Norfolk’s coastline is one of the best in the UK for dog owners. Long sandy beaches, wide open skies, quiet dunes, and plenty of space even in peak season make it ideal for dogs that love to run, sniff, and explore. That said, Norfolk does have a mix of year round dog friendly beaches and others with seasonal restrictions, usually between May and September.
Signage is generally clear on arrival, but it’s always worth knowing what to expect before you go. Below, we’ve pulled together some of the very best dog friendly beaches in Norfolk, covering a range of beach types, facilities, and access points.
1. Holkham Beach
Holkham Beach feels vast in the best possible way. Backed by dunes and pinewoods, it offers mile after mile of open sand at low tide, making it perfect for long walks and dogs that love space. Even on busier days, it rarely feels crowded once you get away from the main access points.
As part of a nature reserve, there are seasonal considerations for wildlife, particularly ground nesting birds. Dogs are welcome year round, but you may be asked to keep them on lead in certain areas depending on the time of year. Clear signage helps guide you, and there is still plenty of room to enjoy a proper beach walk.
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed year round, some seasonal on lead areas
- Beach type: Wide sandy beach with dunes and pinewoods
- Facilities: Seasonal cafés and kiosks nearby
- Parking: Large paid car parks close to main access points
- Best for: Long walks, space, and quieter exploring
2. Wells-next-the-Sea Beach
Wells-next-the-Sea combines a classic seaside feel with excellent walking potential. The beach itself is expansive once the tide is out, and the pinewoods behind the sand provide shelter on windy days. It’s an ideal option if you want both a beach walk and the buzz of a lively coastal town.
There are some restrictions near the main entrance and around the beach huts, but dog friendly areas are easily accessible if you walk a little further along the shoreline. Once you’re beyond the busiest section, there’s plenty of room for dogs to enjoy the sand.
- Restrictions: Partial restrictions near main entrance and huts
- Beach type: Sandy beach backed by pinewoods
- Facilities: Toilets, cafés, shops, and harbour nearby
- Parking: Beach and town car parks available
- Best for: A full day out with food and facilities close by
3. Brancaster Beach
Brancaster Beach is known for its long, flat stretch of sand and wide horizons. It’s a great choice for dogs that love to run without interruption and for owners who want an easy, straightforward beach walk without too many obstacles.
There is a clearly marked seasonal dog-free zone at one end of the beach during the summer months, but outside of this area dogs are welcome. The open nature of the beach means it rarely feels cramped, even when it’s popular.
- Restrictions: Seasonal dog-free zone at one end of the beach
- Beach type: Long sandy beach
- Facilities: Toilets and seasonal refreshments nearby
- Parking: Paid parking close to the beach access
- Best for: Long, flat walks and plenty of space
4. Hunstanton and Old Hunstanton Beach
Hunstanton offers two very different beach experiences. The main promenade area is lively and convenient, with easy access to shops and cafés, while Old Hunstanton feels much quieter and more natural, with dunes and softer sand.
Dogs are typically required to be on lead along parts of the promenade, and there are seasonal restrictions on small sections. If you’re looking for fewer rules and more freedom, Old Hunstanton is usually the better option and still easily accessible.
- Restrictions: Seasonal restrictions and on lead areas near promenade
- Beach type: Sand and shingle with dunes nearby
- Facilities: Excellent facilities in town
- Parking: Multiple car parks in and around Hunstanton
- Best for: Convenience or quieter walks depending on area chosen
5. Sheringham Beach
Sheringham Beach is a great mix of seaside charm and walkability. The beach itself is mainly shingle with patches of sand, and it works well as part of a longer coastal walk rather than a pure lounging beach.
Dogs are welcome year round, and the town behind the beach makes it easy to combine a walk with food, coffee, or a browse around the shops. It’s a solid option if you want a relaxed day without needing to travel far for amenities.
