11 dog-friendly pubs in Norfolk
You and your canine buddy can still spend lots of quality time together now that restrictions have been lifted, allowing pubs to reopen. Daily walkies can now include a stop by the pub and there are plenty that welcome well-behaved pets. Here’s our guide to 11 of the best dog-friendly pubs in Norfolk.
1. Rose and Crown
Location: Snettisham
Address and map:Snettisham, Norfolk, PE31 7LX
Why dogs love it: Blazing open fire for snoozing in front of
The Rose and Crown is a picturesque village pub in West Norfolk. In 2020, it won Norfolk Dining Pub of the Year for its excellent food and drink as well as an impressive raft of other awards. The family-friendly 14th century inn has a quirky and traditional interior, but for outdoor eating and drinking, guests (and their four-legged friends) can take advantage of the pub’s beautiful walled garden.
Place to stay:Jack’s Corner in Roydon is a perfect, pet-friendly base for couples exploring this beautiful part of Norfolk
2. The Victoria Inn
Location: Holkham
Address: Park Road, Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1RG
Why dogs love it: Dog-friendly treats
The Victoria Inn is ideally situated just a few minutes’ walk from the golden sands of dog-friendly Holkham Beach, at the gates of the glorious Holkham Hall. It is best known for its wonderful seasonal menu making great use of locally sourced ingredients. Many of which have been foraged or farmed from the estate itself. Dogs are welcomed with open arms here.
Place to stay:This Barn in Norfolk near Holkham is a perfect coastal retreat for a small family, couple or friends to enjoy at any time of year.
3. Acle Bridge Inn
Location: Norwich
Address: Old Road, Acle, Norwich, NR13 3AT
Why dogs love it: Lovely outside area and interesting dog-walking routes nearby
“Children, dogs and muddy boots welcome,” boasts the riverside Acle Bridge Inn. Situated in a historic village in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, it has a spacious outside garden for drinking and dining al fresco. You’ll find a fuss-free menu of pub classics such as fish and chips, ploughman’s lunch or pie of the day. There are some beautiful dog walking routes nearby, including a circular walk along the River Bure to Upton.
Place to stay:Little Bengate Barn near Acleis a stunning converted Norfolk barn with its own hot tub.
4. The Lodge
Location: Old Hunstanton
Address:Old Hunstanton Road, Old Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 6HX
Why dogs love it:500 yards from Old Hunstanton Beach
Nestled in the heart of the old village, The Lodge in Old Hunstanton is a mix of traditional with contemporary for a relaxed and casual experience. Dine in the bar areas, dining room or outside in the veranda garden where a gazebo, parasols and heaters will keep you warm and dry. The menu includes seasonal specials - with an emphasis on good food that’s been locally sourced.
Place to stay:Rose Cottage offers a great base for those wishing to explore Hunstanton on the unspoilt North Norfolk coastline.
5. The Fox Inn
Location: Diss
Address: The Street, Garboldisham, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 2RZ
Why dogs love it: Large garden for summer visitors
This Grade II listed village pub in the centre of Garboldisham, on the Norfolk/ Suffolk border between Thetford and Diss,had been closed for ten years before it was bought by the local community in 2016. The Fox Inn, which is open primarily on Wednesdays and weekends, is run entirely by friendly volunteers. They usually have between six and eight real ales on offer and also specialise in local cider. They are dog-friendly and provide treats and even a bottle of dog-friendly beer.
Place to stay:If you’re seeking somewhere to stay with a touch of luxury and solitude, then Whoa Stop! shepherd’s hut offers both in abundance.
6. The Ship Hotel
Location: Brancaster
Address: Main Road, Brancaster, Norfolk, PE31 8AP
Why dogs love it: Homemade dog treats and dog-friendly tables are available
The Ship Hotel offers a number of dog-friendly tables in their restaurants as well as on their delightful large patio area for enjoying food al fresco. This space can be used whatever the weather, as the retractable awning provides shade in summer and can be heated on cooler days and evenings. Well-behaved dogs are offered handmade treats. Brancaster also provides the perfect base for taking long walks along the dog-friendly beaches of the North Norfolk coast.
