, at times, a windbreak, this beach is well worth a visit with your pooch during your holiday on the North Norfolk coast.
There’s a refreshment kiosk for your seaside stroll essentials too.
One thing to note: the beach car park can get flooded at high tide, so do check the tide times before setting off!
Old Hunstanton Beach
A little further west is Old Hunstanton Beach, which is a quieter (and arguably more beautiful) alternative to the main beach in Hunstanton (which is far more restrictive to dogs).
Known for its striped cliffs and fine sand, Old Hunstanton Beach is wide and dog friendly all year round without any restrictions, so you can walk your dog freely.
It’s also one of the few beaches in Norfolk that faces west, meaning you and your furry friend can enjoy a wonderful sunset over The Wash before heading back home or to your holiday accommodation.
Dog friendly beach visits: our top tips
- Check restrictions for the beach you plan to visit to ensure you know where your dog can go and whether he or she needs to be on a lead or not
- Check the tide times to keep you and your pup safe from incoming tides
- Bring the essentials, like water, a bowl, poo bags and a towel if they like swimming
- Bring the fun! Bring balls or their favourite toy to help them have a great day at the beach
- Ensure there’s shade, especially if you’re planning a day of sunbathing! A pop-up tent or large umbrella could work, or you could hire a beach hut on Wells beach
- Be mindful of other beachgoers. Many people love dogs, but some don’t. Don’t let your pooch interrupt someone’s relaxation or bother other dogs
- Supervise your dog closely to ensure he or see is safe, especially in the water
- Clean up after your dog by picking up poop and carrying it until you see an appropriate bin
- Beware of hot sand on summer days, as this can hurt your pup’s paws
- Give their paws a rinse afterwards with clean water to avoid irritation
We hope this gives you plenty of ins-paw-ration for your dog friendly days out on North Norfolk beaches!
And if you’re currently planning a holiday on the Norfolk Coast, take a look at our range of dog friendly caravan holiday homes and lodges near the sea, as well as our touring park which welcomes pooches too. Just a stone’s throw from the gorgeous Wells Beach, we’re sure you and your pup will have a fantastic time with us at Pinewoods.