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed year round
- Beach type: Shingle with some sand
- Facilities: Toilets, cafés, shops in town
- Parking: Town car parks available
- Best for: Seaside strolls with easy access to facilities
6. West Runton Beach
West Runton offers a quieter alternative to some of the bigger names along the Norfolk coast. It’s a mix of sand and shingle, backed by low cliffs, and is well suited to dogs that enjoy exploring rather than sprinting across huge open spaces.
Dogs are generally welcome throughout the year, and the beach links nicely with the surrounding coastal paths if you want to extend your walk beyond the shoreline.
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed year round
- Beach type: Sand and shingle
- Facilities: Limited facilities nearby
- Parking: Village car parks available
- Best for: Quieter walks and coastal path links
7. Sea Palling Beach
Sea Palling is known for its offshore reefs and sheltered swimming areas, but it’s also a good spot for dogs outside of restricted sections. The wide sandy areas and dunes make it ideal for relaxed walks, particularly outside peak season.
Some parts of the beach have seasonal dog restrictions, so it’s worth checking signage when you arrive. Outside of these areas, there’s plenty of space to enjoy the coastline at a slower pace.
- Restrictions: Seasonal restrictions on certain sections
- Beach type: Sandy beach with dunes
- Facilities: Toilets and seasonal cafés nearby
- Parking: Paid parking close to the beach
- Best for: Gentle walks and quieter visits
8. Winterton-on-Sea
Winterton-on-Sea feels wild and unspoilt, with dunes stretching along the coast and fewer crowds than some of the more well known beaches. It’s a favourite with dog owners who want space and a more natural environment.
Dogs are welcome year round, but because it’s an important area for wildlife, owners should be mindful during seal pupping and bird nesting seasons and follow any temporary guidance in place.
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed year round, wildlife considerations apply
- Beach type: Sandy beach with extensive dunes
- Facilities: Limited facilities in village
- Parking: Village car parks nearby
- Best for: Peaceful walks and natural scenery
9. Cley Beach
Cley Beach is a quieter, shingle-heavy beach backed by salt marshes and big skies. It’s not the place for sunbathing, but it’s excellent for peaceful walks and dogs that enjoy sniffing around more rugged terrain.
There are fewer facilities here, which keeps numbers down and makes it a good choice if you’re looking to avoid busy areas entirely.
- Restrictions: Dogs generally allowed year round
- Beach type: Shingle and salt marsh
- Facilities: Very limited
- Parking: Small nearby parking areas
- Best for: Quiet, windswept walks
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Norfolk
Looking to explore some of the most beautiful and dog friendly beaches that Norfolk has to offer? Use our handy map below to get more information and directions!
Winterton is one of the best “wild” feeling beaches in Norfolk, with big dunes and long sandy stretches that feel a world away from the busier seaside towns. It’s ideal for dogs that love exploring and owners who want a calmer, more natural setting.
Wildlife can be a factor here at certain times of year, so keep your dog under close control if signage requests it. For a quiet beach walk with lots of space, it’s a top-tier choice.
Restrictions: Dogs allowed year round, wildlife considerations
Beach type: Sandy beach with extensive dunes
Facilities: Café and toilets by the main car park
Parking availability: Yes
Sea Palling is a strong family beach, but it also works really well for dog owners outside any restricted sections. The dunes and wide sands make it easy to find your own space, especially away from the busiest entrances.
There can be seasonal rules on certain parts of the beach, so it’s worth checking signs when you arrive. Even so, there’s usually still plenty of dog friendly beach to enjoy.
Restrictions: Seasonal restrictions on certain sections
Beach type: Sandy beach with dunes
Facilities: Toilets and seasonal cafés nearby
Parking availability: Yes
West Runton is a quieter option that still delivers a solid beach walk. You’ll usually get a mix of sand and shingle depending on tide and time of year, plus a more low-key feel than the bigger nearby resorts.
It’s also a useful spot if you like combining beach time with coastal paths. For dogs, it’s a great sniffy walk kind of beach rather than a pure sandy sprint.
