Dog friendly beaches in Norfolk
No staycation is complete without all your loved ones making the trip, including the furry one in the family. Norfolk’s beaches are a great place to bring your dog, and with options in abundance, we’ve whittled them down to a shortlist of our favourites.
This special set of dog-friendly beaches tie in brilliantly with each of our Norfolk parks, all of which welcome your companion with open arms. There are a range of pooch-perfect features at each, and these coastal stretches are the perfect places to bring them on a day out especially if you choose to base yourself at Caister-on-Sea, Hopton, Seashore or Wild Duck. Each of the sandy locations featured bring something different to the table, cementing their place as the best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk.
1. Caister Point, Caister-on-Sea
Dogs allowed: all year round Type of beach: sandy Postcode: NR30 5DJ
A stay at our Caister-on-Sea park alongside your pooch tied in with a few visits to the Caister Point beach it sits on is up there with the most special staycation experiences, making the latter undoubtedly one of the best dog friendly beaches in Norfolk. There’s a whole host of space for canines to roam free along the water, while you admire what we’re happy to keep as one of Norfolk’s best kept secrets. The sand never gets too busy, giving you both the room to roam and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
A visitor centre adds context to the area, and explains how wildlife takes advantage of this peaceful corner of the county. Keep your eyes peeled for seals in the water as they migrate south from their colony up the coast at Horsey. All in all, it’s hard to believe that you’re only a short distance north of Great Yarmouth, which is close to where our other fantastic dog-friendly Norfolk parks are. You’ll find a whole host of dog-friendly places on our parks that welcome all your family members with open arms.
2. Gorleston Beach, Gorleston-on-Sea
Dogs allowed: all year round Type of beach: sandy Postcode: NR30 5DJ
All year round south of the tennis courts, all other areas accessible 1st October-30th April Gorleston is another great option if you’ve decided to staycate at our Norfolk parks, particularly Hopton and Wild Duck which are both a very modest distance away. Undoutedly one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk, it sits south of Great Yarmouth but has all the charm and most ingredients of its famous northern neighbour. Popular with dog walkers and young families, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards during peak season but the place really comes into its own during quieter periods where there are zero restrictions on where you can both go. Parking here is easy, and there are ample places to sit and rest when you walk the two-mile stretch that forms the beach. Fish and chips is quite rightly the popular choice in town, alongside a range of other tasty options that top off a day out here in style.
Gorleston is another great option if you’ve decided to staycate at our Norfolk parks, particularly Hopton and Wild Duck which are both a very modest distance away. Undoubtedly one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk, it sits south of Great Yarmouth but has all the charm and most ingredients of its famous northern neighbour.
3. Cart Gap Beach, Eccles-on-Sea
Dogs allowed: all year round Type of beach: sandy Postcode: NR12 0PP
This dog friendly Norfolk gem of a beach sits on the point where Norfolk’s east coast becomes more northern. One of the more off the beaten track features in this list, it’s ideal for a stroll with the pooch with fantastic routes in either direction giving you a great breath of fresh air and view out to the North Sea. The beaches in this area all marry into one, meaning you can explore for as long as you and your furry friend like without interruption.
Another stretch of sand that never gets too busy, Cart Gap is accessed at the end of a single track lane backed by miles of farmland. You might see as many tractors as cars around here, but there’s still the lovely little Smallsticks café just a stone’s throw from the beach’s car park and great for a refreshment or two. This local legend allows you to sit outside and sample the surroundings with your pooch whilst you refuel. The 40 minute drive from our Norfolk parks is scenic to say the least, and well worth the time spent to get here.
4. Happisburgh Beach, Happisburgh
Dogs allowed: all year round Type of beach: sandy Postcode: NR12 0PW
Neighbours with the Cart Gap, Happisburgh (pronounced ‘haze-bruh’) offers a total change of scenery with epic cliffs leading you down to the sand in this part of Norfolk. Formed to coastal erosion, the sand is peaceful even at the busiest of times and is a nice alternative to other beaches in the area.
You’ll spot an 18th-century lighthouse that has performed many vital duties over the years, and is thought to be oldest one still working in the UK. It’s possible to climb the nearly 100 steps and be rewarded with a great overview of the sand and the quaint village. Speaking of which, the settlement is a real Norfolk beauty, with the Hill House Inn pub, the church and cricket club all fantastic ingredients in what really is a quintessentially English place to visit.
5. Holkham Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea
Dogs allowed: all year round Type of beach: sandy Postcode: NR23 1DR
One of the finest Blue Flag beaches in England, let alone Norfolk, Holkham sits north of the town of Wells-next-the-Sea on the county’s north coast. The geography here is peculiar and beautiful, with the beach separated from the town by a lovely fleet of water flowing directly from the North Sea south into the heart of this Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It may be one of the longer journeys from Haven’s Norfolk parks, but the extra effort is well worth it, especially if you're bringing the dog along!
Vast expanses of golden sand come to life on a stroll through this relatively rural paradise, and at low tide this expanse is nearly as long as it is wide. Even in the busiest periods, you’re pretty much guaranteed a relaxing spot here, and with all the town’s amenities just a 20-minute walk or short cycle away, there’s plenty of refreshment at hand too. The beach has featured in popular productions such as The Eagle Has Landed and The Avengers, so don’t be surprised if a few spots look a little familiar.
6. Hunstanton Beach, Hunstanton
Dogs allowed: at all times except summer Type of beach: sandy Postcode: PE36 5BF
Hunstanton is unique in terms of beaches in Norfolk. The only major town with a beach that faces west, it has long attracted dog walkers, day trippers and staycationers for a day out with fantastic access to the sand and shingle that showcases neighbouring rural Lincolnshire across the bay in the distance. The resort itself was purpose-built for tourism in 1846 and retains a lot of the 19th-century character that made it an immensely popular hideaway in this era.
That popularity feeds through to the present day, with immense amenities and lovely scenery making for a great visitor experience.
The sunset is particularly gorgeous here given the beach’s position, and this unique standing as far as Norfolk goes is also illustrated in carstone and chalk white cliffs that occupy the beach’s vicinity. At just less than two hours, Hunstanton may be one of the longer journeys from our parks but the foray is more than worth your time.
Start planning your Great British break
Related Posts
9 of the best beaches in Norfolk
Beaches in the South East
Best dog-friendly beaches in the UK
Important information
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.