Place to stay:Lifeboat Cottage is a picturesque 18th century flint cottage situated in a quiet side road within twenty minutes walk to the beach.
7. The Maltsters
Location: Ranworth
Address: The Hill, Ranworth, Norwich NR13 6AB
Why dogs love it: There’s a doggy den outside to get a rubdown with a fresh towel, a tasty treat and water bowls
The Maltsters is a family-run pub and restaurant in a beautiful setting right by the Malthouse Broad at Ranworth. It boasts an ample terrace, and garden for eating and drinking, with great views of the water. The menu offers seasonal dishes and traditional pub classics for lunch or dinner, as well as a pizza pop up, ‘Milson's Pizza Den’, which was inspired by the owners’ pizza-loving dog. Staff are very welcoming and this pub has a great atmosphere.
Place to stay:The Bull Pen in Rackheath offers a truly unique retreat with quirky retro styling throughout.
8. Red Lion
Location: Cromer
Address: Brook Street, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9HD
Why dogs love it: Dogs have their own dedicated doggy bar
This 4-star Inn welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes in the Bar and Lounge areas, or in the pub’s outdoor terrace that overlooks Cromer’s famous Pier. Dogs also have their very own 'Doggy Bar' offering a selection of bottled doggy beverages including a 'Pawsecco' and 'Doggy Beer'. The Red Lion has been nominated for a number of dog-friendly pub awards. Human visitors to the bar can also enjoy a solid selection of real ales, local cider and a decent selection of spirits.
Place to stay: Horseshoe Cottage lies near sandy beaches, nature reserves, and the traditional seaside towns of Cromer and Sheringham.
9. The Black Lion Hotel
Location: Little Walsingham
Address: Friday Market Place, Little Walsingham, Norfolk, NR22 6DB
Why dogs love it: This pub has won lots of awards for being dog-friendly
The Black Lion Hotel contains original 16th century features not found elsewhere in Norfolk. The contemporary pub offers a menu of fresh seasonal dishes full of fresh local ingredients, sourced from Norfolk’s best farmers, fishermen and traders. The pub sits on the medieval Friday Market Place of the pretty Norfolk village of Little Walsingham.
Place to stay:Cottage in Norfolk is situated just a few miles from the coast in the tranquil and medieval village of Little Walsingham.
10. The Dun Cow
Location: Salthouse
Address: Purdy Street, Salthouse, Norfolk, NR25 7XA
Why dogs love it: It’s the perfect place for a drink and a snooze after a long coastal walk
Charming and rustic, The Dun Cow is a contemporary pub in the coastal village of Salthouse, overlooking Norfolk’s salt marshes. The menu leans heavily towards fresh local seafood dishes such as Brancaster oysters, crispy crab bonbons or fresh whole plaice which correspond with a carefully curated wine list. Dogs love sitting in The Dun Cows’ secret garden overlooking the sea, in the front garden or terrace where they might even score a delicious doggy biscuit offered by friendly staff.
Place to stay: Eastgate Hideaway is a stylish coastal hideaway that is perfect to visit at any time of the year.
11. The Orange Tree
Location: Thornham
Address: High Street, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6LY
Why dogs love it: There’s a special dog-friendly menu
This multi-award winning pub is a haven of tranquility but The Orange Tree can get very busy. Tables in the front gardens come with parasols and patio heaters to keep visitors cosy for outside drinking and dining. Canine companions are always welcome and they are even offered their own doggy menu which includes delicacies such as pigs ears with gravy. Before or after lunch you can take a stroll out to look at the fishing boats in the harbour or let your dog have a run on the beautiful sandy Thornham Beach.
Place to stay: Wellfleet Cottage is full of character and charm and visitors are only a few steps away from the bustling seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea.
