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 - north and south beach. At the south beach, dogs must be kept on a lead from April 1 to August 31 to protect nesting birds. For the north beach, you can take dogs there all year round. Walk north to Hunstanton either on the beach or the flood defence bank. If you go 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. Between May and September, there is a fenced-off dog-free zone at the eastern end of the beach (to the right of the entrance). If you are near this area, please follow the signs and keep your dogs on a lead as protected nesting birds can be found here and it’s a criminal offence to disturb them. The miles and miles of shimmering unspoilt sand and shallow water are great for dogs and owners. For more information about dog walking restrictions on Brancaster beach, see here. 

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: Dogs are welcome on Holkham Beach all year round, but from 1st April to 31st August annually, there is a dogs-on-leads policy in the most vulnerable areas of the beach, leaving over 70% open to walking off lead under close control. In highly sensitive areas, you’ll find roped cordons in place to protect ground nesting Terns, Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers. Please steer clear of these cordons.

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. Dogs are welcome on Wells Beach, and it’s the perfect place for sandy paws and shallow paddles! There is a small section of beach at the eastern end that is designated dog-free. At certain times of year, you are asked to please keep your dog on a lead to help protect ground nesting birds. This is in the area closer to Holkham Beach. You can see a map and more information here.
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.The closest parking to Thornham Beach is at the end of Staithe Lane, at Thornham Old Harbour (PE36 6NL).

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 from 1 May to 30 September meaning dogs are not allowed on the section directly in front of the main beach entrance. Outside of these dates, there are no restrictions. See the map here. Waxham has no restrictions at any time of the year.

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 summer restrictions from 1 May to 30 September - see the map here. The lovely sandy beach where you can walk dogs is best reached by the walkways leading down from the cliffs.