Norfolk_Beaches

The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Norfolk

The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Norfolk

Norfolk’s stunning coastline is a paradise for beachgoers, and even better, it’s a dream destination for dog owners. With miles of sandy shores, charming coastal villages, and plenty of dog-friendly pubs and facilities, Norfolk offers a fantastic escape for the whole family — including your four-legged friends. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best dog friendly beaches in our special corner of Norfolk.

Dog friendly beaches in North Norfolk

Sea Palling

Sea Palling is a quiet village with a wide sandy beach in North Norfolk. It’s blessed with Blue Flag status, meaning it’s safe and clean and ideal for families and our four-legged friends to enjoy together. 

How to Get There: 

Located about 20 minutes from Great Yarmouth, Sea Palling is easily accessible via the A149. There’s ample parking near the beach. As an owner at Golden Beach, one of our owners only parks, you can walk to this beautiful beach in just 10 minutes. Alternatively, it’s only a quick trip in the car from Waxham if you’re holidaying with us.

Beach Facilities: 

This Blue Flag beach boasts lifeguards during peak seasons, public toilets, and a handful of local shops and cafes. Please note that dogs are not permitted on a small area of beach in front of the main car park on Clink Road between 1st May and 30th September, but are welcomed with open paws outside this period.

Best Time to Visit:

For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting in spring or autumn. These seasons offer quieter walks along the sandy shoreline, perfect for enjoying with your dogs outside of the peak summer restrictions and ideally located as a Golden Beach owner.

Waxham

Just a stone’s throw over the sand dunes from Waxham Sands Holiday Village, Waxham Beach offers a slice of unspoiled coastal beauty that feels like stepping back in time. Whether you’re craving a peaceful retreat, a family adventure, or simply a stroll along one of Norfolk’s quieter stretches of shoreline, Waxham Beach is the perfect place to unwind with a dog walk.

How to Get There

Reaching Waxham Beach is as delightful as the destination itself. If you’re staying with us, you and the dogs can enjoy a short walk across the sand dunes directly from the back of our park, leading straight to the beach. Guests also benefit from convenient parking either near their holiday home or lodge, or in our park’s car park.

Accessibility Options

Waxham Beach is all about simplicity, offering a peaceful retreat behind the sand dunes. While there are no formal facilities, this secluded spot is a great place for a dog walk. Families, couples, and dog walkers will love the tranquillity—though the dunes do make it less accessible for those with limited mobility due to the terrain. Be sure to bring your own essentials—or swing by our park shop for picnic supplies or a new tennis ball for a game of fetch.

Best Time to Visit

Waxham Beach holds a special kind of magic no matter the season. Early mornings are particularly serene, with the beach practically to yourself. 

While most Norfolk beaches require dogs to be on leads during the summer season, Waxham remains a bit more relaxed but it’s essential that dogs remain on leads, particularly if you plan to walk down the beach towards the seals at Horsey.

Horsey

Continue walking to the right from Waxham Beach, and you’ll soon arrive at Horsey. Known for its grey seal population, the beach is especially popular in winter when seals haul out on the sands to rest and give birth. Dogs are welcome year-round, but it’s crucial to keep them on leads to avoid disturbing the seals and their pups, who can be quite timid.

How to Get There: 

If you’re not staying with us here at Waxham, Horsey is located on the B1159, 22 miles (35.2 km) east of Norwich via the A47 through Acle and Martham, or 11.6 miles (18.7 km) north of Great Yarmouth. Follow the signs to Horsey Gap, where you’ll find a small car park. If you’re staying with us at Waxham Sands, simply follow the signs through the park, over the sand dunes to Waxham Beach, and then continue walking to the right.

Beach Facilities: 

Horsey is famous for its grey seal population, and visitors can witness these majestic creatures during the winter months. While there aren’t many amenities, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead to avoid disturbing seals.

Best Time to Visit: 

The best time for seal pup watching is late autumn to early winter, though Horsey is a peaceful spot year-round, with equally good opportunities to spot seals at any time. 

Winterton-on-Sea

Just a short drive from Waxham Sands Holiday Park, Winterton-on-Sea offers another beautiful stretch of Norfolk coastline that’s perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape. Known for its sandy beach and stunning dunes, Winterton is a quieter alternative to the busier tourist spots, with great opportunities for birdwatching, seal spotting, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze with your pups by your side.

How to Get There:

Winterton-on-Sea is easily accessible via the A149, and parking is available near the dunes, making it an easy and convenient destination for a day out. If you’re staying, load the dogs in the car and drive 15 minutes to reach the beach.

Beach Facilities:

This idyllic, sandy beach is dog-friendly year-round, though dogs must be on leads in summer. The dog-friendly Dunes Cafe at Winterton is a perfect stop during your beach walk, offering ice cream, tea, shelter, water bowls, and dog treat for before or after your dog walk.

Best Time to Visit: 

Late spring is ideal for long walks among the dunes just before the summer descends. Summer brings a lively atmosphere to Winterton, though it’s never as busy as neighbouring Great Yarmouth. Families and dog walkers enjoy the beach, but it remains uncrowded. Winterton is a great day out by the sea year round.

Great Yarmouth


Just a short drive from Winterton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth is a cheerful and lively coastal town full of classic British seaside fun. Known for its bustling promenade, traditional piers, and vibrant amusements, it’s the place to be for those seeking a lively beach day. Whether you’re enjoying the arcades, indulging in fish and chips, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Great Yarmouth offers something for everyone.

How to Get There:

From Waxham Sands Holiday Village, Great Yarmouth is just a short drive away. Simply head west on the A149, then follow signs to Great Yarmouth via the A47. Parking is widely available near the beach, making it an easy and convenient destination for a day out with dogs.

Beach Facilities:

 Central Beach offers all the amenities you’d expect from a traditional seaside resort, including cafes, toilets, and amusements. Dogs are welcome on leads during summer months and have full access in quieter seasons.

Best Time to Visit

Early autumn, when the crowds have thinned, is perfect for a relaxed visit. Summer is bustling and full of energy, making it a great choice for those seeking a livelier vibe by the sea.

5 Tips for Taking Your Dog to The Beach

1. Clean Up After Your Dog: Always carry waste bags and use the designated bins to keep the beaches clean.

2. Be Aware of Seal Seasons: Norfolk’s beaches are home to seals during certain times of the year. Keep your dog on a lead to avoid disturbances.

3. Respect Other Walkers: Ensure your dog is well-behaved around other beachgoers and their pets.

4. Provide Fresh Water: Bring plenty of fresh water to keep your dog hydrated, as seawater isn’t safe for them to drink.

5. Check the Weather Temperatures: Avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day in summer to prevent your dog from overheating.

Dog Friendly Beach Stays with Lovat Parks

At Lovat Parks, we believe every family member should be included in your holiday plans. Waxham Sands, our Norfolk holiday park, is ideally located for exploring the county’s beautiful beaches. We offer pet-friendly accommodation with both you and your dog in mind. From spacious lodges to touring pitches, we’ve got you covered, plus, we’ve got no end of dog-friendly amenities like welcome packs, unlimited poo bags, and even doggy ice cream.

Book Your Norfolk Adventure Today

Ready to explore the best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk? Book your stay with Lovat Parks and make it a holiday to remember for you and your four-legged friend. 

Book now