Getting out and about in the fresh air has so many benefits and if you have a dog to walk with, even better. But where can you go?
There are many beaches open to dogs in the summer, and with so many places to explore in and around the area why not go on an adventure with your four-legged friends.
Hemsby
Whilst Dogs are not allowed on the main beach between May 1 and September 30 that only covers about approximately 100m either side of the main beach entrance, so head further north or south for a most pleasant stroll.
The coastal path along the dunes can be accessed by exiting the main entrance of the park and turning right. Walk down beach road and as the road turns follow the signs down to the carpark and turn left. At the end of the carpark you’ll see an entrance into the dunes which is access to the coastal path. You can walk from here up to the next village at Winterton on Sea.
North of Hemsby
The dunes are a fantastic playground, but watch out for people sunbathing and picnicking in the secluded areas. There are amazing wide dune spaces at winterton with large dune mounds for trepid explorers and those who prefer more than flat walks
North of Hemsby a short drive away
Waxham
This lovely wonderful spot where Dune’s café can be found (Dog friendly outside seating.) Good for extra-long, leg aching walks, with usually a few runners and other dog walkers.
Sea Palling
The beach is one of those Norfolk beaches which is popular, but not too over-crowded.
It has amusements, cafes and amenities just set back from the beach, but not enough to make it into a really touristy beach destination.
Awarded the Blue Flag status for several years, this is definitely the perfect family friendly beach. There are dog restrictions in the summer, but it is possible to walk to the east of the beach if you really want to. It would make more sense to travel down the coast to Waxham which has no restrictions at all, or up to Happisburgh, another great dog walking beach.
Happisburgh
Keep your eyes pealed at Happisburgh (said – “Hazebrough”) as the cliffs a teaming with prehistoric remains.
It’s part of Norfolk’s Deep History Coast and footsteps are in the echoes of the first humans to visit Britain. They arrived via a land spur from Holland, and flint tools more than 800,000 years old have been found here.
Many walkers like to park at Cart Gap and use the concrete slip to get to the beach; it’s less strenuous than the sandy slope.
Mundesley
Head to the western end of the village for a great expanse of sand at low tide, perfect for ball games a hunting for treasures along the beach.
South of Hemsby
Scratby
We rather like a walk northwards along the cliff top, although there are several paths leading to the beach.
Gorleston
The busiest part of the beach – near the ice creams and shops – closed to dogs in the summer, but there is excellent walking with great expanses of sand either side of here.
Yarmouth
The main central beach is out of bounds to dogs in the summer, but most dogs are happy sniffing about the marram grass of North Beach and towards the pebbly beaches of Caister-on-Sea, or head south to South Beach and South Denes.
There are summer restrictions from May 1 to September 30 at Bacton, California, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth North, Great Yarmouth Pier, Great Yarmouth Power Station, Hemsby, Mundesley, Overstrand, Scratby Beach, Sea Palling and Walcott. However, most of these beaches have routes leading to the dog-friendly areas.
Looking for a bite to eat where your dog is welcome too?
Where there are good walks, there is often a dog-friendly café or pub nearby ready with a bowl of fresh water and treats for well-behaved animals.
One of the best known in the east is the Gorleston Doggie Diner, at the Harbour Mouth. Dogs eat for free and owner Angela Girling, who has six Schnauzers herself, prioritises affordable tasty food – and dogs. There are doggy parties, organised group walks to join and customers can chat about their dogs as much as they like! https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1066785-d10683609-Reviews-Gorleston_Doggy_Diner-Gorleston_on_Sea_Great_Yarmouth_Norfolk_East_Anglia_Engla.html
Also try venues such as The Swan in Loddon, the Beach Hut Café in Mundesley, or the Sugar and Spice café and Poacher’s Pocket at nearby Bacton. The Fisherman’s Return and the Dunes Café at Waxham Barns are dog owners’ favourites, along with Munchies and Sara’s Tearooms in Great Yarmouth.
For lots more information and adventures further afield check out the fantastic Barking Bugle!
https://www.thebarkingbugle.co.uk/doggy-tourist-guide/doggy-days-out/