Restrictions: Dogs allowed year round
Beach type: Sand and shingle
Facilities: Limited nearby
Parking availability: Yes
Sheringham is a great “walk then refuel” beach. The beach itself is more of a seaside stroll setup than endless soft sand, but it’s perfect for a relaxed wander with the benefit of a proper town right behind you.
It’s a handy option when you want easy access to toilets, cafés, and shops without needing to plan much. It also links well into longer coastal walks if you want more than a quick leg stretch.
Restrictions: Dogs generally allowed, follow seasonal signage
Beach type: Shingle with some sand
Facilities: Toilets and town facilities nearby
Parking availability: Yes
Old Hunstanton is the calmer, more natural feeling side of Hunstanton. You’ll find dunes, softer sand, and a much more relaxed atmosphere than the promenade end, which makes it a strong option for dogs that prefer a bit of space.
It’s also a great place to link a beach visit into a longer walk, either along the sand or via coastal paths. Facilities are more limited than the main town beach, but that’s part of the appeal.
Restrictions: Dogs allowed year round
Beach type: Sandy beach with dunes
Facilities: Limited nearby
Parking availability: Yes
Brancaster Beach is known for its long, flat stretch of sand and wide horizons, making it one of the easiest beaches in Norfolk for relaxed dog walking. It’s particularly good for dogs that enjoy steady runs and owners who want a straightforward, open route without obstacles.
During the summer months, a clearly marked dog-free zone operates at one end of the beach. Outside of this area, dogs are welcome and there is usually more than enough space to avoid busy sections.
Restrictions: Seasonal dog-free zone on part of the beach
Beach type: Long sandy beach
Facilities: Toilets and seasonal food outlets nearby
Parking availability: Yes
Wells-next-the-Sea Beach offers a classic Norfolk seaside experience, with colourful beach huts, pinewoods, and wide open sands once the tide goes out. It’s a great choice for combining a beach walk with time spent in the town, where you’ll find plenty of dog friendly cafés and shops.
There are restrictions close to the main entrance and beach huts, but dog friendly areas are easy to reach by walking further along the beach. Beyond the busiest sections, the beach opens up into a spacious and relaxed environment that works well for longer walks.
Restrictions: Partial restrictions near main entrance and huts
Beach type: Sandy beach backed by pinewoods
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, shops nearby
Parking availability: Yes
Holkham Beach is one of the most expansive and impressive beaches in Norfolk, with vast sands backed by rolling dunes and pine woodland. At low tide, the beach seems to stretch on forever, making it ideal for long, unhurried walks where dogs can explore without feeling confined.
As part of a protected nature reserve, Holkham has seasonal wildlife considerations. Dogs are welcome year round, but some areas may require dogs to be kept on lead during bird nesting seasons. Clear signage is in place, and there is still plenty of space to enjoy even when restrictions apply.
Restrictions: Dogs allowed year round, seasonal on lead areas
Beach type: Sandy beach with dunes and woodland
Facilities: Seasonal café and toilets near main access
Parking availability: Yes
Explore even more dog friendly beaches and other points of interest across the UK, including walking routes, campsites and swimming spots. The Wildpack Map is our specially curated list of dog friendly locations in the UK.
Advice for Visiting Dog Friendly Beaches in Norfolk
Norfolk’s beaches are exposed and conditions can change quickly, especially with tides and wind. Always check tide times before setting off, particularly if you’re planning a long walk across sand flats.
In summer, bring plenty of fresh water for your dog, as there can be long stretches without shade or facilities. Be aware of wildlife, especially birds and seals, and keep dogs under close control when required. Outside of peak season, many beaches are quieter and offer a more relaxed experience for both you and your dog.
Final Thoughts
Norfolk is one of the best coastal counties in the UK for dog owners, offering everything from vast sandy beaches to quiet, windswept stretches of coast. Whether you want a full day out with cafés and facilities or a peaceful walk with nothing but dunes and sea air, there’s a dog friendly beach here to suit you.
With a little planning around seasonal restrictions and tides, you’ll find Norfolk’s coastline an incredibly rewarding place to explore with your dog.